Horticulture & Plant Ideas

North facing gardens receive limited direct sunlight, particularly during the winter months when the sun stays low in the sky. In summer, they can catch some evening sun along the boundaries, but the central area will remain shaded for much of the day. This position is also known as the Garden Aspect or the compass […]

If you’re lucky enough to have a south facing garden, you have access to a plant palette that simply isn’t available to any other garden aspect, along with the warmest, sunniest outdoor space imaginable. A south facing garden receives direct sun from mid-morning right through to late afternoon and, in summer, into the early evening […]

A west facing garden receives direct sun from roughly midday or early afternoon onwards, building in intensity through the afternoon before the long, warm, golden light of evening that makes everything look at its very best. This position is also known as the Garden Aspect or the compass point your garden faces. The soil tends […]

An east facing garden receives direct sun from sunrise until roughly midday or early afternoon, depending on the time of year and any surrounding structures. After that, the garden transitions into shade for the rest of the day. This means you have the best of both worlds in many respects: enough morning sun to grow […]

Quick Answer: Peace Lily Black Leaves Solution Peace lily leaves turning black usually indicates overwatering combined with cold temperatures, causing root rot. Move the plant to a warmer location (minimum 15°C), allow the compost to dry out almost completely, then resume watering only when the top inch feels dry. Cut off all black leaves cleanly […]

If you’re anything like me, you’ve either cracked, smashed or freeze damaged your fair share of terracotta pots over the years! I love the look and texture of terracotta pots but one clumsy or forgetful moment and you’ve got a pile of orange shards where your prize conatainer plant display used to be. After years […]

Every single winter, I get messages from panicked gardeners who’ve woken up to find their gorgeous pots cracked like eggshells and their prize plants looking like they’ve made a break for it! It’s absolutely gutting, especially when you’ve spent good money on both the plants and the containers. However, most of this carnage is completely […]

There’s a colour that British gardeners chronically underuse, and it’s the boldest, most dramatic one in the entire palette: vibrant, passionate, show-stopping red! Now, I know what you’re thinking. Red’s too loud, too in-your-face, too risky for proper garden design. Absolute nonsense! Red flowers are the ultimate statement makers, and they deserve way more space […]

There’s a colour and plant type that’s criminally underused in British gardens: bright, vibrant, in-your-face yellow flowers! Now, I know what you’re thinking. Everyone and their nan goes for the safe pastels, the gentle pinks and soft purples. But what you may not know is that yellow flowers are absolute show-stoppers in terms of garden […]

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the world’s largest annual flower show, sprawling across a magnificent 31 acres in the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace. Unlike its more formal cousin, Chelsea, Hampton Court has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that welcomes everyone from seasoned gardeners to complete novices. Given this is 2025’s final show before […]