Hi Tui, my granddaughter is having a garden wedding just south of Christchurch on 20th Feb. What potted flowers could I plant to be very pretty for that day and when do I plant them? I'd love some ideas to help me please. Wanting pretty pots to pop amongst the garden....thankyou Lynne

Hi Lynne, it is always hard to get the timing right, Mother Nature always plays a part in growing to a day or date. Depending on what size pots you are going to use, give yourself at least four months to get the plants flowering well, start planting in November/ early December. I suggest going to the extra expense of using a good quality potting mix such as Tui Pot Power which has a 6 month controlled release fertiliser for sustained feeding, contains Saturaid which is a wetting agent, and water crystals, both prevent plants drying out as quickly. If plants are flowering well before the date, keep deadheading and nipping buds to encourage repeat flowering. Does the wedding have a theme or colours you can follow through in the garden? Some planting suggestions are daisies and chrysanthemums; Petunias, especially the perennial ones that flower continuously through summer; Cosmos, the dwarf ones are great in pots; Hydrangeas in pots work well. Impatiens under planted with ivy. Bedding begonias, Gypsophila, Bacopa, Queen Annes Lace (this is quite a tall plant but looks amazing amongst other plants), Salvia Victoria Blue or White, Alyssum. I hope these suggestions are helpful. Don't forget to keep feeding the pots with Tui Seaweed & Fish fertiliser and Tui Seaweed plant tonic to keep them looking their best for your big day. Regards, The Tui Team.