Blog

Taking hardwood cuttings is a wonderfully straightforward and cost-effective method of growing more plants. Hardwood cuttings require minimal tools and expertise, making them a perfect entry point for those new to gardening. Imagine being able to clone your favourite plants or share them with friends and neighbours, all while everything else is asleep in the […]

If you’re like me and have a nightmare garden border that’s both shady and awkward, then this guide for shade-loving plants is for you. Part of my garden here at Garden Ninaj HQ is a mix of deep, dappled, and dry shade. This flower bed also has competition from a hedge and mature trees. It’s […]

Evergreen shrubs are the cornerstone of every successful garden design. They hold structure throughout the year and add weight to gardens, which means that even in the dead of winter, there is some form and interest to look at. I’m not suggesting that we pack our gardens with just evergreen shrubs. Low-maintenance evergreen shrubs should […]

Have you ever wondered how Garden Rescue is filmed and how long it takes? If so, then this guide is for you. As a presenter on Garden Rescue for nearly five years, I will explain how the show works, how the contributors are chosen, how long the build takes, how we design the sets, plant […]

Learning how to design a garden can initially feel like a complicated or time-consuming skill. When designing a garden, there are an overwhelming number of moving parts to consider: plants, layout options, hard landscaping, soil type, and sunlight levels, to name a few! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, this how-to-design-a-garden guide […]

For centuries, trees have held a profound place in human spirituality, especially within the realm of witchcraft and folk magic. Trees have been revered as symbols of life, growth, protection, and connection to the divine. Across different cultures, certain trees carry specific magical associations, and their wood, leaves, bark, and even roots are often used […]

As autumn approaches, many trees put on a spectacular display of vibrant colours before shedding their leaves, creating one of the most beautiful seasonal changes in any garden. Deciduous trees turn their colours from green to orange, red, gold, and yellow. It begs the question, why do trees drop their leaves? This beautiful phenomenon is […]

The soil type in your garden can make or break your plans for a successful garden design. Your plants will only be as successful as the preparation and planning that you, the gardener, put in! Rather than thinking of soil as dirt, you need to start treating soil as the life force of your garden. This […]

Designing a small garden can feel challenging, especially if you have never been a gardener or studied design principles before. You can be put off by a lack of plant knowledge, confusion over where to start, what features you need or the cost of implementing your own design. Take reassurance that I’m going to guide […]

As the summer fades and the days get shorter, your garden doesn’t have to lose its vibrancy or beauty. By using plant species that flower in late summer and autumn, you can extend the gardening season through what we designers call ‘succession planting’ into September, October, and even November. For beginner gardeners, it’s a perfect […]