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 solutionsExactly how to use thorny stems as a simple, physical barrier over pots through autumn and winterWhich ornamental plants make the best pot toppers over bulbs, and where each works bestHow to use edible pot toppers such as hardy lettuces and salad leaves to both shield bulbs and provide generous harvests before tulips emergeProducts mentioned:Ammi visnaga: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnagaAmmi majus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majusHeuchera ‘Black Taffeta’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffetaErysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erysimum-bowless-mauveWallflower ‘Sugar Rush Purple’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-sugar-rush-purple-bicolour-f1Cerinthe (Honeywort): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens Cerinthe 'Kiwi Blue':  https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blueMizuna ‘Red Knight’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna-red-knight-f1Salad Rocket: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata‘Red Frills’ Mustard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frillsSea Holly (Eryngium): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-x-zabelii-big-blueSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: [email protected] 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