What is Companion Planting? Companion planting is a great way to attract the right pollinators whilst keeping enemies at bay. The purpose of companion planting is to keep a natural balance in your garden, saving time and money by grouping plants together which complement each other. Although the idea has become more prevalent recently it is not new. Nearly 10,000 … Read More
The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Weeds
Weeding is a perennial problem. Very simply, weeds are uninvited guests in the garden who can quickly take over at this time of year. It’s important to keep on top of them, as they compete for light, space and precious moisture in the garden. There are two main sorts of weed. Annuals are in many ways the easiest to deal … Read More
Sustainable Garden Ideas
Creating a sustainable garden Ironically, although we create green spaces in the landscaping industry, it takes effort and motivation to create a truly sustainable garden. Over the last ten years, I’ve witnessed an increasing demand from clients to create a sustainable garden and gleaned a few ideas along the way. If you’re interested in having a more sustainable garden here … Read More
Summer Garden Inspiration
This is the month when all your hard work really starts to show. Most gardens reach their peak in June – borders look perfect and summer fruit and vegetables are flourishing. Ornamental borders will soon be at their best when towards the end of the month scented roses begin to flower in earnest. There is plenty to do in the … Read More
How to improve soil quality
10 Ways to improve soil quality If you want an abundant garden jammed with healthy plants the essential ingredient is good garden soil and getting it right is a continuing process. There are no short cuts, it can be hard work to improve soil quality and takes years. However, if you get the soil right, you will be rewarded with … Read More
Helpful Garden Insects
Helpful Insects for your Garden By Jeffrey Douglas As a gardener I absolutely love spring and warmer weather. Warm weather not only means a flourish of plant growth in the garden but a corresponding increase in the presence of creepy, crawly, or winged insects outside as well. Before you go on a mission for the bug killer or search … Read More
Tips for Choosing a Christmas Tree for the Garden
It’s hard to imagine Christmas without the symbol of the evergreen tree being brought indoors, but the aftermath image of brown, discarded trees lined up for disposal is not so appealing. So what’s the alternative? Opting for a real, British-grown container tree that is brought into the house every year for the festive season is probably the most environmentally friendly … Read More
Gardening Trends
Changes in gardening habits Things move at a gentle pace in the horticulture world, we don’t tend to change our gardens just like that. Instead, we like to see things grow and to enjoy the fruits of our labours, so fashions naturally take some time to have an impact. Nevertheless, certain trends do tend to catch on, sooner or later, … Read More
Plants for Free!
Most shrubs in the garden are producing plenty of fresh, young shoots now and these are perfect for making softwood cuttings. Take a few shoots from the side of the shrub, where it won’t show; take more than you think you will need because they probably won’t all take. Cut shoots about 10 cm long from the plant just above … Read More
Growing your own Medicine Cabinet
Using plants as medicines For centuries many of the common plants we use today in our borders and hanging baskets have been grown for medicinal purposes. You can literally grow your own medicine cabinet, although it’s always sensible to check that things grown in the garden are safe. The has been a huge increase in demand for popular herbal remedies … Read More