Synthetic rattan garden furniture has become increasingly popular over recent years, and has seen a resurgence in the trends for 2019 - and it’s not at all difficult to see why. The benefits of this particular type of rattan are countless, all whilst looking perfectly Pinterest-worthy and exuding class and style.Not only is synthetic rattan cheaper than the real deal whilst still looking just as good, but there are many other plus points that ...
The kit you really need for growing seeds
We may still be trying to wave goodbye to winter, but if you’re even remotely green-fingered your thoughts are bound to be turning to what plants you want to grow this year. I’ve already spent a lovely afternoon with the kids planning what to grow on their plots, and a couple of evenings working out what I want to grow in our garden and allotment over the coming months. I've done my seed order and now it’s a case of waiting for the ...
Using artificial grass to tackle tricky outdoor spaces
Artificial grass is becoming more and more popular as a low-maintenance way to create a lush-looking lawn, and it's particularly well-suited to situations where a traditional living lawn is difficult to achieve. This guest post explains the basics of artificial grass, and covers some key outdoor challenges that can be tackled using it.Garden styles and functions vary enormously, and of course every garden is unique in it's own way. That ...
Free plants – how to divide perennials
Does your garden have holes in it at the moment? Not actual holes in the ground you understand, but holes nonetheless. Are the borders are looking bare, with whacking great patches of soil with nothing in them? Mine certainly are, and it’s not very uplifting to look at! Gaps in your borders are perfectly normal for this time of year, because lots of plants are in their dormant phase until the weather warms up and they start to ...
Garden fencing: which type to choose
Do you have fencing in your garden? Chances are it features somewhere in your outdoor space, whether it’s for the purposes of security, privacy, a decorative feature, or a combination of all of these.Installing or replacing garden fencing can be quite an investment, which makes it all the more important to make the right choice that suits your needs and your garden. If there's a fencing project on your list of home renovations, here’s ...
My top plants for your late Winter garden
We’re heading towards the last ‘official’ weeks of winter, phew! With spring not far off in the garden, it’s only natural to be a bit impatient for that rush of colour that the warmer weather brings. Our garden has been looking decidedly drab all Winter; for the last couple of years I’ve promised myself in December that I will make some changes to our planting, to stop this lack of interest continuing into another year. ...
How to add interest to your winter garden
A quick glance out of my kitchen window confirms that winter is definitely in residence in the garden. The light is low, the tree branches are the only real structure in sight, most border plants are dormant and the lawn is blanketed in yet another carpet of fallen leaves (note to self: make more leaf mould). Down at the allotment, everything is looking very bare, and the last time so much soil was unused was back ...
Winter gardening: how to protect tender plants
At this time of year temperatures can drop suddenly in the garden, leaving tender plants decidedly worse for wear. It’s so tempting to leave them outside when the weather is still mild, but I’ve lost plants this way before and learned my lesson. Spend a few minutes this week protecting your tender plants and you’ll be in a great position to enjoy them again later this year.So what do you need to protect? Well that depends ...
How To Create A Low Maintenance Garden You’ll Love
If you're struggling to find enough time to take care of the garden, this guest post has some great low maintenance options.No matter what the time of year, there is something so satisfying about looking out onto a well-kept garden. Our outdoor spaces connect us with nature. In a world that is increasingly preoccupied with technology and screens, spending time enjoying nature is a vital way of decompressing and destressing. If ...
How to make leaf mould
With Autumn getting into full swing more leaves are falling from the trees each day - which is good news for family walks, who doesn’t love stomping through a big pile of crispy leaves? It’s also good news for gardeners, as fallen Autumn leaves give us the perfect opportunity to make leaf mould.Leaf mould is basically rotted-down leaves. It’s low in nutrients, but it makes a brilliant mulch which you can spread on your soil to improve its ...