Potpourri Magazine

The unexpected gardener - Lorraine Kelly
The popular ITV broadcaster enjoys gardening and has talked about finding it a great form of escapism - particularly during stressful times like lockdown.  ‘It’s lovely to just get outside...
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Technology in the garden - smart rain gauge
It’s easy to overestimate how much water a garden has really had after it’s rained.  The soil might look wet, but it could be surface moisture.  A rain gauge can...
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Podcast - The Garden Log
Gardener and podcaster Ben Dark, has until recently been working as a Head Gardener at a private English country estate but has now moved his family to Copenhagen where he...
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In the Cotwolds
Frustrated by the limitations of container gardening on our balcony, we wanted a garden, so some years ago we relocated from London to the Cotswolds. We got our big garden,...
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Cut flower corner - what to pick in August
The garden is full of high summer flowers to bring into the house – it’s such a lovely thing to do and helps you really appreciate the detail of your...
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Body, soul and gardening - low allergen gardens
Summer in the garden can be unpleasant for hay fever and asthma sufferers, but this needn’t be the case with the right plant choices.  Here’s what to consider. As a...
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Gardening hero - Nigel Dunnett
Nigel is Professor of Planting and Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield.  He’s a horticulturist and designer and has pioneered innovative ecological approaches to planting gardens and public spaces...
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Q&A with the McBrides of the Sussex Prairie Garden
Paul and Pauline McBride designed and created this garden from scratch.  We first asked them: What was the thinking behind the design? The overall design is a spiral intersected by...
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Garden trends - living roofs
From wild flowers to sedum growing above extensions and sheds, people are increasingly realising the benefits a green roof can bring.  Not only are they attractive, they also help keep...
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Podcast - This week in the garden with Peter Seabrook
Gardening writer, broadcaster and lecturer, Peter shares his wealth of experience on this horticultural podcast. He talks to horticultural experts from all aspects of the gardening world, from designers Ann-Marie...
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Technology in the garden - Big Green Egg
Roast chicken in the garden, anyone? If lockdown inspired you to cook al fresco, but you’d like to do more than grill a sausage, it might be worth investing in...
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Podcast - The Virgin Gardener
The Virgin Gardener podcast presented by Laetitia Maklouf and Andrew O’Brien is aimed at anyone wanting to green up their space – indoor or out.  They have a fabulous line...
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Technology in the garden - UV garden parasols
Parasols are perfect for creating soothing shade in a favourite seating or dining area in the garden.  And with climate change and our growing understanding of the damage the sun...
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Q & A with William Dyson, curator of Great Comp Garden
William Dyson is the Curator at Great Comp; he also runs his own nursery specialising in salvias which is situated within the garden. Can you tell us about the different...
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The secret gardener - Nigel Havers
When he’s not on screen or stage, actor Nigel Havers enjoys working in the garden, describing himself as a keen gardener. Becoming a home owner, after buying a house in Wandsworth...
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Cut flower corner - all about sweet peas
With their gorgeous scent, frilly blooms and beautiful colours, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) make wonderful summer cut flowers.  They take a bit of tending to, but the rewards are more...
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Garden trends - new colours for rendered walls
White is out, in comes something warmer. Rendered garden walls painted a crisp white is a classic look.  However, the mood in garden design is turning towards something softer with...
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Body, soul and gardening - garden seating
Whether it’s for a moment’s pause or a longer rest, a variety of seating in multiple areas of the garden allows you some calming time out. Mornings and evenings are...
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Technology in the garden - the olla
The use of ollas - unglazed porous clay vessels - is an ancient technique for irrigation, saving time energy and water.  It’s a simple idea: the clay pot is buried...
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Podcast - The Dirt
This is a podcast devoted to growing fruit and vegetables presented by Laura, the editor of Grow Your Own Magazine, and other members of the team.  The show focuses on...
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Q & A with leading rose expert Michael Marriott
Michael Marriott is one of the world’s leading rosarians.  He is also well-known for his rose garden design and his common sense approach to looking after roses.  Can you give...
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