To help prevent weed growth and reduce water loss during warm weather, spread mulch on the ground before plants get too large, says our CEO Peter Burks, who is a trained horticulturalist. Use a thick layer of compost, bark or similar material over borders and between trees, shrubs, roses and fruit. Newly emerging perennials should…
Good news, it’s time to start getting excited about spuds! Instead of them being only for the allotmenteer or the gardener with the large veg patch, everyone can grow them these days, even if you only have a small urban balcony or patio, says our CEO and trained horticulturalist, Peter Burks. The waxy first earlies…
Orchids are very popular as Christmas and New Year gifts so if you received one and are now wondering how to care for it properly, then here are my top tips to help keep it looking good for longer, says our CEO and trained horticulturalist, Peter Burks. Orchids have a reputation for being difficult to…
Nothing beats eating the veggies you have grown yourself, says our CEO Peter Burks. Peter is a keen allotmenteer and trained horticulturalist, who has worked in directorial and senior management positions for garden centres nationwide for more than 40 years and has a degree in horticulture from the University of Bath. This is what he…
Gardening brings delight and happiness to people of all ages. Not only is it a great way to remain active, but it is also a genius way to have immediate access to fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re keen to develop your green thumb but live without a large outside area or are unable to…
Sustainable gardening is a type of cultivation that emphasises techniques for preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems, conserving resources, and fostering biodiversity. Adopting sustainable gardening has several benefits. By feeding the soil and fostering beneficial insects and birds, it not only aids in lowering our carbon footprint and water conservation but also encourages a healthier garden.…
George Clairmont runs a youth nature and conservation club and would like to highlight a recent presentation, on how conservation and recycling efforts, can be done in the home garden. Their focus is on how they can create rain gardens to recycle water, prevent water pollution from storm water runoff and how to plant native…
Rainwater harvesting is an invaluable practice for gardeners and will revolutionise the way we nurture plants and cultivate green spaces. With increasing awareness of water scarcity and the need for sustainable solutions, gardening expert and author, Sarah Raven, has created a list of ways to harvest rainwater this summer. Sarah explains, “Harvesting rainwater is a…
Charles Dowding has made no dig popular with millions of gardeners. They love how it’s good for the soil, healthy for plants and easier plus timesaving for them. His growing methods are applicable for small areas and large ones and are used worldwide. Since 1982 he has created and cropped four no dig market gardens…
Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and Pieris are all stunning spring flowering hardy shrubs. These all fall in a category of plants known as ‘ericaceous’, as they have a need for acidic soil. This can easily be provided by planting them in ericaceous compost and feeding with an ericaceous fertiliser such as Miracle Gro for Rhododendrons, Azaleas…