Plan ahead for planting bare-root trees and shrubs next month. If you want long-lasting plants it’s worth preparing the ground well. If you are planning a border of shrubs or a new hedge or trees, dig over the entire area. It may seem a lot of work but will be worth it in the long term. Remove all the roots … Read More
Sheena’s Star Plant for October: Nerine bowdenii
I love Nerine bowdenii for its spring-like flowers in autumn and it makes a beautifully colourful, vibrant display that will brighten even the dullest autumn days. It needs some protection from winter frosts, so plant it near a wall for protection and make sure it’s in sharply drained soil. If you garden on heavy clay, as many of us do … Read More
Outdoor Kitchen Design
An Outdoor Kitchen – Case Study Outdoor kitchen design is a growing areas, despite our unpredictable weather in the UK, we’ve noticed a trend towards embracing a more Mediterranean style of living, with the use of the garden as an outdoor room, in particular an extension of the kitchen. But gone are the days when you would dig out your … Read More
Designing an outdoor kitchen
Case Study – Designing an Outdoor Kitchen Designing an outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition to your home, providing a space for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors, above all they are meant to be a fun addition to a home. Based on a garden we designed and built in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, here are some steps and … Read More
Autumn Colours in the October Garden
October brings a wonderful richness of colour to the garden and the clear sunny days and night frosts that we often get at this time of year lead to the intensity of colour in leaves and shrubs. For me, the ideal autumn garden is not only one that’s ablaze with clusters of fiery red and orange berries hanging on branches … Read More
More September Gardening Jobs
There is a proliferation of gardening gadgets available for the time-poor technology lover. One of the most exciting has to be the robotic mower, which will not only cut the lawn but dispose of clippings by cutting little and often, leaving the cut grass on the lawn to act as a mulch. If you groan at the thought of cutting … Read More
Sheena’s Plant of the Month for September: Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’
A very easy shrub to grow in most soil types, Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ is a compact version of the wild species plant. It has snowball-like flowers in spring and in September, brilliant glossy red berries, very attractive for birds, nestle among the bright red autumn leaves. This Viburnum requires little if any pruning, making it a good choice for a … Read More
Tasks to Keep You Busy in the September Garden
September is a wonderful month for gathering the harvest and watching rich autumnal colours develop. Whilst we can savour sunny days, gardeners are always planning for the future and you can start to think about shaping your garden for next year by planting new trees, shrubs and perennials. Late September is the best time for planting as the temperature remains … Read More
August Garden Maintenance Jobs
Now the holiday season is upon us, if you’re planning on going away, don’t forget to leave arrangements for the garden. Plants grown in containers need water – a lot! If you can ask a neighbour to look after your pots while you are away that is ideal; if not, consider investing in an automatic watering system. These systems are … Read More
Sheena’s Plant of the Month for August: Rosa Zephirine Drouhin
Rosa Zephirine Drouhin is my favourite climbing rose, for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s virtually thornless, making it an ideal choice for a family garden, or for planting near a frequently used door or pathway. One of the few roses that will thrive in a shady spot, it requires very little attention, is easy going about pruning and is … Read More