Blog & Tips
Horticulture consultant and trainer for communities in the North West
Based in Lancashire, I work as a Horticulture Consultant and Trainer. My specialism is using Social and Therapeutic Horticulture to improve the wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities. I work with partners through one-off or flexible ongoing contracts and...
Grow Your Wellbeing – Review of 2020
My Highlights of 2020 1. The Joy of Zooming for Wellbeing! I'm used to teaching and training face-to-face and, as much as possible, outside. But in spring this year I learnt to love indoor, remote sessions on Zoom. It helped me finish the evening class that...
Wildflowers for your Garden
Bringing Wildflowers into Your Garden Native wildflowers are more often known as ‘weeds’ in our gardens and some are prolific self-seeders or spreaders that will quickly take over your garden and crowd out other plants. But, properly chosen, wildflowers can add...
Choosing Houseplants
Choosing Houseplants Choosing Houseplants has now become more confusing as the current fashion in new houseplant varieties means that there are lots of different plants available. In the past there was a small selection available in supermarkets, but now garden...
Growing vegetables in small spaces and pots
Growing vegetables in small spaces Don't miss out on the fun and flavour and growing your own food. Even If you only have a backyard or paved space you can still grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruit or herbs. What can I grow in? You can grow in any type of...
Manage your borders – Lift and Divide Plants
Why should you lift and divide perennials plants? Your garden can look great for the first few years after you've planted it. But then certain plants can start to take over and bully the more delicate ones. If you're not careful you'll be left with a few thugs and...
Colour all Year Round
Colour All Year Round "How can I get colour all year round in my garden?" This the most common question I'm asked when I'm giving garden advice (only beaten by "How can I get rid of slugs?"). All gardens will have a time of the year when they look good, but keeping...
Permission to potter – downtime in the garden
Permission to potter ! I've just been reading an article that points out how 'busy' we all are in contemporary society. Being 'busy' may make us feel important and useful. However, this can also lead to anxiety and stress if it starts to dominate our lives. My...
Beat the weeds with ground cover plants
Beat the Weeds Although I know some people who enjoy weeding (yes, they do exist!) most people find it a chore and struggle to keep on top of the job. So their lovely plants disappear under a sea of unwanted weeds, which spread and thrive on neglect. So most people's...
Seed sowing for homegrown vegetables
How early can I start sowing vegetable seeds? We all get impatient for winter to end and the growing season to start, but it's not a good idea to sow your vegetable seeds too early. Seeds sown into cold, wet soil without enough daylight are likely to rot (or get...
Follow me for regular updates and gardening information
Recent Comments