Garden Wellness

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…

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…

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…

Several times a week, Annikki Egolf, a Child & Youth Care worker with the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre Association (CDC) in Canada, goes outside with different groups of children, planting vegetables and flowers in their…

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.…

This bank holiday weekend, many of us hit the local garden centres, and were inspired to get our gardens in tip top shape for summer. However, if you missed out there’s still plenty of time to work on your little patch of heaven, no matter…

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…

Playing in the garden is great fun for children. But forget swings, slides and paddling pools – there’s nothing children love more than interacting with nature and helping with the gardening itself. Gardening is ideal for getting kids…

You may think of gardening as just a relaxing hobby, but it is often so much more. Aside from the obvious advantage of growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, it also offers an effective physical workout. As you stand, bend or squat,…

Zen gardens, also known as Japanese rock gardens, have a fascinating history dating back over a thousand years. The original versions involved creating a kare-sansui, or dry landscape, using rocks and stones. This type of garden was ideally…

When choosing what plants to grow in your garden, garlic is not the obvious choice. However, it can deliver a number of benefits - not only is it a delicious kitchen ingredient that can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, it actually…

Topiary is the art of clipping and shearing shrubs and small trees into ornamental or abstract shapes. The term comes from the Roman words ars topiaria meaning ‘ornamental gardening’. It’s a creative and relaxing pastime and is perfect for…