Collaborative postDo you think of your garden as an outdoor room?Using our gardens as an extension of our homes is a trend that’s most definitely on the rise. The Office of National Statistics reports that the average number of people per household has remained constant this decade, but according to Which?, new houses built in the UK since 2010 are smaller than ever before. So it’s no wonder that lots of us are looking to our ...
Gardening for Nature: easy ways to create a bee-friendly garden
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. Bees don’t just make honey and give us a lovely sound in the garden on summer afternoons. Bees are vital for the pollination of plants - including food crops - and this insect family which is in ...
Exploring the Gardena combisystem gardening tools range | AD
This is a commissioned post in collaboration with GardenaWell, the terrible weather has certainly been a challenge when it comes to the gardening this month, but I’ve finally managed to get out there and tackle some jobs on the list!If you’ve been reading the blog lately, you’ll know that I’m working with leading garden watering and tool brand Gardena this year, using their products to help take care of the garden and make the most of our ...
Plant care tips for containers
Collaborative post The world of plant care can be more than a little bewildering, can’t it? Unless you’re a gardening expert, it can be tricky working out just what you need to do (or not do!) to make sure your indoor and outdoor plants thrive. I love gardening, but that certainly doesn’t mean I’ve got the plant care right every time; in fact I’ve had many disasters over the years. I’ve also had lots of times where my plants ...
7. The 10 minute gardener: quick summer gardening jobs
Welcome to the latest post in this series, looking at quick gardening jobs you can fit into a busy schedule. This time I'm looking at ways to stay on top of your summer garden. Things have certainly warmed up in the last couple of weeks, and I’m really enjoying my garden now the summer plants are bursting into life. I think the ‘little and often’ approach is best for gardening at this time of year; keeping on top of the garden through little ...
Six clever uses for your garden gazebo
Collaborative postDo you have a garden gazebo gathering dust in your shed or garage? We tend to think of these portable structures as a temporary solution on a specific occasion, such as a garden party or camping trip. But there are actually lots of ways you can use a gazebo outdoors. Whether you’ve got a gazebo that’s being neglected, or are wondering whether it’s worth investing in one, here are six ways you can put it to ...
Six easy tips for garden tool maintenance
Collaborative postIf you enjoy gardening as a hobby, you're probably keen to get the best out of your tools and equipment. Having spent money on them, it makes sense to do what you can to keep your tools in good condition, so that they will provide years of service and always be safe to use.If you're not sure where to start when it comes to garden tool maintenance, here are six easy tips on how to keep your kit in tip-top ...
Top 10 beautiful low-maintenance flowering plants
Collaborative postIf you have a garden or backyard, you probably love the idea of it being a lush heaven, full of beautiful flowers and verdant shrubbery. But let’s face it: not everyone has green fingers! That’s where low-maintenance flowering plants come in.Low-maintenance plants bloom beautifully, look amazing both in a pot and in a border, but don’t require you to have a degree in horticulture. Pick the right plants, and you can ...
Vertical gardening with Gardena NatureUp! | AD
This is a commissioned post in collaboration with GardenaIntroducing my new vertical herb garden!I do love a new gardening project, and this week I’ve been enjoying myself creating a herb garden for our new patio. If you’ve been reading the blog lately, you’ll know we’re in the middle of a complete garden re-design, so this little project has been a lovely way to take a break from the heavy work and give us some instant ...
Exploring the Stihl Hillier Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show | AD
This is a commissioned post in collaboration with StihlThis is one of those weeks where I feel ridiculously lucky to do my job. Flower Show season is in full swing, and earlier this week I spent a fabulous day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show as the guest of premium garden tool brand Stihl. I was given an exclusive tour of the Stihl Hillier Garden, and was able to explore it in all it’s glory. Such a great opportunity!Stihl produce a ...