Summer Gardening

Working out which direction a garden faces is one of the first things I do when I’m designing new gardens as a garden designer. I do this before anything else, and I am going to explain why every gardener needs to follow this step! After decades of designing gardens, this is the one thing that even […]

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 […]

Transform your berberis from an overgrown, tangled thorn bush into a spectacular garden feature with these expert pruning techniques! Whether you’re wondering when to prune your barberry, nervous about those vicious thorns, or simply seeking the best methods for deciduous versus evergreen varieties, you’ve come to the right place. Learning how to prune berberis properly […]

Transform your flowering currant from an overgrown, straggly mess into a spectacular spring showstopper with these expert Ribes pruning techniques! Whether you’re wondering when to prune your flowering currant, nervous about cutting off next year’s blooms, or simply seeking the best pruning methods, you’ve come to the right place. Learning how to prune Ribes correctly […]

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 […]

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 […]

Did you discover your prize tomato plants looking like their leaves are turning into crispy claws? After years of helping countless gardeners troubleshoot their tomato troubles, I’m here as the gardening expert to help reassure you and provide the fix for curling tomato leaves in the greenhouse or if your tomatoes are planted outside. Whether […]

You’ve chosen beautiful plants, spent good money on quality specimens, and carefully planned your garden design. Yet something’s not quite right. The garden looks off. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Even experienced gardeners can fall into plant placement traps that sabotage their best intentions. Let me, the Garden Ninja, walk you through the […]