There’s been a lot of talk on the Internet about whether to have a lawn. It’s an ecological desert, it takes a lot of fertilisers and effort to keep it looking pristine. There are lots of seemingly logical arguments against having a lawn. And I understand all of those arguments – I don’t actually agree […]
If the new school year has started you thinking about a garden without children in it –even if you’re not quite there yet, read on for some tips and ideas about how to reclaim your precious outdoor space –just for you (and maybe the occasional grandchild –eventually). 1. Reduce the lawn size -mowing the lawn
6 ways to update your garden once the children have grown up Read More »
Acer palmatum ‘Aureum’ Acers (Japanese Maples) come in all shapes and sizes. The word ‘palmatum’ means ‘five leaves’ – like the palm of a hand. Some cultivars have very finely ‘cut’ leaves, and they will be more prone to scorching and drying out in the wind. Always place your Acer in a partly shady spot
Stream Garden Before A lovely open, sunny country garden, but not suitable for the client’s needs Overall Design Concept Retain the central lawn, but add in paths, views, focal points, and features of interest. Create a stunning showpiece garden with exuberant, contemporary planting where the clients could entertain family and friends and enjoy all year
At this time of year, if you’ve got a raised bed in your garden for growing vegetables, chances are you follow a “no dig” method of gardening, in which case it’s time to add your new organic layer to bed in before you plant your spring veg. There’s no better way to do this than
I’m about to talk dirty to you – (but it’s not what you think!) Read More »
You bought the wrong plant for your soil, aspect, moisture level, or pH level – here’s how to know soil comes in three broad types – clay, silt and sand. Clay can be identified by how ‘claggy’ the soil is – does it turn into a quagmire in the rain, and hard as rock in
Three reasons why all of the plants you bought at the garden centre died Read More »
As Autumn sets in and the trees begin to turn from green to brown and drop their seeds in many different forms, the flower beds are changing too. It might be tempting to clear all the dead clutter and dig over afresh, but STOP. There’s huge value in waiting; and a large part of that
It is bulb-planting season! How do you choose amongst the hundreds of varieties and colours? The answer is – choose what you like. Choose what makes you happy. Choose lots! Bulbs are great at cheering up the dreary early spring, and providing little dots of colour. So, unless you are working to a very strict
Hedgehogs are in decline in the UK and as an essential part of our ecosystem both wild and suburban, it’s important that gardeners make efforts to welcome their presence in the garden. I’ve gathered up a few of the best ways to encourage these charismatic creatures to your garden – and make them happy enough
Three ways to attract hedgehogs to your garden (and keep them there) Read More »
On the surface of it, it’s hard to see how you can eliminate plastic from your garden. Plastic pots, planting labels, seed trays…the range of plastic items available from garden centres is overwhelming. However, with a little forethought it is possible to minimise, if not fully eliminate, plastic from your garden. Why not have a
Plastic Free July – How to go plastic free in your garden. Read More »
