Hanging baskets are the perfect way to create interesting flower displays at eye-level. Position baskets with fragrant flowers near doorways and entrances, brighten patios, walls and fences with a burst of interesting foliage and colour. There are three main types of hanging basket to choose from: Plastic – Plantopia Easy Fill baskets are an innovative, best selling design, making planting … Continue reading →

This weekend (Sat 21st – Sun 22nd April) the National Trust are giving you the opportunity to explore their houses and gardens for FREE! With more than 200 participating venues across the country, theres sure to be somewhere near to you. Many houses and gardens hold secrets ripe for exploring and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. They care for … Continue reading →

Today marks the start of National Gardening Week, run by the RHS to encourage people across the UK to get gardening. Thousands of people across the country have come together and are getting involved to enjoy, share and celebrate everything about gardens and gardening. Communities and organisations are hosting garden open days, parties, quizzes, plant swaps and a wealth of … Continue reading →

A bouquet of fresh flowers makes us feel good – whether you receive them as a gift, to congratulate, celebrate, say thank you – or even when you’re treating yourself. The intention behind flowers can mean so much, so it’s important that we look after arrangements to help keep them fresh and healthy for maximum enjoyment! Here are a few … Continue reading →

With much of the UK facing water shortage problems and hosepipe bans already announced for some areas, gardeners face a challenge this summer. However, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your garden green whilst saving water: Install a water butt in the garden to collect, store and recycle rainwater. You can also use water from … Continue reading →

Weeds are often seen as the bane of the gardener’s life, but with many common weeds once important for herbal, medicinal and culinary uses, perhaps it’s time to re-think our attitudes towards the wilder plants living in the garden. Many weeds are edible, delicious and packed with vitamins and nutrients, so why not put them to good use? Here are … Continue reading →

Today is St Davids Day, and in tribute to their patron Saint, the National Botanical Garden of Wales in Swansea is opening its gates to everyone with free admission.  They have an amazing collection of plants, with over 8000 different varieties spread across 560 acres of beautiful countryside. The Great Glass House was designed by Lord Foster and uses 21st … Continue reading →

  The appearance of the snowdrop is often taken as a welcome herald of spring. This photo was taken last weekend at Ness Botanic gardens in Wirral, and as the blankets of white flowers challenge the winter to retreat, there’s certainly some milder weather forecast for the next few days with temperature predicted to peak at 16 degrees in some … Continue reading →

As we head into late winter, the threat of frost and snow remains a possibility, but we can still get started germinating seeds in a greenhouse or on an indoor window sill. Then, as soon as we’re safely into spring, seedlings will be ready to transfer directly to the garden, giving an extra month of beautiful blooms, or early vegetable … Continue reading →

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream.” Barbara Winkler This time of year always represents a source of excitement for gardeners as we can start gearing up for the spring. However, February … Continue reading →