Much has been written about the benefits of gardening itself when dealing with grief — the physical activity, the time outdoors, the quiet focus of practical tasks. Less attention is given to the garden in it’s own right, and how difficult it can feel to re-engage with it following a bereavement.   I understand how easy it is for a garden to slip away after a loss. The person who did the lion’s share of the physical work, or who acted as the director; knowing which plant was

You Know Your Garden Needs Something… But What? Does something feel a bit “meh” about your garden?  Maybe certain plants are getting out of hand or some areas are kind of bare. Perhaps despite frequent visits to the garden centre it’s just… disappointing. You might have specific ideas but you’re not sure they’ll work, or you might just have a sense that this space could be better . That’s where my Garden Advice  can help.   What Is Garden Advice? Garden Advice is for people w

“When should I prune my hydrangea?” is one of the most frequently asked gardening questions. At this time of year, although pretty in frost, the old flowerheads can start to look a little, well, scruffy. And the urge to tidy is strong. So can you cut them back now? The answer is maybe... The key is knowing which hydrangea you have . Below is a simple guide to the most common types and and when to prune them. Mophead & Lacecap Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) These are the c

Now that Christmas is over, I’m looking forward to getting back to work and especially winter pruning, which I love! However, a quick check of the latest forecasts suggest I may need to delay those plans a little. Down here in Banstead, the first full week of January looks to have prolonged periods below freezing, barely reaching 3c in the day and well into minus figures overnight. That means there will be heavy frosts which are unlikely to fully thaw during the day. And whil

Roses have a reputation for being fussy, but in reality they’re tough plants that respond well to a little routine care. One of the simplest ways to keep them healthy and flowering well is to prune them during the winter months. Why Winter Is the Best Time to Prune Roses* 1. The plant is dormant In winter, roses are resting. With sap flow reduced and no new soft growth to damage, pruning causes less stress. You’re working with a quiet plant rather than one in active growth. 2

Perennials and grasses are really having their moment in the sun, and I absolutely love them. I’m a huge fan of Piet Oudolf and the new perennial movement. However, I’m increasingly warming to shrubs, and particularly flowering shrubs. These somewhat unfashionable plants do an enormous amount of quiet, reliable work: they hold their structure through winter when perennials disappear, they cope with the ups and downs of our changeable weather, and they anchor the garden from o

“Garden Maintenance” is such an over-used term, and I admit, I use it myself. But when I stop to think about it, it doesn’t really make any sense. Maintenance suggests keeping something as is, upholding the status quo. But rarely do gardens stay still. And neither should they in my opinion. They’re not museum exhibits, it’s their growth and evolution that makes them special. I suppose those achingly modern outdoor spaces with ice-white patios and plastic grass might be an exc

I’m not really a lawn-mowing kind of gardener. My skills shine in the beds and borders—planting, weeding, pruning, and caring for plants. Generally, my clients have someone else who handles the lawns and hedges. However, for those with smaller lawns, I do cut the grass. It truly makes a difference in the overall look of a garden. Up to now, I’ve used my clients’ mowers, which tend to be corded electric “Flymo” types. They’re okay, but juggling the extension cable can be a has

Before I became a gardener I worked for several charities and organisations for older people, including Age UK and Independent Age. A...

Most of my client’s are over 75. A fair few are over 80 and one is in her 90’s. They’re all still active to varying degrees, and employ...

Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events and leaving a garden can be just as heartbreaking as leaving the house itself. For...

If your garden seems a little weary this year, it’s not your imagination. The unusually sunny, dry Spring and now Summer, has definitely...

Over the last few weeks I've been digging out a Box hedge. What was once a lovely green division between paths and beds had sadly become...

It’s February and you’re thinking about what to plant in your garden this year. Perhaps you’re hoping for a bit more colour or to attract...

If you’re putting up the Christmas decorations this weekend give a thought to some of the plants that regularly adorn our houses at this...

It’s probably worth noting that the majority of your herbaceous perennials and shrubs, probably don’t require winter protection at all. In fact, many of these plants benefit from the cold winter reset as an essential part of their life cycle. Plus the winter chill plays a crucial role in eliminating pests and diseases that thrive during warmer weather. But if you have borderline hardy plants, or it's forecast to be particularly cold, here are some ways you can protect your pl

Everyone’s talking about mulch, but why should you use it? What actually is it? And how should you apply it? In a nutshell, mulch is a...

Winter lawn care is a common concern and while you won’t be mowing in the coming months, there are a few jobs you can do to ensure your...

I love watching the birds in winter as they come to feed and drink at the pond. I have a beautiful Crab Apple tree, which is usually a...

For centuries plants have played a significant role in myths and folklore, here are 3 plants with dark histories intertwined with...