Nothing beats star-gazing under a blanket on a brisk winter’s evening. But you won’t last longer than 5 minutes without some assistance! That’s why a trusty patio heater is well worth the money. However, when it comes to choosing the right one, there’s not a great deal of solid advice out there. So hopefully this […]
There’s nothing better than stepping outside and smelling the delicious scent of succulent burgers sizzling on the BBQ. There’s also nothing worse when you realise that smell is coming from your neighbours! So if you love the idea of a spontaneous BBQ, and don’t want the faff of waiting around for it to heat up, […]
If you love the authenticity and taste of grilling over coals, a Charcoal BBQ is definitely the way to go. Plus the market isn’t what it used to be, Charcoal BBQs have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. From fast temperature adjustments to side smokers, a Charcoal BBQ is a serious […]
Chimineas have grown massively in popularity over the last few years, especially here in the UK. It’s not hard to see why; they’re attractive and functional. They make a wonderful centre piece for your decking or patio, and keep you warm on those cool summer evenings. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration […]
Fire pits make a wonderful garden feature. Nothing quite beats sharing a glass of wine with friends around the roaring fire – especially on a pleasant summer evening! I purchased one recently, and naturally, did quite a bit of research. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here are the most unique, innovative, […]
Is your dream of an outdoor sanctuary hindered by dense, scrubby bushes and weeds? Does the thought of back-breaking digging prevent you from transforming your overgrown jungle into a relaxing haven? Then look no further than the Root Assassin Shovel! Large holes and strong roots are no match for this extreme spade, meaning you can […]
Making the most of your outdoor space is so important. Most of us Brits aren’t blessed with huge gardens, so the trick to it is having multiple uses for one space. That’s why I think garden storage benches are a great idea. On the face of it, it’s a simple seating area to enjoy a […]
It’s a common problem – you’re not blessed with outdoor space, yet you need somewhere for storage. If you’ve got a small garden, the last thing you want to do is lose half of it to your garden shed! Thankfully, there are some very practical options for you. Ones that will enable you to store your […]
Quell the cries of boredom this summer with a DIY garden racetrack. Ridiculously easy and insanely impressive, this nifty little project will have your mini Stigs spellbound for hours on end. Guaranteed to put an end to holiday tedium, this fantastic garden feature will keep the kids entertained while you get on with tending your […]
Not everyone enjoys lazing on a recliner in sunny weather, and for those who prefer to be active, lawn games are the ideal compromise for a lively yet relaxing pastime. We came across this amazing DIY bowling alley that is sure to keep the whole family entertained all summer long, and we couldn’t wait to […]
It’s a sunny Friday evening at the end of a long work week and you’re longing for a cold beer and some well-deserved respite in your garden. The last thing you want interrupting your peaceful refuge is the sight of your next door neighbour barbecuing in his shorts, right? In today’s world, it seems impossible […]
Tall, verdant branches swishing gently in the summer breeze. What better way to spend a lazy Saturday than relaxing in the shade of your favourite tree with a cocktail and a good book? Versatile and multi-faceted, the rustic charm and vibrancy of a tree will breathe life into any space, as well as offer privacy […]
If you’ve got a small garden, you’ll know how important it is to utilise your space. Sure, that 9 seater rattan corner sofa is exquisite, but is it really worth losing half your garden?! In this post I’m going to share with you 7 of my favourite garden furniture pieces that are perfect for a […]
There is something deeply spiritual about trees, standing silently as they watch generations passing by. Versatile and adaptable, the correct species will add huge dimension and depth to your outdoor refuge, while complementing existing shrubs and perennials perfectly. Their leafy stature offers the illusion of luxurious serenity and the ritual of planting a tree is […]
Mulch is a great way to slowly feed your plants, help retain soil moisture, prevent weeds, stop soil erosion and give your garden a neat and tidy appearance. One of the best organic mulches is bark mulch because it’s long-lasting and hard-wearing. Bark mulch will eventually rot down to feed plants, but in the meantime […]
Mushroom compost is often recommended as a mulch to improve your plant growth, but what exactly is it, why is it so useful and should you get some? What Is Mushroom Compost? Mushroom compost is the growing material that’s left over from the process of growing mushrooms on an industrial scale. It’s sometimes referred to […]
You might see a garden shredder is an unnecessary indulgence, at least that’s what I used to think as I eyed them up online and shuffled around garden centre offerings. It was only when I took the plunge (see my market research here) that I realised garden shredders are a god-send and now I can’t live without […]
What kid doesn’t want a trampoline for their garden? They’re hours of fun and provide great exercise. But the one little niggle for us as parents is of course, safety. You want to be able to let them get on and play, but you just can’t help yourself peering out the window every five minutes. […]
What is Mulching? Mulching refers to placing a protective and potentially nutritional barrier around your plants to improve health and the garden’s appearance. Compost, pebbles, manure or fabric is ‘mulch’. You don’t have to mulch, but you’ll be surprised at what a difference it can make, particularly if you use bio-degradable mulch that feeds the […]
Whether you call them pruning shears or secateurs, there’s no denying the utility offered by these garden tools. However, while there are quite a few brands out there to choose from, Felco make the best secateurs for your money. Yes, that’s a big claim to make, but it’s actually pretty easy to see why I’m […]
As an avid gardener, weeds are the bane of my life! There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of weed species that can invade your garden, set up shop, and proliferate out of control. Eradicating them quickly is important. While you can do with handy tools, weed killers offer a simpler solution – just spray and watch as […]
Whether your hedge has grown wild, your rose bush is out of control, or your lawn isn’t quite a pristine as it was, you need a trusted pair of garden shears that are up to the challenge! Below I’ve outlined what I believe to be the best garden shears on the market. I personally own the Bosch […]
Weeds grow in almost any soil type or climate, and can quickly choke out desirable growth. Thankfully, there are ways to control them – I’ve identified seven of the best weeding tools, so you can get a chokehold on the invaders before they take over your garden.
Whether you’re planting flowers, growing your own produce, or trying to keeping your lawn healthy one thing remains the same – you need best garden hose for the job. Although it sounds like one of the more boring purchases you’ll make for you garden, the hose market is actually quite innovative these days. Traditional garden hoses […]
What is a Veg Trug ? In the most basic sense a VegTrug is a container big enough to grow plants in. The reality is that they are a space-saving extra slice of garden with perfect soil that also looks great. The bragging rights are massive when your friends are introduced to an overflowing VegTrug. […]
Not all of us have perfect ‘Gardener’s World’ type affairs outside. Many of us have micro gardens with no room to dig up the soil. Some of us are renting. This is not an excuse! You can still grow your own vegetables. Container grown veg is just as tasty as soil grown, and you can […]
Acid, alkaline or neutral soil: does it actually matter? This topic is going to cause some debate… An overly acidic or alkaline soil pH can mean your garden doesn’t have enough of the nutrients your plants require. Is this a problem? It depends on your gardening personality. There are several different types of gardener as […]
There’s something incredibly magical about gardening. Place a seed in the soil, add water and sunlight, and – presto – you’ve got a living, growing plant. That magic can enthral adults, but it has an incredible effect on children. Involving your children in gardening offers a number of benefits, too, ranging from giving you more […]
If your little one is anything like mine, he wants to be just like Mum and Dad. And as soon as he sees me out in the garden, he wants to get involved. So, I decided to get him his own little children’s gardening tool set– partly so he’s stop picking up my monster spade […]
Getting outside in the fresh air and enjoying what nature has to offer is beneficial to your health no matter what your age. Having an interest in nature and the great outdoors is vital for your wellbeing, and especially important when you start to get older and might not have as much motivation to get […]
