If you have chalky soil it’s likely to be shallow, dry, alkaline (or acidic) and nutrient poor! But don’t despair, there are plenty of plants that are up to the challenge.
Full details of Plants for a difficult spot – chalky/limestone soil
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The magic of mistletoe
Posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2015
All of us have enjoyed a quick kiss under the mistletoe at one time or another, but have you thought about where this tradition comes from? The extraordinary form and growth habit of this partially parasitic plant has inspired myths and traditions for centuries.
Back as far as Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) the mistletoe was [...]
Plants for a difficult spot - dry shade
Posted on Thursday, February 26th, 2015
While there are plenty of plants happy in moist shade or sunny, dry spots, finding plants which are happy in the combination of both shade and dry soil can be a challenge. These conditions are common in the garden – at the base of north facing walls, under shallow rooting trees or along hedges.
The situation [...]
Christmas gift ideas for all sorts of gardeners
Posted on Monday, December 1st, 2014
It can sometimes be difficult to find the perfect gift for the gardener in your life, so we’re here to help! This is our pick of this year’s gardening gift crop, for experienced gardeners, casual potterers or curious kids.
For the hardened horticulturalist
A wormery is an excellent idea for a keen gardener, particularly if they don’t [...]
Full details of Christmas gift ideas for all sorts of gardeners
The stories behind the names
Posted on Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
In autumn and winter any flowering plants are precious, bringing a bit of colour into an otherwise dreary scene. So we’ve taken a look at some of our favourite autumn and winter flowering plants and how they got their names.
Perfect plants for a north facing wall
Posted on Monday, September 1st, 2014
A north facing wall might not appear to have much going for it as a planting spot. It receives little sunlight and, depending on the direction of the prevailing wind, little water. However it’s often these dreary locations where we want to add a little colour and interest. And if you choose your plants carefully then that’s exactly what you can do.
Saving seeds from your garden
Posted on Friday, August 1st, 2014
Collecting seeds from your garden is a great way to get new plants for free, plus you can swap them with friends or at organised seed swaps.
Designing a low maintenance garden
Posted on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
There is no such thing as a ‘zero maintenance’ garden. Like a house, any garden will need some care and attention to keep it in good condition. But you can certainly create a garden which is low maintenance, taking minimal time and effort to keep it neat and tidy. Here are some of our top [...]
How some of our spring flowering favourites found their names
Posted on Tuesday, April 1st, 2014
The names we give plants can be very revealing about their origins, historic uses or mythical symbolism. Here are the stories behind the names of some spring flowering plants…
Full details of How some of our spring flowering favourites found their names
Getting rid of garden waste
Posted on Thursday, October 31st, 2013
With Bonfire Night almost here, many of us will be taking the opportunity to get rid of some garden waste on the traditional bonfire (check for hedgehogs first though and make sure garden fires are allowed by your local authority). But burning garden waste regularly has environmental implications that not every gardener is comfortable with. So how else to get rid of garden waste? Well, here are some ideas…