A plant that looks like a snake? - Feb 12, 2016
Dear Gardening Friends,
So many exciting plants have arrived this week so you really need to jump in your car and pay us a visit. "Snake plants" have had us all running. You know you're onto a collectors plant when the staff start buying them.
This amazing looking shade loving plant has bark that looks like a snake. It gives me goose bumps. See Simon or Jole for more details.
Angels Trumpet trees have arrived this week.
If you are looking for a tree that has the "wow factor" plant an Angels Trumpet tree. The huge trumpet shaped perfumed flowers droop down like a goose neck lamp throughout the warmer months. These are becoming hard to find in nurseries so don't delay.
We have noticed a huge increase in succulent sales. Even inexperienced gardeners can get these non thirsty plants to survive. They are particularly suited to pot culture. One of my favourites at the moment is a Kalanchoe called "Panda". It has fury leaves with darker spots they resemble the colours of a Panda Bear. Amazing looking plant and so easy to grow. If you love Succulents or Cacti make sure you talk to Jole. He has over 300 in his private collection so he knows how to grow them!!!
We haven't had Brazilian Bell Flowers for at least 2 years. This Abutilon has these spectacular bell like colourful flowers throughout the warmer months. We only have 2 plants that have been trained as standards. As I write this story they may have already been sold. That's how special they are!
We also have standard Hibiscus. Two different coloured flowering plants have been twined together until they form a single trunk. All the nurserymen that used to do this type of thing have died or are in nursing homes with teeth missing!!!! Haven't had these in the nursery for at least 20 years.
Our Limelight Red Hot Pokers have burst into bloom in the nursery this week. Yes I love the red flowering variety that was growing almost wild in The Kangaroo Valley recently but this lime coloured variety is pretty special too. These thrive in those hot dry spots where other plant perish. Your neighbours won't have this plant.
I visited Town Farm in Exeter st in Camden last week. If you love growing vegetables or if you just want to escape into the country you must visit this community garden. You can hire a plot and grow your own vegetables. The farm which was owned by Miss L Davies was bequeathed to Camden Council. I took at least 20 amazing photos. Check them out on our timsgardencentre instagram page. This place has a magical feel about it. Let me know if you feel it too?
Pig has had all sorts of problems with security this week. He went missing for a day looking for kitty litter. The Lion seemed like a good idea but pigs now thinking about just learning Kung Fu.
I'm off to Adelaide next week to see if we have won The Best Garden Centre in Australia Award for 2015. Fingers crossed.
I will let you know next week if we have been successful.
Happy Gardening
Tim