Potpourri Magazine

Technology in the garden - the chair to save the oceans
If you’re in the market for some more garden furniture and are wanting to do something about the environment, the DuraOcean could be the answer.  This ground breaking chair, designed...
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The joys of lavender
Drifts of lilac-coloured lavender, humming with bees against a blue sky is a wonderful summer sight.  As well as being beautiful, lavender can also be dried – hanging the sprigs upside-down...
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Our vlog pick - The Garden Ninja
The Garden Ninja, aka Lee Burkhill, is a garden designer from the north of England whose YouTube videos give clear, practical advice on design and gardening, helping people avoid common...
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Monty Don - 5 things you didn't know
The much-loved gardening broadcaster and writer was born in Germany in 1955 – the youngest of five siblings - and christened Montagu Denis Wyatt Don.  He is married to Sarah...
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Your August gardening to-do list
Everything is growing very fast now, with plenty of harvesting, deadheading and seed-collecting to be done.  Here’s how to keep the garden looking good into autumn. Keep deadheading annuals, perennials and...
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Seasonal produce - what to do with plums
Plums are a delicious tangy fruit, great eaten raw but also great for stewing or making jams, crumbles and tarts.  ‘Victoria’ is a well-known variety and ‘Blue Tit’ and ‘Opal’ are...
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Garden trends - zones to make the most of your space
Gardens are working harder than ever as people spend more time in them and appreciate their potential.  Designers are increasingly creating separate zones with different purposes to maximise the use...
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Body, soul and gardening - wellbeing from tactile plants
Gardens that stimulate the senses are a great way to create relaxing outdoor spaces, helping us to physically connect with nature.  As well as the familiar scented gardens, tactile gardens...
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How to create a bee-friendly garden
It’s a joy watching bees in the garden.  Sadly, however, they’re on the decline due to systemic pesticides and loss of varied habitats, amongst other things.  Bees are vital for...
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Technology in the garden - wheelbarrows
The latest innovations are designed to ease the strain and make gardening easier. The Bucketbarrow.  The wheelbarrow is a mainstay bit of kit for gardeners, yet since its invention thousands of...
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Our vlog pick - Sean's Allotment Homestead Garden
London-based gardener Sean James Cameron has been gardening for over 30 years and is passionate about growing his own produce and sharing his knowledge.  His most recent videos follow his...
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The unexpected gardener - Mary Berry
Much-loved food writer, TV presenter and former Great British Bakeoff judge Mary Berry may be renowned for her baking, but less well known is her love of gardening.  ‘In another...
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Seasonal produce - what to do with beetroot
Beetroots are easy to grow and can be sown from April to June.  Harvest them when they’re the size of a golf ball.  They’re delicious and nutritious and great roasted...
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Garden trends - relax in a swinging seat
Laid-back swinging seats are the height of fashion this summer and a great way of creating a holiday vibe in the garden.  Designers are increasingly incorporating everything from hammocks to...
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Body soul and gardening - the golden hour
Like so many people, I’ve been appreciating my garden more than ever over recent weeks, but my favourite moment has to be first thing in the morning, before anyone is...
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Body, soul and gardening - water to soothe the senses
As the weather heats up, having cooling water in the garden is all the more appealing.  It creates a calming focal point, adding gentle sound, movement and sparkling light to...
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Our podcast pick - Talking Heads
This lively and informative gardening podcast - which recently celebrated 10,000 downloads - makes for comforting and informative listening while you’re doing your gardening or cooking.  Fellow head gardeners Saul...
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Book review - The Modern Cottage Garden by Greg Loades
In his new book, Greg explores a fusion between the ever-popular cottage garden of roses and foxgloves and the prairie-style planting of designers like Piet Outdolf, with swathes of grasses...
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Garden trends - vertical gardening
The trend for green or ‘living walls’ continues in popularity, in both domestic and commercial situations, as the technology advances and more specialist companies are set up.  These walls are...
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Technology in the garden - Vegebag
If you’re looking for extra growing space, either in a small garden or because you’ve already packed your garden to the rafters and want to squeeze in some salad leaves,...
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Gardening tip - deadheading roses
Keep deadheading your roses religiously for a succession of blooms.  Removing heads instantly smartens up the plant and can keep repeat-flowering roses going for months.  Remove the flowers as you...
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