Practical Tips on how to Design a Garden It might sound a little daunting to design a garden from scratch. Perhaps your garden is overgrown and wild, a blank canvas and uninspired or designed for another purpose and you’d rather use it in a different way. It could be the children have left home, the trampoline dismantled, and it’s time … Read More
How to help honey bees – in the garden
10 ways a gardener can help honey bees. All over the world honey bees are facing problems of survival, the reason for which are numerous but sadly usually related to human activity. We’ve put together some ideas on how to help honey bees in the garden here: The native, dark European Honey Bee – Apis mellifera has shown a sharp … 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
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
The gardens at Rousham
Getting inspiration from Rousham gardens In his ‘Around the World in 80 Gardens’ television series, Monty Don described Rousham as ‘The greatest masterpiece of English Gardening – a flawless work of genius.’ Designed by William Kent in the 18th Century, it remains virtually unspoilt, which is part of this garden’s unique charm. William Kent – Garden Designer William Kent was … Read More
Autumn Foliage Ideas
Autumn colours in gardens, woodlands and parks are at their best now. The frosty nights and clear sunny days we often get at this time of year bring out the intensity of colour in leaves and shrubs. Winter hasn’t kicked in just yet and in a well-designed garden the warmth of autumn displays can be cherished for a few more … Read More
Climbing Plants for a Wall
Finding the Right Climbing Plant for a Wall One of the best ways of making the most of precious garden space is by using the third dimension and going upwards. Most houses have at least one wall that can be planted against and the front entrance is a particularly important place to consider what, if any, climbing plants are chosen … Read More
Designing Low-Maintenance Gardens for Retired Adults
Gardening in Retirement An estimated 27 million people in the UK are involved in gardening and the activity remains a popular hobby for the British who are proud of their green spaces. For retired people who have spare time on their hands, gardening is an interesting pursuit with around 62% of adults 65 years and above engaged in the activity, according to … Read More
A Rabbit Proof Garden
Making your Garden A Rabbit-Proof Zone Rabbits are some of the cutest creatures to grace our fields, ahem, and in my case garden. The problem with having a colony of rabbits in situ is their voracious appetite for most things green. If you have rabbits in your garden you’ll have to forget about planting anything remotely ‘interesting’ because the rabbits … Read More
Preparing trees, shrubs and perennials for autumn
Bare root trees and shrubs will become available later in the season so now, while the soil is relatively warm, is the time to prepare the ground if you’re planning to plant a new tree or hedge. Dig over the entire area removing any weed roots and dig in plenty of organic matter. It is hard work but the new … Read More