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 more higher maintenance and less environmentally friendly areas of the garden, but they can still have a place in … Continue reading Your annual lawn care plan
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 better over their lifetime than a wooden fence with … Continue reading Hedges
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 pollinating wildlife and lifts the spirits. Additionally, growing your … Continue reading Cut flowers & arrangements
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 of my blog and you have already undertaken all … Continue reading My book recommendations
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 the need to apply fertiliser. A soil more rich in organic matter will retain moisture for longer and drain … Continue reading Build your own composter
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, this year's Australian and Californian bush fires have provided stark evidence … Continue reading Plant a tree to tackle climate change
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 to fully enjoy it until summer. Waiting until spring … Continue reading The Annual Autumn Garden cut back (or not)
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) are being tackled. Pollinating insects essential to food production, … Continue reading Making a meadow
There are two passions in my life. Gardening and Coldplay. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a MASSIVE Coldplay fan. I've been to many of their gigs in various countries around the world. I have all their albums and many of their singles in various different formats, including some bootleg demo stuff. Their … Continue reading Coldplay: the optimistic gardeners
Previously living in Bristol not far from the edge of the Cotswolds and working mostly in Bath and the surrounds, I was often in contact with limestone. My journeys through the countryside from garden to garden were often guided by a labyrinth of limestone walls that define the aesthetic of the area. The light and … Continue reading Building a Dry Stone Wall
