Here we go again!

David sent in this blogpost and won a pair of waterproof gardening gloves. As I set off to pick my way as carefully I can past the drifts of rudbeckia,...
Read More

A change of plan

Jill sent in this blogpost and won a pair of waterproof gardening gloves.  The tree surgeon came this week. A very large and straggling Cornus Mas has been brought under...
Read More

What about chemicals?

From time to time, customers contact us to ask about the fabrics in Genus gardening clothes.  Do they contain chemicals?  What makes them waterproof?  Will they affect my sensitive skin? So...
Read More
While I do indeed garden while wearing these marvellous trousers, they are also perfect for animal husbandry, the pockets are especially useful as are the built in knee pads. Whilst...
Read More

5-Reasons - George

We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine.  5 reasons to love Genus trousers.  George won a Genus voucher for £50. Love all my genus...
Read More

5-Reasons - Christine

We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine.  5 reasons to love Genus trousers.  Christine won a Genus voucher for £50. My 5 reasons: 1....
Read More

5-Reasons - Brenda

We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine.  5 reasons to love Genus trousers.  Brenda won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. Wearability - Comfortable,...
Read More

5-Reasons - Susan

We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine.  5 reasons to love Genus trousers.  Susan won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. Stab proof secateur pocket...
Read More

5-Reasons - Martina

We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine.  5 reasons to love Genus trousers.  Martina won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. The trousers...
Read More
Seeing snowdrops, aconites and iris unguicularis emerging from our cold, wet clay and flowering their socks off, fills me with hope that anything is possible!   Thank you, Rachel.  A...
Read More
Snowdrops – each little green bud a tightly packed powerhouse, bursting with promise, strength, beauty and hope for the future, every one a tiny miracle.   Thank you, Pamela.  A...
Read More
At Rose Cottage, January reveals more open views through leaf less trees; it’s the structure of the garden unclothed.  It’s a time to plan the next seasons  and assess the...
Read More
We received this lovely contribution from Jill Stewart and we sent her a £50 voucher to spend at Genus. Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire is the ancestral home of George Washington with...
Read More

Andy Adams in Genus

Catherine sent us this picture showing her husband wearing Genus from top to toe, along with a description of his gardening life. In return, we sent her a voucher for a £50 discount off...
Read More
Nestled under a backdrop of the stunning Malvern hills, The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is a fabulous way to kick off the garden show season.  With ample on-site parking and...
Read More
Marion sent us this picture showing her wearing Genus Gardening Trousers, and a description of her work as a Volunteer Park Ranger in Headington Hill Park, Oxford.  In return, we...
Read More

Catherine in Cumbria

We're constantly impressed by what Genus customers get up to in our gear.  From creating incredible orchards, landscapes and allotments, to using them on archaeological digs.Last week, we received a...
Read More
Don’t try using the front door at Rugg Farm; plants are the doorkeepers here barring your access to the 200-year-old farmhouse and giving a clue as to what can be...
Read More
Entering through the gates at Plumley House the first things you see are huge granite boulders of monumental proportions deposited there at the end of the last ice age.  Time...
Read More
An 18th century farmhouse with beautiful mixed borders and an exceptional range of roses. As you turn into the driveway of Susanna’s home near Bridgenorth the mid 18th century red...
Read More
Ruth and Neale Brydon had to wait eight years to find the perfect garden.  After an eight-year spell working in the United States Ruth longed to return to the UK...
Read More
The gentle approach to Mary and John Thurston’s home ‘Rocklands’ in Gloucestershire is via a serpentine metalled driveway that weaves gently through camelias, rhododendrons, and mature sweet chestnuts.  Access to...
Read More
An 18th century townhouse with a mature beautifully laid out garden with an exceptional plant palette. Jill and William Stewart have lived at their home near Towcester for 40 years...
Read More
In her 1913 collection of poems, Dorothy Frances Gurney wrote, The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God's Heart in...
Read More

Oasis in the Sky

With careful planning, you can create a green haven on your balcony that’s full of scent and colour. First, it’s important to check how much weight your balcony can take,...
Read More
With a national lockdown and supermarkets depleted, producing your own fruit and vegetables has more appeal than ever.  And there’s so much you can grow in the smallest of spaces....
Read More

Women in the Garden

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and with the shops filling up with cards and flowers it got us thinking about the relationship between women and gardening.  I suppose...
Read More
It’s January 1st and with pen poised over a sheet of paper, we’re planning how we’re going to make the very best of 2020.  Some of us are focused on...
Read More
It’s getting to look a lot like that time of year! We have been really busy here in the Genus packing shed over the last week, as the rush to...
Read More
Exercise addicts are always trying to convince us of the benefits of yoga – increased flexibility, stronger joints and bones and a relaxed body and mind. But did you know...
Read More

Autumn colour therapy

We have written a number of blogs about how great gardening is for improving gardener’s general levels of health and fitness.  Our health and wellbeing though, is not just a...
Read More
Gardening is renowned for its therapeutic benefits, helping you to feel more relaxed, alleviating symptoms of stress and depression and allowing you to enjoy nature. In Japan, gardens are designed...
Read More
It seems that we are heading for a mass influx of Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) over the next few weeks.  Although we get these butterflies regularly during the summer...
Read More
One of the surprising things to pop up in the Genus garden lately was a bright shiny green beetle that was all over the sage and lavender bushes.  Curiosity peaked,...
Read More
It’s the end of June and we are getting excited about Hampton Court Flower Show which starts soon.  One of the specialties of the show is the grand display of roses as...
Read More
It’s just a few days to go before Wimbledon 2019 starts. It’s my only must-see sporting event of the year. The strawberries in the Genus garden have been in full...
Read More

Right royal gardeners

In helping to design and plant out the Back To Nature garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, the Duchess of Cambridge is continuing a long tradition of gardening amongst...
Read More

Mother's Day flowers

There are many traditional Mother's Day flowers depending on where in the world you look. The British tradition of “Mothering Sunday” started in the sixteenth century and provided an opportunity...
Read More
The recent discussions on climate change in Poland, the Beast from the East followed by a summer drought, as well as the long line of record breaking years including the...
Read More
The concept of colours influencing our moods has been around for a long time. If you are interested in learning about popular interpretations of different colours with a view to...
Read More

Gardening by moonlight

Gardeners will know that gardening is not just a physical activity, it encompasses a philosophy of life, an approach to growing and a favoured set of techniques that vary from...
Read More
The country has spoken and it’s out of the EU we will come. There will now be a period of some uncertainty as we come to terms with the new reality and begin the process of untangling ourselves from a host...
Read More
Vita Sackville-West has many claims to fame. She was an accomplished writer and poet, circulated amongst the Bloomsbury Group attributed with modernising British social attitudes during the inter war years,...
Read More
We’re back after the excitement of Chelsea. The importance and popularity of gardens in Britain was of course really made obvious at the show. The range of items for gardens...
Read More
Time and again, surveys and academic studies prove what we’ve long suspected: gardening really does make us happy.A recent poll of 1,500 UK adults revealed that 80% of people who...
Read More
Now that the long Easter weekend is nearly here, there should be plenty of time to get out into the garden as well as enjoying eggs, buns and rabbits with...
Read More
It’s the month when resolutions are made and so very many people think about dieting to lose the extra pounds gained over the festive season. A recent survey showed that...
Read More
Herbs are a versatile ingredient for cooking, but they also have many therapeutic benefits, and can be used in a variety of health and beauty products. Here are some reasons...
Read More

Claudia de Yong

Claudia de Yong is a garden designer with over fifteen years experience creating wonderful gardens for her clients. She has also won medals eight times at Hampton Court and numerous...
Read More
Gardening is not only good for your soul, it's also a great way to burn off calories in the winter months. For some people, a spot of gardening is their...
Read More
It’s Easter! This is traditionally the busiest period for gardening businesses. A spell of good weather at Easter brings gardeners with all kinds of interests and all kinds of skills...
Read More
Each member country of the United Kingdom has its own national flower. Here is a brief introduction to each: England – the Rose The rose has represented England since the 1400s...
Read More
Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and thoughts are turning to gifts for our loved one. Flowers are always a popular choice, and the relationship between flowers and love goes...
Read More
Don’t panic! It’s the week before Christmas and the atmosphere is getting hectic. For many of us the thought that we need to find something special for that significant somebody...
Read More
This week we went along to the Bibury Gardening Club, which meets once a month, and is always a great place to socialise with other keen gardeners as well as...
Read More
We have already noticed what a barbeque summer 2017 in the UK is turning out to be, and the two heatwaves we experienced in recent weeks were unusual in their...
Read More
It has been an interesting year at Chelsea. The media has not just focused on the flowers. A spotlight has been shone on the people involved as gardeners and garden...
Read More

Gardening blogs

Woooooh! Spring seems to have sprung and suddenly there seems to be even less time in the day to get everything done than ever before. This last month has whizzed...
Read More
It has been a few weeks since the last Genus blog. You won’t be surprised to hear that’s because we have been really busy, not just in the Genus garden,...
Read More
This weekend saw us pass the spring Equinox, one of two days in the year when the day and night are equally long. Day length is now on it’s way to...
Read More
We have already blogged about climate change and flooding in December, but the subject just won’t go away. We have been really keen to get out and start the late...
Read More
The British winter this year has been warm as well as wet. October, November and December have all been unseasonably warm. October was around 0.5 degrees warmer and was also a drier...
Read More
We are drawing close to the end of the gardening year. The Genus garden is being tidied up and put to bed for the winter. The long days pottering and working...
Read More
Genus founder Sue began gardening in miniature in her London flat using planters and window boxes as a route to releasing her gardening passion. There’s lots that can be done container...
Read More
The autumn this year is turning into a long and colourful affair. The flowering season in the Genus garden still continues into October and some of the fruit trees, particularly...
Read More
It may be disappointing to have suffered another wet and dismal August Bank Holiday, but the recent rain does mean that some of the vegetables and fruit in the Genus...
Read More
Fashion is not just about clothes. There are garden fashions too. Plants and planting styles that gardeners of all sorts fall in love with and get carried away by. Genus...
Read More
That's it then. The third week in May has arrived, the Chelsea Fringe starts and the real excitement of Chelsea week begins! One of the many new gardening programmes on...
Read More
The Genus team was recently busy at the Kew Plant Finders Fair.  One of the ways we engaged with customers was to ask them more about what they wore when they...
Read More
Just like ourselves in the Genus garden, we know many gardeners who spend a lot of time choosing flowers they hope are going to perform really well in the conditions...
Read More
The hori hori knife all round gardening tool from Japan Genus is all about performance. We also pride ourselves on great customer service, enjoying conversations with our customers about their...
Read More
Want to stand out this Valentines? British grown spring flowers are gaining in popularity over imported roses We have noticed a bit of a push in the gardening community recently...
Read More
That’s it then, we have reached Twelfth Night which means Christmas and all the associated festivities are now all well and truly finished for another year.  What’s to look forward to now?...
Read More
The horticultural and forestry world has been busy over recent years innovating around Christmas trees.  It’s not just the introduction of new species of tree like the Scot’s pine or the Noble fir instead...
Read More
Monet’s garden appears to have become the latest battlefield of Anglo-Franco discord.  An interesting article in the Sunday Times described the challenge faced by the Head Gardener at Giverny. James Priest...
Read More
Whilst not as internationally famous as Chelsea, Hampton Court Flower Show is the world’s largest flower show.  It covers an area of 34 acres set inside the grounds of Hampton...
Read More
There is much talk of climate change and how gardeners will need to adapt their gardening practices as a result.  When we think about the last few years it’s easy...
Read More
It is a fact that in our society neighbours seldom talk to each other.  You can live for years next door to someone and never even know their name.  A...
Read More
Five a day doesn't mean WEARING the fruit and veg Eating fruit and veg has been a big topic in the news for some time.  In the UK the campaign to “Eat...
Read More
Earlier this week, we visited the Fashion & Gardens exhibition at the Garden Museum in Lambeth, London.  Curated by Nicola Shulman, a well-known author and journalist, who is also a...
Read More
 Susan Middletons old gardening trousers Thanks to keen gardener Susan for sending in this photo of her old gardening trousers.  She can now enjoy her free pair of socks. To...
Read More
Radio 4 Extra is broadcasting a great programme on Gertrude Jekyll at 9am today, 1st February. Gertrude Jekyll (29 November 1843—8 December 1932) was an influential British horticulturist, garden designer, artist...
Read More
We are asking keen gardeners to send in photos of their old gardening clothes, and in return we're giving them a free pair of Genus socks. Thanks very much to...
Read More
Gardening offers many health benefits: it increases flexibility, provides a workout, helps to keep you supple and can even boost your mood, alleviating depression and anxiety. But for allergy sufferers,...
Read More
A new BBC series could see thousands of people who have lost their passion for gardening take an interest once again. ‘Great British Garden Revival’ is a 10-part series which...
Read More
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is often also referred to as winter blues or winter depression, and affects up to 20% of the population annually. It’s a type of depression which...
Read More
Gardening has been proven to have health benefits for everyone, particularly the over 60s, and helps to de-stress your body and mind. So why not use your garden to grow vegetables...
Read More
A study of over 4,000 people in Stockholm, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, has showed that regular daily gardening can prolong life by up to 30 per...
Read More
Sustainable gardening is nothing new: the concept actually came about during the First World War (1914-1918) with the invention of so-called ‘Victory Gardens' in which vegetables, fruit and herbs were...
Read More
Monty Don, presenter of the BBC programme Gardeners' World, has put forward his views that everyone in the UK should have access to a garden or allotment, especially young people between...
Read More
Sometimes, the best things are those which are unexpected, such as a garden on the roof of a tower block!  Urban gardening is a movement sweeping the nation – here...
Read More
The charity Thrive has recently launched a new project, ‘Down to Earth’ in Gateshead and the West Midlands, aimed at helping ex-service personnel living with mental ill health or physical disability to ...
Read More
Growing your own vegetables is a great way to ensure you know exactly where your five a day is coming from, so with that in mind, here are a few...
Read More
It seems gardening hasn’t just come to schools – it’s making its way to universities as well, starting with the University of Newcastle which has announced a number of innovative projects to...
Read More
Hidden among the more contentious educational reforms put forward by the government is a proposal to include gardening on the National Curriculum for students aged 7 to 14. The idea...
Read More
More normally associated with exclusive garden parties, Buckingham Palace is set to host a one-off football match to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the English Football Association’s formation. The game...
Read More
Gardener and amateur moth hunter Angie Hill got something of a surprise earlier this week when stumbled across a giant beetle. The creature, later identified as a European rhinoceros beetle...
Read More
Traditionally thought of as weeds, nettles are apparently receiving a warm welcome in some gardens. One online nursery is now selling nettles for £7.99, claiming that all of their initial...
Read More
Celebrity gardener Monty Don has spoken of the unusual way in which he once tried to impress his girlfriend by cutting her lawn with a pair of scissors. Unable to...
Read More
We loved the story we read the other day about 70 year-old Stuart Grindle, a retired joiner from Tickhill near Doncaster, who mows his lawn twice a day because he wants...
Read More
Flower gardens are popular all over the world, providing a tranquil and pleasant escape from the rush of the modern world. But where is the largest flower garden in the...
Read More
If you thought that gardening was the hobby of choice for older people, new research suggests that you could be wrong. Research by Stewart Garden has found that people aged...
Read More
This is a useful podcast for those interested in designing their own garden and are new to garden design.  Presenter and designer Rachel McCartain discusses how her aim is to...
Read More
Containers need a lot more watering than planted borders and can be a problem if you go away a lot or are busy.  Self-watering planters can be an excellent solution...
Read More
Green tomatoes aren’t as sweet as red tomatoes, but they are safe to eat both raw in salads or sandwiches or cooked in sauces.  They have a tart taste and...
Read More
Growing trees in containers is a fantastic and impactful way of bringing height, blossom and autumn colour into spaces with no planting beds, such as patios.  They can also help...
Read More
What was your journey into horticulture? After completing my degree, my first proper horticultural experience was gained working in the historic Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, which convinced me...
Read More
Colours and their effect on our mood is subjective of course, but greens and cool colours in planting are often associated with well-being and relaxation.  Using reds, oranges and yellows,...
Read More
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, so you don’t want to be worrying about how your garden will cope while you’re away.  The most obvious solution is to enlist a...
Read More
High summer is when tall perennials and soft wafty grasses are really coming into their own.  They add lovely texture, naturalism  and movement to a container display – ideal if...
Read More
We visited this garden on a hot day last year and the mixture of woodland planting, dappled light, water and beautifully placed sculptures creates the most wonderfully soothing environment. The original...
Read More
If you’re bored of steaming your runner beans, why not try something a bit more exciting by making tasty samosas?  Runners go well with Indian spices, and combined with fluffy...
Read More
Garden designer friends Jo Thompson and Nina Baxter talk about gardening and much more besides in this enjoyable podcast. In a recent episode they discuss this year’s Chelsea Flower Show...
Read More
Sails make a great alternative to umbrellas, creating a cool retreat in hotter weather without an intrusive pole.  They also have a graceful, contemporary feel. Most will stand up well...
Read More
Q&A with Clive Nichols, garden photographer Tell us about your route into garden photography? After studying human geography at Reading University I got a job as a head chef of...
Read More
Encouraging your children to garden or simply relax and have fun in your outdoor space is excellent for their wellbeing.  With one in eight young people suffering with a mental...
Read More
If you’re thinking of greening up your terrace or balcony with beautiful planting, lightweight pots and compost will ease your mind by helping to combat challenges, such as weight restrictions....
Read More
Shredded courgettes work well in salads.  And Asian salads with their spicy, tangy flavours and bright colours are fun and refreshing for the summer. If you can shred or spiralise...
Read More
In his new podcast, Ben Dark discusses plants, nature and gardening, either on walks in nature, in situ in gardens and sometimes talking to horticultural guests. Ben invites guests from...
Read More
A bubbling water feature glistening in the sun on a hot summer’s day adds a cooling and calming dimension to a garden.  And with technological advancements, these can now be...
Read More
Tell us about your career journey so far I was a student at Kew from 1988-1991, then went on to be Head Gardener at Mount Usher Gardens (Ireland), Inverewe Gardens...
Read More
As well as drought, experts believe the changing climate is causing more periods of heavy rain, which can lead to flooding.  But there are beautiful and sustainable ways to deal...
Read More
This is a classic way of serving asparagus, and for good reason.  The salty ham and rustic soft sweet asparagus are a match made in heaven.  It can be served...
Read More
As well as clustering smaller pots, you might have the space such as a roof terrace or side return that merits a large trough or planter where you can indulge...
Read More
This podcast isn’t about gardening as much as an insight into the lives of interesting women of note from designers to chefs, and the impact gardening has had on them. ...
Read More
If you’ve ever fancied dragging your TV outdoors to watch a bit of sport or a film on a warm summer’s evening surrounding by the scents and sounds of nature,...
Read More
With temperatures rising, this is a good time for growing vegetables in containers.  As well as being ideal for those with limited space, having an informal cluster of containers with...
Read More
As well as increasing kerb appeal and improving the environment, having an abundantly planted front garden has a range of health and well-being benefits, scientists believe.  In fact, RHS research...
Read More
Tell us about what led you into horticulture and your career journey? I’m a career changer and spent years in an office wondering why I didn’t enjoy my job, despite...
Read More
Cauliflower is perfect for curries as it absorbs the flavours.  Using it in a biryani makes for a tasty combination of delicate fluffy rice and flavoursome tender cauliflower, all in...
Read More
Gardens Illustrated has launched a new podcast in which editor Stephanie Mahon invites prominent names in garden design to describe their fantasy garden, as well as discussing the people and...
Read More
Hortiwool’s fleece pads, made from 100% wool, have been used for sustainable packing for food insulation for many years, providing an eco-alternative to polystyrene.  But the natural fibres of this...
Read More
Growing cut flowers is rising in popularity.  Nurturing, picking and arranging your pretty home-grown blooms is great for the soul.  It’s also cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying flowers that...
Read More
Growing fruit trees in containers is ideal for smaller gardens and patios, adding spring blossom and fruit as well as hight and autumn colour. It’s important to invest in a...
Read More
Tell us about your journey into horticulture/transferable skills.  I was brought up in Zimbabwe and spent a lot of my childhood outside.  My parents loved gardening and had a wonderful...
Read More
Wild garlic is a fantastic spring green with a delicious flavour.  Try swapping traditional basil pesto with this wild garlic version while the leaves are in season.  Wild garlic is...
Read More
Presented by Carol and Danielle, the editors of the American gardening magazine, Fine Gardening, this in-depth horticultural podcast is lively and informative. A recent episode on growing spring greens will whet...
Read More
With the recent shortages of tomatoes in the supermarket, there’s even more reason to grow your own this season.  The important thing with tomatoes is to get them growing and...
Read More
We may not be out of the woods when it comes to frosts, yet on a warm clear day, it does feel as though spring is in the air.  If...
Read More
It’s a beautiful garden, what do you enjoy about it most? It’s a privilege to work in such beautiful private gardens and we’re lucky to have engaged, knowledgeable owners, who...
Read More
As well as greening up our homes, research shows houseplants can help reduce the risk of condensation, mould spores and mildew – a common problem, particularly in damper weather. Mould...
Read More
In his excellent podcast, Genus Head Gardener, horticulturalist and garden speaker, Joff Elphick, speaks to an interesting range of people in the horticultural world, from gardeners to designers and writers....
Read More
One of the more unusual root vegetables, celeriac has an earthy flavour with a hint of celery and a texture a little like a turnip.  It’s crunchy when raw and...
Read More
If you want to extend your fruit and vegetable growing season, or protect more tender plants from harsh winter weather, a polytunnel is a cheaper alternative to a greenhouse. A...
Read More
Wakehurst is Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex. Tell us about your route into horticulture? I grew up living and working on a big farm and there was always work...
Read More
When money’s tight, growing your own fruit and veg is a great way to help save the pennies, as well as keeping you healthy.  Here are a few tips to...
Read More
In mid-winter when gardens can look a bit bleak, pots designed for winter interest are an excellent way of bringing colour near to the house, so that you can appreciate...
Read More
Purple-sprouting broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and vitamins A and C, and is at its best from now until April – though you can...
Read More
In her informative YouTube channel, Liz who lives with her husband Mr J, shares her journey to becoming self-sufficient on their smallholding in Wales.  It’s packed with practical videos on...
Read More
We’re all keen not to use unnecessary water and a soil moisture meter helps you monitor the hydration levels of your soil in order to give your plants optimum growing...
Read More
Seeing hellebores shoot up from bare soil is one of the great joys of the winter months.  They come in a gorgeous range of subtle hues from whites and apple...
Read More
There is something incredibly uplifting about the sight of plump flower buds bursting into life, bringing colour in the garden, when so much is in decay.  Here’s our pick of...
Read More
The much-loved comedian and presenter has found himself increasingly enjoying gardening and country life in recent years. In an episode of ‘Gone Fishing’, the gentle TV BBC programme in which...
Read More
Tell us about how you came to gardening as a career? My grandad was an apprentice at Kew and owned his own orchid nursery.  My dad was a gardener and...
Read More
Originally a Facebook group, this informative podcast presented by broadcaster Rod Whiting and co-hosted by experienced horticultural expert John Stirland offers an excellent mixture of gardening and design advice. There’s...
Read More
Clearing leaves can be time-consuming.  While a rake may be enough to do the job in smaller spaces, a leaf blower can save you time in larger gardens, especially those...
Read More
Inky dark purple fruit have masses of nutritional benefits and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.  Now is a good time to plant fruit bushes and trees, many of which...
Read More

The Best Black Bulbs

Bulbs with velvety dark flowers make a glamorous statement in a garden.  Many varieties look almost pitch black in certain lights, then reveal more plum colours as the sun shines...
Read More

Fruit Tree Blackfly

Aphids can attack fruit trees year after year if not tackled.  They pierce the cell walls of leaves to suck the sap, making the leaves curl and yellow.  As they feed,...
Read More

Black Houseplants

Dark leaved house plants can give your interior great sophistication.  Here are five of the best. Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’.  The waxy, shiny foliage of this dark variety of the popular upright...
Read More
Charleston in East Sussex is the former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Tell us about your journey into horticulture? After university, I taught English in Colombia and volunteered on a coffee farm...
Read More
Growing mushrooms to cook with is rising in popularity – fungi even featured at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  This tasty produce is incredibly healthy, with high levels of...
Read More
When she’s not acting, The Men Behaving Badly star’s big love is gardening.  This is lucky as having moved to a Devon farmhouse over a decade ago with her husband,...
Read More
Sedums, or as the taller variety have been renamed, Hylotelephium, really come into their own at this time of year with their flat umbels of flowers slowly turning to deep...
Read More
This informative podcast, presented by gardening guru Guy Barter, covers a wide range of topics, from practical episodes on how to grow particular flowers and vegetables to behind-the-scenes reports from...
Read More
There is nothing more delicious than freshly-pressed apple juice.  You may be lucky enough to have a friend with a press or a shared community one – these can also...
Read More
Sitting near a calm, glinting pond that’s teeming with wildlife is hugely relaxing and makes you feel closer to nature.  In fact, a well-designed wildlife pond is one of the...
Read More
The glamorous supermodel is tiring of partying and turning to more wholesome pursuits such as yoga and gardening.  After spending lockdown at her Cotswold home in Little Faringdon, she decided...
Read More
Also known as a white wood aster, this plant is the star of the show in autumn gardens.  It has pretty clusters of tiny white daisy-like flowers on black stems...
Read More
Tell us about your journey into horticulture? I knew I wanted to work outdoors (ironically, as these days I’m more often inside than out) and after working with a local...
Read More
In this podcast, Knepp ecologist, Penny Green, gives us a behind-the-scenes insight into the pioneering Knepp Wildland project.  A 3,500 acre estate in West Sussex, once intensively farmed, it’s now...
Read More
We’re increasingly using our gardens as an extra room and with chilly autumn nights upon us, installing an outdoor fireplace can really extend the season for sitting out in the...
Read More
Tell us about your journey into horticulture. Growing up surfing the coastline of Cornwall nurtured my desire to be immersed in nature in my work, which naturally translated into horticulture, and I have...
Read More
Sales of pizza ovens has soared.  They make crisp restaurant-quality pizza and are ideal for family meals, where everyone can get involved in the prep.  Home pizza ovens also make...
Read More
Penny Haslam presents this down-to-earth gardening podcast from her own garden in Cheshire, north west summer. She calls herself a have-a-go gardener and the tone is jolly and personal as...
Read More
Whatever your favourite colour, you can probably find a salvia in that hue as there’s such an array of colours and forms, flowering throughout the summer. Along with the culinary...
Read More
The popular actress has grown up with gardening, as her mum, Dee, has opened her garden for the NGS for over 27 years. The three-acre Hampshire garden has a large...
Read More
Perennial vegetables are a particularly sustainable way of growing produce.  You only need to plant them once and they live for years, saving on seed, potting compost, water and time....
Read More
What led you to The Beth Chatto Gardens? My grandparents and parents were keen gardeners and I always enjoyed working outside, but after doing lots of different jobs, it wasn’t...
Read More
With temperatures rising and heat waves more common, plant foliage could help temper the sun’s scorching rays.  While buildings and hard surfaces raise temperatures by absorbing and reflecting the day’s...
Read More
Hydrangeas are gorgeous shrubs.  Their voluptuous flower heads make a fabulous statement in the summer garden and many take on pinky hues into autumn. There are masses of varieties to...
Read More
The Golden Globe-nominated actor, writer and director, famed for Another Country, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more recently playing Oscar Wilde in The Happy Prince, which he wrote and directed,...
Read More

Podcast - Joe Gardener

American gardener Joe Lamp’l presents this interesting and informative podcast in an accessible and encouraging way. He’s a great presenter with bags of gardening advice to share.  There’s a good...
Read More
If your hedges need a trim, cordless hedge trimmers are a great investment and avoid balancing dangerously on top of a ladder with a pair of shears in hand. A...
Read More
From elderflowers to nettles, wild garlic to blackberries, there are so many wild plants to pick and eat.  And foraging for this delicious, nutritious and free bounty has a host...
Read More
The star of BBC’S Dragon Den is a highly successful business woman, but she also gets some of her greatest fulfilment from her garden and surrounding land in rural Somerset....
Read More
Tell us about your route into horticulture?I initially studied fine art and earned my living from art for about ten years before training to become a psychotherapist.  But gardening and the...
Read More
Once you’ve chosen the seeds from the catalogue, it’s useful to watch the seed company’s selection of videos representing their various ranges.  Rob Smith demonstrates everything from how to grow...
Read More
There are so many benefits of composting such as improving your carbon footprint by recycling your kitchen and garden waste and producing your own compost to enrich your soil and...
Read More
Tell us about your journey into horticulture?  My love of herbs came from my mother, who was a wonderful cook and always cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables from her garden. ...
Read More
Healthy plants and edibles grown in soil that’s in the best possible condition will ensure that they – as well as us who eat them – thrive.  And the more...
Read More
Hardy perennial geraniums are the quiet doers of the garden.  They’re reliable, tough and incredibly useful at filling gaps, especially around the woody stems of shrubs like roses and smothering...
Read More
Scotland, with its temperate climate and clear air, makes for stunning gardens and in this podcast, Julianne Robertson explores Scottish gardens, nurseries and horticultural events, talking to a host of...
Read More
Seed sowing season is here in earnest – which means you’ll need something to germinate them in.  Hundreds of millions of the plastic seed trays sold every year are sent...
Read More
Clematis are fabulous for clambering through roses, up fences, walls and over shrubs and pergolas.   There’s one for every month - the more the merrier we say!  For spring, March...
Read More
One of the most obvious ways of creating a garden that stimulates the senses is with long-season, layered planting that keeps the colour and interest going all year. Bulbs are...
Read More
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show presenter, who has a passion for gardening, enjoys pottering around her newly re-designed garden in Chiswick, London, that she shares with her husband, record company...
Read More
What about your journey into horticulture?My father was a (progressive) farm manager and conservationist, so nature was unavoidable growing up.  Seeing  tree ferns and palm trees in gardens in  South...
Read More
If you’ve been tempted by robot mowers but not yet taken the plunge, now might be a good time, as a new generation of robot mowers have seen major changes...
Read More
Daniel Carruthers has created a garden in Chester from scratch, charting his adventures on his YouTube channel, The Enduring Gardener, where he shares his journey trying new planting combinations and...
Read More
Ferns provide elegant soft green foliage in shady areas of the garden.  They’re wonderful when planted under trees  with other shade-tolerant perennials such as white astrantia and which work best...
Read More
Leaving your soil undisturbed not only saves you time and energy, but benefits the soil and creates healthier plants…so it’s a win, win. You simply cover your bed with a...
Read More
How did your love of plants came about?My love of plants came from spending a lot of time with my grandparents as a child.  They were keen vegetable growers and...
Read More
Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons is just as at home in the garden as on the screen and stage.  He finds it grounds him, recalling getting back into the garden after...
Read More
In this hugely engaging and informative podcast, Sarah Raven, Arthur Parkinson and guests discuss their favourite flowers and edibles of the season with masses of useful tips on how to...
Read More
As the season warms up and our thoughts turn to sowing seeds, a heated propagator is a great asset as they create a consistently warm temperature to help nurture seeds...
Read More
The sight of birds, bees and butterflies in the garden is wonderfully uplifting and restorative – and research shows that connecting with nature makes us feel more relaxed and less...
Read More
Euphorbias are fabulous foliage plants with many displaying brilliant lime green flowers in spring and summer.  Here’s a rundown of a few of our favourites. One of the biggest varieties...
Read More
The bubbly bonkbuster author has lived in her picturesque14th Century house in Bisley, Gloucestershire since 1982.  The large sprawling garden is idyllically situated with views across the valley and rolling...
Read More
Tell us about your career path so far. My grandmother passed on her passion for plants and gardening.  After leaving school, I started an apprenticeship at Ventnor Botanic Garden on...
Read More
It’s comforting listening to Gardeners' Question Time on its long-standing Sunday afternoon slot.  But equally, the beauty of the GQT podcast is that it allows you to binge on this...
Read More
If you’re looking for an alternative to hand watering your garden, because it’s too time consuming or because you go away in the summer, a smart irrigation system could be...
Read More
Biophilic design, a popular interior trend that responds to our innate need to be close to the natural world, is said to create a calmer environment and generally make us...
Read More
There’s something magical about the way cyclamen lie dormant in warm weather, appearing again when temperatures drop.  Despite their dainty appearance, they bloom through frost and snow and, in the...
Read More
Actress Elizabeth Hurley lives with her son Damian in a large country house in Herefordshire, with extensive grounds.  She’s long been a hands-on gardener; in fact she used to own...
Read More

Vlog - Agents of Field

Sophie and Ade’s YouTube channel won the Garden Media Guild’s Vlog of the year  with the judges calling it entertaining, well presented and informative. Run from their kitchen garden in...
Read More
What are some of the highlights of the winter garden? Frost can create a magical effect on shrubs, grasses and those sturdy perennials able to retain their structure.  Low winter...
Read More
A birdbox provides a safe place for garden birds such as blue tits, thrushes and sparrows to nest.  Installing a specialist bird box camera will give you a wonderful insight...
Read More
Scent has a powerful effect on our mood and this is particularly welcome as we move into the colder months.  Winter flowers tend to have a particularly powerful perfume as...
Read More
There’s a surprising amount of foliage, berries, branches and even a few blooms to pick and bring in to help decorate your home this Christmas.  Yew and fir are perfect...
Read More
The celebrity chef, wife Jools and five children, have fabulous gardens surrounding their beautiful 16th century mansion, Spains Hall in Essex. As you’d expect, they enjoy eating al fresco together....
Read More
Can you give us an overview of the different species of hellebores? Helleborus x hybridus are more showy and colourful than most of the species.  H. niger, the traditional Christmas rose,...
Read More
Gardener and RHS writer Andrew O’Brien’s podcast is an interesting combination of thoughtful, lively conversation, horticultural advice and readings from garden and wildlife writers and poets.  Guests include both gardeners...
Read More
If you’re looking for ways of avoiding polluting the environment with chemical weed killers, but find hand weeding time consuming and unreliable (it’s often hard to get the whole root...
Read More
As well as fruit such as blackberries and blueberries, black vegetables like carrots and tomatoes not only look amazing in your garden and on your plate, they’re also extremely nutritious. ...
Read More
Whether it’s splashes of inky tulips or swathes of purple foliage, dark hues add depth and drama to the garden borders.  There is a wealth of dusky beauties to explore. ...
Read More
Garden designer and television presenter, Danny Clarke is passionate about transforming gardens, and can be seen on our screens as part of Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden team on ITV...
Read More
Berries are great for adding contrasting texture and shape to floral arrangements.  Black berries are particularly sophisticated.  Here are a few varieties of to look out for.  Several viburnum varieties...
Read More
As well as being free and easy to make, leaf mould is one of the best soil improvers there is.  Here’s what you need to know: Made entirely of leaves...
Read More
As gardeners we’re always seeking out products that look after our plants as well as the environment and Le Savonnier Marseillais black liquid soap is a natural way of protecting...
Read More
There’s something very beautiful about the warm, faded colours of autumn, moving us slowly into the colder months.   There are fewer flowers in the garden, but you might still...
Read More
Companion planting is a natural and healthy way of protecting plants from pests and diseases.  Growing particular species together, such as aromatic plants next to a row of vulnerable vegetables,...
Read More
It’s well known that Prince Charles is passionate about gardens, the countryside and the environment.  But less so that his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, shares his passion for gardening. ...
Read More
What do you enjoy most about your job? I just love my job, I've been doing it for 10 years, and I hope to be doing it for many more. ...
Read More
A gardening podcast for plant lovers, this is a lively video podcast presented by Thordis and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) where they catch up with their...
Read More
We’re become increasingly conscious of minimising plastic, and sustainable companies such as Husk are making great strides in helping this happen.  A family-run business who have been on a mission...
Read More
This small but perfect garden, designed by Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, is a beautiful tapestry of colour even at this time of year.  The gardens were created from the...
Read More
The world is often a noisy place, especially in urban settings.  Research indicates that noise pollution can cause harmful levels of stress, both physically and mentally, and that taking time...
Read More
The late summer garden can still be full of colour.  There are roses on their second flush, hydrangeas blushing pink and the last of the echinacea, phlox and penstemon taking...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More

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,...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More

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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Gardener, writer and television presenter, Alan Titchmarsh, 71, has most recently been on our screens presenting ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’ and ‘Spring into Summer’.  Married to Alison for 46 years,...
Read More
The peonies are beginning to wane, but the roses are coming in abundance.  Some good varieties for cutting includes R. ‘Irish Hope’, a pale-yellow floribunda; R.’Winchester Cathedral’, a lovely white...
Read More
One of the many wonderful things about gardening is that it helps us cultivate our ability to nurture.  As humans, caring for something is intrinsically rewarding and mood-enhancing, says the...
Read More
There’s increasing evidence linking a healthy gut to our physical and mental wellbeing.  A healthy microbiome (the ecosystem of micro-organisms in the intestine) helps us digest our food and absorb...
Read More
We talk to Tom Coward about developing the historic gardens at Gravetye Manor, East Sussex, created by the ‘wild gardening’ enthusiast William Robinson during the 19th Century.  How do you manage...
Read More
There’s masses to pick in the garden right now to bring inside and enjoy, whether you have a cutting bed or well-stocked borders.  Peonies make wonderful cut flowers, especially the...
Read More
When he’s not presenting TV programmes including Good Morning Britain, Ben Shepherd enjoys spending time in his garden with his wife Annie and two boys Sam and Jack. Pictures of...
Read More
In the newly revamped plant-based podcast, Michael and Ellen discuss everything from garden design to growing your own fruit and vegetables, with lots of tips along the way.  The pair...
Read More
Aside from blankets and layers, you might think that firepits are the most eco-friendly way of keeping warm outside, but unless you do your own logging, wood has to be...
Read More
The Japanese have been creating beautiful, balanced gardens for centuries.  These carefully curated versions of the natural landscape create a calm space designed for contemplation.  So, what are some of...
Read More
The TV and radio presenter has talked about how her garden has been a great comfort, while her husband Derek Draper continues to suffer the effects of Covid 19. Their...
Read More
Creating displays from garden flowers is fun and creative, and the act of scouring the garden for colour each month will help ensure you have flowers to pick all year...
Read More
Tell us about your journey to head gardener here and what you love about it? My mum used to work at Waterperry so I’ve been around the garden all my...
Read More
With the weather warming up and garden gatherings back on the cards, you might want to liven up the atmosphere with a little music.  There’s an increasing range of wired...
Read More
Gardening vlogger Tony O’Neill is a full- time firefighter, but his real passion is gardening and he has created a YouTube channel to offer practical advice on growing organic food...
Read More
A good pair of scissors is always useful for gardeners for cutting twine, snipping herbs or a spot of deadheading.  And the good news is Fiskars, makers of the iconic...
Read More
Pretty bulbs are springing up now in the garden, and although it can feel a shame to pick them, making a small posy to admire up close adds freshness to your house. ...
Read More
A passionate gardener and designer, Mike Palmer has recently launched his own podcast.  He already had a busy Instagram account where you can see him live on his ‘Sunday Stroll’, showing...
Read More
Charlotte has established a hugely successful garden design business creating stylish and elegant contemporary gardens.  She also won a Gold medal at the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show as well...
Read More

Cherry blossom

The sight of billowing pink or white cherry blossom against a cloudless blue sky is a joy to behold.  In fact, this vision gave such comfort during the first Covid lockdown...
Read More
Immersing yourself in the sensory elements of the garden is a great way of creating a haven from the busy world.  And while the health benefits of a garden’s visual...
Read More
Some of us enjoy being alone more than others.  But if Covid has meant spending more time in your own company than you’d like, research by the RHS shows that...
Read More
Tell us about your journey into horticulture After being made redundant from my job as a broker, I started my own gardening business and trained in horticulture.  I saw an...
Read More
You’d be surprised how much there is in the garden in February to pick and bring inside.  Snowdrops, primroses, violets, aconites, or anything else you can find, make pretty posies. ...
Read More
One of our foremost gardening writers, Anna Pavord is extremely well respected for her horticultural knowledge and articulate, engaging writing style. Born in 1940 in Abergavenny, both Anna’s headmaster father...
Read More
Organic gardener, author, blogger and vlogger Tanya Anderson’s successful YouTube channel, Lovely Greens, has masses of weekly posts on organic vegetable gardening as well as growing herbs and plants for...
Read More
Coldframes are a useful bit of kit for extending your growing season.  Basically, a box that lies flat on the ground with a transparent sloping roof, a cold frame allows...
Read More
If you’re struggling to remember which bed you planted the onions in last, or the name of a particular variety of perennial that did well, perhaps this is the year...
Read More
Using fresh herbs in your cooking gives really lifts flavours and the smart indoor garden from Veritable allows you to have a range of fresh herbs and mini vegetables throughout...
Read More

Vlog - Garden Organic

In its video guides, the UK’s biggest organic gardening charity, looks at a range of different solutions to gardening without chemicals.  Chris from Garden Organic is a fan of houseplants...
Read More
Who:  A talented garden designer with a light touch, Sarah’s exquisitely sensitive planting style is informed by her empathy with the natural landscape.  Her scope is wide ranging, from public...
Read More
Dried foliage and seedheads used to have a dusty image, but a new breed of florists is using them to create bouquets with a fresh contemporary feel.   Using ornamental grasses...
Read More
There’s nothing like making plans to give you a sense of purpose and positivity.  So, put the kettle on and start a list of your good gardening intentions for the...
Read More
As well as making wreaths, Christmas is a great time to adorn your staircases, mantelpieces and tables with ivy and other evergreen foliage.  And going out on a bright winter’s...
Read More
Not much is left in the veg patch at this time of year, but we can always rely on harvesting Brussels sprouts for Christmas.  Here are three ways to cook them...
Read More
Whether it’s making a morning coffee with fresh beans, or having a G&T by the fire whilst counting your blessings, rituals are part of our lives.  Research reveals these little...
Read More
The wildlife TV presenter has always been passionate about nature, but seems to be becoming increasingly keen on gardening.  One of her latest passions is growing dahlias.  “When I hit...
Read More
Decorating your garden with twinkly lights creates a welcoming and fun festive atmosphere – something we need this year more than ever.  Here are a few things to bear in...
Read More

Vlog - Pots & Trowels

If you’re missing your weekly fix of Monty Don in his garden while Gardeners’ World has its winter break, this could fill the gap.  In his weekly Youtube vlog, Martin...
Read More

Garden Masterclasses

Whether you’re an amateur or professional, there’s always so much to learn in the world of horticulture and garden design.  This is something garden designer Annie Guilfoyle is passionate about,...
Read More
Bulbs are a must for early spring colour, and if you haven’t yet planted yours, there’s still time.  It can be a labour-intensive job, but having the right tools saves...
Read More
Kiftsgate Court Gardens; Three Generations of Women Gardeners by Vanessa Berridge is published by Merrell   Situated high up on a north Cotswold hillside, right next to the more famous...
Read More
Parsnips are fabulous winter root vegetables that can be harvested up until January, once the foliage dies back.  But their flavour is improved if you wait until after the first...
Read More
The days are getting shorter and temperatures dropping, but don’t let it get you down - embrace winter’s beauty with cheerful berries, bark and blooms. Berries and hips: As well...
Read More
Winter and early spring is the best time to feed birds, especially during cold snaps, when their natural food supplies are low.  Like us, different species eat different things, so...
Read More

Podcast - Growing Wild

Charlotte Petts presents a thought-provoking show about nature in both the countryside and urban spaces.  She talks to a wide range of gardeners, designers and environmentalists covering everything from healthy soil...
Read More
We interviewed Jessica Evans, head gardener at Knightshayes Court, a National Trust garden in Tiverton. What do you love about the garden at Knightshayes? I was drawn by the plant...
Read More
Julie Walters is one of our best-loved actresses, but she is just as happy pottering about in the garden as treading the boards these days.  She even celebrated being made...
Read More
Autumn is a good time save seed.  Leave a few flowerheads on your favourite plants after they've finished blooming to allow the seeds to ripen – aster seeds are attached...
Read More
With Halloween and Thanksgiving upon us, now is a great time to get creative with pumpkins.  These huge striking orange fruit look almost surreal growing on the earth connected by...
Read More
One of the great joys of plants is being able to give and share them.  A garden filled with flowers that remind you of your favourite people appeals on an...
Read More
As well as being beautiful and relaxing, gardens can also shield us against air pollution from fossil fuels and petrol that damage our health.  According to the World Health Organisation, 90%...
Read More
The hedgerows are brimming with sloes, so remember to take a pot with you next time you go on a nice autumn walk and gather enough to make some sloe...
Read More
The actress, famed for her role in the BBC drama Silent Witness, loves to unwind in her garden.  ‘I’m a big gardener, I love gardening’ she says, recently telling Woman...
Read More
Winter violas are wonderful hardy little gems that will flower on through the coldest months.  Try sowing some seeds now to flower in a few months’ time.  Sow seeds thinly and evenly in...
Read More

All about apples

Homegrown apples are a world apart from supermarket-bought ones.  An apple tree, with its gorgeous spring blossom and autumn fruit makes an attractive and wildlife friendly addition to any garden,...
Read More
The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us.  But if your apple and pear trees have grown so tall you can’t reach the fruit at the top of...
Read More
Huw is only in his early twenties, but he has been creating YouTube videos on veg growing since he was 12 and is incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable.  His hands-on advice...
Read More
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...
Read More

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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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,...
Read More
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...
Read More
As if being a brilliant actress and generally classy woman isn’t enough, Judi is also passionate about nature.  She is often seen at RHS Chelsea and has a peachy-coloured David...
Read More
Courgettes are hungry plants but easy to grow and versatile.  Aside from ratatouille, they’re great raw and are easy to grate into salads with a bit of lemon and oil.  Alternatively,...
Read More
As crafty projects go, this is pretty relaxed as you don’t need any tools or particular material, just twigs, wood and old pots lying around the garden – in fact...
Read More
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show may not have happened this year but we can still think of it while we prune back our late flowering herbaceous plants to avoid them...
Read More
Listening to birdsong is one of the great pleasures of being in our gardens more.  And while all birdsong is a delight, getting to know particular bird song brings even...
Read More
The award-winning and charismatic celebrity garden designer, presenter and writer, is media friendly and has appeared on various Youtube videos sharing her extensive knowledge and experience of garden design and...
Read More
The gardener and TV presenter of BBC2’s Gardener’s World is also a familiar face in the coverage of RHS shows – though we won’t have had the chance to see...
Read More
Eating your own homegrown fruit and vegetables is one of the best ways of keeping your immune system strong and healthy – so important at the moment.  In particular, eating...
Read More
A delicious tart fruit, stewed rhubarb, flavoured with sugar and ginger, is fab cold with yoghurt or hot in crumbles.  And it’s harvested from early spring when there are few...
Read More
Last month in our Potpourri magazine we ran a competition: write 200 words on the theme of Gardening in the Era of Lockdown and win a £100 Genus gift voucher. ...
Read More
If you you’ve noticed any bald patches in your lawn, there’s still time to reseed them.  Rough up the area with a rake adding a bit of sharp sand for...
Read More
The Oscar-winning actress is a great believer in the power of gardening and has mentioned its benefits in various interviews over the years. She recently spoke about how it soothes...
Read More
The next time you weed a bed of nettles, crop them instead, well the tips anyway – they’re a surprisingly tasty, free and vitamin-packed fresh vegetable.  They’re also excellent for...
Read More