Free seeds to help homebuyers put down their roots
Miller Homes is encouraging people to put down their roots this summer by giving every single person that visits its developments from now until August a free packet of summer seeds to inspire them to grow their home buying dreams.
And with the North East escaping the recent hosepipe ban and a record breaking number of people across the region expected to take part in Jubilee garden parties, this year seems set to be the year of the gardener.
In partnership with Newcastle-based garden centre Cowell’s and Thompson & Morgan Seeds, the free packet of seeds offer is open to anybody that visits at least one of Miller Homes’ 12 active developments across the region including, Greenvale Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, Alexandra Chase in Cramlington, Miller @ Wydale in Walker, Bishops Park in Gateshead, or Beaumont Court in Pegswood.
As well as gaining a free packet of seeds, any house hunter who reserves a home will also automatically receive a 12-month discount voucher for Cowell’s to help them get their garden started.
Miller Homes North East sales manager Karl Morton said: “To encourage house hunters to come and view a Miller development and take a look at our quality award winning show homes, we thought they might appreciate a little gesture of a packet of seeds, to show them that we really can help them grow into the home of their dreams.
“Gardening has always been a national summer pastime and the complimentary seeds are our way of highlighting not only can we help give people the best advice to put down their roots, but also give them a little treat for their gardens too. They don’t have to reserve a home to get the seeds anybody that walks through the sales office door are welcome to take a packet. ”
Martin Cowell from Cowell’s Garden Centre said: “Cowell’s is a family-run garden centre and as such we understand the importance of families finding homes that they can grow into for life and the importance of getting the garden just right. That’s why we have teamed up with Miller Homes to give people looking for a new home some inspiration for their gardens and also for people who reserve a home a yearlong discount voucher to really help them get their garden off the ground.”
For your free packet of seeds please visit one of Miller Homes’ 12 active developments across the region between Monday 14th May to Friday 31st August 2012.
Cowell’s has also put together 5 top tips for North East homeowners who want to create the perfect summer garden.
Top Tips:
1. Preparation is key
Before you plant or lay turf in your garden, take the time to make sure the soil is well turned and all weeds are removed. To encourage fertility, try adding compost or manure to the soil.
2. Location, location, location
We all know that an open garden that gets plenty of sunshine is ideal for getting the best results, but even the shadiest of gardens can look beautiful with the right choice of plants. Primroses need less sunshine so is the perfect for a garden that doesn’t benefit from long sunlight hours.
3. Make a plan
When planning your garden, it’s worth considering a colour scheme – if your home has French doors leading to the garden, a continuation of the colour scheme from house to garden creates stylish impact. Think about the different heights and sizes of the plants to complement the overall theme of the garden. A flower bed of all the same height can look very neat and chic, whereas a mixture adds a dynamic feel to the garden – both look great depending on your own personal style.
4. Go potty
Homeowners with limited space – including those living in apartments – can still make the most of their outdoor areas with clever use of pots. A huge range of plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs can be grown in pots, creating a visual and edible feast for the senses! And don’t forget hanging baskets, which can frame the home and create an elegant first impression.
5. Planting the seed
Whether planting from seed or plantlet, it’s important to give each plant plenty of space because the roots will grow outwards in all directions – if you’re unsure how big a plant will grow just ask your local garden centre for some advice. Try not to plant small flowers in the shadow of a larger shrub or plant, as the larger plant will steal all the sunlight, water and nutrients and the smaller plant won’t survive.
When planting hanging baskets, ensure you soak each plant in water before removing them from the container and planting them as the baskets don’t retain water very well.
