A perennial performance

It's time to plant, move divide and take cuttings, said Ruth

- Ruth

GARDENING has not been immune to the nationwide rise in prices and good quality plants from reputable sources are likely to cost more this year. However, perennials are a long-term investment that should improve year on year as they mature and increase in size and productivity.

Moreover, as they grow they are a source of cuttings and divisions, so the initial outlay could (and should) pay you back handsomely.

The soil is warming nicely and still holding onto spring dampness, making early May the perfect time to plug annoying gaps in the border with new plants..

Watching my wallet, this week I only bought one decent-sized lupin from our local garden centre whereas in previous seasons I might have splashed out on a couple of smaller plants or a selection of cheaper perennials.

I decided to buy just one and take shoot cuttings, which will hopefully provide me with a few smaller plants that can be added to the garden later this year, or overwintered undercover.