Frosty Weather!

The recent cold snap has prevented normal planting operation for the Forestry Department, though this should be expected at this time of year. We have been able to take advantage of the cold weather to transport stakes and materials across the ground without site damage. The picture shows part of a consignment of 7500 stakes and tree shelters now in place and ready for use.

Herbaceous Perennials
We have just finished potting up our perennials. These plants come to us as small plugs from a UK grower, we then pot them on and grow them on under cover ready for spring sales. They have a topping of 'potting bark' to keep the weeds off and the moisture in - it saves on chemical weed control. We will have to spray over the next few weeks to keep any fungal diseases at bay, other than that we sit and wait for the weather to warm up. The covered area is not heated so they do have to combat the cold - but not (chance would be a fine thing) the wet!

The range is not exhaustive but there are some good garden standbys in the range, Aster x frikartii Monch, Nepeta Six Hills Giant, Geum Mrs Bradshaw, Verbena bonariensis to name a few.

If you have not already planned to fill those holes in the border or go for a fresh redesign then get in touch or visit the Nicholsons Plants site where we will be putting up availability lists of what we have in stock. Be aware things move fast so place your order early and we will keep the plants for you!

Keep watching this blog and we will post fortnightly pictures of their progress!

Nicholsons Olympiads

Here are our fit and healthy young athletes in transit for the big event. Whilst we did not win the whole landscaping contract for east London we are getting to send some of our native hedging plants to help landscape the sites.

The plants were all individually measured to make sure they were at the required metre height with a bushy habit - having passed the requisite tests they are deemed fit for purpose.

This is the type of instant hedging that is effective and affordable and will be very quick to establish. If you are lucky enough to have tickets to the games keep your eyes peeled for the native mixed hedging and see if you can find one of our green labels still attached - we live in hope!

CPRE Oxfordshire Celebrates 80 Years

The CPRE in Oxfordshire marked their 80th anniversary by planting a native woodland copse on farmland separating the Bicester development area, and Chesterton village. The land was kindly provided by Countryside Properties who own the land, and are managing the development site. We were pleased to help in both planning the plantation, and latterly providing and planting the 80 trees and shrubs. Whilst this quiet piece of woodland may not see many walkers, it provides a backdrop to both the new development and Chesterton, and hopefully will help develop and maintain their distinctive characteristics.

Photo Credits: Andrew Carter/CPRE