Page 56 • The HERALD • 26th June 2025 v GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE HERALD v SPADEWORK Family Landscaping & Fencing Team ] Decking & Natural Sandstone Paving ] Patios ] Driveways ] Block Paving ] Turfing ] All Types of Domestic & Commercial Fencing ] Security Fencing Supplied & Fitted Tel: (023) 8089 4909 Mobile: 07703 566814 u Free Estimates u Fully Insured • All types of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned • Stump Grinding • Hedges pruned & trimmed • Lawns Laid • Fencing & garden work • Rubbish Clearance • Patios & drives jet-washed • Patios & Drives resurfaced or replaced Registerd Waste Carrier Licence CBDU374716 H Fully Insured H Evening: 01794 522092 Daytime Mobile: 07511 863693 Email: treefellers@gmx.com Smithwood Landscaping Professional Gardening & Landscaping • Seasonal Tidy Ups • Garden Redesign • Fencing • Trees & Shrubs Carefully Pruned • Astro Turf • Rockeries Designed • Ground Cover No Job Too Small as I am a Local Gardener Any advice over the phone is freely given Contact Gary (Master Landscaper) 07707 433194 DOWN THE GARDEN PATH water out, because succulents don’t like sitting in wet soil. Pick a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, like a sunny windowsill or a bright spot in your garden, so your succulents can thrive. Inside your chosen container, add a layer of small stones or crocks at the bottom. is helps the water to ow out and keeps the soil from getting too soggy. Mix up your compost with grit or perlite so the soil will drain quickly, preventing your succulents from sitting in waterlogged conditions. Succulents also love this kind of mix because it’s like the dry, rocky places they naturally grow in. Gently take each of your succulent plants out of its pot and loosen the roots before making a hole in the compost and pop the succulent in, gently pressing the soil around it. When all your succulents are in place, sprinkle a thin layer of grit or small stones over the top. is makes your succulent container garden look neat and helps keep the soil both insulated and keeps moisture in when needed. Caring for your succulent garden When it comes to watering, less is more with succulents. Wait until the soil feels almost dry to touch, as overwatering can cause more harm than good to your succulents and cause rotting, so it’s always safer to hold back a little rather than risk giving them too much water. Light is another important factor for happy succulents as they love being in bright, indirect sunlight, so try to place your garden somewhere that gets plenty of natural light. If there are any cold snaps or frosts forecast, cover with horticulture eece or move indoors if you can. If you’re growing them indoors, turning the pot on your windowsill will help the plants grow evenly. Succulents don’t need much plant food or fertiliser, but if you want to give them a little boost, use a feed just once or twice during the growing season in spring and summer. Even though succulents are low maintenance, you will need to remove any dead leaves and check for pests from time to time. If your plants start to get crowded, you can easily make new plants by taking o small o shoots or leaf cuttings to grow on or share with friends and family. Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “Succulents are the perfect plants for beginners. These plants are tough, rewarding, and perfect for anyone new to plants - they will create a long-lasting and stunning display in the smallest of spaces and bring a little bit of greenery into your home and garden.” Succulents have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique shapes, varied colours, and versatility. ey are well-suited for beginner gardeners or those with busy lifestyles who prefer plants requiring minimal maintenance. eir ability to grow in dry conditions makes them a practical choice for gardens facing water scarcity or unpredictable weather, which we get in the UK. e team at British Garden Centres has put together this guide on which succulents to plant and how to get the best out of them in your outdoor space. Choosing the right succulents If you’re new to growing succulents, picking the right plants can make a big di erence, and the team at British Garden Centres has put together the best and easiest succulents for beginners: Jade plant: is is one of the easiest succulents to grow. It has thick, shiny leaves and can live happily indoors or outdoors. Jade plants don’t need much water and can handle a bit of neglect, making them perfect for busy people who want to include them in their succulent container garden. Aloe Vera: Known also for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera is not only easy to care for, but it’s also useful as its gel can help soothe burns or skin irritation. It likes bright light and well-draining soil, and it’s forgiving if you forget to water it now and then. Echeveria: Echeverias are pretty rosette-shaped succulents that come in lots of colours and sizes, perfect for any succulent display. eir beautiful shape makes them a favourite for arrangements, so why not make a garden that will stand out with these amazing plants? Haworthia: Haworthias (like the Zebra Haworthia) are great for indoor spaces, especially if you don’t have a lot of light. ey’re small, tough, and safe for pets, but also add a dimension to your succulent garden too. Sempervivum: Also known as Hens and Chicks, these succulents are super hardy and can handle both hot and cold weather. ey spread easily and are perfect for outdoor gardens or pots and are probably one of the most loved succulents out there for displays. Sedum: Sedums, including the trailing ‘Donkey’s Tail,’ which lives up to its name, are very easy to look a er and thrive on neglect. ey grow quickly and are adaptable to di erent conditions, both inside and outside, so an ideal starter plant for your succulent journey. Choosing your container When planting a succulent garden, we recommend you choose a container with holes at the bottom so water can drain away. You can use almost anything you like - classic terracotta pot, ceramic or glazed containers, troughs or even something creative like a sink, an old tin or a wooden crate. Just make sure it can drain Step-By-Step Guide To Creating A Succulent Garden Advice from British Garden Centres Succulent Garden – Pexels
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