My Favourite Garden
Helen Lederer (RHS Wisley)
One of four gardens belonging to the Royal Horticultural Society, this inspirational space occupies 240 acres of prime land in the Surrey village of Wisley near London. As actress and comedienne Helen Lederer puts it "you can't help but be blown away".
With richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and exotic glasshouses, Helen used Wisley as the inspiration to create her own garden. "It's like a display case of different plants, not just for people who know masses about horticulture, which I don't. It just gives you great ideas and it's so accessible. It's wonderful".
Bernard is frequently asked about Wisley's beautifully scented lavender. He recommends cutting it back after its peak in order for the best re-growth next year. To ensure a healthy growth next year he advises making cuts in the greeny stalk, not the brown twiggy area.
Helen's favourite spot
Helen's favourite corner of the garden is under the Common Oak (Quercus Rober). It is here as a student she shared a romantic kiss with her boyfriend at the time!
Top tips from this episode
Wisley gardener Bernard Boardman grows Sweet Basil (Oscium Bascilium) next to tomatoes to keep the white flies away. He recommends pinching out the tips of the plants to encourage the plant to grow two shoots outward rather than one shoot upward. The shorter and leafier the basil, the better!Bernard is frequently asked about Wisley's beautifully scented lavender. He recommends cutting it back after its peak in order for the best re-growth next year. To ensure a healthy growth next year he advises making cuts in the greeny stalk, not the brown twiggy area.
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