by InspiredWritingResearch

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 27, 2008

Nowadays I start early to give my bedding plants the best start in life and I hope to have luscious plants that will love me for it! After making productive use of long winter evenings in front of a roaring log fire where I plan next years hot 'n' spicy or cool and white displays, I head off down to the garden centre - but not before I put my bedding plant plan into action!

I muster my armoury of defences against the onslaught of drought and pests before I even go there! I collect together my trowel, kneeling pad, potting compost, watering can, fork, slug protection and fertiliser. Next I till over and de-weed the beds, add some propriatary potting compost, rotted kitchen compost or manure and lay the 'battery de jardin' of tools in waiting for our return.

I hunt down the perkiest, bushiest bedding plant specimens in the nursery, discarding any that have yellowing leaves, dry compost or droopy heads. I also try to buy the youngest smallest ones that are not yet in bloom - all the more time for me to work my magic on them and have them flourish. It's tempting to pick out the most 'in your face' colorful ones, but after past experiences of glories that bloom and wither within days - I am wiser now!

Then we head home, bypassing the house and heading straight for the yard where my young green charges get a refreshing drenching whilst still in their pots! They cool their feet - I mean roots - in a tray of water while I decide whether to plant in drifts of color or small groups.

In my sheltered, sunny or part-shady chosen spot I dig holes just larger than the root balls of the plants, gently tease each little specimen out of its seed tray compartment and carefully put it in place without hurting its little root system. I sprinkle a little seasonal fertiliser around the base - and then put out the organic slug-deterrent!

I sit back and put my feet up with a coffee, but not until I have mulched around the happy new residents and given them another drink with the watering can. Nothing left to do now except admire my pretty handiwork, dead-head, hoe and feed fortnightly and make with the night-time torch for the slug patrol! It's worth it to have a glorious show to enjoy all summer through!

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