The majority accept that there is overwhelming evidence climate is changing because of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide caused by human activity. I remember this subject being discussed in school in the 1980’s and nearly 40 years later we are still discussing it with the trend in […]
There’s something so refreshing and vibrant about filling your house with flowers, with their various scent and colour. And what better way to do so than with your own cut flower arrangements. The process of growing flowers can be relatively cheap. It is also good for […]
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. On the bleakest of winter days, lots of persuasion is needed to head out into the garden, especially when being lured indoors by a comfy chair and a hot cuppa beside a warm fire. If you are a regular reader […]
Hedges. We love hedges. They form our boundaries making us feel protected, secure and not overlooked. They frame desirable views and shield unwanted views. They provide winter structure and a summer backdrop. They can provide summer shade. They filter and attenuate strong winds and perform infinitely […]
Encouraging soil microbes and other creatures together with fungi by adding organic material such as compost to your plantings is beneficial to your plants. Together they make nutrients available to the roots of your plants, reducing or eliminating entirely the need to apply fertiliser. A soil […]
I remember climate change and the greenhouse effect being talked about when I was at school in the 1980’s and here we are still talking about it nearly 40 years later. Whether you accept that global warming is caused by human activity or not, last year’s […]
I advocate making use of the garden ‘down time’ during autumn and throughout winter to get ahead of the game so that you can start enjoying the garden right from spring. If you wait until spring to restart your garden maintenance regime you may not be able […]
After nearly two years of waiting, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has again flashed by. This year’s show may possibly stand as its most unique ever given its non-traditional, pandemic-induced September slot. Every spring designers choose from broadly the same planting pallette, so this September […]
Like the world, gardening is going through a period of substantial change. Subjects of climate change and sustainability are (hopefully) changing the way we garden. Big issues such as herbicide/pesticide and single use/non recyclable plastic use (something which the horticultural community is very much guilty of) […]
The perfect English sward is a source of amusement amongst some of the local Frenchies here, but no-one can doubt that a neat lawn does beautifully set off neighbouring planted beds. Lawns are one of the higher maintenance and less environmentally friendly areas of the garden, […]