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Quick Answer October is prime time for planting bare root trees, shrubs and hedging, sowing garlic, onion sets and autumn broad beans, planting tulip and bluebell bulbs, sowing hardy annuals such as sweet peas and verbascum, and getting winter salad crops established under cover. It is also the month to harvest and cure pumpkins and […]

Gothic gardens aren’t about creating something frightening or forbidding. Rather, they’re about embracing the romance of shadows, the elegance of deep colours, and the theatrical beauty that comes from bold contrasts with your plant choices and landscaping design choices. These spaces evoke an atmosphere of sophisticated drama, that Gothic mystery which many of us love. […]

Prairie planting has absolutely taken the UK gardening world by storm, and for excellent reasons! Although many prairie plants are not native to northern Europe, many have been part of our garden history for almost 200 years, and, with a few exceptions, they have behaved well. What started as an American phenomenon has evolved into […]

If you’ve been following my apple harvest adventures, you’ll know that autumn’s fruit bonanza doesn’t stop there, just as you’re getting to grips with your apple glut, along come the pears with their own delicious demands! After years of helping clients make the most of their orchard bounty, I can tell you that pears are […]

If you’ve ever stood beneath a laden apple tree in September, wondering whether you’re experiencing the best gardening problem ever or staring at weeks of frantic apple processing ahead, then you’re in exactly the right place. After years of helping my own clients transform their apple gluts from overwhelming burden into delicious opportunity, I’m spilling […]

If you’ve ever stood in your garden watching your beloved pooch systematically destroy your prize Dahlias whilst simultaneously wondering if those mysterious holes appearing overnight are the work of garden goblins or your ‘innocent’ terrier, then you’re in exactly the right place. I’ve seen it all in my years designing gardens for dog owners and […]

September is often overlooked as a month for taking a breather rather than planting, with many gardeners thinking the growing season is winding down and focusing primarily on tidying up summer’s glorious chaos by cutting back. Knowing what to plant during September is where the experienced gardeners beat newbies! September is the prime time for […]

If you’ve ever wondered why some of your prized perennial seeds refuse to germinate despite perfect conditions, warmth, and endless patience, you’ve likely encountered nature’s cleverly built-in safety mechanism called seed stratification. Understanding this fundamental process can transform your seed-starting success and unlock a world of beautiful plants that would otherwise remain frustratingly dormant in […]

When temperatures soar and hosepipe bans loom, the sight of a browning lawn can cause considerable anxiety for gardeners. However, understanding how grass responds to extreme heat and drought conditions can transform your perspective and help you make informed decisions that benefit both your lawn’s long-term health and the environment. This guide will show you […]

Quick Answer August is one of the most productive gardening months in the UK. Sow hardy annuals like sweet peas, cornflowers and larkspur direct outside for spring flowers. Sow winter veg including pak choi, spinach, kale and winter lettuce. Plant autumn bulbs, take semi-ripe cuttings of shrubs, pot up strawberry runners, and plant container-grown fruit […]