Buckland Nurseries

Buckland Nurseries was established as a family run garden centre business over 150 years ago. 

The business was founded by Thomas Hogg in 1865 and has continued through six generations of the Hogg family into the hands of David and Linda Hogg (pictured alongside). 

Buckland Nurseries stocks a wide range of perennials, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, roses, herbs, garden sundries, tools, turf, seeds, paving and gravels and the friendly team looks forward to giving you a lovely welcome when you next visit their traditional Garden Centre. 

April update – Hanging baskets – high maintenance but high impact

Following on from such a wonderful display this spring of daffodils and other flowering bulbs, how do we keep colour flowing through our gardens?

A good starting point is a display of one or more hanging baskets. With a creative eye and scientific approach, quality materials, the right plants and consistent care, your hanging baskets can be the envy of all your neighbours. They will thrive through the UK’s unpredictable weather. It all starts with a large, well-lined basket (at least 14 inches wide) that retains moisture. Wire baskets lined with moss or coir look attractive, while self-watering plastic types are more practical. However, My preferred is lined wicker baskets which are relatively cheap and need less side-filling than wire types.

Because hanging baskets are unnatural growing environments, hot, dry, and exposed, using premium compost is essential. Specialist hanging basket or high-quality peat-free composts with water-retaining gel crystals prevent rapid drying. Mix in a slow-release, high-potash fertiliser to provide steady nutrition all summer. Choosing compatible plants is crucial. Select trailing petunias, calibrachoa, verbena, geraniums, or lobelia for sunny spots and for shade, use fuchsias, impatiens, or begonias.

The ‘filler and spiller’ approach works best in baskets. Combine mid-level blooms with trailing varieties that cascade over the edges. Coordinating colours, whether hot or cool, create striking displays. After planting, let the baskets establish for 10 days on the patio or in a greenhouse before hanging. Water daily, or twice during hot spells, ensuring moisture reaches all roots. Regular feeding every 7–10 days with a liquid fertiliser keeps plants lush once slow-release feeds fade. Finally, regularly remove faded flowers, deadhead frequently, rotate baskets for even light, and shelter them from harsh wind or rain.

With premium compost, proper feeding, and daily attention, your hanging baskets will deliver vibrant, cascading colour all summer long – the pride of any patio or doorstep. If first impressions count, then nothing beats them for an eye-catching wow factor.  

Click Buckland Nurseries to access additional useful gardening information.

David Hogg
Buckland Nurseries