Top Plants for Beginners: A Guide to Easy-to-Grow Gardens
As part of our popular “Tales from the Walled Garden” series, we’re excited to bring back the Gardener’s Blog. In this edition, we will be exploring the “Top Plants for Beginners.”
It can be a little daunting when starting out in gardening – not knowing which plants to choose, where to place them and how to look after them.
These lovely plants have been carefully selected by our gardening team and are perfect for novice gardeners:
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Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom):
This an excellent shrub that delights with its lime green leaves and white honey-scented flowers, the Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a fantastic choice for beginners. Its name, “ternata,” signifies the three-part composition of its leaves. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in a sunny and sheltered position. At Houghton Lodge Gardens, Choisya ternata is planted in the walled garden on the apple walks. It’s important to note that if left to grow, the shrub can reach heights of 1.5-2.5 meters! While the Choisya ternata is quite hardy, it may require some pruning of frost-bitten leaves and providing a good mulch in winter will help protect the plant. The sight of this shrub in full bloom is a joy to behold.
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Roses:
A Timeless Classic: Roses are undoubtedly one of the most beloved and adored flowers in the world. Their wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and scents makes them a perfect addition to any garden. At Houghton Lodge Gardens, we have over 100 roses spread throughout our gardens (read our Hampshire Rose Garden Blog), including our stunning new Oriental Garden. This breathtaking display of blooms is not to be missed! What makes roses particularly suitable for beginners is their resilience to pruning. Even if you think you’ve been heavy-handed, most roses will bounce back vigorously during the summer. However, it’s crucial to identify the type of rose you have, as there are a few exceptions to this rule. During winter, roses benefit from mulching. Remember to avoid covering the central base, as it can cause damage. To prevent black spot, a common rose disease, it’s advisable to spray your plants with a fungicide while the leaves are still in bud. Prevention is key, as once black spot appears, spraying becomes ineffective.
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Wildflowers:
A Burst of Color and Life: If you’re looking to add a vibrant and wildlife-friendly touch to your garden, wildflowers are an excellent choice. Not only do they boast stunning blooms, but they also attract essential pollinators. The variety of wildflower seed mixes available allows you to create a tapestry of colors according to your preferences. Whether you have a barren patch of land or wish to establish a dedicated wildlife garden, wildflowers are a fantastic option. They thrive in low-nutrient and uncared-for soil, making them an ideal choice for beginners. Before sowing the seeds, measure your plot and order the appropriate amount. Prepare the soil by raking and clearing it, and then “broadcast sow” the seeds. Scatter a handful of seeds evenly across the soil, first from front to back, and then from one side to the other, ensuring even distribution. Rake the area again to ensure the seeds make good contact with the soil.
Just planting these plants, your garden will blossom into a delightful summer.
Now that we’ve explored the top plants for beginners, let’s shift our focus to some essential gardening tasks for the month of May:
Gardening Jobs for May:
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Sowing Seeds: May is the perfect time to sow various seeds, whether it’s flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Follow the instructions on the seed packets for the best results. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and debris, then create furrows or gently press the seeds into the soil at the recommended depth. Water the area thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
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Planting Out: If you’ve been nurturing vegetables or annual flowers in your greenhouse, May is the ideal time to transplant them into your garden. Ensure that all risk of frost has passed before moving them outdoors. Prepare the planting holes, amend the soil with compost or organic matter, and gently remove the seedlings from their pots, taking care not to damage the roots. Place them in the prepared holes, firm the soil around the base, and water generously to help them establish in their new location.
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Weeding: As the weather warms up and plants start to grow vigorously, it’s important to stay on top of weeds. Weeds compete with your desired plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, so regular weeding is essential. Use a hand tool or a hoe to remove weeds, ensuring you remove them from the root to prevent regrowth. Mulching can also help suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture.
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Watering Pots: With temperatures rising, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the moisture levels of plants grown in containers. Potted plants tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check the soil moisture regularly. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure that containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
We hope this expanded guide to the top plants for beginners has inspired you to embark on your gardening journey. Whether you choose the vibrant Choisya ternata, the timeless beauty of roses, or the colorful array of wildflowers, these plants are sure to bring joy and success to your garden. Remember to provide them with the care they need, such as proper pruning, mulching, and watering. Additionally, stay on top of essential gardening tasks like sowing seeds, planting out, weeding, and watering pots.
The gardening team at Houghton Lodge Gardens looks forward to welcoming you and witnessing the beauty that will unfold within our grounds.
Happy gardening!
Cat, Undergardener
Find her on Instagram @cat.kin_
