Easy-care garden blog

How to make your store-bought amaryllis bloom once more!

The beautiful Amaryllis that once brightened your home is not merely a one-time wonder. This resilient bulb has the potential to bloom again. With a little patience and a few simple steps, you can enjoy stunning flowers year after year….

Why you should plant Sarcococca Confusa in November

When autumn arrives and the garden starts to quiet down, it’s easy to think winter will be dull and scentless. That’s when Sarcococca confusa, or Sweet Box, can make a real difference. Planting this evergreen shrub in November is a…

The smart way to plant bulbs

If you love spring bulbs, using an aquatic pond basket is a smart and easy way to plant them. Instead of putting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or alliums straight into the ground, you plant them in a mesh-sided basket usually…

Blue hair halloween pumpkin planter!

Halloween is just around the corner, and while carved jack-o’-lanterns are a timeless classic, why not try something a little different this year? A pumpkin planter is a fantastic way to combine seasonal decor with a touch of greenery, creating…

Get creative with pumpkin planters

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and pumpkins start appearing everywhere, it’s easy to think of them just for carving spooky faces or baking delicious pies. But what if you could transform a humble pumpkin into a vibrant,…

Watching the garden’s autumnal transition

Right now, my garden is putting on its most beautiful and understated show as autumn settles in. Summer’s energy has faded, replaced by deep reds, yellows and oranges. The Acer stands out, its leaves turning brilliant crimson red before they…

How to deadhead dahlia plants

It can be tricky to tell the difference between a spent dahlia flower and a new bud, but learning to identify them is key to successful deadheading, which encourages more blooms. Here’s how to distinguish between the two: New Bud:…

If only gardeners understood slugs

Slugs often get a bad reputation in the garden, but their behaviour is actually a reaction to how gardeners keep things tidy. In the wild, like in woodlands and other natural areas, slugs are not pests. Instead, they play an…

Improving drainage in pots

I have a deep appreciation for the exquisite, aromatic flavour of pistachio nuts, their earthy notes elevating any snack. However, the thought of waste troubles me, particularly when it comes to the remnants of these delightful treats—the shells. Yet, I’ve…

Defying the Common Consensus: My ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera Thriving in Dry Shade

Every gardener knows the struggle of finding the perfect plant for the perfect spot. And when it comes to Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, the widely accepted wisdom is clear: this stunning perennial, with its luminous silver-veined leaves and delicate blue…