You may recall that last year I set myself the challenge of prettying up a rather hideous block-work garage that runs along the left side of my garden. I considered various solutions in Up The Garage Wall (Part 1), and then we built a pergola (Part 2). And now, here is Part 3, a post I’ve titled ‘Two Shades Of Grey’ because gardening can… Read more →
One Year On…
I’m a little staggered to think it’s a year since I started this blog and embarked on a slightly scary but exciting career change. I’ve worked as a gardener, run my first class, and created garden designs for some lovely clients. I’m loving it. And I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a new horticulture course in September. My garden has changed… Read more →
My Dahlias Are Flowering (Sort Of) :: Grow-Along
It’s time for a quick update on my dahlias. Sadly, they are unimpressive. Some are doing better than others, and may improve before the summer’s out, but I still haven’t had a single, perfect flower. Although I have high hopes for the flower pictured above that is just opening up. A couple of plants have been well and truly devoured by… Read more →
Helmingham Hall Gardens
I was at Helmingham Hall Gardens, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, on Sunday. My mum and I went to their annual plant fair in May, but it’s such a magical place that I had to bring more of my family back to see it too. The day was gloriously hot and sunny, so we licked delicious ice creams, bought from the shop in… Read more →
July: What To Do Now
The overwhelming theme of my garden this month seems to be scent. There are masses of sweet smelling blooms on the roses, honeysuckle and philadelphus. It’s a pleasure to walk along the borders and now much narrower paths, especially on a warm day when the the flowers’ scents seem strongest. There is a climbing rose growing by my front door which fills the front… Read more →
A Midsummer Garden
After a sunny week in Portugal, I arrived back home to a surprisingly lush garden. I’d expected to return to dried out hanging baskets and shriveled pot plants. Instead, I found everything overgrown. Our English summer has been dreadfully rainy so far, but it’s made my borders blousy and gorgeously verdant, so I don’t mind. This is what midsummer should look… Read more →
June: What To Do Now
June is the perfect month for relaxing in your garden. The evenings are at their longest and lightest, and should be spent with a cold beer in hand and feet up, watching the bees and birds go about their business. All of my hard work in spring has paid off, and there is an abundance of lush growth and flowers… Read more →
A Rainy But Fantastic Open Garden Day
I am now mostly recovered from our open garden and plant sale on Sunday. We had the most amazing day and raised £725 for the British Red Cross, which I’m thrilled about! I’m hugely grateful to everyone who came, all the kind people who donated plants, and my wonderful family, who baked and helped out on the day. It was… Read more →
The Urban Jungle
Earlier this week, on the spur of the moment, I decided to finally visit The Urban Jungle for lunch and a bit of shopping. I’d heard about it from a few friends, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s an incredible place. Tucked away down a little lane in Costessey, just outside Norwich, it’s a tropical haven away from the noise of… Read more →
How To Plant Up A Hanging Basket
Plant up your own hanging baskets this summer, rather than buying a run-of-the-mill, ready-planted one. It’s so much more satisfying to do it yourself. You can put in plants you like, not those horrid little conifers and ivy that always seem to be included in shop-bought baskets. You could even include edibles like strawberries or tumbling tomatoes. You can choose… Read more →