Great Dixter – again

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones are based on the temperature conditions of the place. They range from zones 1a to 13b. Most of the United States comprises zone 3a, which has a low temperature of around -40 and -35 degrees (F), and zone 8a, with 10 to 15 degrees. Outdoor gardening is on hold as by December, most annual plants have finished their cycles and been taken up, and many perennials are dormant.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. With a bit of planning at planting time, garl

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Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

You don’t need fancy expensive stuff for a classy makeover. Seek inspiration from these Great Ideas for Garden Using Everyday Objects!

Vines play a special role in the garden, covering vast amounts of space with little investment from us. Most vines are chosen for their climbing ability and used to add vertical interest to a planting or to create a living privacy wall. Some vines are grown on pergolas as a green roof, while others are planted as ground covers.

Do not forget the pleasures of Acers in spring and early summer. New buds and leaves are an interesting feature of carefully chosen species. Visit a good garden center or a renown public garden like RHS Harlow Carr in Harogate  We know that Maple trees or Acers have exceptional colour in autumn which is why tourists flock to New England and the eastern seaboard to see the flaming colours. Cold nights and warm days are the conditions that help turn green leaves to vibrant colours. With the falling temperatures, the lush green colours of summer have been replaced with vivid reds, golden yellows and browns.

Autumn Glory at Great Dixter The autumn plant fair at Dixter just gets better and better – and going there on a day of cloudless blue skies and warm sun made it particularly glorious. This year there were thirty-two stands including several specialist nurseries from Europe as well as the cream of the UK crop.

Spring Plant Fair at Great Dixter I have been in horticultural heaven this week with plenty of gardening at home, the visit to Sissinghurst and a day at the Spring Fair at Great Dixter. It really is the most wonderful event – masterminded by Fergus Garrett – and I found myself thinking that had Christo been there, he would have been predictably grumpy at first, but ultimately thrilled that his protégé had devised an event so entirely in keeping with the spirit of Great Dixter.

For the second year running this fair snuck up on me, but at least this time I knew before rather than after the event.  It was an absolutely glorious hot autumnal day with many wonderful plants, bulbs and seeds for sale.  I resisted most because of the building work creating chaos in the garden – but I did succumb to a purple leaved Silk Tree Albizia ‘Summer Chocolate’ which will go in the bed which is due to be totally replanted.  

A pitch-dark soil is best. As a general rule of thumb– Darker soil has more organic content as the substances resulting from decomposition of the organic matter are oxidized and acquire a dark coloration. Here’s an informative article that’ll teach you more about soil color and its effects on plants.