5 New Year Resolutions for a garden that wows!

It’s that time of year again when we contemplate a list of life-style changes – few of which we are ever likely to achieve!

One thing we can do is to spend the worst of the January days sifting through catalogues, reading magazines and getting inspiration from social media.
I always have a vision of how my garden might look in the months ahead; dreams of things I can aspire to; gardens I must visit this year and new features I can try.

Here are some of the things I shall be thinking about...

Make this the year that you put in support for your herbaceous perennials, especially peonies, before they put on the growth spurt that always catches you out – do it before March when they begin to come into growth. 

Peonies are among the most glorious of flowers but wind and rain will quickly spoil the effect of a ballerina-like clump; put peony supports over your clumps now and keep the flower heads erect.

Which peony support should I use? 
Peonies will make big clumps (although they can be divided in the autumn – see advice from Claire Austin) so we always try to anticipate the growth of a plant by using at least a regular peony support. Some of the taller varieties will benefit from a tall support tall support or even a Jester. 

Try growing your own. Our reliance on getting to the shops has been severely challenged by social restrictions throughout 2020 and we’ve learned to do much more ourselves – especially in our own gardens. 

Having moved from a large, high-maintenance garden three years ago, I decided to simplify my new garden where I could and have put in a raised bed with a flower trough alongside it. This year we grew spinach, lettuce, broad beans, French beans, runner beans, leeks and parsley alongside dahlias, calendula, alstroemarias and lilies for cutting. The rest of my herbs and patio tomatoes grew happily in Italian Terrace pots.

If you have a warm, south-facing wall, you can grow a small espaliered tree along a stylish and sturdy trellis or put a free-standing espalier in a bed (I shall be writing a step-by-step guide to planting and training espaliers in January).

We can all dream! A stunning piece of sculpture will make a focal point in your garden. 

Here are some sculptures that seem perfectly placed in an English landscape:

Think about help with design.

Many years ago, we bought a cottage that had a steep garden, collapsing retaining walls and narrow, uneven paths between overgrown beds. I didn’t know where to start or what I wanted to achieve and I brought in a garden designer to help me clarify: 

• what I wanted from my garden;

• how I might use it;

• what areas I wanted to define (entertaining area, water feature, vegetable garden, greenhouse and fruit trees were all on the list along with lots of room for planting)

• and how we might achieve it.

I was very lucky to know a garden designer whom I trusted – and I have never regretted that first decision - but you can ask friends, search Pinterest and websites to find someone who will help you to develop and realise your vision based on the way you lead your life.
We’ve worked with a number of designers who have used our products in gardens of all sizes – we’re sure you’ll find some inspiration from them:

Commit to spending more time out of doors enjoying your garden.

We walk round the garden every morning with our first cup of tea and again at dusk. These are the times when we discuss what we have been doing and what needs to be tackled; pause to admire individual plants; breath in fresh air and relax after another day at work. 
It is a great space for entertaining friends and family; a safe place for children and pets; a haven for peace and contemplation – there is great solace in a garden – and a canvas for your own creativity. 
You never know how it will inspire you: perhaps you will want to pick up a camera and photograph it; record it in a written or photographic diary; pick up a paintbrush and paint it or build on your new passion for learning about gardening by studying for an RHS diploma.

Whatever it is that gets you out there, make sure your plant supports aren’t the things that ruin the moment. Check out our range of stylish and sturdy supports that will be sure to wow.

Browse the complete range at www.muntons.net

Follow us on Pinterest for more advice and inspiration for your English country garden: www.pinterest.co.uk/plantsupports 

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