Sometimes you just have to take a step back and problem solve - and this may involve some improvisation! On Sunday morning, rather than continuing to mither about a lack of pots and potting on compost, I tasked myself with finding alternatives to the methods I normally use. A quick google search set me off … Continue reading Problem Solving & Improvisation

As isolation continues, I'm beginning to run short of various essential gardening items. The fact that I can't just pop out for supplies whenever I want to keeps catching me out - we take our freedom for granted and the social distancing we're all engaged in to protect the NHS and save lives is a … Continue reading Six on Saturday – Viola Vision!

A joyful tulip... tulipa 'Ballerina'

My brother Jonathan gave me this lovely camellia for my 50th birthday. I kept it potted for a few years as I'm rather nervous around acid loving plants and their need for extra care in gardens with a clay soil. However, after spending a couple of years in a pot, it was looking really sad … Continue reading Camellia ‘Tomorrow’s Dawn’

Another week of self isolation in this frankly terrifying crisis, but we're lucky to be safe and well. Our thoughts have been consumed with sadness for the people who have died and their families. The garden is such a blessing, an enjoyable fruitful distraction and I just can't imagine being without it, now more than … Continue reading Six on Saturday – It’s a Whiteout!

Another sunny and productive day, staying at home and keeping gainfully occupied! Today I have transplanted the seedlings in six of the seven trays in my 'Super Seven' propagator into individual pots. I say six, because I ran out of trays and potting on compost, much to my annoyance given that I couldn't just go … Continue reading Potting on and keeping the production line going

We gardeners are so fortunate to have the distraction of our gardens at this grim and scary time - I can't imagine being confined at home without any outdoor space and of course there are many people who aren't so lucky. We've had a really busy week, Chris working hard in the front garden and … Continue reading Six on Saturday – A good digging workout!

I'm going to have to start this weeks SOS (as I'm an NHS worker), reiterating the plea to follow instructions and stay at home - our safety and the safety of our emergency services depends on our co-operation. That said, I cannot imagine any gardener (being instinctive nurturers), acting in any way other than in … Continue reading Six on Saturday – Life is Better in the Garden

In the midst of these scarily crazy times, our gardens give us solace and provide a greater than usual safe haven. Once outside, pottering in the borders and even tackling more ambitious jobs, we've found a measure of calm that is rather hard to achieve as the anxiety surrounding future months grows. My six today … Continue reading Six on Saturday