VINCA

Here we are at last with a great spell of spring weather. I have decided to include a plant I have been using myself in the past week or two, it's hopefully going to do a great job in my front garden.

The Vinca, or periwinkle as it is more commonly known, is a wonderful plant for providing ground cover. I have a huge problem with weeds in a large bed in my front garden and am forever having to scrabble amongst the cornus and anything else that happens to be growing or flowering depending on the time of year. After talking to some of the exterior landscaping team, it appears that this little gem will do the trick for me. (I have planted 35 as it's a very large bed, with about an 18" gap between each plant.)

I have used Vinca minor which is the smaller of the plants, growing to a height of 2-4". Vinca major is the other option, this grows between 8-10" high. I have chosen a mixture of purple flowers with a dark green leaf and lavender with a variegated leaf. There are various shades to choose from in both varieties from lavender to a deep purple and also white. They all flower from April to September and the leaves are evergreen.

Things to note:
* Provides ground cover and suppresses weeds.

* Happy in either sun or shade and in most soils except very dry.

* Both fast growing although the minor is a bit slower.

* Pruning is not necessary except in spring to contain the spread, although you

may find that the major can be more straggly and will need a bit more

attention.

* To propogate, either divide the plant or remove side shoots.

* Overall a friendly plant to use as it is also problem and pest free.