At Hildreth’s we’re always helping new gardeners get started, so here are a few of our favourite easy-care plants that are ideal if you’re new to gardening.
Starting a garden for the first time can feel a bit daunting. With so many plants to choose from, it’s hard to know what will actually grow well – especially if you’re still learning the basics. Don’t get overwhelmed! We’ve got plenty of easy plants for beginner gardeners.
Starting a garden for the first time can feel a bit daunting. With so many plants to choose from, it’s hard to know what will actually grow well – especially if you’re still learning the basics. The good news is that some plants are much easier than others. They don’t need constant attention, they cope well with the British weather, and they’ll still reward you with plenty of colour and interest.
Geraniums
If you want reliable colour with very little fuss, geraniums are hard to beat. They flower for months through summer, cope well in pots and containers, and don’t mind the occasional missed watering. They love a sunny spot and are perfect for patios, hanging baskets and window boxes.
Lavender
Lavender is one of those plants that gives back more than it asks for. It smells beautiful, attracts bees and butterflies, and once established it’s very low maintenance. Just plant it somewhere sunny with good drainage and give it a trim after flowering to keep it tidy. It’s also great if you’re trying to create a more relaxed, cottage garden feel.
Hydrangeas
For something a little bigger and more dramatic, hydrangeas are surprisingly easy to grow. They produce huge flower heads through summer and come back year after year with very little effort. They’re particularly good for filling borders or brightening up shadier areas of the garden.
Heucheras
Not every plant needs flowers to stand out. Heucheras are grown for their colourful foliage, which comes in shades of lime green, deep purple, copper and silver. They’re easy to look after and work brilliantly in pots or mixed borders. They’re also useful for adding colour all year round.
Herbs
Herbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding things for beginners to grow. Mint, rosemary, thyme and chives are all very forgiving and can be grown in pots close to the kitchen door. You’ll get something useful out of them too, which makes gardening feel even more worthwhile.
Dahlias
People often assume dahlias are difficult, but they’re actually very straightforward once you get going. They flower right through summer into autumn and give loads of colour for very little effort. As long as they get sun, regular watering and the occasional feed, they’ll keep going for months.
Don’t try to do too much at once!
One of the biggest mistakes beginner gardeners make is trying to completely transform the garden in one weekend. Start small. A couple of pots by the door or a simple flower bed is more than enough to begin with. Gardening becomes much easier – and far more enjoyable – when you build confidence gradually.
Need help choosing?
That’s exactly what we’re here for at Hildreth’s! Whether you’ve got a sunny patio, a shady corner or just a few empty pots to fill, the team can help you choose plants that will thrive in your space. And with our new Plant Finder touchscreen arriving soon in the nursery, finding the right plants for your garden is about to become even easier.
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