Geums the resilient semi-evergreen stars of the garden
Geum plants, also known as Avens, are a classic feature in British cottage gardens. Gardeners value them for their ruffled flowers and dependable growth. These perennials are semi-evergreen; they usually keep a low rosette of fuzzy, lobed leaves through winter….
Growing a mixed cascading Schlumbergera hanging basket indoors
If you’re looking to create a living chandelier of vibrant blooms within your home, few houseplants do it better than the Schlumbergera family. Known affectionately in the UK as Christmas or Thanksgiving Cacti in the US, these forest-dwelling succulents are…
Recycle your Christmas tree and help wildlife
When the holidays are over, many gardeners ask what to do with their real chopped Christmas trees. While there are schemes to collect them or places to take them for recycling, you can choose a more sustainable option right at…
The pepper lottery
January might not seem like the conventional time to think about peppers, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire for a fun gardening experiment, now is a fantastic time to delve into the world of seed saving….
Keep those pansies looking winter fresh
While many areas of the garden are dormant in January, winter pansies and violas provide much-needed pops of colour. The cold, damp air of midwinter can be tough on these delicate blooms. If you want your displays to bloom until…
Rejuvenate hellebores
One rewarding task for any gardener in the early months of the year is tending to Hellebores, often called the “Lenten or Christmas Rose.” These hardy perennials can look a bit worse for wear now. Their large, leathery evergreen leaves,…
Give empty raised beds a boost for spring
January offers a unique window of opportunity to prepare for the frantic growth of spring. One of the most physically rewarding and visually satisfying tasks during this quiet spell is refreshing your empty raised beds. Throughout the previous growing season,…
The tomato lottery
January might not seem like the conventional time to think about tomatoes, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire for a fun gardening experiment, now is a fantastic time to delve into the world of seed saving….
Reviving Your Secateurs
The February quiet period is the best time for a specialised bit of maintenance: reviving your secateurs. They are the most frequently used tool in any gardener’s arsenal, yet they are often the most neglected. After a year of pruning…
Looking after our feathered friends this January
As January arrives and the winter chill deepens, the natural larders of the countryside begin to run dry. For our garden birds, this month represents a critical period of survival, where finding enough sustenance to endure the long, freezing nights…