Whats the best bedding plants/flowers to buy now?

Question

Im moving into a new house which has a garden and i dont have a clue what plants and flowers to buy. I just want to brighten the garden up by doing some borders and planting some in plant pots. which bedding plants would u advise to buy please?

Answer 1

Ask Alan Titchmarsh

Answer 2

Try some perennial Asters which will get established now and bloom mid-August - these will come back year after year.  For some instant colour go for some begonias - they will flower from now until the frost comes.  Other perennials which get bigger and better with time are Penstemons, rudbeckias, dianthus and Astilbes.  Always plant in groups of 3 or 5 of the same variety - anything less and they will be 'lost' in the border.  Geraniums are good value and produce lots of flowers - chop them down when they have flowered and you'll probably get another flush of flowers.  Check whether your borders are in sun or shade and also on the ph of the soil - different plants like different things.  Why not get a book from the library and read up a bit before making your decision - it'll be cheaper in the long run! A foolproof way to almost guarantee success is to grow what is growing well in your neighbours' gardens.  (you might even be able to ask for some divisions come the autumn).  Keep an eye out for bulbs that can be planted in the autumn for some lovely Spring colour next year too.  Good luck :-)

Answer 3

As a new gardener, this year stick to cheap bedding plants available at car boot sales, garden centres or the Sheds ( B&Q/Homebase etc). Water well before planting and if the soil dries out. Don't worry if some of it dies, but all being well, you have a good show until late Autumn ( first frosts). You then have time during the Winter to get some books from the library and choose what to do next year. Best of luck.

Answer 4

Annuals will give you year round color.  But perennials are a better long term investment.  There are many different perennils which you can mix up to get year round color.  Because some flower in the spring, some in the summer and some in the fall.  The best investment in my opinion is to invest in some perennials and then add a few annuals for some color while the perennials aren't in bloom.