What if I told you April is one of the best-kept secrets in the garden calendar?
There’s a quiet kind of excitement that arrives with April. It is not loud or showy, but full of promise. It’s the month where thoughtful planting begins, where small decisions now shape the colour, texture, and life your garden will carry through the cooler months ahead.
Refreshing tired beds, starting a winter veggie patch, or simply adding a few pops of seasonal colour. April is your opportunity to get ahead of the season, and as always, we’re here to guide, inspire, and grow alongside you.
We’ve filled this newsletter with everything you need to get inspired and get growing.
Setting the Stage for Winter Colour
This is one of the most rewarding planting windows of the year. The soil is still warm enough for roots to establish quickly, while the cooler air allows plants to settle without stress.
What to Plant & Where:
Pansies and Violas
Cheerful “face-like” flowers in a wide range of colours. They are compact, long-flowering winter performers that we sell in 6 packs.
Planting & Care
- Full sun to semi-shade
- Fertile, well-drained soil
- Keep soil consistently moist
Tip: Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers.
Primula (Primrose)
Bright clusters of flowers in bold winter colours, excellent for shady areas and containers.
Planting & Care
- Semi-shade to shade
- Moist, rich, well-drained soil
- Regular watering, don’t let it dry out
Tip: Perfect for pots, borders, and under trees
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Tall spires of tubular, bell-shaped flowers, which are a classic cottage garden plant.
Planting & Care
- Sun to semi-shade
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Water regularly
Tip: Great for shady spots, but toxic if ingested
Delphinium
Tall spikes of striking blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. They add height and drama to beds.
Planting & Care
- Love full sun, but need shelter from strong winds
- Rich, well-drained soil
- Regular watering and support stakes
Tip: Ideal for back borders and cottage gardens
Stocks
Upright spikes of fragrant flowers in soft pastels and bright shades. Cool-season favourite with a strong, sweet scent.
Planting & Care
- Full sun to light shade
- Well-drained, compast rich soil
- Water regularly, keep the soil moist
Tip: Perfect for cut flowers and adding fragrance to winter gardens.
Cineraria
Masses of bright, daisy-like flowers in blues, purples, pinks, and whites. Lovely bold winter colours, they are ideal for pots and shaded garden beds.
Planting & Care
- Semi-shade to shade (avoid harsh direct sun)
- Rich, well-drained soil with added compast
- Water regularly, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Tip: Best in cool conditions, perfect for brightening up shaded winter spaces and patios.
Winter Marigolds – Beauty with Benefits!
Often underestimated, Winter Marigolds (Calendula) are little powerhouses in the garden.
Why We Love Them:
- Bright, cheerful flowers through the cooler months
- Easy to grow in full sun beds or pots
- Attracts beneficial insects
Traditional & Medicinal Uses:
Calendula has been used for generations for its skin-soothing and healing properties.
- Petals are often used in balms, creams, and natural remedies
- Known for helping with minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations
- Edible petals can even be added to salads for a pop of colour
* A plant that’s as useful as it is beautiful, definitely one to include in your garden*
Winter Veg – Grow Your Own Goodness!
April is the prime time to start your winter vegetable garden. The combination of warm soil and cooler air creates ideal growing conditions, helping plants establish quickly and grow steadily.
What to Plant Now & Why:
- Spinach, Kale & Swiss Chard – Thrive in cooler temps and are packed with nutrients.
- Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage – Slow-growing but incredibly rewarding crops
- Carrots, Beetroot & Radishes – Quick growers and perfect for succession planting.
- Onions, Leeks, and Garlic – Essential kitchen staples that love winter conditions
Available at Ferndale:
- Veg seedling in easy-to-plant 6 packs
- A wide range of seeds for those who enjoy growing from scratch
- Herbs in pots and seeds, ready to go straight into your garden
Planting Tips:
- Prepare beds with rich compost
- Plant in full sun where possible
- Water regularly while establishing
- Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
A Ferndale Favourite: Hearty Winter Veg Soup
There’s nothing better than a warm, homemade soup using your own garden harvest.
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1 cup cabbage or broccoli
- Tomatoes (Optional), chopped
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper & herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Method:
- Heat oil & sauté onion & garlic until soft
- Add carrots & potatoes, cook briefly
- Pour in stock & bring to a boil
- Add remaining veg & simmer for 20-25 minutes
- Season & serve warm
*Keep it chunky or blend slightly for a smoother finish*
