Gardeners Time
Christine Walkden
Garden writer Christine appears on BBC1’s The One Show. She is also a lecturer and tour leader.
James Wong
Botanist, broadcaster and writer, James loves to grow unusual, edible and medicinal plants from around the world.
Bob Flowerdew
Bob is an organic gardener and has designed his garden to produce lots of veg, fruit and cut flowers.
Q Which flowers can I start now for wedding in July?
Alicia, by email
A BOB SAYS I wish luck you , as it can be tricky to synchronise growing and flowering times with a specific date. I strongly suggest you grow the most important flowers in three batches, some planted in full sun, some in shade and, for those well suited, a third lot in tubs that can be moved to advance or slow down as necessary.
As for flower types, I’d go for roses as there’ll be a huge range of varieties and colours flowering throughout mid-July, especially if you nip out all the earlier buds. You can also buy bulbs wholesale to grow in batches – if you grow from bulbs, flowering success is nearly guaranteed. Day lilies are a good bet too, being colourful and reliable, as are some modern hydrangeas. I’d go for lots of lilies as some varieties will be at their very best in July.
Likewise with other bulbs, there are several very attractive alliums, while alstroemeria and agapanthus are just awesome.
