As we face worldwide declining biodiversity, a great way to contribute positively to the environment is by upping the biodiversity in our own wonderful gardens. A biodiverse garden can help support lots of of plant, animal and fungus species. This in turn keeps insect numbers at balanced levels. It can also increase pollination for your flowers, … Read more
Cosmos flowers, with their vibrant colours and delicate petals, are a firm favourite with gardeners. These annual plants are very easy to grow and will thrive in most soil types, even poor soil. They flower long into the autumn, so are great for colour and coverage after summer. A common issue however, can be overly … Read more
Potentilla, also known as Cinquefoil or Mock Strawberry, is a delicate looking but actually very hardy shrub. It is part of the rose family and closely related to strawberries, in fact the fruit bears a strong resemblance although they are inedible. In this article we look at the common causes of poor health in Potentilla, … Read more
I have only recently discovered Hellebores and find them to be a great flowering option through the winter and into spring. They are also called the Christmas or Lenten Rose, and come in a variety of colours. Hellebores are perfect for difficult shaded areas, and their evergreen foliage provides interest and coverage. They can suddenly … Read more
Camellia plants are beautiful glossy evergreen shrubs with large blowsy flowers in winter and early spring. At a time when much of the garden is still asleep, Camellias provide wonderful coverage and colour. They can sometimes struggle when growing conditions are not right for them. An early sign can be the curling of leaves. So … Read more
Lupins are wonderful plants to have in the garden as once established they regrow beautiful tall blooms every year in a range of stunning colours. Sometimes however, even after years of performing well they can falter and droop. So if you have asked the question “Why Are My Lupins Drooping?” then read on for answers … Read more
A tall and beautiful plant, Hollyhocks are associated with cottage gardens and at up to two metres high can create a stunning backdrop to a border. Something to bear in mind is that Hollyhocks are predominantly biennial or short-lived perennials, which means they spend the first year establishing a root system and foliage, and will … Read more
If you find yourself regularly purchasing herbs from the supermarket and want to know how to grow your own, this post will help you discover the 10 easiest herbs to grow at home, either indoors or in the garden. Growing herbs can save you money, reduce waste (how many times have you thrown away that … Read more
Growing plants in containers in the garden is a great way to create a fabulous arrangement that you can move around and change whenever you like. Containers are perfect for smaller spaces and paved areas, and even used in borders to create height, colour, texture and interest. They can be taken with you when you … Read more
Starting a garden can be overwhelming and it very much depends on what you have to begin with. Some people may have a plain area of grass, others may have paving or concrete they need to remove first, or you may be lucky and you already have an existing garden that you have just arrived … Read more