Chelsea Winner Ruth Willmott Talks Camellias

As festival is in full swing at Chiswick House conservatory

Chelsea Flower Show award winner and local garden designer Ruth Willmott has all the advice you need on camellias.

Ruth, who won two awards at the Chelsea Flower Show, and has lived in W4 for over twenty years, is a regular visitor to Chiswick House and Gardens. To help showcase this year's Camellia Festival, Ruth has given some top tips to help you care for new, or established camellias.

Ruth says: "October is a great time to plant camellias but you can do it in spring if they are sheltered, get enough water, and you use slightly acidic soil."

She also recommends that if you have a tired looking camellia in the garden, you can revive it by hard pruning and clean through them to give them some air.

For more advice, you can see Ruth's interview with Lorna Ko of chiswickbuzz tv.

People can buy heritage camellias and other plants at the Chiswick Camellia Festival this year.

Festival runs until Sunday March 13th from 10am to 4pm at Chiswick House Conservatory. Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays). Last entry 3.30pm, free entry (donations welcome)

February 19, 2016