Garden Advice

Updated 2022: Now I know what you’re thinking, but you don’t need to be a Samurai to use one or train with a Sensei gardener for years on a remote Japanese island. Once you’ve got the hang of using a hori hori, I guarantee you’ll never look back! Whilst the Hori Hori gardening knife may […]

I don’t know of any gardener than likes cleaning up leaves but come the Autumn months it is something that most gardeners need to tolerate. Leaf mould compost is an excellent way to rid yourself of wet slimy leaves and enrich your garden with nutrient-rich leaf mould compost. It costs virtually nothing and, if you don’t […]

Updated 2021: This raised bed guide will explain exactly when and how to use raised beds for successful gardening. Raised beds can be used in nearly all gardens regardless of the condition, or even absence, of soil. It allows you to build up and choose the soil you need for the types of plants or […]

Updated 2021: Artificial turf is now serious competition for real lawns in our gardens. One installer has seen a 200% year on year increase in the demand for artificial turf compared to living grass. A visit to a ‘Garden & Landscaping’ exhibition in 2019 gave me first-hand experience of the sheer amount of artificial grass […]

Understanding which compass point your garden faces: A gardens aspect, ie which way your garden faces North, South East or West, is one of the first things I do when I’m working on new garden designs. If you ignore the position of the sun in the garden you will struggle to find the correct plants. […]

Whether you’re starting a new fresh or dealing with an established garden weeds are going to be a feature of all gardens that will need some attention to ensure a weed-free garden. Even in a brand new garden that’s just been built give it a few weeks and unexpected garden weeds will show up. This […]

Roses are the quintessential English garden plant. You would be hard pushed to find someone who doesn’t have a fondness for the rose. Whether it be that bridal bouquet, valentines day or visits to English country gardens; the rose is one of the most iconic garden flowers. However, the beauty of roses also comes with […]

Updated 2021: Whether you have just planted a hedge or inherited one in your garden this guide will show you how to cut a hedge in the most efficient way. Ignore those fears that cutting a hedge is a full weekend of drama. It really doesn’t have to be with the correct technique and tools. […]

Updated 2020: The soil type that you have in your garden can make or break your plans for a successful garden design.  Your plants will only be as successful as the preparation and planning that you, the gardener puts in! Rather than thinking of soil as dirt, you need to start treating it as the life force […]

This guide will show you how to make an easy compost bin from wooden pallets. This is by far the easiest method I have used over the years. Even with a small garden, if you have enough space for a wooden palette it’s worthwhile creating a compost bin. You not only save on those dreadful […]