As the winter solstice passes and the days begin to get slightly longer, the importance and the wonder of light becomes more and more apparent. Just as the moon controls the tide and other life rhythms the daylight length is tightly intertwined with growth, nature and the cycle of life. At Christmas or Yule we […]

It’s the focal point in most homes at Christmas, but is the traditional Christmas tree an essential ingredient for the festive season? With the cost-of-living crisis biting some families hard, every purchase at this time of year needs scrutiny and that includes our festive decorations. You don’t need a statement Christmas tree to complete your […]

Replacing an existing lawn with a plastic carpet is a bit like taking out your kitchen and putting in pretend appliances that look the part but don’t work? And maybe go on to create havoc or worse inside your home? Or Like buying a car without an engine and parking it on the drive because […]

More trees please! Why it’s time to make trees the new fashion icon of gardening. Trees matter and old trees are simply the best The devastating felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland has focused attention on trees. And that is a good thing. Trees are absolutely vital. And trees are beautiful too.   […]

With the fruit trees laden with apples, it’s time to harvest, store and appreciate this humble fruit. Some years are better than others for different garden fruits and this year my apple trees are loaded with large juicy fruits. I’ve never seen such huge apples hanging from the branches and have to assume that the […]

These days we are constantly told that sugar is bad for us, and yet it exists in nature and sustains many creatures, especially insects. Now I’d be the first to admit I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, so when the sun ripened fruit is ready to pick, a fair amount never makes it […]

Imagine if we could bottle or preserve the spirit of summer and then return to it in the depths of winter, when we yearn for its presence. It’s not just about the taste and flavour of summer raised ingredients, though that in itself will lift your spirits. There is also the flavour of fragrance. A […]

As summer unravels in our garden world, the weather, as always shapes our gardens and our greenhouses Keeping new plants alive in hot weather can be a challenge. Don’t let the dry spell cost you in terms of water or lost plants. There are so many ways to make the water you use in the […]

Sometimes a few well-chosen accessories and tools can make life not only much easier, but also more satisfying too. You’ve probably got a favourite spatula for scraping the cake basin and a trusty bread knife, but what’s your go to greenhouse gadget? Here are some of mine, in no particular order. Watering wizards One of […]

The magic of seeds never fails to bring a smile to my face. What could be more exciting and wonderful than watching a dried-up speck start to sprout and root and begin its life as a plant? It’s a process I can watch and enjoy again and again. It’s simple, it’s nature at her very […]

If you are worried about the lack of fresh food in the shops, it’s time to rethink your take on salads and look a bit closer at what is growing in and around your garden and greenhouse. Beat the fresh veg shortage by using some alternative salad ingredients instead. I’ve never been a great fan […]