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

I can't believe it's March already and as usual I'm late getting on with - just about everything! Chris has been busy in the garden, hedge cutting and clearing last years debris, but my time management skills require improvement, I spend a disproportionate time either with my camera or playing golf! Having taken stock this … Continue reading Five Jobs (those that should have been done by now!)

What could be better - a week off from work, an uneventful drive to the coast and a few days relaxing- bliss. In reality, this was a tad optimistic - to expect a task free interlude would be naive given our past experiences of looking after our garden in Wales. Trepidation started last Thursday when … Continue reading Just another week in Wales – escape of the ‘Aberglasne Two’!

It's been much drier this week and so there's been a flurry of activity in the garden - but not involving me! Chris's tenure as Captain of our golf club has come to an end and so with more time at home, he's had an enjoyable few days starting the annual Autumn tidy. I'll be … Continue reading Six on Saturday- Wales