Nurture this
You coaxed your amaryllis bulb into glorious flower over winter, but now what? Keep watering and feeding weekly, then in May or June, once all risk of frost has passed, move the pot outside to a sheltered, sunny spot. When September rolls around, bring it indoors somewhere cool, knock the watering and feeding on the head and let the leaves die back. In November, start feeding and watering again and cross your fingers.
Visit this
Don’t know your rootstock from your scion? It’s time to head to East Malling Research in Kent and gen up on the science behind your fruit trees. For a peek inside the centre’s work, sign up for one of its monthly tours: the next one is on Tuesday 14 April. Tickets cost £20, including lunch.
Plant this
Drought-tolerant summer bedding isn’t half handy if you’re less than diligent with the watering can. As a bonus, the pretty blue flowers of Laurentia ‘Indigo Stars’ are fragrant, too. Height and spread: 30cm x 35cm. Buy 36 plugs for £11.99 or 72 for £14.98 (prices include free UK mainland p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856 quoting reference GU308, or go to our Readers’ offers page. Dispatched in May.
