Spring is historically the best time to sell a property – with properties selling fastest in March, according to home sellers advice group The Advisory. And with stiff competition from other sellers, first impressions really do count. According to a …
Selling Up? Five Tips to Give Your Home Kerb Appeal Read More »
Who would have thought a year ago that the way we use our homes would undergo such a dramatic change? But the pandemic has led to many of us staying at home more and re-thinking the way we use our …
Wilderness. We all have an image in mind of what that word means. Some might picture the majestic mountains, glaciers, and towering conifers of Alaska, while others might imagine the vast expanse of the Amazon, teeming with all sorts of …
The Ultimate Guide to Help Prevent Deforestation Read More »
Chillies are so much more versatile than many people realise. While the chillies available in most supermarkets may taste quite similar, with equal levels of heat too, there are actually hundreds of different varieties that you could grow, with each …
How to Easily Grow Hundreds of Tasty Chillies at Home Read More »
There’s a myth out there that giant onions, those same ones that you see winning country shows, don’t taste good, but this is definitely not the case. In fact, grow them correctly and you’ll not only end up with onions …
Whether you’ve just moved home and simply don’t like the front door, or your old door is ill-fitting, rotten and in need of TLC, here’s the lowdown on materials, styles and prices for a grand new entrance. Should I paint …
Opening Up About Front Doors: Should You Paint or Replace? Read More »
Garlic is one of those essential ingredients that’s used by cultures all over the world. People first started growing garlic more than 7000 years ago, and it’s still one of the most popular plants in kitchen gardens today. It’s easy …
Garden Ideas on a Budget 1. Small Garden On a Budget Small gardens can be beautiful without spending lots of cash. This budget-friendly pallet is blinged up with vibrant paint and filled with inexpensive bedding plants. Bedding plants are cheap …
22 Garden Ideas On a Budget For a Beautiful Garden That Won’t Cost The Earth! Read More »
Back Garden Ideas 1. Small Back Garden This small back garden is small but perfectly formed. It’s short on space but still manages to fit in a seating area, BBQ, and plenty of flowers for pollinators. The oversized pots make …
26 Back Garden Ideas To Inspire You To Make The Most Of Your Back Garden Space Read More »
Garden Room Ideas 1. Garden Room Extension This garden room extension is a big undertaking but it’ll create lots of extra room and increase the value of your home. The skylights make it bright and the styling is ultra-modern. The …
13 Garden Room Ideas To Create Extra Living Space From Your Garden Read More »
Garden Seating Ideas 1. Garden Seating Area Here’s a cosy chair for your garden seating area. This egg chair is a modern version of a rocking chair and they look contemporary in an urban garden. Get one for each family …
20 Garden Seating Ideas For The Whole Family To Enjoy This Summer Read More »
Garden Landscaping Ideas 1. Small Garden Landscaping This small landscaped garden has it all. Plenty of seating, lots of greenery, and great design. It goes to show you can have a small garden and still create a beautiful outside space. …
41 Garden Landscaping Ideas For The Perfect Layout For Your Garden Read More »
Most gardeners would agree that tomatoes are one of the most rewarding foods to grow. The texture, fragrance, and flavor of a homegrown tomato completely outshines that of store-bought alternatives, especially since many of the best varieties aren’t even sold …
How to Grow Juicy and Flavorful Tomatoes at Home Read More »
Source Many plants happily flourish over the summer months without any human intervention, but it’s a different story in the winter. Icy temperatures, bitter winds, days of endless rain – the winter months are difficult for many plants to cope …
Garden Bar Ideas 1. Garden Bar Design Ideas An outbuilding is the perfect garden bar design because it has security, a roof, and a ready-made serving-hatch window! Add a few bar stools, lights, even a table inside and you have …
15 Garden Bar Ideas for Hosting the Ultimate Garden Parties! Read More »
Garden Pond Ideas 1. Raised Garden Pond Check out this lovely raised garden pond. Raised ponds are a great way to prevent accidental falls or Rover diving in, and it also means you don’t have to dig out tons of …
28 Garden Pond Ideas For a Little Wildlife In Your Own Back Garden Read More »
Garden Path Ideas 1. Garden Path Edging These large individual rocks add decorative detail to a garden path and have the added benefit of holding back wayward flowers. Individual rocks are great because you can use them in a straight …
34 Garden Path Ideas to Add Decorative Detail to Your Garden Read More »
Fairy Garden Ideas 1. DIY Fairy Garden Can you spot how this fairy house is made? Lolly sticks! Let your inner Blue Peter out with this magical little home for fairies that’s just perfect indoors or outdoors. Match it to …
20 Fairy Garden Ideas for a Magical & Enchanted Garden Read More »
Japanese Garden Ideas 1. Japanese Garden For Small Spaces Here are all the aspects of a Japanese garden but in a small space! We have running water, rocks, decorative sands, and the Buddha combined to make a small but perfectly …
28 Japanese Garden Ideas For a Beautifully Zen Outdoor Space Read More »
Garden Fence Ideas 1. Front Garden Fence A front garden presents your home to the world so it needs to look good. A white fence always looks fresh, and fence posts let in plenty of light to keep your flowers …
41 Garden Fence Ideas That Are Practical and Stylish! Read More »
Garden Wall Ideas 1. Front Garden Wall A front garden wall can create a backdrop for something much more interesting. Here white trunked trees stand out against the darker wall and bring height, whilst box balls add lower interest. Simple …
33 Garden Wall Ideas To Turn Something Practical Into a Work of Art! Read More »
Garden Patio Ideas 1. Small Patio Garden A perfect design for small patio gardens, this urban garden incorporates two small patios made from tumbled pavers. A diagonal flagstone path splits the space which makes the garden look bigger. The edges …
20 Garden Patio Ideas to Make the Most of Your Relaxing Garden Space Read More »
Garden Decking Ideas 1. Decking For Sloping Gardens Tiered decking suits a sloped garden. By building tiers you conquer the slopes and make several practical flat decks to work and play on. This useful two-tier deck incorporates four-tier stairs so …
23 Garden Decking Ideas for Inspiration for Your Contemporary Garden! Read More »
Making use of coffee grounds in the garden is a great idea because it turns an otherwise wasted product into something very useful indeed. Here’s how you can make use of coffee grounds in the garden. What Are Coffee Grounds? …
Composting With Coffee Grounds – Good For Plants or Just a Fad? Read More »
A neglected garden will look much better with a thorough clean. After a weekend of scrubbing, raking, and digging your outdoor space will look much more inviting even though you haven’t replaced anything or spent a lot of money. Roll …
How’s your lawn looking? Brown, patchy, long, filled with moss? Don’t worry, it can be sorted out in a weekend. Spring or Autumn is the best time to sort out your lawn. In winter its too wet, and in summer …
A garden perimeter is one of the first things we look at outside and it provides safety from intruders too. But is yours looking past its best? No worries, you can fix your fence throughout a weekend. Here’s how: Clean …
Raised beds are a popular way to grow vegetables or flowers if the soil is poor or you need some extra height. Kids love them too, a little raised bed of their own is a great way to kick start …
Does your garden need some new life? What about a new flower border? Here’s how to create a flower border in one weekend. Where To Place a New Garden Border? Creating a border that runs along your fence line just …
Container gardening is great fun and perfect for the smallest of spaces. A small balcony can hold a container, and if you’re not up for digging a border then pots can transform your garden. Installing a few potted containers is …
Our gardens tend to be landscaped, decked, mown, and fenced. This leaves few options for wildlife that would naturally move in. If your outside space is devoid of life how about spending a weekend welcoming wildlife into your garden? Essential …
Encouraging children off the tech and into the garden is hard work, but if your garden is child friendly, they’ll enjoy their time outside. Here’s how to make your garden a play haven for kids. How to Create a Kids …
Over time decking gets dirty, slippery and looks faded but don’t worry because you can restore deck to its former glory in one weekend. The first job is to remove any furniture or plant pots and sweep away leaves or …
How To Clean Your Garden Decking & Give it the Refresh it Needs! Read More »
Are nosy neighbours or an unsightly shed getting you down? Let’s talk screening. A private garden encourages everyone to head outside and enjoy the fresh air. Here’s how you can install screening in one weekend. Block Out Your Neighbours With …
Rockeries are eye-catching garden features that do especially well on a slope or that piece of rough garden you despair of. The best plants for a rockery are alpines that grow naturally on mountainous slopes enjoying the good drainage and …
Eating outside is one of our favourite things to do when the weather warms up. Who doesn’t love a veggie kebab or hot pizza from your very own outdoor eating area? But hold on – is yours an embarrassment? Let’s …
An uneven garden is difficult to enjoy and it makes mowing the lawn properly impossible. To get the full benefit of a garden it needs safe, flat areas. Let’s take a look at how you can level your garden in …
Botany, understood broadly, is among the oldest branches of science, with origins in the distant past. Interest in plants goes back about as far as human history itself. Our earliest ancestors have always been a part of the larger natural …
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Botany & Plant Science Read More »
If you’re considering a move to artificial grass here are 21 good reasons why it’s beneficial to fake it! 1. No More Mowing Perhaps the biggest benefit to artificial grass is that it doesn’t need mowing – so you can …
21 Awesome Benefits of Having Artificial Grass in Your Garden Read More »
If you’ve ever spotted a wild animal in trouble and wished you could help this guide is for you… We’re going to cover practical steps you can take to help injured wildlife by running through the most common scenarios – …
Thinking about working from home? Maybe you need some more space? Find out how building a garden room might just be the answer you’re looking for. How to Choose the Right Garden Office Room An extension or loft conversion will …
There are endless possibilities for your front garden! We’ve sourced 30 of the best front garden ideas to inspire you to get creative. 1. Front Garden Border Source Lots of us have boring tarmacked parking spaces, but you can switch …
30 Creative Front Garden Ideas That’ll Inspire You Read More »
Grass snakes are totally harmless, but it’s fair to say the majority of us would be shocked and scared to see one swimming across the pond or disappearing into the flower border. Don’t be scared – this guide will give …
Bug hotels are a great way to start connecting with nature! If you’re looking to green up your outdoor space, entertain the kids, and be kind to the environment then an easy-build bug hotel is the best place to start. …
Woodworking is a profession as old as time, but it never goes out of fashion. Wood is a natural material we can all connect to, and what better way to experience that connection than making beautiful, useful, or preferably both, …
We live alongside billions of insects here on planet Earth, but a new study estimates a third of them are at risk. Insects are disappearing at a rate of 2.5% a year. That means if we keep going the way …
6 Ways You & Your Kids Can Save Endangered Insects Read More »
Have you watched the birds recently? If not, I’d heartily recommend it. Our UK birds include bully robins, timid wrens, gentle pigeons, and here-today-gone-tomorrow swallows all fighting for survival. It’s like a soap opera out there. I love it because …
Kale is one of those fool-proof crops that everyone should grow because it’s hardy in the cold months, it’s resistant to most diseases, and grows in all types of soil. Kale is a member of the brassica family. It’s a …
Take a journey of DIY discovery, and see exactly what’s possible in your garden with a bit of creative flair and elbow grease. We’ve sourced the very best garden design ideas that are creative, fun & achievable in a weekend! …
77 Creative Garden Design Ideas You’ll Absolutely Love! (2021 Edition) Read More »
The cut chrysanthemum is a familiar flower in supermarkets and florists, and is grown commercially in huge quantities. It is a traditional garden flower, and while its popular appeal has waxed and waned many times over the decades, it retains …
Chrysanthemum Care Guide: How to Grow Chrysanthemums Read More »
The Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, is a long-lived, free-flowering perennial that originates from South America. They grow from tubers, and produce lots of colourful flowers from June through to the first winter frosts on stems up to 1.2m tall, depending …
Alstroemeria Care Guide: How to Grow Alstroemeria Read More »
The Phlox genus encompasses nearly 70 species, and includes annuals, perennials and shrubs. Most of the perennial varieties are upright, but a few species are mat forming. Most of the popular garden varieties derive from the species Phlox paniculata, an …
Hyacinths are a delightful plant to grow for a burst of spring colour and fragrance. They can be grown in pots, window boxes and borders in groups to provide a lovely spring display. They are a great choice for growing …
Poinsettia has become the archetypal Christmas house plant. Its cheery red flowers are a common festive season sight in homes, garden centres and supermarkets across the UK. One recent estimate suggested that six million poinsettias are bought here every Christmas. …
This evergreen shrub is grown for its mass of beautiful, star-shaped white flowers, which have a delicate citrus fragrance, in late April through May. It also has attractive glossy foliage with leaves that are aromatic and shaped like small palm …
Choisya Ternata Care Guide: How to Grow Choisya Ternata Read More »
Camellias are one of the most popular evergreen early flowering garden shrubs, providing a short-lived but often intense splash of colour. As woodland plants, they grow best in light shade, although with watering and care some types will also thrive …
Alchemilla mollis, or lady’s mantle, is a herbaceous perennial that forms attractive, pale green clumps of leaves that are shaped like scallop shells. Being densely but finely hairy, these catch droplets of dew and rain, which sit as miniature spheres …
Hypericum, also known as Rose of Sharon or St John’s Wort, is grown for its profusion of golden- yellow flowers from July to October. Many types are evergreen or semi-evergreen. This is a tough, hardy and easy to grow shrub …
Cordyline is an easy to grow plant that adds a tropical vibe to the garden. It looks equally good in city or coastal gardens and anywhere you want to add an element of the exotic. These plants are woody-stemmed shrubs …
Weigela is a late spring flowering shrub that has abundant trumpet-shaped flowers. This delightful old-fashioned favourite has been enjoying something of a renaissance, as new cultivars have been developed that offer a variety of flower and leaf colours. The shades …
Mistletoe is an ancient plant that has intrigued us for centuries. It was often thought to have magical properties and right up to modern times, has been used as a folk remedy for various conditions. Mistletoe extract has recently been …
Allotments conjure up visions of carrots, potatoes and cabbages rammed into sacks. There’s so much you’re barely able to get your produce home. On overcast days you drink tea with neighbouring plot holders in a rickety iron building….it’s a lovely …
Ultimate Beginners Guide to Starting an Allotment Read More »
We should mention the recent arrival of brushless motors onto the cordless tool market. Brushless motors operate in a significantly more efficient way than their conventional ‘brushed’ counterparts. They use modified components and a small electronic sensor/controller in their motor …
What’s The Difference Between Brushed & Brushless Motors Read More »
One of the first things you may want to consider when discussing the variations between power tools is the concept of ‘power’ itself. How much power a tool is capable of delivering in order to perform a set of tasks? …
The Power in Power Drills – Speed, Torque & Gears Read More »
Once you have made the decision to go cordless and you know the category of drill you want then your next consideration should be the battery. Here are the things you should know. Please remember we’ll be talking about rechargeable …
Everything You Need to Know About Power Tool Batteries Read More »
What is a Drill Driver? The Drill Driver was invented by Black and Decker in 1961 and is the most popular power tool on the market today. Essentially it is a basic cordless rotary drill with the added function of …
Should your power tool be corded or cordless? This basic question is one of the first things you should consider when buying a power tool. Advances in battery technology mean that these days you can perform most tasks, even heavy …
There are over 124,000 power tool injuries each year. Keep yourself safe with our common-sense guide. 1. Review Your Clothing Forget dress to impress! Put on some comfortable gear and lose the loose jewellery. You’ll need some protective clothing. Safety …
The Drill Sergeant: 8 Simple Steps to Power Tool Safety Read More »
What is a Chuck? The chuck is the mechanism at the top of the drill into which you clamp and secure your drill bits. What are the Most Popular Chuck Sizes? For most power drills the 2 most popular sized …
Peonies are popular perennials that take pride of place in many traditional English country cottage gardens and mixed herbaceous borders. Their longevity, stunning blooms and easy-care nature more than make up for their rather short, late-spring flowering period. There are …
While not to everybody’s taste, Begonias are nevertheless popular and colourful bedding plants that find their way into many window boxes, containers and hanging baskets each summer. They are also widely used in traditional public park summer bedding schemes. They …
In 1802, the English poet William Wordsworth was ‘wandering as lonely as a cloud’ when he came across a sight that brought him such joy and pleasure that it inspired one of his best known poems. He had seen a …
Roses are one of the most popular plants in the garden. They are beloved for their beautiful flowers and intoxicating scent. There are many types and varieties to choose, from climbers and ramblers to elegant standards and tiny miniature varieties. …
Lily of the Valley is grown for its delicate, white flowers and delicious scent. These lovely plants come up year after year and flower in May. Each plant is small; however, together they form a carpet of white, bell-shaped flowers …
Lily of the Valley Care Guide: How to Grow Convallaria Majalis Read More »
The witch hazel is an unusual deciduous shrub or small tree. Although not closely related to the true hazels, there are some superficial similarities, including the leaf shape. It earns a place in the garden because of its winter interest. …
The delightful bell-shaped flowers of campanula make a lovely addition to the flower border. These plants come in cool shades of white and blue and sometimes warmer pinks. They flower throughout the warm summer months providing a delicate swathe of …
Bamboo is grown for its striking architectural stems and foliage. These plants are members of the grass family and most have a very upright habit. They look wonderful in modern gardens as well as adding a jungle like feel to …
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular garden shrub or small tree with shiny, evergreen leaves. Provided it is not pruned the previous autumn, it will produce masses of flattened heads of small, white flowers from April to June. Some people …
Photinia Care Guide: How to Grow Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Read More »
For many people, the vibrancy of this evergreen climber tumbling from gateways, walls, balconies and roadside trees brings back memories of summer holidays in the Mediterranean. Bougainvillea was discovered in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Central and South America during …
Bougainvillea Care Guide: How to Grow Bougainvillea Read More »
The glossy, strap-shaped leaves and striking trumpet flowers of Amaryllis bring welcome colour and brightness to the home in the depths of winter gloom. Provided the bulb is planted at the right time, the spectacular flowers will bring additional cheer …
Heavenly bamboos are slow-growing perennials with upright or gently arching stems that give the plants a similar appearance to bamboo. In the garden, they will eventually reach a height of up to 2m and develop a spread of approximately 1.5m. …
Nandina Domestica Care Guide: How to Grow Heavenly Bamboo Read More »
The hellebore or Christmas rose family consists of approximately 20 species of herbaceous or evergreen woodland perennials, many of which have become popular garden plants because of their tolerance of shade and habit of blooming very early in the year …
Hellebore Care Guide: How to Grow Christmas Roses Read More »
The passion flower belongs to a group of approximately 450 species of predominantly evergreen, woody climbers that grow in tropical woodland in North, Central and South America, with a few outliers in Australasia. In favourable conditions, the vines grow vigorously …
Passion Flower Care Guide: How to Grow Passion Flowers Read More »
This hardy evergreen with its large shiny leaves is a great addition to the garden adding a lovely tropical vibe. As an added bonus, it can survive in the most sunless corner of your garden where little else will grow. …
Fatsia Japonica Care Guide: How to Grow Japanese Aralia Read More »
It is easy to see how pyracantha got its common name, Firethorn. This shrub blazes with fiery berries in autumn and has very sharp thorns. For this reason, it is often used as a hedging plant to deter unwanted visitors …
Penstemon is a tall, spired perennial, that will give you plenty of bell-shaped blooms from June right up until the first frosts. These wonderful flowers come in a range of gorgeous colours. They are easy to grow and propagate and …
Penstemon Care Guide: How to Grow This Late Summer Beauty Read More »
With its abundant spires of honey-scented flowers, this plant is a must-have for the wildlife garden. Although it is not native to Britain, the nectar-rich flowers of these plants are a magnet for British butterflies and moths and can attract …
Rhododendrons are usually grown for their spectacular springtime blooms. There are many varies available, from large shrubs suitable for a woodland garden to dwarf alpine types appropriate for a smaller space. These plants need acid soil, so if you do …
Rhododendron Care Guide: How to Grow This Spring-Flowering Shrub Read More »
If like me you seem to spend a lot of money buying soil improver, composts, mulch, and paying the council to take away green waste then it’s time to consider home composting. Home composting is a great environmentally friendly way …
The Ultimate Guide to Composting: How to Make Your Own Compost Heap Read More »
Many people grow cyclamen as houseplants, but there are hardy varieties of these plants that look wonderful in the garden. They provide a splash of colour when there is little else blooming, usually in late winter and early spring. The …
Cyclamen Care Guide: How to Grow Hardy Cyclamen in Your Garden Read More »
Clematis is one of the most popular climbers for the garden. There are many types to choose from and they all produce an abundance of wonderful flowers. From tiny delicate blossoms to plate-sized blooms, there is a clematis to suit …
Clematis Care Guide: How to Grow this Versatile Climber Read More »
Wisterias are twining climbers that have large, drooping clusters of scented flowers. The flowers come in shades of white, blue, purple and pink. This climber is fast growing and perfect for training over pergolas, walls or into trees. They flower …
Wisteria Care Guide: How to Grow These Beautiful Climbers Read More »
Daylilies are clump forming, herbaceous perennials with exotic-looking, trumpet-shaped flowers. Hemerocallis means ‘beautiful for a day’, a name that describes the plant’s flowers that open early in the morning and then wither and die during the following night. While individual …
On a DIY mission to create one of those cool glass bottle lamps you’ve seen while perusing the web? These versatile lamps are decorative and fun. Plus, they’re easy and inexpensive to make. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays, looking …
How to Drill into Glass and Create a Bottle Lamp Read More »
Achillea is a summer-flowering herbaceous perennial that forms short-lived but colourful clumps in the border. A member of the daisy family, it has broad, packed heads of small flowers that can reach 10cm in diameter. Our native Achilleas, or yarrows, …
The climbing hydrangea is a deciduous vine from the woodlands of Japan, Korea and Siberia, where it grows up trees and across rock faces. It has small aerial roots on the stems that help it cling on, though in the …
Climbing Hydrangea Care Guide: How to Grow Climbing Hydrangeas Read More »
The colourful daisy-like flowers of osteospermum brighten up the border or patio with their cheerful blooms that open with the sun and close as evening comes. They come in a range of colours, often with contrasting centres, and produce blooms …
Ceanothus is a shrub with abundant, flowers that are similar to those of lilac. They are mainly blue but vary in shade from lightest powder to deepest indigo. There are also pink and white varieties. Most flower in late spring …
Ceanothus Care Guide: How to Grow Californian Lilac Read More »
Verbena Bonariensis is a perennial plant that flowers in late summer to mid-autumn. It has tall, architectural stems with sparse leaves, crowned by flattish heads of lavender-purple flowers. This is a wonderful plant for bringing height to the border and …
Verbena Bonariensis Care Guide: How to Grow Tall Verbena Read More »
The delphinium has been a very popular cottage garden perennial for over a century, having been brought to the UK from France in 1859. It is grown for its tall spikes of colourful flowers that create prominent towers in all …
Hydrangeas are deciduous plants known for their large heads of long-lasting blooms. Perhaps most of us know the type that has blue flowers when planted in acid soil and pink when in soil that is more alkaline. However, there are …
Philadelphus is a large evergreen shrub that is usually grown for its abundant white fragranced flowers. The shrub gets its common name, Mock Orange because its flowers and scent are similar to an orange tree in blossom. In fact, the …
Philadelphus Care Guide: How to grow Mock Orange Read More »
The dahlia was first brought to Europe from Aztec Mexico by the Spanish in 1789, not for the beauty of its flowers, but as a potential new food plant. While the tubers never did make it to the Sunday dinner …
As the foundation of almost every project from home décor and crafty endeavours to larger scale renovation plans, drilling is a skill that you can’t afford not to learn. For a DIY amateur, a drill is the most versatile tool …
The Ultimate Guide on How to Drill into Absolutely Anything! Read More »
This shrub comes in many varieties and is largely grown for its foliage. The cultivar fortunei is an evergreen variety and the most common cultivar of this plant to be found in gardens. It has strongly coloured foliage. The common …
Mahonias are evergreen shrubs with leathery and often spiny, dark green leaves. In the autumn and winter they produce long-stalked clusters of slightly scented yellow flowers that are followed by dark purplish berries. The plant’s common name is Oregon grape, …
The genus Escallonia includes approximately 40 species of flowering shrubs from South America. Several types are grown as garden shrubs in the south and west of the UK, especially near the coast. They are relatively fast growing and make unusual …
Pieris are compact evergreen slow-growing shrubs. The young leaves are pink to red, turning cream and then green as they mature. The shrub also features clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers in spring. These look a little like Lily of …
Aquilegia is an elegant flower that is easy to grow. It reaches around 60cms in height making it ideal for the middle of the border. It also comes in a range of colours, so you can find a variety to …
Crocosmia is a stunning plant that adds striking shape and a splash of hot colour to the garden. It has sword-shaped leaves and funnel-like flowers on stems that can reach 2 feet tall. The plant comes in a range of …
Pelargoniums, or storksbills, are popular bedding and pot plants because they are very easy to grow and give abundant colour to the garden and patio throughout the summer. They provide a reminder of Mediterranean holidays, where the closely spaced houses …
Pelargoniums (Geraniums) Care Guide: How to Grow These Colourful Perennials Read More »
Lavatera is an easy to grow, upright shrubby plant with attractive green foliage and large flowers which range in colour from white to deepest rose. It flowers from midsummer until the first frost. The mallow is native to the Mediterranean …
The common names black-eyed Susan and coneflower echo the contrast between Rudbeckia’s colourful, generally yellow petals and the prominent dark brown or black cone that protrudes from the centre of the flower. Rudbeckias grow in dry savannahs, grassland prairies and …
Rudbeckia Care Guide: How to Grow Black Eyed Susans Read More »
Viburnum is a shrub that provides plenty of colour and interest in the garden. It has attractive foliage, delicate flowers, stunning autumn colour and clusters of bright berries and so offers year-round interest. There are many varieties to choose from, …
Viburnum Care Guide: How to Grow This Colourful Shrub Read More »
Astilbes are a gorgeous plant to bring colour and texture to darker areas of the garden as they are one of the few plants that bloom brightly in shade. They also like moist soil conditions which makes them suitable for …
Astilbe Care Guide: How to Grow False Goat’s Beard Read More »
The Sedums form a diverse group of nearly 500 species and many have been developed to produce hardy and undemanding succulent perennial plants for the gardener. The group divides into two main types, the low, carpet-forming stonecrops, and the rather …
Sedum Care Guide: How to Grow Ice Plants and Stonecrops Read More »
Butterflies and moths have been around for millions of years. They used to be a common sight in gardens, but numbers have declined since the 1940s along with our other native wildlife species such as bees and hedgehogs. It will …
The Ultimate Guide to Butterflies & How to Prevent Their Decline Read More »
English lavender is a short-lived perennial herb that is as popular for its wonderful fragrance as for its colourful flowers. As might be expected from a plant that has given its name to the colour lavender, the flowers are typically …
Lavender Care Guide: How to Grow Lavandula Angustifolia Read More »
Pop up gazebos can transform your garden from mundane into something useful and attractive. I have a pop-up gazebo and use it every year for two main reasons – to shelter beneath in case of rainy BBQs and to shade …
Walk through the compost section of any garden centre and you will be overwhelmed by the vast selection of brands and products, all promising the best results for your garden. But is it really necessary to use a specific soil …
Ericaceous Compost: What is it & Which Plants Need it? Read More »
Honeysuckles are a much-loved garden plant valued for their pretty, sweet-scented flowers. The climbing varieties are useful for covering fences, walls and pergolas. There are also shrub varieties. Winter honeysuckle adds colour to the garden at the drabbest time of …
Honeysuckle Care Guide: How to Grow Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Read More »
Bees are a part of our landscapes and gardens, we know what they are and we know they make honey, but our bees are in danger of disappearing due to habitat destruction, chemicals and disease. Without bees the human race …
British Bees: How to Protect Their Declining Population Read More »
Agapanthus (the African lily) is an architectural, summer-flowering perennial with glossy, strap-like leaves and tall umbels of showy, funnel-shaped blooms that are good for cutting. The name Agapanthus translates as ‘the flower of love’, from the Greek ‘agap’ (love) and …
Agapanthus Care Guide: How to Grow Your African Lily Read More »
People experiencing depression may have a viable option to medication if studies into soil microbes are correct. Researchers have discovered that a bacterium in the soil called Mycobacterium Vaccae activates neurons that stimulate serotonin production. M. Vaccae works in a …
The Natural Antidepressant In Soil: How Gardening Makes You Happy Read More »
Help Save The Hedgehog! Hedgehogs are small, brown mammals with a spiny back and fluffy underbelly. They have long pointed snouts and emerge at dusk for a night of foraging. This might sound obvious to you, but fewer hedgehogs are …
Sure, they look pretty and add a splash of sophisticated colour to your boudoir, but plants aren’t just a humble decorative accent. Choose your blossom wisely and you will boost your wellbeing while improving the quality of your sleep. Here’s …
5 Sleep Enhancing Bedroom Plants You Can’t Live Without! Read More »
If you’re stuck for something to do on the weekend consider visiting your local garden centre. Garden centres are not only for gardening enthusiasts, although there will be plenty of interest for gardeners, but they are also great destinations for …
10 Reasons To Visit a Garden Centre This Weekend Read More »
If you love gardening, but your back is taking the brunt of your hard work, you need a potting bench! The perfect height for planting seedlings, labelling and watering, it’ll make your life a lot easier – especially if you …
5 Great Wooden Potting Benches for Your Greenhouse Read More »
Thanks to advances in technology, a wide variety of ready-to-go hydroponic systems are now readily available to buy. Simply plug and play! However, some people are born to be hands-on and thrive in the satisfaction of building something from the …
With such a wide variety of hydroponic growing mediums on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Each medium has different positive and negative attributes, and of course, their suitability depends on what plants you wish to grow. …
pH is a scale used to measure the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. A reading of 7 indicates a neutral pH, with lower values being more acidic, and higher values being more alkaline. But how does pH impact hydroponic …
As a hobby, hydroponics certainly comes with its fair share of kit. Some items of equipment are crucial for the running of the system, and some are simply useful add-ons that improve functionality. Lighting is often plugged as an optional …
A Guide to Getting a Great Harvest with Hydroponic Lighting Read More »
Don’t let a busy lifestyle and lack of outdoor space curb your dreams of sustainable living! A vertical hydroponic garden is the definitive low-maintenance gardening technique that offers delicious chemical free produce, benefitting your body, pocket and the environment. Vertical …
The British culinary world has been revolutionised in the last 60 years. Gone are the bland meat and two veg staples, replaced by more adventurous dishes bursting with flavour. Granny’s corner herb garden, propagated with a sparse offering of mint, …
What could be more satisfying than succulent, sweet strawberries, fresh from the stalk? How about succulent, sweet strawberries that grow in half the time and are available all year round? Fruit that will save you money while also filling you …
Ah, the tasty tomato! From refreshing salads to intense curries, tomatoes are a staple ingredient of the modern diet, forming the base for a wide multitude of meals and snacks. Keen gardeners who have already grown tomatoes traditionally in soil …
To a newbie, it may seem that hydroponics is all about the fancy hardware and tech wizardry. One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is to invest too much time and money in their systems, and not enough in …
If you’re a hydroponic newbie, you’ve probably stared long and hard at the different systems, wondering which one will suit you best. The choice is overwhelming, and delving into the extensive theory could leave you more confused, with a headache …
Hydroponic gardening has been hailed by some as the future of agricultural production, but what exactly does it entail, and how can the practise be put into use by home garden enthusiasts? Basically, hydroponic gardening means growing plants without soil. …
Dipping your toes into hydroponic gardening can be daunting, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the scientific jargon. Here’s a straightforward glossary of common terms to help you on your way! Hydroponic Systems The first step to hydroponic gardening …
Cats. Fluffy, adorable and absolutely infuriating in equal measure. Whether you want to put all the kitties in a basket or you’re indifferent to their moggy charms, there’s no denying that an unruly feline can cause untold damage in your …
Your garden should be a natural oasis of beauty and calm. You want it to thrive and grow, but that’s not possible if you’re unable to attract the right types of wildlife. In the natural world, British wildlife like bees, …
A garden is a beautiful space, full of sights, sounds and scent to cheer you up and boost health, but it’s also a battle ground. Every gardener needs tools. Soil needs digging, weeds need removing, hedges cutting back and the …
10 Essential Gardening Tools That Every British Garden Needs Read More »
Garden Lighting Ideas Just because the sun goes in, doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your garden. OK, so it does get rather chilly at night here, but it’s nothing a blanket, a cuppa tea and a fire pit can’t …
28 Garden Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Outdoor Space Read More »
There’s nothing quite so disheartening to a gardener than discovering all your hard work has been eaten or otherwise destroyed by marauding garden looters. Since the beginning of time we’ve been fighting to keep our crops healthy and ensure we have …
The lawn is often the largest area of our garden, particularly if we have pets or kids, but although they take up the most space, we often give them the minimum amount of time and care. This is because grass …
The Ultimate Lawn Care Guide – A Monthly Breakdown of What to Do! Read More »
Gardening can be incredibly rewarding. Even a flower garden can provide a peaceful sanctuary away from the troubles of the world. A vegetable garden can provide you with food that costs virtually nothing, plus a closer connection to the natural …
Garden irrigation systems sound expensive and complicated, but in reality they are a simple and hassle free way to make sure your garden gets the water it needs in the right place. There are two main types of irrigation system …
5 Benefits of a Water Irrigation System for Your Garden Read More »
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? Look no further than the Root Assassin Shovel! Large …
Quell the cries of boredom this weekend 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 lockdown tedium, this …
How To Build An Epic Garden Racetrack For Your Kids! Read More »
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 …
How to Build a Bowling Alley in Your Back Garden Read More »
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 …
10 Garden Screening Ideas For Privacy in An Overlooked Garden Read More »
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 …
7 Fast Growing Trees For Ultimate Privacy In Your Garden Read More »
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Ultimate Guide to Mulching & Why Your Garden Loves It! Read More »
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 …
VegTrug: The Easiest Way to Grow Vegetables at Home? Read More »
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 …
How to Grow Delicious Organic Vegetables in Containers Read More »
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 …
Many gardeners disagree with the idea of sticking to a particular design, feeling it will stunt or dampen their creativity. However, the opposite is often true- a well-designed plot can unify your garden, giving it a stronger sense of purpose …
5 Garden Design Ideas to Match Your Lifestyle & Personality Read More »
There are some garden ornaments, that are a bit, how do I put this, unusual. There’s something about them that although hard to explain, add a bit of unique charm to your garden. When you look at them they take …
21 Unusual Garden Ornaments Your Neighbours Won’t Have! Read More »
City living has its drawbacks, and one of the biggest sacrifices that people make when choosing to live in an urban area is outdoor space. Looking out onto a misshapen, concrete filled yard can be disheartening, and small gardens often …
Small Garden Ideas to Transform Your Garden into a Relaxing Haven Read More »
Breathing in the fresh air, revelling in the serenity of nature and giving your muscles a mini-workout. Gardening really is a cure-all, a panacea to neutralize the physical and mental strains of modern life. The benefits of gardening are a …
Is your lawn blighted by unsightly yellow and brown patches? Are you tired of gazing enviously at your neighbour’s lush green pasture, wondering where you went wrong? Look in your local garden centre and you will find row after row …
Gardeners often make the mistake of overlooking their lawn, instead choosing to invest their time and energy in their flowers and bedding plants, cultivating them to flourish. However, even the most striking display of blossoming perennials will lose their shine …
19 Simple Lawn Care Tips That’ll Make Your Grass Greener & Brighter Read More »
As the old saying goes, a blunt blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. Keeping your lawn mower blade honed improves its performance, giving a cleaner cut to your lawn. A sharp blade also puts less stress on the …
How to Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blade in 7 Easy Steps Read More »
Garden mirrors. Two words that don’t seem to fit together very well. Mirrors belong in bathrooms and hallways, used for shaving and putting on makeup, right? So, does a mirror really serve a purpose in the garden, apart from admiring …
5 Stunning Garden Mirror Ideas That’ll Add Real Character Read More »
It’s the subtle touches in your garden that make all the difference. So I’ve sourced 66 of the most creative garden edging ideas that will set your garden apart. Some of them are high-end and uber modern, others cheap and …
Looking for a weekend retreat where you can sink a few beers and watch some footy in peace? Or has your holiday left you yearning for a tiki bar where you can lounge the summer evenings away, cocktail in hand? A …
Kids love to get down and dirty, it’s in their nature! And what better place for them to do it than in the great outdoors, a safe distance from the clean floors and upholstered furniture of your house. Mud kitchens …
How to Make a Mud Kitchen – Plus Awesome Ideas For Your Kids! Read More »
If you’re an avid Shed of The Year follower, then you’ll know that it takes more than the average wooden storage shack to get the judge’s pulses racing. From interesting uses of space to architectural design techniques and niche retro …
Trampolines are fantastic addition to any garden. Great for entertaining the kids while burning off excess energy, they are also an ideal exercise accessory to keep adults fit and toned. Nonetheless, there are some disadvantages to traditional trampolines. Large and …
How to Create a Sunken Trampoline in Your Garden Read More »
About to throw out that old chest of drawers or rusting chandelier? Don’t! Upcycling ideas have exploded in popularity recently, and it’s not difficult to see why. What could be more satisfying than taking an old disused item and creating …
Personalise Your Garden With These Great Upcycling Ideas Read More »
Is your garden crying out for some new accessories that you just can’t afford? Our DIY garden pallet ideas will take your outdoor sanctuary from derelict to delightful with minimal expense and effort! You don’t need any special carpentry skills, …
Transform Your Garden With These Ingenious DIY Wooden Pallet Ideas Read More »
Let’s face it- you’re not going to be spending much time basking in your garden in winter unless you’re a husky or a penguin. But that doesn’t mean it has to become a dull, bleak, frosty landscape. By choosing your …
Is your garden shed bursting at the seams? Are you sick of tripping over garden tools and DIY equipment that just seems to be moved from one spot to the other without ever finding a permanent home? Then take a …
Practical DIY Storage Solutions To Keep Your Garden In Order Read More »
If you need to move your garden shed, there’s a clever little technique you can follow. All you need is an auto-jack, two wood tracks, wood blocks, and at least three pipes that are wider than the shed. You’ll also …
Elegant Christmas Garden Ideas Take your winter garden from boring to blissful this festive season with some simple yet effective DIY projects for the garden! Winter is an in-between time for gardens. Short days and poor light mean that even …
7 Creative DIY Ideas To Transform Your Garden This Christmas Read More »
