Blog
A Swift Arrival
A Swift Arrival One of the signals of summer that nature affords me every year is the arrival of Swifts after their admirable migration efforts from their winter holidays in Africa. They arrive in late Spring, exhausted and in need of a little recovery before they...
No Mow May
No Mow May If you’re a gardener you’ve probably seen or heard of No Mow May. The organisation Plantlife promotes the scheme, which encourages gardeners or any lawn-custodians such as local councils, to put the mower in the shed for the whole month. This is to help the...
Stress Free in Worcestershire
Stress Free in Worcestershire April is Stress Awareness Month. Being outdoors is one of the most commonly suggested ways of alleviating stress; and for a very good reason - it works! Whether that be going for a walk in nature, growing your own food, or simply sitting...
I’m about to talk dirty to you.
I’m about to talk dirty to you.Sorry – it’s probably not what you think.I’m talking compost. 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...
How to use your garden to ease mental stress during difficult times
How to use your garden to ease mental stress during difficult times. It feels rather banal to be talking about gardening while there is so much unrest and fear in the world. However, our gardens can be a source of great comfort in times such as these, as a reminder of...
Working with Water – How to incorporate water in your garden design
Working with Water - How to incorporate water in your garden design. There are few sounds more peaceful than the sound of water, and when planning your garden, it is likely that you’ll want to consider ways of including water in your design. There are various benefits...
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch It’s the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch from the 28th-30th January. With over 38 million birds lost since 1970, it’s vitally important that everybody plays a part in helping bird life to thrive in our gardens. Most people love to watch...
Fake Grass – why it’s #TimeForTurf.
Fake Grass – why it’s #TimeForTurf. Since the creation of AstroTurf in the early 60’s for purely sports purposes, fake grass has unfortunately crept its way into many urban gardens. Offering apparent convenience and low maintenance, it’s purported by its...
Seed Gathering Season
Week 41 - 11-15 October - Seed Gathering Season Lathyrus Seed Pods This month it’s Seed Gathering Season. Who knows what these seeds are? A clue - they are highly scented, pea-like annual flowers with a climbing habit, and no cottage garden is complete without them....
Week 35 – End of Summer
Week 35 - End of Summer Mon This week we officially move from summer to autumn. I don’t know about you, but whenever there’s a transition like this, I find I’m ready for it. At this time of year, I’m ready to pull on snuggly jumpers and admire the autumn leaf...