Rattan News

How do I store rattan furniture? During the summer months, there are few things more relaxing than spending the warm evenings sat on your rattan corner sofa with a nice cold drink. But what do you do with your rattan furniture when autumn begins? Here are our tips for storing your rattan furniture when it’s […]

From 8-14 August 2016, allotment sites around the country opened their gates to tell us how and why allotments are good for you, good for communities and good for the environment.  Organised by the National Allotment Society (NSALG), National Allotments Week offered a way to find out about allotments in your area. I had a […]

Where I am, in lovely summery days, gardeners are starting to prepare for winter. For me, winter is not a welcome thought but deep in my bones there is an urge to save some summer to enjoy in winter. So this week I have two garden jobs that make the most of summer days and […]

Rain or shine, gardens keep on growing and garden jobs keep on coming. Early August, and the next few weeks, is all about keeping your garden and pots in good shape. Make sure plants have enough water: link up with friends and neighbours to water each other’s pots and gardens during holidays away. Keep on […]

It is summer – for now! A long weekend in the Cotswolds proved it – everywhere was awash with flowers spilling out from hanging baskets, pots and garden borders. Hanging baskets – ingredients for success Good planting early in the season (and a mix of plants that grow up and hang down to create a […]

Here in the UK, American style barbecue has been taking off in a big way. When the good folk of the US say barbecue, what they mean is the low and slow style of smoked meat that they excel at. Over there, cooking a burger or sausage over hot coals is known as grilling, and […]

July jobs in the garden are a mix of enjoying your garden with feet up in the sunshine (in our dreams?), holding back the tide of fast growing weeds and grass, and a chance to make the most of your plants and prolong their summer show. Deadheading We know you know, we told you in […]

Keeping your rattan garden furniture safe in poor weather conditions Here in the UK, We’re used to poor weather. Storms and windy days are commonplace throughout the year, which is why it’s so important to keep your rattan garden furniture secure. If you’re looking for ways to stop your rattan furniture blowing away in poor […]

At this time of year cutting lawn grass seems to be THE urgent job. Grass grows fast in rainy days and warm sun (so do weeds, but that is another story, and another blog). My garden lawn seems to chase me. One day it looks pretty good, the next it is OK, the next it […]

Why are strawberries called strawberries? Strawberries planted back in April are starting to swell now. Soon they’ll be ready to eat. But before they get to that mouth-watering bright-red-all-over-stage and the weather is warm and they are at their most delicious, the plants need a little more care and attention. Especially if they’re in the […]

Celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with days out in royal gardens What better way to celebrate than to visit royal gardens? Where to start? Or end? So many gardens to choose from. Here are a few that provide enjoyment, relaxation and inspiration. But first – does the Queen ‘garden’? TV and radio coverage, books and […]

As unreliable as our British weather maybe, most of us like to cook outdoors on the BBQ at every available opportunity. This may be the time that you are planning to buy a new barbecue, or just considering increasing the range of things that you cook. Whilst you can get away with lighting a bag […]