garden care

Oh, I do like a garden trellis. I like it if it’s smart and upright, and I like it when it’s missing bits and lurching unsteadily. Whenever I see one I feel quite encouraged. I think it shows that somebody cares and that somebody has made the effort. Or at least that they did, once […]

We can really feel the days lengthening in February and the birds are starting to sing, morning and evening. As long as the ground isn’t rock hard with frost or snow, it’s time to get ahead with February jobs in the garden. February jobs: chit potatoes It’s time for people in southern parts to chit […]

Gardeners are natural citizen scientists Birds are sensitive to environmental changes and so they are a good gauge of the health of your local ecosystem. That’s part of the thinking behind the Big Garden Birdwatch which takes place this year on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th January 2017. The Big Garden Birdwatch is […]

It’s so easy to choose Christmas presents for gardeners. Here are ten ideas which might suit a gardener you know. Plus a bonus idea for luck! Under £15 1. Seeds and/or a tin to keep them in Herb seeds (chives and parsley are good choices) will always be welcomed by people who love cooking. If […]

Clear up and use your garden compost to sort out your plants and improve the soil ready for next year. It will make your garden look and feel loved for the winter too. We have given you tips for autumn tidy ups in our previous blogs, and now we are gearing up for winter. Q: […]

Gardening novices, this is for you! Here we bring together the main points of what to do in autumn, with links to our more detailed blog posts. Autumn begins on 22nd September 2017. It’s not as busy a time in the garden as the spring but there’s still lots to do. Things to do ‘just […]

As the cooler weather of autumn arrives, it’s time for us to help the last of the tomatoes to ripen and to protect more tender plants. Time has flown and here we are in September. Like it or not, the summer is bowing out and the autumn’s gales and rain will soon be coming 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

 What is garden compost? In this post we’re talking about the compost made in a heap or bin out of garden and kitchen waste. We’re not talking about the commercially produced potting or seed compost for your seeds, seedlings and houseplants which comes in sacks from nurseries and garden centres. Phew! Glad we got that […]

The risk of frost is over (in south west England) so annual bedding plants are out along my garden path and in the border I can see from the kitchen. Young Cosmos and Verbena bonarensis will grow fast. But there are gaps. Some will soon be filled with growth from last year’s new or divided […]