MAINTENANCE

Maintenance may vary for each plant. Below you will find a list of recommendations relating to nearly all plants. For questions which are not answered below, please contact your garden centre.

• After planting you must giveyour plants sufficient water. At a later stage try to limit this to a minimum. watering regularly, you will make your plants ‘lazy’. During long dry spells it is better to water heavily and infrequently than to water regular small quantities. Potted plants regularly need water, however.

• You do not have to apply manure/fertiliser immediately after planting. The plants will extract sufficient nutrients from the potting compost. If you wish to manure/fertilise your garden at a later stage, read the instructions on the package of the manure/fertiliser. Incorrect application, especially of fertiliser, may be harmful to your plants.

• The exact trimming instructions may vary for each plant. In general, however, it is best to prune your perennials immediately after flowering. Removing the finished flowers will usually extend and increase the flowering intensity of your plants. You do not have to prune your plants. Ornamental grass and wilted flowers/stalks can be very decorative in winter. Moreover they offer good frost protection. Remove wilted material in spring, before the plant starts sprouting again.

• Some plants spread rapidly. If plants become too wide, you can trim them back with a trowel or secateurs. Large plants can also be dug out, divided in two and replanted to make a larger clump.

• Almost none of the plants sold in a blue pot with wave-shaped label, are killed by frost in the European climate. Less winter-hardy plants can be protected by means of a layer of dead leaves or some other mulch.