Purple Wellies

Pests and disease, although not much documented in the past, are something us gardeners have endured for as long as we have cultivated plants. In more recent years it seems we are now getting an influx in these problems arising. This is happening for several reasons. Partly we are importing in large volumes of plants and plant based products such as timber from varying locations across the globe. Our climate has seen temperatures rising, and with this the knock on effect on the plant and pests life cycle, allowing for some critters now successfully overwintering or for other pests from abroad surviving in our warming climate to expand...

June is the transition from the spring garden, with woodlanders in their race to bloom against the tree canopies, to the summer garden of swelteringly hot days, clement nights and borders crammed to bursting with heady scents. This transition period we refer to as the ‘June gap’ - the lull before real summer beauties can show off their stuff.  So what to do if you find your borders a bit flat at this time of year? Well there are plants that span the seasons.

Yesterday saw Painted Fern’s annual pilgrimage to the Chelsea Flower Show. Many of the designers opted for much loved stalwarts of the garden such as Lupins, Geums and Aquilegias with Paeonies featuring heavily too. All the gardens looked amazing, but I’ve picked out a few of my favourite plant choices used at the show, to highlight some of the ones that may escape the armchair viewer at homes notice.

That depends if you follow the meteorological or astronomical calendar. Either way your garden is starting to reawaken.

It’s been documented more and more that gardening is good for your health. From the physical benefits of digging over the soil, the nurturing element or to the well-being effects and stress-reduction of just looking at a plant or natural scene.