garden

From being attacked by a cat to flying into a window, there are many reasons why a bird might become injured and it’s natural to want to help. But would you know what to do if you found an injured bird in your garden? Assess the situation…

The Mediterranean look is one that many gardeners aspire to create in their own garden. And the good news is, with so many different plants, herbs and decorations; it’s easy to recreate the look in a variety of climates. Mediterranean…

Our gardens are home to a whole host of insects, bugs and creepy crawlies. Many play an important part in our local eco-system and are beneficial for creating a healthy and thriving garden environment. Meanwhile others are not so friendly…

After a busy morning in the garden, there’s nothing quite like sitting down with your favourite beverage. But there’s plenty you can do with tea and coffee in the garden besides simply drinking it. If you take the time to make a pot of…

Bees are vital for the planet’s ecosystem and over 80% of crops grown for human consumption rely on bees and other insects for pollination. Despite the vital role they play, we know that honeybee populations are declining at an alarming…

If you’re searching for inspiration for your next garden makeover, a great place to start is by looking to garden trends found in other countries. And one country famed for its distinctive gardens is Japan. Japanese gardens are renowned…

If you don’t have a lot of horizontal space and yet want to have your own garden, try vertical gardening. Great to look at, these vertical gardens also do a good job of covering an unattractive wall. Any wall will do, and unless you have a…

Ponds and water features are usually associated with large gardens but you can still enjoy a ‘pond’ in a small space by creating one from a washing-up bowl or similar sized water-tight container. Introducing a mini pond to your garden is…

Gardens at the front of the house don’t always get the same love and attention lavished on them as back gardens. Often viewed as simply a route from the street to your front door, the front garden can be restricted by practical…

Garden hedges look attractive and are a great way to create a boundary between properties. But many people struggle to maintain a garden hedge, particularly if it’s very high or long. Here are our tips for healthy hedge maintenance. How…

From planting and weeding to pest control and pruning, there’s always something to do in the garden. If you have a busy lifestyle, finding the time to tend to your garden is a challenge, but a few smart short cuts mean you can have a…

There are many reasons why it’s good to have plants in your home or office. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen as well as helping to clean the air by absorbing pollutants. A study from Kansas State University showed that…

Aphids and similar pests are the bane of many a gardener’s life. These destructive pests can wreak havoc on gardens and farm crops alike, and their effect on carefully cultivated plants may tempt you to reach for the pesticide. But if…

There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own vegetables but perhaps you are looking for a way to increase your yield, or grow healthier vegetables. Well, if you’re not already practising crop rotation, you’ll be amazed at the…

When planning your garden, so many books suggest conventional guidelines such as choosing colours that complement one another. The problem with rules is that they stifle your creativity. Sometimes it can be fun to tear them up and try…

As modern living accommodation becomes more compact, many people no longer have access to a garden of their own. Perhaps you live in a flat or apartment without any outside space or maybe your outside areas are paved or concreted. But just…

So much of Britain’s wildlife is in decline, and combating this requires action on many fronts. Conservation charities, such as the RSPB, are fighting for environmental wellness on multiple platforms, but what can you do? Your garden has an…

Bonfires are a great way to deal with garden waste and people love the thrill of gathering around a bonfire with family and friends. However, if you are planning to light a bonfire in your garden, it’s important to plan ahead as many…

Many people fear their health declining as they get older. It is well known of course that this is a natural expectation and that our bodies will tend to break down a lot more as they age. There are some things that we can do virtually…

What better way to enjoy outdoor life than by inviting friends or family round for a tasty barbecue? With so many types available, from small kettle versions to gas-powered barbecues and tin disposables, there’s one to fit any size garden.…

There’s no substitute for fresh air and outdoor play to help children feel healthy and happy. Interacting with nature is invaluable to a child’s development in terms of self-esteem, self-confidence and good health. Children, increasingly,…

It’s natural to assume that gardening is one of the most eco-friendly pastimes. As long as you don’t go crazy with pesticides, artificial fertilisers or weed killers, then surely nothing could be greener than raising a few flowers and…

When planning your garden for the coming year, make space for plants that do double duty. Edible flowers look attractive and add extra interest and nutrition to side dishes such as salads. Even if you don’t have a particularly big garden,…

Ponds are an attractive and interesting garden feature but they also pose a danger. If you have young children it’s recommended that you don’t build a pond until they are at least over the age of six, but it may be advisable to wait until…

Did you know that storing certain fruits and vegetables together causes them to spoil more quickly? It all comes down to ethylene gas. This odourless vapour is given off by fruit after they are picked. Some types of fruit produce much more…

Insects and other undesirable pests are the bane of many a gardener’s life, but it’s possible to protect your plants using entirely natural insecticides you can make yourself using everyday household ingredients.All-purpose insect and pest…

Spending time outdoors in the fresh air is a great way to boost your mood and improve emotional wellbeing. As a result, mental health experts recommend gardening as a way to lift the symptoms of depression. As well as providing exercise and…

Superfoods are among the most popular ingredients in television cookery shows, but what exactly makes a food ‘super’? Although there’s no standard definition, a superfood is generally agreed to be one that gives particular health benefits.…

Houseplants give off oxygen and help remove chemicals like formaldehyde, a common indoor vapour that can cause respiratory and neurological problems. Here are a few plants that can help you breathe easier: Aloe vera: This easy-to-grow,…

Part of the charm of any garden is seeing a wide variety of wildlife. Many creatures will make your garden their home, from birds and butterflies to bees and hedgehogs. Of course some creatures are not as welcome as others – few gardeners…