Spring is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning and planting for a beautiful summer garden. Whether you have a spacious garden or just a few pots and planters, these three plants will add a splash of colour and attract wildlife to your outdoor space.
Lavender
Lavender is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that brings a gorgeous violet hue and a fresh, calming scent to your garden. Its Mediterranean charm makes it a favourite among gardeners, and it’s loved by bees and butterflies alike.
You can also harvest lavender to make fragrant sachets or essential oil. To keep it thriving, trim it back in late summer, and it will return year after year. If you’re buying lavender plants now, keep them indoors until the weather warms up, then plant them in a sunny spot in April or May.
Sunflowers
Nothing captures the essence of a British summer quite like sunflowers. These bold, bright flowers add a cheerful touch to any garden—even when the sun is hiding!
Sunflowers take time to grow, so start planting seeds in pots indoors now. Once the weather warms up, transfer them outside. Not only do they attract bees and other pollinators, but their seeds provide excellent bird food for the winter months. If you’re feeling creative, try painting or drawing them—just like Van Gogh did!
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are fast-growing, vibrant, and wonderfully fragrant. They bring an explosion of colour to your garden and are a favourite among bees and butterflies.
For the best results, plant a mix of colours like pinks, lilacs, whites, and deep blues. Sow seeds indoors now or directly into the garden in April. Stagger planting week by week to ensure continuous blooms all summer long.
A quick reminder—sweet peas are toxic, so keep them out of reach of small children and pets.
If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share them with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Happy planting from all of us at Belvoir Basingstoke!
