Before setting out to grow tomatoes outdoors you should pay careful attention to the type and variety of tomato you wish to grow as some varieties are simply not suitable for growing outside where as others suit containers or pots for gardeners who have limited space. The soil should be humus-rich and well-drained and well prepared long before planting.

If you are starting your tomatoes from seed then you will need to sow them under glass in late March or early April in order to harden them off during May ready for plating outside in late May or early June. If you're planning on growing your tomatoes under cloches then mid-May will be fine providing the weather looks promising. All being well and providing the UK receives average weather conditions for this time of year your tomatoes will be ready for harvesting around the middle of August.

Soil Facts

To be able to grow tomatoes outdoors you need to ensure you have a warm space in your garden available in which to plant them. Ideally in front of a south facing wall but any position that is sunny and not too exposed should be sufficient. During the winter months prior to planting your tomatoes you should work some garden compost and peat into the soil and apply some fertilizer just before planting.

The number of tomato plants you intend to grow is also a factor as if you only need to grow a few plants then you may find planting in pots, containers or specialised tomato planters easier to manage. These pots can be positioned on balconies or patios but if opting for this method you must remember to water and feed your plants more frequently.

Sowing and Planting

The instructions for growing tomato seedlings can be found in our 'How to Grow Tomatoes in the Greenhouse' guide by clicking here. However, if this is your first time growing tomatoes then you may want to consider buying seedlings from a reputable supplier or online garden centre. These seedlings will arrive ready for planting out so ensure to check that they are healthy. Look for dark green, sturdy seedlings which are at least 8 inches tall. Be ready to plant out your seedlings into pots, containers or upside down grow bags when the flowers on the first trusses open, remembering to water the plants thoroughly before planting.

Looking after the crop

Looking after your tomato crop throughout the growing cycle will differ depending on the type of tomatoes you are growing. Cordon varieties will need to be staked or tied to a cane at 12in intervals as the plants grow. Any side shoots that appear will need to be cut or pinched out when they are about 1inch long. Like with indoor tomatoes you will need to ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times as irregular or sporadic watering may lead to the contraction of blossom end rot or fruit splitting, two ailments your tomatoes could do without.

Harvesting

Like when grown indoors in a greenhouse tomatoes that are grown outside will be ripe and fully coloured when they are ready for harvesting. Again you should hold the tomato in your palm and with your thumb break of the fruit at the knuckle (swelling within the flower stalk).

Outdoor Tomato Varieties

Outdoor tomatoes are typically classified into 2 groups; Cordon varieties and Bush varieties.

Cordon Varieties

Cordon varieties are single stem varieties and have to be trimmed and supported. The stem should be stopped after the 4th truss has set to hasten ripening before the autumn frosts. Some popular Cordon varieties include:

• Ailsa Craig - produces bright medium-sized fruits that mature early and are a tomato accredited for their full flavour.
• Golden Sunrise - typical choice for anyone wanting yellow tomatoes, Golden Sunrise tomatoes are medium-sized and have a distinctive taste.
• Tumbler (Tumbling Tom) - this variety of tomatoes can be grown in a pot or in a hanging basket.
• Tigerella - these early maturing tomatoes are very distinctive thanks to their red and yellow stripes when mature.
• Gardeners Delight - a favourite with more experienced gardeners, the Gardeners Delight gives bite-sized tomatoes with a tangy flavour and is best grown outdoors.
• Saint Pierre - A large, irregular shaped tomato that is deep red in colour and produces high yields.

Gemini - medium-sized and sweet tomato that does well in cooler summers.

Bush Varieties

These varieties are much easier to grow tomatoes outdoors; they are either bushes 1-2ft high or creeping plants less than 9 inches tall. They require trimming, supporting or stopping.

Pests and Diseases

Tomatoes are highly susceptible to attack from a large number of diseases and pests with disease being most prevalent. However, tomatoes that are grown outside are far less likely to suffer than those grown inside. By paying careful attention to your tomato plants as they grow you should be able to spot the warning signs early on and catch diseases before they have a chance to set in on your tomato crop. Some of the most common diseases known to plague tomato plants include:

Greenback - Common symptoms of Greenback include the area around the stalk hardening and remaining green and unripe. The two main causes include lack of potash or too much sunlight and there is no treatment available. Steps to avoid Greenback include the provision of good ventilation and regular application of potash-rich fertilizer.
• Split Fruit - A very common complaint in tomatoes grown both under glass and outdoors. Typically caused by heavy rain or watering after the soil around the root has dried out. The sudden increase in size causes the fruits skin to split. Again there is no treatment available but ensuring roots are kept moist is a good way to avoid it.
• Hollow Fruit - Caused by poor pollination conditions (air too hot, too cold or too dry) or too much potash. There is no treatment but by trying to avoid the above your crop should be fine.
• Virus - There are several viruses that are common in tomatoes but typical symptoms include mottled leaves, curled stems which have dark vertical streaks or thin and distorted foliage. Fruit of infected plants is often mottled and bronzed. Unfortunately there is no proven cure for infected plants and affected plants should be destroyed. In order to prevent viruses try to buy virus-free plants from reputable suppliers, don't handle after smoking and spray to control greenfly.
• Tomato Leaf Mould - Evidence your plants are suffering from Tomato Leaf Mould include purplish brown mould patches on the underside of the leaves with the upper side of the leaf having yellow coloured patches. This can be treated by removing lower leaves and spraying the plant with mancozeb as soon as the disease is identified.
• Greenhouse Whitefly - For plants that are grown indoors Greenhouse Whitefly are likely to be the most common threat. The adult fly and their larvae feed off the plants until they become pale and curled and the foliage is left sticky with black mould growing on the honeydew. There is no easy way to get rid of these pests but spraying with bifenthrin regularly until the plants are cleared should work adequately. An alternative method is to hang fly catcher strips above your plants.

For more information or to order tomato seeds from one of the UK's leading online garden centre visit Plant Me Now at www.plantmenow.co.uk.

Lilies can be found across the globe in Europe, the North Mediterranean, Asia, India and throughout North America. Most lily species prefer moderately acidic or lime-free soils although many of the more modern hybrids are much more lime tolerant. Nearly all lilies prefer to have their feet in the shade but heads in the sun and come in all sizes and colours except blue.

Lilies typically have 3 flower forms or shapes; Bowl shaped, Trumpet shaped or Turk's Cap shaped.

• Bowl Shaped - Petals flare open to produce a wide bowl and the flowers are usually very large.
• Trumpet Shaped - Petals are grouped together for part of the length of the flower to produce a basale tube.
• Turk's-Cap Shaped - Petals are rolled and swept back and are usually small flowers.

If you have decided to grow lilies then your best option is to try and grow them from bulb first as they can be particularly difficult to grow from seed if you are a beginner. When buying lily bulbs it is important to remember than unlike most other garden plant varieties lily bulbs have no protective outer skin which means they cannot be stored but instead be planted out straight away.

Many species are widely grown in the garden in temperate and sub-tropical regions. Sometimes they may also be grown as potted plants. A large number of ornamental hybrids have been developed. They can be used in herbaceous borders, woodland and shrub plantings, and as a patio plant.

Planting Lilies in the Garden

Lily bulbs can be planted from late summer right through until early spring in well-drained soil that is frost free, however, most lily varieties will do just fine in regular soil types. If your soil is light then prepare it by enriching it with organic matter and lighten heavy soil with peat or coarse sand. Most garden variety lilies prefer sunny sites but will tolerate light shade throughout the course of the day.

As lilies are stem-rooting and produce roots on the stem above the bulb as well as at the base you should try to give the lower parts of the plants some shade from low-growing perennials or shrubs. Try not to plant lilies in exposed areas as tall growing varieties may require some wind shelter. Nearly all modern Lily hybrids will tolerate soil with some lime content.

It is very important that you do not let lilies dry out during the summer months so ensure that you water them thoroughly during extremely dry weather. Taller varieties should be staked before reaching 3ft and fed with a liquid fertilizer occasionally. When the time comes for dead-heading, nip off any faded flowers before the seeds are able to form as this will ensure that the plant remains strong, and allow the stems to die down naturally towards the end of the season before cutting off at ground level once dead.

Common Lily Pests and Diseases

Two of the biggest problems plaguing Lilies are slugs and Lily Beetles which are highly distinctive due to their bright red colour. Slugs commonly chew through lily stems and destroy the plant until next years bloom. Be careful to treat slugs quickly by applying slug pellets or Slug Bait around the stems of your plants and remove Lily Beetles by hand or by spraying the plants with an effective pest control spray. Another common ailment in Lilies is Botrytis which is capable of killing infected plants. Botrytis can be controlled by systematic fungicide treatment.

Propagation

Lilies can be propagated in several different ways including dividing up the bulbs, by seed, by micropropagation or by scaling which involves whole scales being detached from one bulb and planted to form a new bulb. Growing lilies from seed is a very complex process which is why most gardeners opt for bulb division or scaling propagation methods. With scaling you will need to remove plump scales and re-plant each one in seed and cutting compost so that the bottom of each scale is buried. Within approximately 6 weeks tiny bulbs should appear at the base of the scales which will require re-planting in 3in pots and kept in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.

Types of Lilies - Species and Hybrids

In most cases lilies are categorized in two ways: species and hybrids. Most of the lilies commonly found in UK gardens are hybrids which vary greatly according to their parent species and are often classified into one of the following divisions or groups:

Species (also known as Division IX) - This group includes all natural species and true lilies including:

• Lilium Regale - Sometimes referred to as the Regal Lily or Lilium Trumpet Regale. This is a very special lily that is perfect for both amateur and experienced gardeners. This lily has white trumpet shaped flowers with a yellow throat and rich scent.
• Lilium Henryi - A Chinese species with later flowering orange flowers. A very robust lily that is capable of plenty of height.
• Lilium Candidum - The beautiful Madonna Lily which is native to the Middle East and Balkan regions. Highly fragrant and very popular.
• Lilium Lancifolium - A late flowering orange Turk's Cap shaped flower with dark spots.

Hybrids

• Asiatic Hybrids or Division I - Lilies belonging to this group are derived from central and East Asian species and are medium sized plants with outward facing unscented flowers. Asiatic hybrids flower during mid-summer and include the popular Asiatic Marrakech which is famous for its deep red flowers, the Lilium Vivaldi and the Citronella Group noted for their Turk's Cap shaped yellow flowers.
• Martagon Hybrids - The Lilies within this group have Turk's Cap style flowers with strongly re-curved petals. Common Division II varieties include the Lilium Martgon and Lilium Hansonii.
• Candidum Hybrids or Division III - This group is made up of European species such as the Lilium Candidum or Madonna Lily.
• American Hybrids (Division IV) - Tall growing, clump-forming plants that are derived from the Lilium Pardalinum.
• Longiflorum Hybrids (Division V) - Considered to be the most important group for producing high quality cut flowers, Division V lilies are all cultivars of the parent species Longiflorum and its sub-species. As important cut flowers many of the varieties belonging to this group have been developed for particular markets, for example, the Lilium Longflorum is commonly used at Easter time when it is commonly referred to as the Easter Lily.
• Trumpet Lilies or Division VI - This division includes many of the popular Asiatic species including the Lilium Regale and Lilium Aurelianse. Flowers are trumpet shaped and highly fragrant.
• Oriental Hybrids (Division VII) - Based on Lilium Auratum and Lilium Speciosum and Asiatic crossbreeds, flowers belonging to this group are fragrant, outward facing, large and tall growing. The Lilium Oriental Merostar is a particularly notable variety.
• Other Hybrids (Division VIII) - This group includes all other garden varieties and hybrids.

For more information about how to grow lilies or to order some lily bulbs why not visit Plant Me Now at www.plantmenow.co.uk.

Having been grown for many years as a garden plant, Lobelias has been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain conditions. For instance, one famous species of Lobelia, the Lobelia Inflata or Indian Tobacco as it is sometimes referred to, has been used for many years to help treat asthma, as well as food poisoning. Lobelia Inflata has also been used extensively in herbal medicine and as an aid in smoking cessation sessions. The plant has been seen to have muscle relaxant properties and therefore used to ease panic attacks and tension.

Lobelia is a popular ornamental garden plant and is regarded for the bright splashes of colour it gives. Perfect for hanging baskets or window boxes, Lobelia can also be planted in garden borders because it belongs to the herbaceous category of garden plants. It should be planted in an open position with plenty of sunlight and prefers deep, moist soil. It is important to ensure that once planted, Lobelias are protected from the wind.

Although many Lobelia species can be grown worldwide, some varieties grow particularly well here in the UK. Several Lobelia types are better suited to containers whereas others work best in borders. For instance, ready to plant bush Lobelias are available in a variety or mixture of colours and flower over a long period of time providing an extremely colourful yet compact bedding plant display.

Lobelia White Fountain on the other hand grows well in baskets or pots and has a beautiful trailing flower. There are of course, Lobelia types that can be utilised in both beds and pots such as the Lobelia Little Gems. If you are looking for a ready to plant Lobelia for your hanging baskets or containers then it might be worth considering a collection of mixed trailing Lobelias as these beautiful garden plants flower prolifically and almost all year round.

Lobelias are not usually attacked by pests, as can often be the case with garden plants. However, as with many other herbaceous plant varieties, Lobelia crowns can fall victim to slugs therefore it is important to keep this in mind. Another thing to bear in mind is that should winter months be mild or damp then crown rot may set in.

In terms of colours, there is a myriad of choice depending on personal preference. White, crimson, and deep purple are just a few of the colour choices and mixtures of shades can be found too. One of the great things about the Lobelia species is that they flower the same year that they are sown.

If you are sowing Lobelia from seed you would normally need to do this between January and April with flowering taking place from June to October giving a long-lasting blast of colour. When planting established Lobelia bedding plants you should plant anytime between April and early June.

Anyone wishing to get their hands on some of these fabulous Lobelia plants can order online by visiting www.plantmenow.co.uk.

Over the years, Busy Lizzies have become one of the UK's favourite garden bedding plants due to their ability to thrive in and add colour to shady areas. Sometimes referred to as 'Balsams' or 'Jewelweeds' Impatiens species can be both annual and perennial with some producing flowers from early summer through to the first frosts and others flowering all year long in warmer climates.

Some of the largest species of Impatiens can grow up to 2 metres tall and are an annual flower with non-stop blossoms in a host of amazing colours. Busy Lizzies are recognized for being garden plants that require minimal maintenance therefore are perfect plants for inexperienced gardeners, although they still remain a firm favourite amongst expert horticulturalists too.

Busy Lizzies can be planted in both containers and as bedding cover making them extremely versatile. They are well suited to the UK climate and if using seeds, can be sown between February and April, flowering from June to October. Busy Lizzies look fantastic when planted in mass and are extremely easy to propagate.

It is important to remember when planting Busy Lizzies do not really like too much sunlight therefore it is advisable to plant in locations that benefit from the morning sun, but that do not get the sun all day long. Moist soil or plenty of water is essential for Busy Lizzies in order to prevent withering from occurring.

Colourwise, Busy Lizzies range from white and salmon through to pink and red. They provide a nice range of colours that are perfectly suited to the summer months and are easy on the eye. Interestingly, there are no blue Busy Lizzies to date however some yellow varieties do exist but have only really been cultivated in recent years.

Popular types of Impatiens grown here in the UK include the Busy Lizzy Athena, Busy Lizzy Mr F's mixed and Busy Lizzy Safari. All are available in seed form and will provide a brilliant bloom of summer flowers. If bedding plants are required rather than seeds, your garden centre will be able to supply mixed varieties of Busy Lizzies that are ready to plant. This is great for anyone who needs immediate cover or does not have time to plant seeds.

Because these garden flowers are so incredibly easy to grow and maintain, it is of little wonder that Busy Lizzies are so popular in British gardens. With deep green leaves and a great colour choice, they look great in pots or hanging baskets as well as larger bedding displays.

Anyone wishing to utilise these fantastic plants in their gardens can grab them online by visiting Plant Me Now who stock a range of garden plants and flowers including Busy Lizzies. Visit the website today at www.plantmenow.co.uk.

There are approximately 20 species of Cyclamen to choose from, some of which are hardier than others. This garden plant has gained much recognition due to the fact that different species provide flower throughout the year. For gardeners this means that with careful planning they can have Cyclamen in bloom all year round.

In their native climate, wild Cyclamen can be found in the rocky and semi-arid regions where they are protected from the full severity of the sun by other taller plants. Similarly, Cyclamens in the UK grow well in dry, humus-rich soil where they receive some shelter from other plants. These hardier versions of their native counterparts have proven to be an essential part of modern gardens in the UK.

As mentioned previously Cyclamen can provide colour throughout autumn, winter and early spring and are versatile enough for growth in pots both indoors and outdoors. During the spring time species such as the Cyclamen Coum are at their very best. This dependable Cyclamen has beautiful carmine flowers and is perfectly at home in humus-rich soil. Other varieties include the Cyclamen Coum 'Nymans' which is recognisable for its silver patterned foliage.

The autumn months are traditionally when the self-seeding Cyclamen begin their flowering season, including the Cyclamen Hederifolium, an early flowering species with light pink flowers and silver green foliage. Like its relatives the Cyclamen Hederifolium is surprisingly shade tolerant and is does well when positioned under other trees and shrubs.

Some Cyclamen species are not hardy enough to be left out all year so will need some extra attention during the colder months but many survive well in a cold frame during the worst of the weather. A cold frame is essentially a transparent-roofed enclosure that is low to the ground and works in a similar way to a greenhouse and protects tender garden plants during the winter months. The Cyclamen Graecum and Cyclamen Africanum are just two examples of Cyclamen species that need a little more TLC during the winter months.

Other notable Cyclamen species include the Cyclamen Purpurascens, a hardy and almost evergreen species that originates from the woodlands of Austria. Typically able to hold its leaves throughout the year the Cyclamen Purpurascens has lilac pink to purple red flowers and is low growing. The Cyclamen Trochopteranthum has beautiful twisted carmine or pink flowers above heart shaped leaves and the Cyclamen Pseudibericum, a striking magenta flower that is well suited to rockeries and small patio planters.

Due to their popularity you will find most online garden centres will have selection of Cyclamen species to choose from whether you are looking for garden bulbs or Cyclamen plants.

With a long and varied history including accreditation by the Ancient Greeks, the many varieties of Dianthus would take an age to discuss so instead we will look at one of the most popular and well loved varieties, Dianthus Barbatus or Sweet William. Typical of a Dianthus species the Sweet William has grass like leaves and is a reasonably hardy garden plant that prefers a well drained soil and a sunny position.

Recognisable for its dense and flattened shaped flowers the Sweet William is available in most garden centres where a choice of single colour or 'eyed' varieties are available. Typical flowering period is around June and July with the one major drawback for most gardeners being that the Sweet William is biennial. This means that you will have to plant it one year but wait until the following season for it to flower but for many it is also worth the wait.

Traditionally native to the mountains of Southern Europe, the Dianthus Barbatus can also be found in north-eastern China, Korea and Russia. The flowers are produced in a dense cluster at the top of each stem and are widely recognisable. Sweet William traditionally has been used in landscaping and in cut flower displays as its height makes it perfect for flower arranging.

Today however it is widely used in borders, cottage style gardens and rock gardens, the garden plant is also favoured by many gardeners as its nectar is very attractive to wildlife. Best suited to sunny areas with partial shade and low alkaline soils this biennial garden plant can be propagated by seed, division or cuttings and will flower the following year. The Sweet William is also self-seeding.

The highly popular garden plant has been cultivated numerous times over the years and there are now many hybrids and cultivars available differing in colour and pattern. One of the best ways to see Sweet William in all its glory is to plant mixed seeds together. Once the seeds germinate and the plant flowers you will be left with a colourful array of pink, white, purple and mauve.

The Sweet William Monarch Mixed Seeds available from Plant Me Now for example are a fragrant 'cottage garden' favourite and are a great way to add some early summer colour to your garden beds and borders. Available now for sowing in April/June you can expect your garden to be in full colour between May and July next year.

In cold conditions, frosty conditions in particular, garden plants that are damaged are usually recognisable due to their limp, blackened or distorted appearance. The reason for this is that extreme weather conditions such as frost can cause the water in the plants cells to freeze which in turn can damage the plants cell wall.

In many instances plants are damaged not by the frost itself but the damage caused when the plants rapidly defrost. Garden plants that are positioned directly in the morning sun are particularly vulnerable as the frozen water within their cell walls will defrost rapidly, in some cases causing the cells to rupture, causing serious damage to your plant.

The cold weather conditions can also spell trouble for evergreen or more tolerable garden plants as it may cause the soil to freeze. In prolonged cold spells the frozen ground will prevent the plants from extracting water through their roots which eventually effects the dehydration of the plant and in some cases causing the plant to die.

Like all situations in life, prevention is better cure when it comes to preparing for and taking care of your garden during the winter months but it is never too late to start protecting your plant from the elements. There are many methods that are thought to be effective in the battle against frost including moving some plants indoors, planting tender garden plants in raised beds and using protective fleece covers.

A simple and easy way to protect potted garden plants during the winter months is to wrap them in protective Fibre Fleece Roll. Typically made from non-woven insulation polypropylene and readily available from most online garden centres, this light but strong fleece lining roll is strong enough to protect fully grown garden plants and seedlings alike and importantly is a reasonably cheap solution to protecting your garden from frost damage.

For those of you with greenhouses the obvious way to protect plants in the winter months is to move them inside, especially tender or young plants that are not yet fully mature. But in extreme weather even greenhouses can become cold so it may be worth investing in some Insulation Bubble Wrap. Not only is this a great way to insulate and protect your greenhouse from frost damage but it also retains heat keeping your greenhouse at the right temperature.

There are also many other options for maintaining temperature levels in your greenhouse including the use of specially adapted greenhouse heaters. Available in a variety of formats including electric and gas powered, these heaters are suitable for use in both large and small greenhouses and have various heat settings enabling you to control temperature levels throughout the seasons.

Many, including the 2kW Electric Greenhouse Heater available at Plant Me Now, come with a cool air option and automatic thermostat and will leave you with change from £20! For those of you with small gardens and not much shelter for your plants you may want to consider investing in a mini greenhouse, which is essentially a scaled down greenhouse made with replaceable plastic covers as opposed to glass. Most mini greenhouses will come with some sort of polypropylene cover and will be reasonably easy to build.

Widely suited to smaller garden areas such as patios, balconies, courtyards and decking areas, a mini greenhouse can provide all the shelter and protection as their larger brothers especially during the winter months. Your mini greenhouse can be used to help protect tender garden plants in cold weather conditions and for extra protection most garden centres can now provide Protective Fleece Covers for mini greenhouses.

What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.

This famous quote by Shakespeare from Romeo and Juliet is just one of many references to this flower that has the ability to invoke so much emotion worldwide. Widely regarded as a universal symbol of love, roses are sent as a display of affection.

The rose itself is a perennial flowering shrub that originates from the Rosaceae family. Rose bushes can be found in many guises and fall in two main types. These are climbing/trailing plants and erect shrubs. Characteristically, roses are well known for their flower shape, which typically consists of five leaves and their thorny stems.

There are well over 100 species of rose and many hybrids are in existence. The majority of original rose types originate in Asia but other species have found to be native of Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Roses have been used throughout history for their smell and have been utilised in other forms such as rose water. It is also started that roses became popular in Europe in and around the 1800's when they first stated being imported from China.

Some roses however are better recognised than others, an example of which is the tea rose. This rose got its name because its scent was somewhat reminiscent of a newly opened sample of the choicest tea. Originating in China, the tea rose is often regarded by discerning plant lovers as having the best colour and appearance.

Another popular rose is the floribunda, which grows as rose bushes and produces multiple flowers on each stem. Fantastic for bedding displays these roses are often thought to look their best in larger quantities although still can be seen as individually beautiful too. Some people have even argued that the floribunda may even be a better variety of rose than the tea.

Climbing or rambling roses are great since they can offer good coverage and again typically have hybrid tea and floribunda origin. Due to their nature of growth, these roses will give maximum effect when trained to grow horizontally as more shoots will be produced than allowing it to grow vertically. There are however some differences between climbers and ramblers such as climbing roses having five leaves whereas a rambler generally has seven. Stems from climbers are also usually more rigid.

Of course, there are a plethora of rose types and these are just some of the most popular types. When it comes to growing techniques, rose bushes tend to prefer to be placed in well-drained, fertile soil and thrive in open sunny sites. Pruning and deadheading is needed when maintaining roses and keeping a good rose garden is seen by some as an art form or labour of love.

Whichever type of rose you prefer, they can be a great addition to any garden. Rose bushes can be a beautiful focal point and look equally as good on their own as they do as part of a larger flowerbed. By simply following the instructions on how to grow and keep your flowers looking their best will ensure that your rose bushes will be an eye-catching feature for you to enjoy.

Pansies a type of 'viola' are part of a broad range of garden flowers that can even include hybrid species such as 'viola x wittrockiana' or 'viola tricolor hortensis'. All variations of the viola fall under the pansy umbrella and come in a range of vivid colours such as gold, orange, purple, red, violet, white, and yellow. There is even a black pansy although in reality it is actually a very dark purple.

Of course, with years of careful breeding, many variations on these colours are now available. Pansies have a distinctive flower pattern consisting of five petals with contrasting markings in the centre of the flower surrounding the stem This pattern is often referred to as 'the face'. Incidentally, it is this 'face' gave the pansy its name. The French word for pansy is pensie, which translates as thought. This petal arrangement always follows the same pattern with two overlapping top petals, two side petals and a single bottom petal, which has a small indentation in it.

The first 'universal' pansies arrived in gardens during 1979 and were well received due to their ability to flower during the winter months. These pansies could be planted and grown during the summer while still being able to flower throughout the winter months. These types of garden plants were bred with some specific intentions in mind. These were, to withstand winter weather conditions, to stay small and to be able to flower when days are shorter.

Garden plants such as a pansy grow best when they are facing the sun. They can survive both short freezes and temporary snow cover. Planting in containers and using rich soil and mulch can dramatically help get the best from your pansies. Planting pansies in large numbers throughout beds or in containers and hanging baskets provides a great way of helping to protect against cold while offering a wealth of colour in gardens that can often seem drab sat this time of year.

Brightly coloured pansies stand out more during darker days. Mixed citrus pansies for instance, give a blast of colour for long periods and are perfect for well-drained soil and love lots of sunlight. Another example of this family is the Matrix pansy that comes in a dazzling array of colours, and along with all our other bedding plants, grown only from F1 seed type.

If you want something a little different to the traditional pansy however, perhaps the sunrise pansy is the garden plant for you. The plants differ due to their frilly edges that can appear similar to ruffles. Again, perfect for beds and all types of container, no matter what style of garden you have these pansies will make the perfect accompaniment. Another distinctive yet beautiful pansy variation is the Red Wing. This gorgeous plant has two dark red top petals that resemble wings and can be planted in a variety of locations adding to its versatility.

Of course, for maximum effect it is generally advised that opting for lighter coloured pansies will stand out more on darker days. Colours such as white, primrose and sky blue offer maximum effect, providing a welcome warmth and sparkle on a dull day. Using a mixed pack of winter pansies could prove to be a good bet as a fair mix of plants will be found in these packs. Using a mixture of colours will also stop beds or containers from looking staid and help make your garden area more eye-catching,

No matter whether your garden is large or small, favours hard landscaping, or has bed, borders, and rockeries, pansies are versatile enough to be used throughout. These garden plants are perfect in pots and can be a colourful companion when placed adjacent to or garden ornaments. Pansies can be a cheerful, lively addition to almost any setting and are sure to bring a smile to your face when the weather turns grey.

Tim Milward, of Plant Me Now had this to say:

With a 30 pack of mixed colour pansy plants costing as little as £3.99 gardeners can bring a bit of colour into their gardens this winter. The highly versatile matrix pansies can be planted in window boxes or in bed borders and thanks to a Plant Me Now's unique nursery distribution methods can be planted immediately upon receipt and for superb value for money.

Another popular winter bedding plant is the ever beautiful Cyclamen which is available for at Plant Me Now at just £4.99 for six. Recognised for its attractive butterfly like flowers and heart shaped foliage this garden plant species can provide colour throughout the dark winter months. Versatile and adaptable Cyclamen can be grown both indoors and outdoors and are best positioned in cool but draught free areas in order to reach their full potential.

More special offers include a 30 pack of mixed winter Violas for just £3.99 and a 6 pack of mixed Polythanus, a reliable flower that can bring colour when little else does at an amazing £2.99. Plant Me Now work hard to provide the best possible plants and the lowest prices. Why do they do this? Because it helps to ensure that customers always get the best deals.

Gardens often have a tendency to be overlooked during the winter months but with a little planning and some well-chosen plants, they can still provide enjoyment. Plant Me Now's range of garden plants offer a welcome burst of colour for any drab day and are grown with the upmost care for consistent quality.

Tim Milward, further commented:

There is no reason for gardens to suffer during the winter months; there plenty of options available at amazing prices to ensure your garden remains looking its best, all year round.

Plant Me Now is the perfect place to find garden plants and garden supplies. Years of expertise in the gardening business gives customers the peace of mind that any plant bought, will have been loved, and nurtured in Plant Me Now's own nurseries. Visit www.plantmenow.co.uk and discover a whole world of plants and accessories.