Our features on future developments in gardening proved very popular with gardeners in 2023, so we have decided to continue for 2024. Look out for new growing techniques and plant varieties during the year to use in the garden, mostly…

Next time you reach for the strimmer to cut back long grass or areas in the garden that have grown a bit wild, STOP and take a few minutes first to check that you are not disturbing sleeping or nesting…

Last month we talked about the vexing problems of climate change and how we can do our bit in our own gardens to improve things. We also looked at reducing our use of chemicals and in particular pesticides, with subsequent…

Gardening at school Aside from the time you spend at home in the garden or enjoying public spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, gardens, footpaths and other outdoor environments, children may spend time outside while at school. Spending their break times…

Patio containers can give your garden an instant boost and with a bit of care can last all summer. However, plants in containers need attention and summer is the most critical period as plants can soon run short of water and…

Formal lawns, made of short, well maintained grass first appeared in France in the 1700s, and the idea soon spread to England and the rest of the world.  Unfortunately the maintenance of these lawns was rather labour intensive and inefficient…

Did you know it is possible to collect 24,000 litres (5,280 gallons or 150 water butts) of rainwater from your roof each year. Rainwater is simple to collect; just divert the water from your drainpipe into a water butt or…

It may not be the most glamorous of tasks but cleaning and repairing the greenhouse in preparation for the season’s seedlings, cuttings and plug plants is best done before you get too busy.  Removing algae, moss and grime will let…

Paddling pools become a staple piece of garden furniture for many families during the summer.  Whilst these plastic blow- up pools provide plenty of fun for the kids they can also play havoc with your lawn.  Many people leave their…

Fireworks bring a sparkle to November with many of us choosing to celebrate Bonfire night from the comfort of our own homes. Whilst most of us love the colour and noise that light up the sky we do not love…