Well this will be my last blog of the year and what an interesting year it’s been in the gardening world... We started off 2012 with droughts and hosepipe bans which of course tempted fate and we finished up with one of the wettest summers on record and floods! It’s been a really difficult year for those of us that love being out growing things so I’m putting it down to experience and starting to look forward to the New Year.

We’re really looking forward to the spring and seeing all the preparation we put into stock ranges for the centres coming into fruition. This year I also have my new garden to complete planting up which is really exciting so I’ll keep you updated on how it goes and my successes (and disasters!) as the year moves on.

The whole team at Golden Acres would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and all the best for you and your gardens in 2013.

I appear to be worryingly organised this Christmas and have most of my gifts organised. There is always something last minute though or someone awkward to buy for. My mum was having trouble getting something for my husband so as he loves barbequing and the odd bit of gardening I suggested some National Garden gift vouchers. He can then get exactly what he wants and it takes the stress out of it for mum.

We also have some lovely and unusual giftware at West Parley for those of you that want to give something special but don’t know what. Carrie prides herself on going that extra mile in finding products with that point of difference. This week I noticed she has found some old spoons! Actually she has bought in some really rather nice antique looking cutlery which has been stamped with little phrases such as ‘me and you the perfect brew’ (a teaspoon) and ‘spread the love’ (a butter knife) each piece is hand stamped by a company in the Cotswolds and unique. The perfect gift for someone who doesn’t know what they want. If you’re having a last minute gift headache pop in and see what else we have to offer.

Last week we had our annual Golden Acres head office Christmas outing – they actually let us loose for an evening - We are all very lucky in that we have great fun together and I don’t think we scrub up too badly either!
Top: Judi and Carrie. Bottom: Me!

Houseplants are a really nice and inexpensive gift at this time of year.

Orchids look exotic but require less care then many think so ideal for giving and last much longer than a bunch of flowers, my mum managed to keep one flowering for the best part of a year once!

Cyclamen are a seasonal classic along with Poinsettias, both require little water and will last well into the New year if kept in a room with a steady temperature away from central heating.

Gardenia, Jasmine and Stephanotis are deliciously scented, elegant looking plants all with cream coloured flowers that will add a touch of class to any room.

Azaleas come in a range of pretty colours and are smothered in flower at this time, keep moist at all times and if you can water with rain water as they prefer a slightly acidic base around the roots.

We also stock many other houseplants and some special planted arrangements so pop into to any of the centres for gift ideas and more advice if you need it.