The Magic of Totnes Hydrangeas: Why Are Mine Blue? (Or Pink?)
Walk around any street in Totnes this July, and you'll see them: big, beautiful hydrangea bushes, absolutely covered in flowers. I was admiring this magnificent one this week, and it’s a perfect example of what makes them one of my favourite garden shrubs.
One of the questions I get asked most often is about their colour. A client might have a blue one, while their neighbour has a pink one. It’s not magic – it’s chemistry. The colour of a hydrangea flower is a direct reaction to the pH of the soil it’s growing in.
Simply put:
Acidic soil gives you blue flowers.
Alkaline soil gives you pink or red flowers.
The bush in the photo, with its amazing mix of blues, purples, and pinks, tells me the soil in that spot is right on the borderline, shifting between acid and alkaline. It’s a living litmus test right there in the garden!
Getting the best from these plants isn't just about colour, though. They are thirsty shrubs, especially in this summer heat, so a good Watering routine is key. The real secret, however, is the pruning. Knowing when and how to prune them makes the difference between a few flowers and a stunning display like this one. If you’re unsure, you can check out my post on A Day Pruning Hydrangeas or book me for your seasonal Garden Maintenance.
They are a fantastic, reliable choice for any Devon garden. If you need a hand getting the best from yours, let’s talk.
You Can't Beat a Classic: The Simple Joy of Daisies
In a world of complex new hybrids and fussy, demanding plants, sometimes it's the simple classics that bring the most joy. I snapped this photo of a fantastic clump of daisies in a garden this week, and it just makes you smile, doesn't it?
This is what a Cottage Gardens style is all about. It’s not about having the rarest or most expensive plants; it’s about reliable, cheerful flowers that put on a great show without demanding a lot of fuss. These daisies (a type of Leucanthemum, or Shasta Daisy) are a cornerstone of that look. They are tough, they come back year after year, and they give you this brilliant blast of simple, happy colour right through the summer.
But it’s more than just looks. Flowers like this are a powerhouse for wildlife. The open, simple flower shape is the perfect landing pad for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Planting a good-sized clump like this is a key part of my Rewilding philosophy – you’re basically creating a mini-meadow that will be buzzing with life all summer long.
You don't always need a complicated Planting plan to make a big impact. Sometimes, a patch of daisies is all you need. They are easy to look after and a brilliant choice for filling a gap or creating a low-maintenance border that delivers year after year.
If you’d like to bring that classic, wildlife-friendly feel to your garden, I can help.
Get in touch at kevin@totnesgardening.co.uk or use the Contact page.
Totnes gardens are a living, breathing tapestry, ever-changing with the rhythm of the seasons. From the first tentative snowdrops pushing through the frosty earth to the fiery hues of autumn foliage, there's always something to captivate and inspire. Let's embark on a month-by-month journey through your Totnes garden:
January: The garden rests, but the gardener's mind is active! Plan for the year ahead, browse seed catalogues, and dream of the blooms to come. Just like after that storm cleanup we did, it's also a time to check for any damage from winter weather and make sure everything is secure.
February: Signs of life begin to stir. Snowdrops and early crocuses brave the cold, a promise of spring's return. Start sowing seeds indoors for early vegetables and flowers. Perhaps it's time to think about revitalising a border, ready for the new season.
March: Spring's awakening! Daffodils and tulips burst into colour, a joyful chorus of yellow and gold. Get your peas and lettuce in the ground, and don't forget the early potatoes. The cottage garden renewal we did showed how much difference a little spring TLC can make!
April: The garden is a hive of activity. Fruit trees blossom, a delicate cloud of pink and white. Sow more seeds, plant out seedlings, and keep those weeds at bay! Remember how we tackled that blocked drive? Spring is a time for clearing and preparing.
May: Growth is in full swing. Everything is bursting with life! Keep on top of weeding, watering, and pruning. The first strawberries ripen – a taste of summer to come.
June: Summer arrives in all its glory. Roses are at their peak, filling the air with fragrance. Enjoy the long days in your garden, and savour the first harvests from your vegetable patch.
July: The garden is a haven of colour and scent. Lavender attracts bees and butterflies, and sunflowers stand tall and proud. Keep watering during dry spells, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labour.
August: A time for relaxation and enjoyment. The long grass cut we did earlier in the summer will be paying off now – a perfect lawn for summer games.
September: The first hints of autumn appear. Chrysanthemums and asters add splashes of colour as the leaves begin to turn. Harvest your pumpkins and squash, and prepare your garden for winter. Remember that riverside garden we reclaimed? Autumn is a good time to reflect on the season's successes.
October: Autumn's beauty is at its peak. The garden is a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Clear away dead leaves, mulch borders, and protect tender plants from the coming frosts. Dahlias are still going strong, adding a final flourish of colour.
November: The garden settles down for winter. Plant spring bulbs, and prepare your soil for next year.
December: A time for rest and reflection. Enjoy the beauty of your winter garden, and start planning for next year's projects. Just like we did with the storm cleanup, it's a good time to make sure everything is safe and secure.
Totnes Gardening is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need a quick grass cut, rose bed maintenance, help revitalising a border, or advice on creating a new wildflower meadow, contact me today!
Totnes has a mild, temperate maritime climate (USDA Hardiness Zone 9, and potentially even 10a in sheltered coastal pockets) with cool, wet winters and warm, comfortable summers. This allows for a diverse range of plants, including some less common, tender species, as well as a wealth of native and hardy perennials.
General Climate Considerations
Mild Winters: The moderating effect of the sea means winters are mild, with average minimum temperatures rarely dropping below freezing (USDA Zone 9 is -6.7°C to -1.1°C).
Ample Rainfall: Totnes receives moderate to high rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest periods in winter and the driest in July.
Varied Habitats: The area features diverse microclimates and soil types (e.g., wet/dry woodlands, acid/calcareous grasslands), so choosing plants appropriate for your specific garden's conditions is key.
Well-Suited Plant Types
Hardy Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees
These plants form the backbone of many local gardens, thriving in the general Devon climate.
Hostas (e.g., 'Devon Green'): Hardy and excellent for partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Ferns (e.g., Blechnum spicant): Ideal for shady, damp areas and found naturally in local woodlands.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses and various native grasses (for wildlife) do well in a variety of conditions.
Cornus (dogwoods): Many varieties thrive and provide structural interest and colour.
Acers (maples) and Hydrangeas: Suitable for woodland garden settings.
Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis): A classic, year-round evergreen that adapts well to containers or the ground, although container-grown plants may need some winter protection.
Viburnum and Mahonia: Good for winter flowers, providing essential early nectar for bees.
Mediterranean & Heat-Tolerant Plants
The mild microclimate in sheltered spots allows some more exotic, drought-tolerant plants to flourish, especially when in full sun.
Salvias (sage) and Lavender: Drought-tolerant and excellent for attracting pollinators.
Fatsia japonica: A tough evergreen that provides a tropical feel.
Melianthus major and Echiums: Architectural plants that can thrive in milder Devon gardens.
Succulents (e.g., certain Aloe and Sedum species): Can do well in sunny spots with good drainage.
Citrus Trees (e.g., 'Four Seasons' lemon): Can be grown in pots and brought indoors during the coldest spells.
Native Wildflowers
For those interested in supporting local biodiversity, native wildflowers are an excellent choice and are already perfectly adapted to the local environment.
Wild Daffodil and Bluebell: Provide spring colour in woodland areas.
Native wildflowers like Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) and Field Eryngo (Eryngium campestre) attract bees, butterflies, and moths.
Honeysuckle and Night-scented nicotiana: Attract a variety of pollinating moths in the evening.