Category Archives: Blog

Bare root plants are dormant plants that are dug up and stored without any soil around their roots (hence ‘bare root’). They are generally cheaper than the equivalent pot grown plants, with a wide variety to choose from. November to March is the ideal time to plant bare root as long as do not have […]

December’s Polly & Nate Club pick is… Viburnum tinus (an evergreen, bushy shrub). Viburnum tinus is known for its eye-catching, fragrant flower clusters and colourful berries. The flowers open from pale pink buds from winter to mid-spring, flowering before spring bulbs and so are perfect for adding winter interest to your garden while berries appear […]

1 – Order bare root plants– Bare-root plants are cheaper than the pot grown equivalents – Available as hedging, shrubs, fruit and trees– Only available November-March 2 – Protect pots and containers– Your potted plants may become waterlogged over the wet winter months – prevent this by raising your pots using ‘pot feet’ or using […]

November’s Polly & Nate Club pick is… Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). Blackthorn is a native species and can be found in hedgerows, woodlands, parks and gardens. It is a low growing tree, with dark bark and thin branches and is an excellent choice for hedging. Creamy-white flowers emerge from March-June and dark purple fruit follow in […]

Another round of autumn themed staff picks! Spiraea ‘Goldflame’This plant is rewarding throughout 3 seasons of the year, with foliage changing colour from early spring to late autumn. The colder autumn weather causes fiery copper and red tones to appear on the leaves, which will compliment any garden and makes it a great addition. Attractive […]

As it feels like we are well into Autumn by this point, this week’s staff picks consist of mainly purples, burgundy and browns to bring you some inspiration. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’Skimmia ‘Rubella’ is a year-rounder plant, as it is evergreen, attractive, and grows in shade. It also has fragrant flowers and is wildlife friendly. They […]

October’s Polly & Nate Club plant of the month is… Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’. It is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. Pollinators: – Honeybees – Bumblebees – Hoverflies Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’ is a late bloomer and will supply pollinators with last minute pollen and nectar before their chosen […]

1. Continue tidying up your garden– Clean up any dropped fruit and fallen leaves – you can compost them if they’re healthy – Cut back perennials which have died back – you can also leave the dead foliage as it is to help shelter wildlife over winter – Pull and dispose of anything diseased or […]

The first EVER Polly & Nate Club plant of the month is…. HEATHER (specifically Calluna vulgaris). Pollinators:– Honey bees– Bumblebees– Solitary bees– Hoverflies– Midges Heather is the perfect plant to supply nectar and pollen to the pollinators in your garden as summer turns to autumn. As many summer blooms come to an end, Calluna heathers […]

Wanted for: its papery orange ‘lanterns’Proper name: Physalis alkekengi The Chinese Lantern Plant was given its name because of the signature orange pods which encase its fruits. They are present in Autumn and resemble traditional Chinese Lanterns. It is usually found in regions covering Southern Europe, Northeast and Southeast Asia, and is a popular ornamental […]