During December the days are hot and humid so why not grab a book or your favourite magazine and head out into the garden and into a cool shady spot.  Don’t have a cool shady spot, then why not create one!

Obviously trees provide great shade to gardens, however not everyone has the space for a gigantic specimen that towers over the garden.  Smaller growing trees are an option and there are plenty out there that will provide the shade you need.  Why not try a dwarf Flowering Gum, Crepe Myrtle or even a Robinia ‘Mop Top’ the latter two being deciduous, so letting in essential winter sunshine.

Another great spot which is often overlooked is down the side of a house, normally narrow and often shaded, this could be a fabulous area to create a tropical oasis, filled with colour and texture from plants such Birds Nest Ferns, Clivea, Crotons, Cordylines, Palms and for a hot splash of colour use NG Impatiens.  Add a water bowl with pond plants or even a waterlily.   All available from Sanctuary Point Garden Centre, all year round.

Never be limited by someone else’s lack of imagination, just give it a go…….Kathy Edwards – Sanctuary Point Garden Centre