50 Front Garden Ideas to Inspire You!
Your front garden is the first impression guests and passersby get of your home. Whether you’re working with a small […]
50 Front Garden Ideas to Inspire You! Read More »
Becky's Key Areas of Expertise
Informational Articles
Becky's Backstory & Experience
I grew up in a tiny Dorset village where growing your own and having a great front garden was the norm. Since then, I’ve moved about settling for a time in London and then Reading. Wherever I went, I took with me that ingrained love of gardens and wildlife.
I have a productive kitchen garden with a herb bed for soaps, a wildlife area, ex-battery hens, and a wildflower allotment just up the road. Most importantly, I have lots of seating that catches the sun, so I can always drink a cup of tea in the warmth.
When I plant flowers, they’re for pollinators. Giving wildlife and the environment a helping hand is my real passion. I regularly rescue and release hedgehogs – sometimes even keeping small ones over winter.
Locally I’m known as ‘The Nature Lady’. I help at a local wildlife rescue centre with foxes, pheasants, pigeons, grass snakes, wood mice – all sorts. I’m often found with an exhausted and shivering Dumbledore in my coat pocket.
One of the gardens I’m most proud of are at my son’s school where I’ve introduced a sensory herb area and a veggie patch. Involving children with the upkeep is important to me. I love sending kids home plastered in mud (their parents not so much!), conquering their fear of bees, and explaining why plastic and pesticides are such problems for the environment.
I love writing for DIY Garden because it’s all about helping you enjoy outdoor spaces, improving lives through nature, and interacting with the natural world around us – all in an achievable and practical way.
Becky Has Written These Product Reviews
Beckys Has Tested These Products
Pest Control
Deadfast Concentrated Weed Killer Sachets Review- Gallup Home & Garden Weed Control Review
- Job Done Tough Weedkiller Review
- Neudorff WeedFree Plus Concentrated Weed Killer Review
- Resolva 24H Ready To Use Power Pump Weed Killer Review
- Roundup Fast Action Weedkiller Pump ‘N Go Ready To Use Spray Review
- Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer Tough Weed Killer Review
- Weedol Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate Liquid Review
- Weedol Ultra Tough WeedKiller Liquid Concentrate Review
- Green Habitats Weedburner
- Parkland Electric Weed Burner
- ToolTronix Electric Weed Burner
- URBN GARDEN 3-in-1 Electric Weed Burner
- Rootblast Super Concentrated Weed Killer
Garden Shredders
Outdoor Activities
- DR OTEK Metal Detecting Folding Shovel Review
- Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector Review
- Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector Review
Pressure Washers
- Kärcher OC3 Mobile Outdoor Cleaner Review
- Norse SK25i Portable Pressure Washer Review
- Wesco WS88oo Cordless Portable Pressure Washer Review
- WORX WG620E 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer Review
- Yard Force Aquajet Cordless Portable Pressure Washer Review
Garden Vacuums
- Bosch Universal Garden Tidy Blower & Vacuum
- VonHaus 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum & Mulcher
- Hyundai HYBV3000E Electric Leaf Blower, Vacuum & Shredder
- Terratek Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Shredder
- Handy THEV Electric Leaf Blower & Garden Vacuum
Garden Tools
50+ Back Garden Ideas I Love ❤️
Transforming my back garden has been one of my favorite projects. Over the years, I’ve come across so many fantastic
50+ Back Garden Ideas I Love ❤️ Read More »
41 Modern Garden Fence Ideas UK (Cheap & Colourful)
The Best Garden Fence Ideas UK A fence can be so much more than just a practical boundary line. Fences
41 Modern Garden Fence Ideas UK (Cheap & Colourful) Read More »
The Ultimate Guide to Composting: How to Make Your Own Compost Heap
If like me you seem to spend a lot of money buying soil improver, composts, mulch, and paying the council
The Ultimate Guide to Composting: How to Make Your Own Compost Heap Read More »
How To Build A Bug Hotel!
Bug hotels are a great way to start connecting with nature! If you’re looking to green up your outdoor space,
How To Build A Bug Hotel! Read More »
How to Move Your Garden Shed
If you need to move your garden shed, there’s a clever little technique you can follow. All you need is
How to Move Your Garden Shed Read More »
How to Build a Bowling Alley in Your Back Garden
Not everyone enjoys lazing on a recliner in sunny weather, and for those who prefer to be active, lawn games
How to Build a Bowling Alley in Your Back Garden Read More »
The Ultimate Guide To Grass Snakes!
Grass snakes are totally harmless, but it’s fair to say the majority of us would be shocked and scared to
The Ultimate Guide To Grass Snakes! Read More »
The Ultimate Guide to Butterflies & How to Prevent Their Decline
Butterflies and moths have been around for millions of years. They used to be a common sight in gardens, but
The Ultimate Guide to Butterflies & How to Prevent Their Decline Read More »
28 Zen Japanese Garden Ideas UK (Modern & Budget-Friendly)
The Ultimate List of Zen Japanese Garden Ideas UK 1. Build a Miniature Garden Here are all the aspects of
28 Zen Japanese Garden Ideas UK (Modern & Budget-Friendly) Read More »
12 Ways Mushroom Compost Will Improve Your Soil
Mushroom compost is often recommended as a mulch to improve your plant growth, but what exactly is it, why is
12 Ways Mushroom Compost Will Improve Your Soil Read More »
Ericaceous Compost: What is it & Which Plants Need it?
The Ultimate Guide to Ericaceous Compost Walk through the compost section of any garden centre and you will be overwhelmed
Ericaceous Compost: What is it & Which Plants Need it? Read More »
The Ultimate Guide to Looking After Hedgehogs
Help Save The Hedgehog! Hedgehogs are small, brown mammals with a spiny back and fluffy underbelly. They have long pointed
The Ultimate Guide to Looking After Hedgehogs Read More »
Small Garden Ideas to Transform Your Garden into a Relaxing Haven
City living has its drawbacks, and one of the biggest sacrifices that people make when choosing to live in an
Small Garden Ideas to Transform Your Garden into a Relaxing Haven Read More »
VegTrug: The Easiest Way to Grow Vegetables at Home?
What is a VegTrug ? In the most basic sense a VegTrug is a container big enough to grow plants
VegTrug: The Easiest Way to Grow Vegetables at Home? Read More »
Garden Bars & Shed Pubs: Bring Your Local Home!
Looking for a weekend retreat where you can sink a few beers and watch some footy in peace? Or has your
Garden Bars & Shed Pubs: Bring Your Local Home! Read More »
The 33 Best Trees For Small Gardens
There is something deeply spiritual about trees, standing silently as they watch generations passing by. Versatile and adaptable, the correct
The 33 Best Trees For Small Gardens Read More »
The Ultimate Guide to Mulching & Why Your Garden Loves It!
What is Mulching? Mulching refers to placing a protective and potentially nutritional barrier around your plants to improve health and
The Ultimate Guide to Mulching & Why Your Garden Loves It! Read More »
28 Natural Garden Pond Ideas (Raised & Waterfall Designs)
My Favourite Garden Pond Ideas 1. Create a Raised Oasis Raised ponds create an enchanted feel in the garden. Even
28 Natural Garden Pond Ideas (Raised & Waterfall Designs) Read More »
28 Modern Garden Lighting Ideas UK (Trending Pictures This Year)
The Best Garden Lighting Ideas UK Lighting in the garden can dramatically enhance and transform the outdoor space. Not only
28 Modern Garden Lighting Ideas UK (Trending Pictures This Year) Read More »
Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting an Allotment
Starting an Allotment: The Ultimate Guide You may have been thinking about getting an allotment for a while, or it
Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting an Allotment Read More »
77 Creative Garden Design Ideas UK (Modern, Simple & Cheap!)
The Ultimate List of Creative Garden Design Ideas UK Gardens don’t have to consist simply of a lawn and some
77 Creative Garden Design Ideas UK (Modern, Simple & Cheap!) Read More »
7 Fast Growing Trees For More Privacy In Your Garden
Tall, verdant branches swishing gently in the summer breeze. What better way to spend a lazy Saturday than relaxing in
7 Fast Growing Trees For More Privacy In Your Garden Read More »
British Bees: How to Protect Their Declining Population
Why Should We Protect Bees? Bees are a part of our landscapes and gardens, we know what they are and
British Bees: How to Protect Their Declining Population Read More »
Composting With Coffee Grounds – Good For Plants or Just a Fad?
Making use of coffee grounds in the garden is a great idea because it turns an otherwise wasted product into
Composting With Coffee Grounds – Good For Plants or Just a Fad? Read More »
41 Modern Garden Landscaping Ideas (Trending This Year)
My Favourite Modern Landscaping Ideas 1. Focus on Patios in Small Gardens Good landscaping ideas are all about thoroughly planning
41 Modern Garden Landscaping Ideas (Trending This Year) Read More »
How To Create A Garden Border in 10 Steps
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Garden Border When it comes to creating a new garden border, you’ll need to
How To Create A Garden Border in 10 Steps Read More »
21 Awesome Benefits of Having Artificial Grass in Your Garden
If you’re considering a move to artificial grass, here are 21 reasons why it’s genuinely a good idea to fake
21 Awesome Benefits of Having Artificial Grass in Your Garden Read More »
13 Common Garden Pests & How to Keep Them Out!
There’s nothing quite so disheartening to a gardener than discovering all your hard work has been eaten or otherwise destroyed by
13 Common Garden Pests & How to Keep Them Out! Read More »
How To Use A Weed Burner
Weed burners are handy pieces of kit if you don’t fancy bending down to weed or don’t want to use
How To Use A Weed Burner Read More »
What To Put In The Bottom of A Planter For Drainage
Good drainage is essential when you’re planting into a container. It’s true that plants need plenty of water, but waterlogged
What To Put In The Bottom of A Planter For Drainage Read More »
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Botany & Plant Science
Botany, understood broadly, is among the oldest branches of science, with origins in the distant past. Interest in plants goes
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Botany & Plant Science Read More »
How to Attract Local Wildlife to Your Garden
Your garden should be a natural oasis of beauty and calm. You want it to thrive and grow, but that’s
How to Attract Local Wildlife to Your Garden Read More »
How to Attract Interesting Birds to Your Garden
Have you watched the birds recently? If not, I’d heartily recommend it. Our UK birds include bully robins, timid wrens,
How to Attract Interesting Birds to Your Garden Read More »
6 Ways You & Your Kids Can Save Endangered Insects
We live alongside billions of insects here on planet Earth, but a new study estimates a third of them are
6 Ways You & Your Kids Can Save Endangered Insects Read More »
The Ultimate Wildlife Rescue Guide
If you’ve ever spotted a wild animal in trouble and wished you could help this guide is for you… We’re
The Ultimate Wildlife Rescue Guide Read More »
How to Grow Kale
Kale is one of those fool-proof crops that everyone should grow because it’s hardy in the cold months, it’s resistant
How High Can A Garden Fence Be?
Fences are a garden necessity from keeping the dog in to keeping strangers out, you need a safe and secure
How High Can A Garden Fence Be? Read More »
7 Creative DIY Ideas To Transform Your Garden This Christmas
Elegant Christmas Garden Ideas Take your winter garden from boring to blissful this festive season with some simple yet effective
7 Creative DIY Ideas To Transform Your Garden This Christmas Read More »
Transform Your Garden With These Ingenious DIY Wooden Pallet Ideas
Is your garden crying out for some new accessories that you just can’t afford? Our DIY garden pallet ideas will
Transform Your Garden With These Ingenious DIY Wooden Pallet Ideas Read More »
20 Magical Fairy Garden Ideas (Your Kids Will Love!)
These Are The Most Magical Fairy Garden Ideas! 1. DIY Fairy Garden Can you spot how this fairy house is
20 Magical Fairy Garden Ideas (Your Kids Will Love!) Read More »
The Ultimate Children’s Resource for Growing Projects at School
Thinking about creating a school garden? You’ve come to the right place! School growing projects and educational gardens are becoming
The Ultimate Children’s Resource for Growing Projects at School Read More »
How To Stop Decking Being Slippery
There’s no doubt about it, we Brits love a bit of decking. For me, it’s the ability to have a
How To Stop Decking Being Slippery Read More »
How to Heat a Garden Office
More than ever before, people have a garden office. Whether it’s been a lifelong dream or a way to work
How to Heat a Garden Office Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in August
Welcome August! It’s been a wet and windy road so the garden is behind. Never fear, it has time to
What to Do in The Garden in August Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in September
It’s September already. How did that happen? It’s been a wet and dull summer for the most part and the
What to Do in The Garden in September Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in October
October is a mixed bag of weather with darker evenings, so it’s very easy to just shut the door on
What to Do in The Garden in October Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in November
I’m having some trouble believing we’re in November already. There’s not much to do outside now, but it’s a good
What to Do in The Garden in November Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in January
Welcome to 2022 – another year of gardening awaits us as the days lengthen and the garden starts to grow.
What to Do in The Garden in January Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in December
December has finally arrived! A very merry Christmas to you all. Here’s hoping we can spend some time with family
What to Do in The Garden in December Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in March
March has finally arrived and gardeners can get more involved with their outside spaces after a long winter. There’s lots
What to Do in The Garden in March Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in May
May is such a beautiful month in the garden. I love it because we have perennials and annuals out in
What to Do in The Garden in May Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in February
Freezing February is upon us, and it seems like there’s little to do other than stare longingly from the window
What to Do in The Garden in February Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in April
At last, it’s spring and all systems go in the garden. Lots of plants are waking up and we’ve already
What to Do in The Garden in April Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in June
Welcome to June, one of the best months of our year because it’s warm, the nights are light until 9
What to Do in The Garden in June Read More »
What to Do in The Garden in July
That’s more like it! Sunshine and warmer temperatures are here to light up our gardens. Summer flowering plants are going
What to Do in The Garden in July Read More »
34 Unique Garden Path Ideas UK (Modern & Budget-Friendly)
The Ultimate List of Garden Path Ideas UK If you’re looking for a new way to get from A to
34 Unique Garden Path Ideas UK (Modern & Budget-Friendly) Read More »
The Foolproof Guide to Container Gardening
Container gardening is great fun and perfect for the smallest of spaces. A small balcony can hold a container, and
The Foolproof Guide to Container Gardening Read More »
13 Contemporary Garden Room Ideas UK (For Modern Living)
The UK’s Best Contemporary Garden Room Ideas 1. Garden Room Extension This garden room extension is a big undertaking but
13 Contemporary Garden Room Ideas UK (For Modern Living) Read More »
How to Install Privacy Screens in Your Garden
Are nosy neighbours or an unsightly shed getting you down? Let’s talk screening. A private garden encourages everyone to head
How to Install Privacy Screens in Your Garden Read More »
How To Build A Garden Office Room
Thinking about working from home? Maybe you need some more space? Find out how building a garden room might just
How To Build A Garden Office Room Read More »
The Natural Antidepressant In Soil: How Gardening Makes You Happy
People experiencing depression may have a viable option to medication if studies into soil microbes are correct. Researchers have discovered
The Natural Antidepressant In Soil: How Gardening Makes You Happy Read More »
How To Line A Wooden Planter Box
Tools You’ll Need to Line a Wooden Planter Box A wooden planter box Plastic lining either sheet plastic, a tarpaulin,
How To Line A Wooden Planter Box Read More »
How To Build An Alpine Planter
Alpine planters are interesting and attractive additions to all types of gardens – in fact you don’t even need a
How To Build An Alpine Planter Read More »
5 Stunning Garden Mirror Ideas That’ll Add Real Character
In recent years, garden mirrors have become a popular addition to garden design, and it’s easy to see why. Besides
5 Stunning Garden Mirror Ideas That’ll Add Real Character Read More »
Personalise Your Garden With These Great Upcycling Ideas
About to throw out that old chest of drawers or rusting chandelier? Don’t! Upcycling ideas have exploded in popularity recently,
Personalise Your Garden With These Great Upcycling Ideas Read More »
How to Fix Your Garden Fencing
A garden perimeter is one of the first things we look at outside and it provides safety from intruders too.
How to Fix Your Garden Fencing Read More »
