Gardeners' World

Marqueyssac (44x21)

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With bees in mind, Monty plans for spring by planting some early nectar sources for them using bulbs which flower early in the year, namely crocus and winter aconites. He also selects some asters which will not only give colour for autumn but will also help bees build up their nectar reserves to help them survive the winter. Carol is in Norfolk at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve taking a look at the borders designed by the renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf who has recently reworked his planting there. She finds out how he has combined over 100 different types of perennials and over 20 types of grasses to produce some stunning combinations which are also good for the insect population. And Joe Swift discovers the remarkable overhanging gardens of Marqueyssac in the Dordogne where over 150,000 hand-pruned, one hundred year-old box trees have been sculpted into curves and shapes to mimic the surrounding countryside. Back at Longmeadow, Monty begins the task of repairing and reseeding his grass paths and recommends lawn seed to cope with shade and heavy footfall.