Last month we explored the shift from summer into autumn, where colour softened and texture began to take centre stage. This time, we move fully into the transition from autumn into winter, where structure, contrast and subtle detail become the heart of the garden. As autumn deepens, the garden begins to quieten, but it doesn't lose its appeal. Instead, it evolves. The stone wall on the east side continues to play a vital role, holding onto daytime warmth and helping protect

So, last month we looked at the planting to add interest from Spring into Summer, this month we look at the Summer to Autumn transition. As summer progresses, the garden takes on a richer, fuller feel. The stone wall on the east side continues to play an important role, absorbing warmth during the day and releasing it slowly in the evening. This creates a favourable microclimate for late-flowering perennials and tender plants, extending their season well into early autumn. Pl

So, last month we looked at the planting to add interest from Winter to Spring, this month we look at the Spring into Summer transition. As late spring moves into early summer, the garden begins to feel fresher, fuller and more energetic. The stone wall on the east side continues to play an important role, absorbing warmth during the day and creating a sheltered microclimate that encourages strong, healthy growth. Plants growing close to the wall and the house benefit from th

So, last month we looked at the hard landscaping in the entry and entertaining spaces; this month we are focusing on plants. The stone wall on the east side of the garden provides shelter and also absorbs and retains heat, releasing it slowly, so the plants growing close to the wall will benefit from that. Likewise any plants growing close to the wall of the house. When looking down the garden from the patio, the woodland creates a natural backdrop, so I can bear that in mind

So, last month we made a basic plan, dividing the garden into 4 zones. This month, we’ll add more detail to the entrance and entertaining zones. I’m looking at these two areas together, because they flow into one another, and due to the relative locations of the gate and the house, you naturally move through both these areas every day. My first job is to design a better pathway to connect the house and the garden gate. This image taken from halfway between the gate and the co

So, last month We sketched the bare-bones of the garden, including features you can’t change and features you want to keep. We worked out which direction the garden faces, which areas are more shaded and which are in full sun. We know roughly what time the sun completely leaves the plot at various times of year and which parts of the garden are battered by stormy weather. We know what type of soil we have in different areas. Now we decide what features we want in the garden,

This year, I’m going to share with you the process of creating a garden, from the bare-bones up. Ideally, you need to get to know your space for a while – a whole year if possible, before you make any definite plans. This gives you time to see how the area changes over the course of a year – because it will change – light levels will fluctuate, shadows will grow and fade, some parts of the garden will be drier and others wetter, and all these factors influence what will grow

Gooseberries are a great fruit to plant bare-root at this time of year. They're easy to grow, and just a single bush will reward you with masses of berries for up to 15 years. They prefer a sunny position, but will also grow and fruit in shade and tolerate a more exposed position than most other soft fruit. However, they need a moist, but free-draining soil that doesn’t become waterlogged in winter. Before planting, stand the bare-root plants in a bucket of water, leaving the

In October, we discussed bare-root planting. This month, we are continuing the same theme. Rhubarb (Rheum x hybridum), in it’s bare-root state, when the stems and leaves die down over winter, is known as a crown. A hardy perennial that lives for many years and thrives in even the coldest sites, rhubarb is low maintenance and extremely easy to grow. Dormant rhubarb crowns can be bought from garden centres, but they are also available by mail-order. You should always obtain you

October is the start of bare-root season. With the soil still warm from summer but the air temperature cooling and rainfall increasing,...

Think lettuce is just a summer crop? Think again! September is actually a great time to plant certain types of lettuce—especially...

One of the best crops to plant in August is spinach. There are several reasons for this - it’s very easy to grow, a superfood, you will...

July is a great month for sowing seeds, as both air and soil temperatures are high. The long, warm days with good light levels speed up...

How about pumpkins? Yes, you’re more likely to associate them with the dark nights around Halloween than the sunny days of June, but...

Now that the soil is getting warmer and the risk of frost has probably passed, many things can be sown or planted directly into the soil....

As the days are longer and reliably warmer, April is the month to tentatively start sowing some seeds such as carrots and peas outdoors....

The weather, and the soil, are gradually getting warmer. Daffodils are appearing and lambs are out in the fields, but one of the most...

It’s February, so the shops are full of roses for Valentines day. Roses are also an important part of our local history, with the white...

This gorgeous deciduous climber produces cascades of fragrant mauve or white flowers in May or June, valuable autumn colour and...

This gorgeous deciduous climber produces cascades of fragrant mauve or white flowers in May or June, valuable autumn colour and...