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£1000 offered for vintage Thompson & Morgan Seed Catalogues

In 2013 the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be celebrating its centenary and it promises to be a very special show indeed…Thompson & Morgan’s 1912 Seed CataloguePeter Seabrook, writer, broadcaster and the Sun newspaper’s gardening editor is going to create 4 gardens at Chelsea…

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Horticultural Conundrum

As I continue to expand my knowledge of the world and what grows in it, some observations have caught me unawares. I, perhaps foolishly, have started to question basic concepts and precepts that have always been a part of my lived experience through this lens. Take Christmas carols for example. I…

What to plant in 2014

What to plant in 2014 – Thompson & Morgan’s New Year’s Honours ListWith Christmas over and a new year beginning, Thompson & Morgan is looking forward to a bumper year in gardens up and down the country. So what are the hot tips for 2014 in the plant world?TomTato™In…

Hydrangea ‘Schloss Wackerbarth’ is a huge hit

Enjoying a significant rise in shrub sales in general, T&M is thrilled that its customers are so enamoured with the amazing Hydrangea ‘Schloss Wackerbarth’. It has become the best-selling item from the Cottage Garden range and promises to be one of this year’s shrub successes.…

Fuchsia masterclass: best expert content

Standards like Fuchsia 'Angela' make a striking feature on doorsteps and patios. Image: NEW Fuchsia 'Angela' (Hardy) from Thompson & MorganIf you love fuchsias and want to fill your borders, hanging baskets, and patio containers with elegant flowers, we've scoured the internet to find the most…

New to buying plants by mail order?

New to buying plants by mail order?Buddleja ‘Buzz’™ CollectionWhen I’m on my business travels, or even socializing at a BBQ, some people I speak to often don’t realise you can buy plants through the post. But for those in the know, it’s the only way to buy, as…

Gardening New Year Resolutions

It’s that time of year where we start to make commitments to join the gym, stop smoking, or to tick something else off our bucket list. But, what we want to know are your gardening New Year resolutions. Is there anything you did wrong last year that you will not repeat this year? Do you want…

Poetry corner – Veg Verse by Kate Williams

Kate Williams is a published performance poet, specialising in humorous poetry for gardeners. Her ‘Veg Verse’ collection is all about the ups and downs of gardening, from slugs and bugs to droughts and floods, and more. She performs her poems for gardening clubs, punctuating her…

How many plants do I need in a hanging basket or container?

How many plants do I need in a hanging basket or container?It’s often difficult to judge how many plants to use per hanging basket or container. We’ve put together a table of our most popular bedding plants, showing how many you’ll need for the best display!Planting up a hanging…

New Spring Catalogue is ‘one-stop shop’ for gardeners

New look Spring Catalogue is ‘one-stop shop’ for gardenersThe Spring Catalogue 2013Biggest and Best YetThompson & Morgan’s Spring Catalogue has had a makeover! The new format promises to give customers a much wider choice than in previous catalogues.‘We’ve really…

End of season in the allotment

Another growing season draws to an end, well just about. I have been down the allotment this morning and I am still getting crops from beetroot, leeks, cauliflower, parsnips, chard, and turnip. The beetroot we have decided we like in a slightly different way, instead of cooking and pickling in jars…

THOMPSON & MORGAN TAKES FIRST AND THIRD PLACES FOR RHS CHELSEA PLANT OF THE YEAR

Hydrangea hybrid Runaway Bride 'Snow White' SunBelievable™ 'Brown Eyed Girl' We're thrilled to announce that our entry 'Hydrangea hybrid 'Runaway Bride 'Snow White' has today been awarded the prestigious accolade of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year. When we announced yesterday that…

Overwintering Edibles

As I write this first post we're entering Autumn. There is a noticeable shift in the seasons as the mornings are a little nippy now but, thankfully, we still have some bright days to enjoy working outside. Things are still battling on outside including my dwarf beans, variety Ferrari, swede even…

What soil type do I have?

It is really important for any gardener to spend time finding out what soil type they have in their garden. There is no point investing in plants and trying to grow specific varieties that simply won’t grow in your soil conditions.  Finding out what soil type you have is actually quite easy,…

What's new in the garden?

Are you stepping out of your comfort zone this year to try something new?Image source: Tom Gowanlock Are you looking for fresh inspiration? It's easy to get stuck in the trap of repeating successful plants, flowers and crops year after year, rather than trying new things. We caught up with a few…

Plug plants – which size is best for you?

Plug plants – which size is best for you?It’s all-go in the garden now that the sun has finally decided to make an appearance, but knowing which plug plants to buy can be a bit confusing. They all need different levels of care and, if you’re not sure what you’re buying, you…

SowStrong® – A Natural Way to Growing Success

SowStrong® – A Natural Way to Growing SuccessThe coloured coating allows a precise sowingNew and exclusive to Thompson & Morgan in 2013 is the new SowStrong® range. Featured in the 12th January issue of Amateur Gardening, these vegetable seeds have been coated with 100% natural and…

A few days in the Netherlands…

It’s autumn trade show time, when we head over to the Netherlands to see what’s up and coming in the plant world… The Dutch are second to none when it comes to innovation within the green sphere, I’m always amazed and enthralled by their ideas and designs!Here’s a few…

Planting tips from wildlife gardening experts

Cotoneaster berries feed birds through even the bleakest winters. Image source: Artush If you'd love to encourage wildlife to visit your garden but aren't sure what plants to grow, this is the place for you. We asked some of our favourite wildlife gardening bloggers for their planting tips and…

Strawberry Tarts

Strawberry TartsThompson & MorganEnjoy this simple, fresh fruit treat whislt reaping the rewards of your home grown crop. An excellent addition to any afternoon tea selection. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minsCook Time 25 minsTotal Time 55 mins Course Dessert Servings 4 tartsCalories…

BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT... GOOD NEWS FOR GARDENERS!

We are in the midst of somewhat dark and difficult times. Newspapers, social media and television constantly reminding us of the troubles that loom uneasily around us. Every day seems like a battle. And yet, there is one battle that continues to fly beneath the radars of far too many of us; let…

British blackcurrants – the home-grown superfruit

Blackcurrants – easy to grow and extremely good for youLabelled as the ‘mini marvel’, British blackcurrants are possibly one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They’re packed full of vitamins and minerals and have many health benefits. Modern breeding methods mean that…

From Rake To Bake - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Welcome to my Baking Blog. Each month will feature an in-season fruit or vegetable dish to make with a little bit of grow-your-own information on the side. April is perfect for making Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Cabbage. It's one of those leafy green vegetables that are often overlooked Cabbage doesn't…

News update from Thompson & Morgan

Alstromeria Holiday Valley, Alstromeria Spring Valley' and Alstromeria Times Valley' Further 'reveals' from our new Spring RangeWe've just released details and images of a number of new products that will feature in our Spring 2020 range. All three of the striking varieties in the new Summer…

Essential Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees

The ancient art of bonsai has long been revered for its ability to draw inner peace, centre the mind, and cultivate a deep connection with the natural world. What's more, if you're keeping an indoor bonsai tree, science tells us they also help to purify the air we breathe in addition to serving as…

Win plants in our new prize draw

Win Petunia ‘Purple Tower’ plants and a climbing frame worth £20.98 in our new prize draw!Win Petunia ‘Purple Tower’ plants in our new prize drawThis competition is now closed. Please visit our main competitions page for more chances to win prizes.This week we’re…

Trees for small gardens

Deciding what small tree to squeeze into a modern pint-pot garden can be a real problem. A look at a tree nursery list will have you salivating but if space is challenged, stop right there. Drool away by all means but do not buy anything on impulse.Never ever buy a tree without paying close…

How to stop cats using your garden for a toilet

Looking for ways to prevent unwanted cats visiting your garden? Image: lkoimages Fed up with neighbourhood cats fouling your flower beds, digging up seedlings, and damaging your plants? Potential solutions to the problem are many, but no one method is 100% successful, which is why it's best to…

Get growing in the garden this Easter!

The long Easter weekend conjures thoughts of Easter egg hunts, family roasts, and the promise of warmer weather. But Easter is also the beginning of the gardening year for many, as they make use of the bank holidays to get the garden sorted - before things really get out of hand! ®Sue Sanderson.…

Yacón – makes sugar-free sweetener!

Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) aka Peruvian ground apple, Bolivian sunrootYacon – makes sugar-free sweetener!Sweet-tasting tuber makes ‘no-sugar’ syrup suitable for diabeticsHere’s an interesting tuber with the texture of water chestnuts and a sweet taste of pear with a…

Courgetti with tomatoes, grilled corn and herb dressing

Courgetti with tomatoes, grilled corn and herb dressingThompson & MorganA fresh take on a summer salad which makes the most of your allotment crops. Beautiful, Piccolo tomatoes, paired with sweetcorn and an innovative way to use up your masses of courgette by making 'courgetti'. Print Recipe…

Plants for Pets: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Pets and plants don't always go together. My 'Border Terrorists', Ogmore and Dylan, are notorious for chomping foliage. Whilst they mainly graze on Dog Mercury and other outdoor weeds, they have also unleashed their rasping tongues on my once elegant Bamboo Palm ( Dypsis lutescens),leaving it…

Flowers You Should Avoid Planting Near One Another

There's certainly an art to orchestrating your garden. Learning about which flowering plants work well together or which are incompatible due to their unique growth conditions is the key to creating gorgeous and harmonious combinations in your yard. Below are several examples of flowers you should…

Spring-summer customer trials update – Caroline Broome

Caroline Broome has been busy growing dahlias, petunias, fuchsias and many other plants as part of our customer trial panel. Read on for her latest update.In an email to Thompson & Morgan’s customer trials co-ordinator, she wrote “I know I keep on about the dahlias from 2012 but…

Thompson & Morgan shortlisted for Grower of the Year 2013 awards

Thompson & Morgan is delighted to be shortlisted for the Grower of the Year 2013 awardsPoppy ‘Plum Pudding’This prestigious event is run by Horticulture Week and highlights the achievements of businesses over the last 18 months. Thompson & Morgan has been shortlisted in the…

6 Lawn Care Jobs To Do This Spring

Spring is an important time in the lawn care calendar. In order to help your lawn recover from the stresses of winter you'll need to give it a bit of TLC. If you get your lawn care jobs done in spring, it'll look fantastic heading into the summer. When to Start Spring Lawn Care For most of us in…

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