Ben Cross is a 4th-generation flower grower and the proprietor of Crosslands Flower Nursery. Specialising in the cultivation of alstroemerias for the cut-flower trade, Ben is one of a diminishing number of commercial growers in the UK. Dan and Julia find out why the big supermarkets aren't supporting British growers and where our cut flowers really come from - you might be surprised! Along the way, they learn how easy alstroemerias are to grow in your own garden or greenhouse, so why not have a go?

Jobs for the fortnight

1. Many seed and bulb merchants are releasing their new catalogues and plant lists now. Place orders early for any unusual varieties that might sell out quickly.
2. Add a thick layer of nutritious compost to your vegetable beds. If you’re unlikely to be doing much gardening between now and spring, you might want to cover them with cardboard to stop weeds from germinating.
3. Get your tulip bulbs in any time between now and Christmas, but don’t forget about them. If you need to keep them for a while, make sure they’re somewhere cool, dry, dark and well ventilated, so they don’t go mouldy.
4. Protect and stake your brassicas - Brussels and broccoli are prone to leaning over or snapping in high winds. Support emerging broad beans sown outside and keep an eye out for peckish pigeons.
5. Check apples stored last month for signs of rotting, and remove any blemished ones immediately. Don’t worry if you still have apples to pick.
6. Tidy up strawberry plants and pot up any baby plants sent out on runners
7. Build new compost bins to accommodate the massive volume of leaves, weeds and cleared vegetation that need somewhere to go at the end of the year 
8. Clean bird baths and top up bird feeders.
9. It’s the final window to plant autumn onion and shallot sets, and get ready for garlic next month.
10. Prune apple and pear trees from now until the end of February before new growth starts.

Website links:

• Dan Cooper Garden
• Dan's Calendar of Events
• Parker's Patch
• Crosslands Flower Nursery

To order Ben's alstroemerias, drop him a line at [email protected]

Expertly produced by Scott Kennett at Red Lighthouse Local

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