Another book for wishlist

Phillips, R. & Rix, M. 1991. Perennials. Pan Books Ltd. vol.1. Early Perennials. ISBN 0 330 30936 9. vol. 2. Late Perennials. ISBN 0330 32775 5. All these Phillips/Rix books are excellent, their quality of photographs are superb, however you will find that many of these are now out of print!

Thomas, G.S. (3rd edn., 1990). Perennial Garden Plants. Dent, London.

Hailed as a classic from its first publication, Perennial Garden Plants is the most comprehensive and detailed survey ever undertaken for gardeners. Over 2,000 species are described and practical information is given on planting, seasonal flowering, colour, propagation and cultivation as well as on the origins of plants. In addition, Graham Stuart Thomas covers a wealth of related subjects, including display, shad and moisture, tender plants, pests and diseases, and other useful lists and suggestions for particular need. Throughout this masterly work, Graham Stuart Thomas conveys his immense experience of plants and gardens to provide the standard work of reference on the subject.

More details

Perennial garden plants, or, The modern florilegium: a concise account of herbaceous plants, including bulbs, for general garden use

By Graham Stuart Thomas

Edition: 3, illustrated

Published by frances lincoln ltd, 2004

ISBN 071122403X, 9780711224032

463 pages

Harrod Horticultural (UK) - EM Ceramic Chips

Keep recycled rainwater in your water butt fresh, energised and uncontaminated for 10 years by hanging a bag of these EM Ceramic Chips inside. The pure water will be ideal for developing strong and healthy plants.

Harrod Horticultural (UK) - EM Ceramic Chips

WeedGuard Home

WeedGuard Plus is a unique 100% Biodegradable weed barrier that also promotes strong early growth from your crops and gives them the best possible start and protection through the season.
WeedGuard Home

Growth potential: As the ground softens up and temperatures become less harsh, it's time to get those early crops bedded in - Gardening, House & Home - The Independent

Useful round up what can be done in March

Slug deterrent top dressing

REDBUSH, NATURAL ECO FRIENDLY SLUG AND SNAIL DETERRENT

Fine Naturals Ltd was opened in the UK by Sally Kennedy after using Redbush (Rooibos) Mulch/ Top Dressing in her garden whilst living in Cape Town. In South Africa it is a tried and tested product, widely available in garden centres. Having identified it's potential as a natural slug and snail deterrent and aid to plant growth, Fine Naturals Ltd now imports the product which is available in the UK market for the first time.

http://www.finenaturalsltd.com/

Top new veg seeds - Telegraph

Top new veg seeds - Telegraph

Source of recycled plastic planks

This company supplies planks made from recycled plastic which would be idea for raised beds. http://www.filcris.co.uk/

However it's expensive. I've been using planks from B & Q which measure 20.5 x 144 x 4200 which costs about £7.00. The nearest I can find in plastic would cost £24.88 and only drops to £17 if you are buying 65. But I guess they would last forever!

I've found a non chemical preservative to use on the wood of my raised beds. It's called 'Procol'. I don't know if anyone else has tried it? I'll now have some raised beds made with untreated wood, and some treated with this - so we'll see if it makes any difference!

http://www.recycleworks.co.uk/non-toxic-wood-preservative-chestnut-c-273-p-1-pr-16149.html

Seeds in small quantaties

and also a very useful informative website:

http://www.moreveg.co.uk/

"Lots more exciting, superb new varieties for the coming season. Moreveg now have more than 500 vegetables and herbs for you to choose. With all the talk of the Credit Crunch and rising food prices there has never been a better time to buy and Grow your Own. All our seed is natural or organically sourced.

With over half our range costing just 50p per packet we can save you more money. Don`t forget to check out our exciting mixes, collections and special offers to save you more money"

Worth looking out for a good used copy...

"Your Garden Week By Week"

by A.G.L. Hellyer

Originally published in 1936. There seem to be various reprints around, but be nice to find an original copy!

Winter salads from the garden - Telegraph

This is from Sarah Raven in the Telegraph 31st Jan 2009. All the seeds she mentions are from her on-line store.

"Then there are of course the stalwart winter salads. My current favourite salad is a mix of four leaves – about 50 per cent lettuce to provide the background bulk, 30 per cent punchy-flavoured cut-and-come-again leaves, scattered with a handful of herbs (15 per cent) and a few flowers (5 per cent) on top for good measure. The best lettuces for continual light, winter production are the soft, round lettuce 'Valdor', the loose-leaved varieties, 'Green Oak Leaf' and 'Cocarde' and a bit of crunch from 'Cancan' and 'Black Seeded Simpson'. For strong-tasting leaves, there's salad rocket (much better sown and grown now, than in the hot, dry summer), mizuna, winter purslane, and any of the hardier mustards – 'Green in Snow', 'Golden Streaks', 'Osaka Purple' or 'Red Frills'. Grow two or three of each of these two groups."

Link to the full article