April in the garden

Elgin’s favourite place to shop, eat & relax

April in the Garden – North Scotland Edition

Your friendly guide from the Threaplands team

Spring has sprung (well, it’s trying), and here at Threaplands Garden Centre, we’re all buzzing to get back in the soil. April’s that lovely in-betweeny month where frost still lurks, but so does hope, colour, and the smell of compost.

Here’s your go-to list of garden jobs for April, plus a spotlight on some of the stars we’ve got in stock right now – yes, we mean those gorgeous peonies, lavender, and rhododendrons you’ve been eyeing up in our outdoor area.

🌸 Perfect Peonies – Divas in Training

Plant in store: Peony – Available now at Threaplands
Elegant, dramatic, and always a showstopper – peonies are the queens of the flower bed. Ours are ready for planting, and now’s the time to get them in and let them settle.

🌱 How to plant:

• Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot.
• Make sure those little ‘eyes’ (buds) sit just below the soil surface.
• Add mulch around the base – but don’t bury the crown. Peonies like a bit of neck room.

Bonus tip: They hate being moved. So once they’re in, let them be. Like your nan’s favourite armchair.

🌿 Lavender – The Fragrant Frontliner

Plant in store: Lavandula angustifolia
Low maintenance and high reward, lavender is basically the garden’s equivalent of a spa day. Looks fab, smells divine, and the bees can’t get enough.

🌱 What to do in April:

• Give them a little trim now to stop legginess.
• Don’t cut into old wood – no bald patches, please.
• Great in pots or borders – pop some near your outdoor seating and thank us later.

🌸 What Your Rhododendrons Are Up To in April

In North Scotland, rhododendrons are just starting to wake up from their winter kip. Some early varieties might be budding or even beginning to flower. Most will be gearing up for their big floral performance in May or June. So now’s the time to give them a bit of TLC — not too much faff, but just enough to keep them feeling fabulous.

🌱 What to do in April:

·         Top-dressing around them with bark to help retain moisture, keep weeds down, and give them a nutrient boost

·         Feed them with ericaceous plant food available in the garden centre

·         Check for pests and treat if required

Other Jobs to Tackle This April

✅ Weeding: They’re small, they’re smug – strike early.
✅ Plant your tatties & onions: Ideal time in North Scotland.
✅ Scarify & feed your lawn: Give that grass some spa vibes too.
✅ Mulch everything: Helps lock in moisture, and it looks neat too.

🌦️ A Quick Word on Weather (We Know, We Know)

April is a wildcard. One minute you’re in a t-shirt, the next you’re de-icing the car. Keep some fleece or cloches handy for late frosts. But don’t panic – your garden’s tougher than it looks.

Visit Us for Plants, Advice & Cake

Whether you’re stocking up on compost, hunting for that perfect plant, or just popping by for a cuppa and a scone in the restaurant – we’re here for it. Our team is always on hand to help with tips, suggestions, or a bit of garden chat.

Come and say hello – the kettle’s on, and the plants are looking fabulous.

THREAPLANDS GARDEN CENTRE & RESTAURANT
Open 7 days a week | Just off the A96 near Elgin
Family-run, friendly faces, and blooming good plants.