I love the start of autumn - I love the crisp, bright air, the quality of the light and the promise of cosy evenings. That said, it's heart-wrenching to bid farewell to summer! Through the start of September (in the UK at least), our summer bedding displays are...
There's a real value in conventional wisdom that's been handed down over generations. But there are some gardener's gospels that we take at face value - when, perhaps, we shouldn't. These nuggets of knowledge might have started off with the very best of intention and...
It's a lovely treat if you're able to get away on holiday over the summer, but a niggling question may be at the back of your mind: how can I look after my garden whilst I'm away? It's true there's no substitute for being able to tend your garden yourself, and if...
If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I'm a BIG advocate of home-growing herbs, fruits and veggies. Preserving fresh herbs allows you to enjoy their vibrant, fragrant flavour all year round, and it's really easy to do. In this article I'll take you...
One of the purest joys in my life is tucking into some fresh, delicious vegetables that I've grown in my garden. There's a real satisfaction in growing beautiful, healthy produce from tiny seeds, and in truth it really isn't some kind of secret art. If you've got a...
When I'm thinking of home design, I'm usually drawn to muted, peaceful tones, or rich, soothing ones that will foster an air of calm and relaxation throughout the day. It's in the garden that I really let my colourful creative juices flow! Gardening is when you can...
This particular DIY project is one that's close to my heart as it combines two of my favourite things: cooking and gardening! This lovely and simple hanging basket will mean you've got a pretty, functional and long-lasting garden feature that's close at hand when...
Growing your own tree fruit in your garden may seem ambitious - not everyone has the space for sprawling pear and apple trees, you may think. But with the development of dwarf rootstocks (rooted stems that juvenile trees are grafted on to), growing a fruit tree in a...
If you've been with me for a while, you won't have failed to notice what a fan I am of alpine plants. I love to use them in garden design as they're very low maintenance and look lovely for most of the year. Alpines look great in a range of settings and containers,...
I'm a firm believer in the simple, natural beauty of trees and love to be around them whenever I can. Just because your plot is on the more modest side, don't be fooled into thinking you can't fit a tree in. There are lots of gorgeous, attractive, floral and even...