Need bedding plants - what and where to buy?

gribbon

Hey Gardeners,


Very novice gardener here. We haven't really had a garden for the last 18 months but have a new patio and am tackling the main garden for weeds and whatnot.
That leaves me with 2 long bedding areas; probably 2 foot wide by 10 meters long. Just pure soil now.


I'd like to get them looking nice but literally no idea what to plant... according to people at work the annuals are coming to the end of their life so looks like summer bedding is probably a no go? I'd have thought a few shrubs (buddliah; fuschia; etc) but in terms of bulk bedding any thoughts?


I'm also keen not to spend too much... the garden centers are always so expensive - online looks cheaper but don't know who to use as never bought plants online!


Links to specific plants I can buy would be amazing


Any help appreciated.

Misslayed

Have you got Lidl or Aldi near by? I have bought lots in both for a few years, always a good price and quality plants. But you do need to buy soon after they come into stock, they NEVER water them and they remain on display even when dead! Check new deliveries on line.

Farway

Asda have loads at the moment, some perennials plus bedding. You have to be a bit picky,as like other S/m they never water or only a perfunctory dribble if they think about it but mine has lots of choices

p00hsticks

Misslayed wrote: »

Have you got Lidl or Aldi near by? I have bought lots in both for a few years, always a good price and quality plants. But you do need to buy soon after they come into stock, they NEVER water them and they remain on display even when dead! Check new deliveries on line.

We've got a large B&M complete with garden centre near us that has some very good value plants

Francesanne

Bought the majority of my bedding plants from Morrisons. Very good quality and prices were excellent.

gribbon

Great thank you everyone. Popped by Aldi and picked a few bits up - will head around the supermarkets at the weekend and see what we can find

8ofspades

Keep an eye out for people selling plants outside their houses, it may just be our area, but you can get some really good plants for cheap this way! Some people even give them away. If you know anyone with lavender plants, these are really easy to grow from cuttings and a good source of free plants

no1catman

AS others have said - supermarkets - personally currently Asda best, Morrisons gone by now.
Look out for Dahlias, Begonias, and Geraniums - they would be my choices, and providing where you are isn't hit by heavy frost and snow in the winter - they should regrow next year.

melb

B and Q and Homebase also

MysteryMe

School summer fetes are another potential source for cheap plants, could also pick up some cheap perennials too.

gribbon

Brilliant, thank you everyone!