Josie Lewis: Protect your bulbs with squirrel-proof pot toppers - Episode 289

If grey squirrels have ever stripped your pots overnight or raided a carefully planted bulb lasagne, there are ways to protect your perfectly composed pots. Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis this week to share what’s actually worked at Perch Hill after years of trials – from cleverly laid thorny rose prunings to beautiful pot toppers that protect bulbs and earn their keep.  In this episode, discover: How Sarah and Josie protect freshly planted bulbs from grey squirrels and other pests without relying on ugly or ineffective solutions Exactly how to use thorny stems as a simple, physical barrier over pots through autumn and winter Which ornamental plants make the best pot toppers over bulbs, and where each works best How to use edible pot toppers such as hardy lettuces and salad leaves to both shield bulbs and provide generous harvests before tulips emerge Products mentioned: Ammi visnaga: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga Ammi majus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffeta Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erysimum-bowless-mauve Wallflower ‘Sugar Rush Purple’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-sugar-rush-purple-bicolour-f1 Cerinthe (Honeywort): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens  Cerinthe 'Kiwi Blue':  https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blue Mizuna ‘Red Knight’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna-red-knight-f1 Salad Rocket: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata ‘Red Frills’ Mustard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Sea Holly (Eryngium): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-x-zabelii-big-blue See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: [email protected] Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest