With April rains saturating border soils, it’s the perfect time to set out herbaceous perennials. These hardy plants add permanence to displays, coming back year after year once established in the garden.
Spring planting is especially good for late flowering perennials like rudbeckia, helenium and sedum as it gives them time to establish roots into the soil before flowering towards the end of summer. Spring, rather than autumn, is also a good time to plant varieties that can be tender until established such as delphinium, penstemon and agapanthus.
Prepare soils ahead of planting by removing unwanted plants and weed growth and digging in Westland Soil Conditioner or multipurpose compost.
Level the soil by raking flat – light soil can be trodden down and raked a second time, but avoid doing this on heavier clay soil.
If you’re planning a whole new border, first set your plants out over the surface in their pots to make sure you are happy with the layout – planting distances will depend on the plants you use, but at least 45cm between smaller plants is a good general rule. Once you’re happy with the layout, set each plant individually – digging a hole twice as wide as the pot and deep enough to add some fresh compost and/or a sprinkling of Fish, Blood and Bone to the bottom. Set the plant, backfill the hole and firm down with your heel to knock out any air gaps in the surrounding soil.
Once all plants are set in place, give the whole display a good watering and add optional mulch around the plants.
