It's November 5th and concealing a lethal threat and fiery qualities at this time of year, pyracantha can be found in many of our parks and gardens. Commonly know as the firethorn (literally from the Greek pyr for fire, and acantha for thorn), pyracantha bears lethal thorns and red, orange or yellow berries in Autumn/Winter; … Continue reading A Firethorny (Bonfire) Night

It's a glorious time of year for colour in our parks and gardens and fortunately as there are so many jobs to be completed, the weather is holding up with plenty of sunshine and very little wind. My six today includes just a few of the tasks that are due in Autumn - you'll see … Continue reading Six Jobs for Saturday

Catalapa bignonioides, a deciduous tree commonly known as the Indian Bean, will grow happily in any well drained soil in full sun. Growing to a grand height of over 12 metres with an 8 metre spread, this magnificent native of the south eastern US (named after Red Indian) is structurally pleasing and is suitable for … Continue reading Plant Profile – Catalpa bignonioides

Looking for inspiration? Or seeking to inspire others? We gardeners, being creative by nature, avidly scour plant encyclopaedias, books and journals for expert guidance and direction on which to base the decisions and choices we make in our own outdoor spaces. We spend many hours touring the gardens of others, both grand and bijou, looking … Continue reading Gardeners – Why blog?

It's true to say that I have to manage an impatient streak in my nature as it sees me adopting a quick impact strategy when planting even after many years of gardening. I am particularly mindful of my very early gardening days and the planting of houttuynia cordata in a long deep border - within … Continue reading Invasive or Invaluable – 10 plants that should come with a warning!

Yesterday saw a group of Garden Media Guild members visiting a garden with purpose. Founded by Lawrence Hills, a tireless promoter of organic gardening, the charity Garden Organic at Ryton in Coventry focuses on education, community health and well being, research and importantly they campaign and lobby where policy threatens the organic principles of: Building … Continue reading Garden Organic – Growing Naturally

Garden centre benches are full of annual plants right now and when aiming to fill baskets and pots, there's a broad range to select from. However, if you're looking for taller plants to combine with perennials in your mixed borders, you may have to seek them out at specialist nurseries or on line - you'll … Continue reading 8 Must Have Annuals for the Summer Border