As March unfolds, gardeners at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town are greeted by the stirrings of spring. It's a month filled with potential, where the careful selection of plants can transform dormant patches into vibrant displays. This season, we're thrilled to introduce a variety of plants that promise to enrich your garden tapestry. Imagine the architectural elegance of Acers like 'Aoyagi' and 'Bloodgood' providing a stunning backdrop, while the delicate blooms of Magnolia 'Stellata' and 'Susan' whisper the early tales of spring. Punctuate these with the silver-blue foliage of Eucalyptus 'Silverana', and the evergreen serenity of Olive trees, and your garden is set to become a sanctuary of both tranquillity and visual delight. Join us as we delve into the best gardening ideas for March, featuring these new arrivals and more, ensuring your garden bursts into life with the full spectrum of spring's palette.
New Arrivals at Boma Garden Centre
Japanese Maple Trees Blooming
The burgeoning month of March ushers in an exciting array of fresh arrivals at Boma Garden Centre, each potentially elevating garden aesthetics to new heights. Our curated selection is primed not only for their visual appeal but also for their adaptability to various garden designs and settings.
Among the stars of this season's new additions are the striking Acer 'Aoyagi' and Acer 'Bloodgood', both renowned for their graceful forms and the vivid colour they bring to any landscape. Their elegant foliage dances in the spring breeze, offering a visual feast of lush greens that transition into spectacular autumnal hues. These Acers are perfect for creating focal points within garden beds or when planted as standalone specimens in decorative pots.
The Magnolia 'Stellata' and Magnolia 'Susan' arrive just in time to showcase their star-shaped and fragrant tulip-like flowers, respectively. These Magnolias can serve as centrepieces in large pots on patios or planted directly in the ground, where they can grow into majestic trees, providing both privacy and a stunning floral display.
For those looking to add a touch of the Mediterranean, our selection of Olive trees, ranging from the compact Olive Bush 10L to the majestic Olive Std 25L, can transform your patio or garden into a sun-kissed retreat. These hardy trees are as functional as they are beautiful, capable of withstanding the British climate while offering a year-round evergreen presence.
And let's not overlook the Eucalyptus 'Silverana' – with its unique silver-blue leaves, it brings a refreshing contrast when paired with darker, more traditional foliage, making it a fantastic choice for adding texture and colour to borders or as a standalone tree that makes a statement.
The new arrivals extend beyond trees to include shrubs like the versatile Photinia 'Red Robin', which can be shaped into striking hedge borders, and Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb', whose purple foliage adds depth and intrigue to any planting scheme.
Each plant and tree has been chosen carefully, ensuring that whatever your gardening aspirations this March, Boma Garden Centre has the palette to bring them to life.
Stay tuned for our next section, where we'll explore creative landscaping ideas that utilise these new offerings to create a garden that captivates and delights.
Landscaping Ideas with New Plants
Magical Magnolias in bloom
March is the ideal time to breathe new life into your garden, and with Boma Garden Centre's latest plant arrivals, the possibilities for creating a stunning landscape are boundless. Here are some inspirational ideas to incorporate these botanical newcomers into your outdoor space:
Create a Canopy of Colour with Acers
The Acer family offers a diverse range of colours and shapes. For instance, Acer 'Aoyagi' boasts a bright chartreuse canopy that becomes a golden yellow in autumn, while Acer 'Bloodgood' impresses with its deep purple foliage. Plant these in groupings to create a tapestry of colour, or use them as solitary specimens to anchor corners of your garden. Underplanting Acers with spring bulbs or low-growing ferns can add layers of interest to your garden.
Magnificent Magnolias as Focal Points
Magnolias are springtime showstoppers; varieties like Magnolia 'Stellata' and Magnolia 'Susan' are no exception. Plant them where they can be appreciated – perhaps given a window or along a driveway. Their blossoms are a prelude to the entire spring symphony and can be complemented by early-flowering perennials like hellebores and primulas.
A Mediterranean Twist with Olives
Olive trees can be used dramatically in the UK garden, providing structure and year-round silvery foliage. Plant them in terracotta pots to flank your garden entrance or patio doors. In larger spaces, olive trees can be spaced along a walkway or border, interspersed with aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary to reinforce the Mediterranean vibe.
Eucalyptus for a Silver Sheen
Eucalyptus 'Silverana' silvery-blue leaves can create a stunning backdrop for brighter flowers or be used as a focal point in a minimalist garden design. They grow tall and fast, making them ideal for adding height and privacy. Their aromatic foliage is visually appealing and serves as a beautiful natural air freshener for your garden.
Structure with Photinia and Pittosporum
Photinia 'Red Robin' can be trimmed into formal hedges or left to grow more naturally for informal screening. The new red growth in spring adds a burst of colour. Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' is excellent for contrasting with its purple leaves. These can create low borders around garden beds or as ornamental features in mixed shrubbery.
By considering the specific characteristics of each plant, such as size, colour, and seasonal changes, you can design a beautiful and functional landscape. Remember, the key to a stunning garden is to combine plants in such a way that the others complement the qualities of each.
In the next section, we'll focus on smaller spaces and how the new arrivals at Boma Garden Centre can enhance patios and planters with equal splendour.
Patio and Planter Decor: Elevate Your Outdoor Spaces
Herb plants grown in patio terracotta pots are exciting and perfect for the garden and cooking.
With the arrival of spring, it's time to rethink your patio and planter decor, and Boma Garden Centre's new plant offerings provide the perfect opportunity to refresh your outdoor living areas with creativity and style. Here’s how to use our latest arrivals to create inviting and beautiful spaces on your patio, deck, or balcony.
Acers in Containers: A Vertical Statement
Acers, such as Acer 'Aoyagi' and Acer 'Bloodgood', are excellent container choices due to their striking foliage and manageable growth habits. Placing these in tall, elegant planters can create vertical interest and draw the eye upward, adding a sense of height and grandeur to patio spaces. Choose containers with complementary colours accentuating the leaf colour, such as deep blues or greens, for a sophisticated look.
Magnolias in Majesty: Blooms Above and Beyond
While Magnolias are traditionally considered large garden trees, dwarf varieties like Magnolia 'Stellata' can thrive in large pots. Their starry blooms become the centrepiece of any patio display. For a truly luxurious effect, position your potted magnolia as a standalone feature or amidst a cluster of pots with contrasting foliage to let the blooms genuinely stand out.
Olive Trees: Rustic Charm in Pots
Olives are not only hardy but also incredibly versatile. Smaller specimens, like the Olive Bush 10L, are ideal for potting and bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your doorstep. Use terracotta or stone pots for a classic look, or choose modern metallic or glazed pots for a contemporary twist. Grouping various sizes can mimic a natural grove and become a focal point for social gatherings.
Eucalyptus: Architectural Foliage in Minimalist Style
With its striking foliage, the Eucalyptus 'Silverana' is perfect for adding architectural interest to any patio area. Plant it in a sleek, monochrome pot for a modern, minimalist aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with its vibrant blue leaves. Eucalyptus also offers the added benefit of its refreshing scent, which can create a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation.
Shrubs for Structure and Colour
Shrubs like Photinia 'Red Robin' and Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' can be used in larger planters to provide structure and an evergreen backdrop for seasonal flowers. Their contrasting foliage colours create a striking visual impact. Mix these with flowering plants such as pansies or primroses for an instant pop of spring colour.
Herb Pots: Aromatic Ambience
Herbs are not just for the kitchen; they can be wonderfully decorative. Thyme varieties, with their delicate leaves and profuse flowering, can spill attractively over the sides of pots, while sage, with its grey-green leaves, provides a robust contrast. Cluster pots of herbs together create an aromatic herb garden that's as functional as beautiful.
By choosing the proper containers and combining plants effectively, you can create a patio space that is both stylish and welcoming. The new plant arrivals at Boma Garden Centre are versatile enough to fit any design scheme, whether you prefer a calm, green oasis or a vibrant, floral haven.
Beds and Borders: Blending New Arrivals into Your Garden Canvas
Olives provide a sculptural element to beds and borders
As the tapestry of spring unfurls, integrating new plant arrivals into your garden's beds and borders can create a dynamic and harmonious landscape. Here's how to weave Boma Garden Centre's fresh offerings into your garden design to achieve stunning visual effects.
Layering Acers for Depth and Drama
Acers, with their varying heights and leaf shapes, are ideal for adding depth to your beds and borders. Plant Acer 'Deshojo' with its vibrant red leaves at the back of a border to serve as a dramatic backdrop. In the midsection, Acer 'Butterfly', sporting delicate variegated leaves, can introduce a soft contrast. At the same time, the lower-growing Acer 'Skeeters Broom' can edge the front, providing a fine-textured boundary that ties the composition together.
Magnolias: Timeless Elegance in the Garden
The elegant blooms of Magnolia 'Leonard Messel' and Magnolia 'Soulangeana' can be used as specimen plants within beds, offering a focal point around which other plants orbit. Their early spring blossoms set the stage for the rest of the garden. Surround these magnolias with lower-growing shrubs and perennials that will come into their own once the magnolia's flowers have faded, ensuring a continuous display of interest.
Olive Trees: Structure Meets Softness
Olives provide a sculptural element to beds and borders. Their dense, silvery foliage can be a beautiful contrast against softer, feathery grasses or the bright greens of spring bulbs. Use Olive 'Loose Head Std' or Olive 'Std 9L' as anchors in a sunny border to create a year-round focal point, with perennials planted at their base for seasonal colour.
Eucalyptus: A Touch of the Exotic
Incorporate Eucalyptus 'Silverana' into a border for an instant uplift. Its height and striking foliage can be an excellent counterpoint to evergreen and flowering shrubs. Planting it alongside dark-leaved varieties like Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' or the fiery stems of Photinia 'Carre Rouge' will create a border rich in texture and colour variance.
Utilising Shrubs for Continuous Appeal
Shrubs like Photinia 'Red Robin' and Viburnum 'Eve Price' are the stalwarts of the beds and borders, providing structure and year-round interest. Their new spring growth and flowers are attractive to both the eye and local wildlife, and when planted in succession, they can create a rhythm along the border that guides the viewer's gaze through the garden.
Climbers and Creepers: Vertical Vibrancy
Take advantage of vertical space by introducing climbers like Wisteria 'Black Dragon' or Jasmine Officinale against walls or fences. Their upward growth habit draws the eye skyward and maximises the use of space, while their seasonal blooms add a fragrant dimension to the garden experience.
By thoughtfully placing these new arrivals in your beds and borders, you can craft a garden landscape that is cohesive, balanced, and engaging. Each plant's unique attributes are showcased, while the overall garden benefits from an infusion of new life and interest.
Gardening Tips for March: Preparing for Spring's Splendour
Applying a generous layer of mulch around your plants to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature
March is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, serving as a bridge between the dormant winter months and the burgeoning growth of spring. Here are some essential gardening tips to ensure your garden thrives and is ready to embrace the full glory of the coming season.
Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Growth
Begin with enriching your garden beds. Clear away winter debris and incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into your soil. This will improve its structure and fertility, providing an optimal growing medium for new and established plants. For heavy clay soils, consider adding horticultural grit to improve drainage.
Pruning: Shaping the Future
Early March is the last call for pruning many deciduous trees and shrubs before they begin their active growth. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood and shaping the plants to encourage a healthy growth pattern. Remember, spring-flowering shrubs should only be pruned after blooming to avoid cutting off this year's flowers.
Mulching: A Layer of Protection
Apply a generous layer of mulch around your plants to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as bark chips or leaf mould, will also gradually break down, adding nutrients to the soil.
Planting and Sowing: The Time is Now
For the new arrivals at Boma Garden Centre, ensure you're planting them at the correct depth and spacing, allowing room for growth. March is also an ideal time to start sowing hardy annuals directly into the ground and to pot on any overwintered seedlings ready for their next growth stage.
Watering Wisely: A Balanced Approach
While March can still have its fair share of rainy days, don't forget to check the moisture levels of your soil, especially for new plantings. Water as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, promoting robust root development without risking root rot.
Pest and Disease Watch: Early Detection
As the weather warms, pests and diseases start to become more active. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble and take action early to prevent outbreaks. Natural and organic solutions are often practical and better for the environment.
Support Climbers: Structure and Stability
For climbers and vigorous plants, ensure they have the necessary support structures. Trellises, stakes, and ties will help manage their growth and protect them from damage on windy days.
Enjoy the Awakening: The Joy of Gardening
Lastly, take time to enjoy the process. March is a month filled with promise and potential. As you work in your garden, observe the budding leaves, the emerging bulbs, and the returning wildlife. Gardening is about the result and the journey of growth and discovery.
Preparing for Spring: Essential Steps for a Vibrant Garden
Pot-grown bulbs for instant spring colour
As March ushers in the milder days and the soil begins to warm, it's the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a garden that will flourish through spring and beyond. In addition to the foundational tasks of soil preparation, pruning, and mulching discussed earlier, focusing on bedding plants and pot-grown bulbs this month can add instant colour and life to your garden spaces. Here’s how to incorporate these elements for a stunning seasonal display.
Bedding Plants: A Palette of Spring Colour
Bedding plants are the artists of the garden, painting swathes of colour across your beds and borders. Consider planting pansies, primroses, and bellis perennials for early spring colour. These hardy plants can withstand the still-chilly nights and offer a cheerful glimpse of the brighter days ahead. Arrange them in drifts of colour for impact or use them to fill gaps in perennial borders for continuous bloom.
Pot-Grown Bulbs: Instant Spring Magic
Pot-grown bulbs are a fantastic way to add instant spring flair to your patio, doorstep, or garden. Boma Garden Centre offers a variety of bulbs in pots ready to burst into bloom. From the vibrant tulips and daffodils to the delicate scents of hyacinths, these pre-grown delights can be strategically placed for maximum enjoyment. Consider grouping pots together for a concentrated display of colour and texture, or intersperse them among your beds and borders for unexpected pops of spring joy.
Integrating Bulbs and Bedding Plants
When integrating bedding plants and bulbs, consider colour schemes and flowering times to ensure a cohesive look. Early-flowering bulbs like crocuses can be complemented with winter aconites or snowdrops for a succession of blooms. As these fade, your bedding plants will enter their prime, ensuring that your garden remains a dynamic display of colour and interest.
Care and Maintenance
While these plants are designed for instant gratification, they still benefit from some care. Ensure they are well-watered, especially pot-grown bulbs, as pots can dry out more quickly than garden soil. A slow-release fertiliser can also help bedding plants thrive and produce more blooms. As bulbs in pots finish flowering, consider planting them in the garden to enjoy in future years.
Looking Ahead
March is about the immediate burst of spring colour and planning for the summer ahead. Now is a great time to start sowing seeds of summer-flowering plants indoors or in a greenhouse. Hardy annuals can be sown directly into prepared beds, ready to take over as your spring display begins to fade.
By taking these steps in March, you're not just preparing your garden for spring but setting the stage for a year-round spectacle of colour, texture, and life. Whether through the immediate impact of pot-grown bulbs and bedding plants or the anticipation of summer blooms, your garden will become a testament to the beauty and diversity of the plant world.
Visit Boma Garden Centre this March to find everything you need to kickstart your spring garden. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you select the perfect plants, bulbs, and accessories to bring your garden dreams to life.
Embrace the Spring with Boma Garden Centre
As we've journeyed through the essential steps and brilliant ideas for March gardening, it's clear that spring offers an unparalleled opportunity to refresh, renew, and revitalise our gardens. From the architectural elegance of Acers and the timeless beauty of Magnolias to the rustic charm of Olive trees and the vibrant displays of bedding plants and pot-grown bulbs, Boma Garden Centre is your gateway to a garden that thrives and inspires.
We invite you to step into the season with enthusiasm and imagination. Let the new arrivals, the gardening tips, and the creative ideas shared here inspire you to embark on your gardening adventure this March. Whether you want to create a serene green oasis, a vibrant floral paradise, or a chic outdoor living space, our diverse collection of plants and expert advice guide you every step.
As the days lengthen and the sun's warmth becomes more pronounced, visit us at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town. Explore our latest plant arrivals, discover unique garden accessories, and seek advice from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Together, we can turn your garden dreams into reality, crafting spaces that are beautiful and a haven for you, your family, and the local wildlife.
Remember, every plant you choose and seed you sow brings life, colour, and joy to your garden and your life. Spring is a time of hope and growth, a time to plant not just for the coming months but for the future.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through March's gardening possibilities. We look forward to seeing you at Boma Garden Centre, where your gardening journey begins anew with each visit. Let's make this spring a season to remember, filled with the beauty, wonder, and vitality that only a garden can bring.
