Spring Gardening

Quick Answer: Getting Rid of Leather Jackets What kills leather jackets in lawns? Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) applied in late summer or early autumn are the most effective organic treatment, killing leatherjacket larvae within 2 weeks. Manual removal by encouraging birds, improving drainage, and scarifying heavily infested areas also works, but is less effective for large […]

There’s something truly magical about those first sunny daffodil blooms breaking through the cold British soil each spring. After 35 years of gardening, I can honestly say that daffodils remain one of my absolute favourite plants for adding effortless colour and naturalising in UK gardens. But one question I hear time and time again from […]

After presenting over 60 gardens on BBC Garden Rescue, viewers always ask me the same question: “How do you come up with designs so quickly?” The truth is, there’s a systematic process I use on every single project, the same one I teach in my online courses. Let me pull back the curtain and show […]

If you’re anything like me, you’ve either cracked, smashed or freeze damaged your fair share of terracotta pots over the years! I love the look and texture of terracotta pots but one clumsy or forgetful moment and you’ve got a pile of orange shards where your prize conatainer plant display used to be. After years […]

If you think you’ve got a black thumb when it comes to houseplants, I’ve got brilliant news for you. There are loads of absolutely gorgeous indoor plants that are practically impossible to kill, even if you’re a complete beginner. I want to show you my tried and tested beginner bulletproof house plants, even if you’ve […]

As a garden designer, who specialises in awkward and overlooked gardens, I use pleached trees a lot in my designs. This is not because I’m lazy with my tree choice but because they really do offer a host of benefits to a small garden. Whether it’s politely blocking out nosey neighbours, adding some contemporary drama […]

Mulching is hands down the laziest way to dramatically improve your garden, and I mean that as the highest compliment. After thirty-five years designing gardens professionally, I can tell you that the gardeners with the best-looking borders and healthiest plants are the ones who’ve mastered this one simple technique. Mulching your garden involves spreading a […]

Let’s talk softwood cuttings—the easiest way to propagate plants for free! Learn exactly when and how to take softwood cuttings from your favourite shrubs, perennials, and climbers. This step-by-step guide covers timing, technique, rooting methods, and aftercare to transform garden trimmings into thriving new plants. Perfect for budget-conscious UK gardeners wanting instant results. Taking cuttings […]

When should you plant potatoes in the UK? First early potatoes are planted in late March, second earlies go in during early to mid-April, and maincrop varieties are planted from mid-April to early May. The exact timing depends on your location – plant slightly later in colder northern regions and earlier in milder southern areas. […]

What are edimentals? Edimentals are plants that deliver double duty in your garden by being both edible and ornamental. These stunning specimens blur the boundaries between decorative planting and productive growing, giving design-conscious gardeners the best of both worlds without compromise. After 35 years of hands-on gardening and designing hundreds of urban gardens across the […]