Aren’t we having the most glorious summer at the moment? I’m writing this post with the windows open and the sun streaming in, and I’m thinking I really must sort out some shade for my laptop screen so that I can write out in the garden. I’m desperate to make the most of the season when it’s so glorious out there - particularly after the extra-long cold start we had to the year! Spending more time outdoors in the garden always gives me a ...
Win a single hammock with tree bands from Cool Hammocks
Are you managing to find time to relax in the garden during the glorious weather? This fab giveaway courtesy of the lovely people at Cool Hammocks will definitely tempt you to chill out and enjoy the sunshine!I'm giving away a Florida Single Hammock in your choice of colour, plus a set of tree bands to make it easy to hang it up, worth a total of £74.90. It's such a cool prize, and as well as giving you a laid-back place to lounge outdoors, ...
Plant care tips for containers
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 thrived but I didn’t really know why, ...
Review: Berghaus outdoor clothing from Simply Hike
Now that the cold weather is firmly a distant memory, have you been getting outdoors and making the most of nature? We're an active family and we try to make time for outdoor adventures as much as possible; our most recent trip involved climbing Snowdon, which is definitely our most ambitious expedition so far!I've written in the past about the importance of having the right kit and clothing for outdoor pursuits; it makes such a difference ...
What to consider when choosing garden furniture
Are you looking to update your garden furniture? Today's guest post has lots of helpful tips to help you find the perfect option for your outdoor space.Buying garden furniture is a long-term investment, and making the right choice can really help transform your garden space. However, planning is key. It’s not about buying a garden furniture set because it looks good, or because it’s in the sale; it has to fit and work with the space you have ...
My highlights from RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018
Show season is in full swing in the gardening world, and today sees the gates open at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show in Derbyshire. I went along yesterday for a sneak peak at what's on offer, and boy did I get a flower fix!The show is in a fantastic setting, with Chatsworth House as the backdrop, and the showground arranged around a beautiful river. There's a huge amount to see, including five show gardens, a selection of long borders, eight ...
Supporting nature: the Yorkshire Fish Pass Scheme from Yorkshire Water
If you’re a regular reader of the blog you’ll know how much we love getting outdoors and enjoying nature as a family. Whether it’s exploring our amazing countryside, helping our native wildlife or just a good old stick hunt, outdoor adventures are a big part of family life for us. They’re also a brilliant way to encourage the kids to learn about and care for our environment. It’s always great to see organisations making positive changes to ...
Five ways to get your garden summer-ready
Is your garden ready for summer? Today's guest post covers five easy ways to spruce up your outdoor space so you can sit back and enjoy the view!Summer is on the horizon. Long sun-filled days spent relaxing on a sun lounger with a glass of Pimm’s in hand and impromptu barbecues are on their way. For many of us, our gardens have been left in dire straits through encountering severe weather over the past winter months, from cold weather and ...
A Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking with Halfords
Are you making the most of the lovely spring weather and getting active outdoors? So far this month we’ve managed some family games in the garden, a few weed-clearing sessions down at the allotment, and lots of seed planting - things are still a bit behind after all that cold weather, so we’ve got some catching up to do! One of the other family activities that we all really love to do together is bike rides. Getting everyone into the saddle ...
Great gardening ideas with wilko
So, spring is finally underway and we’re all starting to enjoy more time in the garden. Are you planning any projects to spruce up your outdoor space? My list of garden jobs seems to be getting longer every day; I’ve got borders to tidy up, seeds to sow, a lawn to revive, a shed to paint, and a whole allotment to reclaim from the weeds. We're going to be busy! To help me tackle my to do list, I’ve been checking out the range of garden and ...