06/10/11 Nature's Time - Gardening advice from Milbrook

This is the perfect time for planting trees and shrubs to make the most of the warmth in the soil, but with such a huge selection available it can be difficult to choose the right variety for the right place, and correct planting can make all the difference to give the plant the best start.

However, help is on hand from Millbrook garden centre in Station Road, where two free of charge workshops will be held in October: A special free Compost and Wormery workshop on Tuesday 11 October from 10am – 12pm, discussing the benefits of making your own compost, and 'Nature's Time for Planting' on Tuesday 18 October from 10am – 12pm, when experts will go through the benefits of autumn planting and offer tips and ideas.

There is also a special offer when customers can buy a 50l bag of Scott's rose, tree and shrub compost, a bag of Rootgrow, a hardwood tree stake and tree tie, worth over £17, for only £6 when they buy an ornamental or fruit tree.

It's also the perfect time to plant spring bulbs and there is a vast selection in stock at Millbrook, with plenty of advice on hand from the knowledgeable staff.

"Bulb buying can be confusing because of the huge variety on offer and it's not easy working out the best varieties for different locations and which combinations work well together," said Millbrook's managing director Tammy Woodhouse.

"Our staff are always on hand with useful advice and we are delighted to be organising the autumn planting workshop, which I am sure customers will find very informative."

Millbrook is busy planning a special free Halloween event for children after school on 31 October, with tickets available in store. The garden centre is also stocking up on plants, gifts and decorations for Christmas, ready for its Magical Millbrook department to open on 22 October.

Millbrook, in Station Road, has recently invested substantially in a new way of choosing and buying plants. In the new plant area, specimens are grouped according to where they like to grow and each section has a specially designed area planted up to give an idea of possible planting schemes, size, colour and texture.

The garden centre prides itself on the quality of its plants, which it supplies with a two year guarantee. The majority of hardy plants sold in the garden centre are grown in its own nurseries and there are always plenty of knowledgeable staff on hand to help and advise customers.

Millbrook's greencafé is open throughout the day and serves a range of tasty meals and snacks using the freshest ingredients.

There is also a well-stocked shop, selling gardening equipment, a wide range of gifts, clothing, books, garden games and toys, children's gardening equipment, house plants, luxury food items and ice lollies.

For further information on events at Millbrook, visit www.millbrookgardencentre.co.uk

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