I’m writing this on 5th February, the sky is bright blue and cloudless and the garden looks quite beautiful; but the frost is still sparkling on the ground and dusting the tops of the shrubs, so don’t be beguiled into thinking winter is past, just yet. Work in a February garden is very much dictated Read More

New Year good wishes and happy gardening to everyone! Even now, the days are feeling that tiny bit longer and I’ve been delighted to see the long-tailed tits are still visiting and enjoying the fat-balls, as well as finding bugs and insects amongst the shrubs. Given a chance nature will provide it’s own, safe pest Read More

The last few days of November saw a sudden drop in temperature, with early morning frosts lasting much of the day, but bright blue December skies and plenty of sunshine are giving a wonderful sparkle to grasses and seed heads. 1. Remember the birds, they’re feeling the winter chill and really do need our help. Read More

Days are shortening and temperatures are beginning to drop, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden. 1. Plant tulips, at least twice their depth or more and lots of them! A few recommended ones are Ballerina, Mistress, Don Quichotte, Queen of Night, Red Riding Hood. Allium Purple Sensation is a good early flower, Read More

Late summer perennials are still giving a good show and Penstemons will continue to flower into December, but only if dead-headed. 1. Begin cutting back any spent and tatty perennials, but leave ornamental grasses and seed heads for the birds. 2. Prune climbing roses. 3. Harvest apples and pears and collect ripe seed from perennials. Read More

As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to cool, the hedges are bursting with rosehips and blackberries and gardens still have plenty of late flowering perennials, that will give colour and interest into the autumn. But if you have noticeable gaps in your garden it’s worth making some notes and taking some photographs, with Read More

After searing heat, heavy rain and some very windy days in July, it’s hard to know quite what to expect in August! 1. Top of the list is still dead-heading. Removing the stem as well as the actual dead flower always gives a better appearance. Be careful if doing dahlias, as it can be hard Read More

A little late with this month’s jobs I’m afraid, but many of them extend into August too. There tends to be a lull around this time, between the early flowering and late flowering summer perennials, so dead-heading is probably THE most important and beneficial job you can do, to keep the garden looking vibrant and Read More

Last month saw some extremes of rainfall and see-sawing temperatures, with sharp ground and air frosts, damaging new shoots.  Box was one of the most affected plants, but with warmer and more consistent weather now, new growth will soon come through.   Be alert to box blight in your gardens and apply treatment.  The RHS Read More

So far, it’s been a warm, dry spring but with a frosty sting in the tail towards the end of April and already the soil is very dry, so watch out for drooping plants, particularly if not yet established.  Another couple of weeks or so and it will be safe to re-do your pots for Read More