December is arguably the quietest month in the garden. And with the Christmas prep in full swing, that's no bad thing in my opinion! Having said that, I do like to escape into the garden now and then this month; it's a lovely way to take a breather from the fast pace that Christmas often demands. And there are still plenty of things to plant, which is perfect for helping us look forward to spring. If you'd like to do some planting this ...
Gardening Calendar: What to Plant in November
As the gardening year starts to draw to an end, the amount of work to be done outdoors gradually decreases. So far this month my gardening time has been spent clearing up and putting away, rather than looking ahead to next year’s flowers and harvest. But it’s not all about putting things to bed for winter this month! There is still some planting to be done in November if you feel like a more uplifting task in the garden. Here ...
Forcing bulbs indoors: an easy autumn project for early flowers
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links will be clearly marked with a * and if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission from that sale. Autumn is traditionally the time to plant spring bulbs in the garden, with daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, iris and crocus all popular choices. But while you’re planting bulbs in the garden, it’s a great idea to pot up some of those bulbs and ‘force’ them ...
Gardening Calendar: What to Plant in October
Autumn is really underway now. Leaves are falling everywhere you look, and I’m a little obsessed with the pumpkins we’re about to harvest for Halloween. October isn’t all about harvesting and hunkering down for the colder months though; there are still some crops and plants you can grow. Here are some ideas for what to plant in October. Flowers to plant in October Autumn & winter bedding plants Our gardens can ...
How to plant a bulb lasagne
If you’ve never heard of a bulb lasagne you’re probably raising your eyebrows right now. It is a real gardening ‘thing’ though! What is a bulb lasagne? A bulb lasagne is a clever way of layering up spring-flowering bulbs to create a display of flowers that lasts for months. Layering bulbs is really easy to do, and will give you a lovely display throughout the winter months for very little effort. What’s not to like? Can ...
Planting bulbs: a step-by-step guide
I love growing flowers from bulbs. You can create a really colourful display at times of the year when the rest of the garden is still playing catch up, and there’s such a wide variety to choose from. Bulbs are also relatively cheap compared to buying plants, so they’re a great way to create real wow factor in your garden without spending a fortune. If you’d like to add some *flower bulbs to your garden, here’s a step-by-step guide ...
Gardening Calendar: What to Plant in September
Well here we are - autumn. Summer is such a busy time - with the kids off school, but also in the garden - and September always seems to arrive so quickly. It’s a lovely month though; harvest time, beautiful angles of sunshine, and still plenty of warm weather to enjoy. And it’s also quite a productive month for sowing seeds, planting bulbs and growing new plants - some to enjoy soon, and some to get started for next ...
Tips for saving seeds in autumn
With autumn getting underway and many plants starting to shut down for the colder months, now is a good time to try saving seeds from your garden. Like dividing existing plants, saving seeds is a great way to get lots of new plants for free - and it’s easier than you might think. How do I save seeds for next year? If you'd like to have a go at saving seeds from your garden, read on to find out how to do it, plus some suggestions for ideal ...
Gardening Calendar: What to Plant in August
August is definitely a less hectic summer month in the garden, and chances are you're able to sit back and enjoy the view a little more than in previous months. But if you'd still like to start off some new plants, there are plenty of options that will either give you a quick edible crop, or prepare your garden for the seasons to come. Here’s what to plant in August. Flowers to plant in August Winter flowering pansies & ...
The best flowers for bees, and easy ways to make your garden bee friendly
Is your garden popular with bees? If not, here are some easy ways to transform it into a bee friendly garden that these vital insects will love to visit. Why bees are important If you’re interested in gardening and nature, you’re probably aware that bees are in trouble, with numbers and species in quite dramatic decline. What you might not be aware of is just how important bees are to us, and the planet in general. Native bees ...