Category Archives: Garden Advice

Create your own mini landscape

Terrariums are a creative way of keeping plants in the home that are set up to look like mini landscapes. There are 2 types of terrariums – closed and open.
A closed terrarium is a clear vessel containing humidity loving plants that perhaps would not do as well in the open air of a modern home.
An open terrarium can contain much more tolerant plants. They function much the same as a closed only they are open to the surrounding air and do best with plants not requiring humid conditions to thrive, such as cacti, succulents and airplants.

By carefully selecting the species of plant to go into each terrarium, they are their own enclosed little ecosystem. They are designed to live undisturbed and with minimal care for many years.

Caring for your terrarium is really easy. Here are a couple of simple tips to keep your new ecosystem looking its best for years to come.
Lighting
Light is very important for the success of a terrarium. Bright indirect light is best. Try to avoid direct light at all times as this will damage the plants inside. If in a darker room try using a small grow light. Plants should receive 8 to 12 hours of light daily.
Water
Terrariums hold their water and create a humid environment for the plants to live in, meaning frequent watering is unnecessary. We recommend checking your terrarium monthly by opening the lid, this also allows fresh air to be provided to your system. Look for signs of drying out on the plants which would indicate water is needed.
We recommend using a spray bottle for this, the term “less is more” is best, as a light misting is better than a heavy drench.
Tap water is best avoided for terrariums. Instead try to use either distilled water or rainwater if possible.
Signs of Disease
Any signs of disease on your plants should be treated immediately.
Common problems can be mould this is usually prevented by good light and humid not wet conditions (plants should never be wet).
The best treatment for any mould is the introduction of springtails. These tiny critters get to work immediately keeping your terrarium healthy.
Any dead plants should be removed immediately.

Watch our guide to plant watering

Watch our guide to plant feeding

Reduce your carbon footprint by planting trees

One way of helping reduce your carbon footprint is to plant a tree – trees can absorb and store between 500 to 7000kg of carbon over their lifetime, although garden trees are limited to around 3000kg.. Trees also help to provide structure in the garden or provide a focal point or wonderful fresh fruit to eat. Apples, pears, plum and cherry may be planted now. Others to consider are Crab Apples, Rowans, Scarlet Thorns, Amelanchier and Flowering Cherries.

Other great examples of carbon absorbing trees include Acers, Prunus, Liquid Amber, Pine and Birch.

Bees are a fantastic benefit to both gardeners and plants.

Not only do they pollinate plants they ensure the biodiversity we love in our gardens. Without bees plants would not be able to reproduce and we would not be able to cultivate new growth in our gardens.
Not only do they work hard buzzing away, bees also produce honey which is fantastic for health and tastes great too! Help our bees now by buying bee friendly plants that provide nectar for bees to thrive. Consider Hardy Geraniums, Cotoneaster or even Lavender as some of our Bees favourites.

Start sowing your summer garden

Planning out what seeds you would like to sow this year is an exciting task. To ensure you get the best choice of varieties, it’s worth buying them earlier rather than later. 

The arrival of the New Year does bring with it the opportunity to sow some seeds indoors for the year ahead. Although, sowing early will require a little patience, you can prevent certain issues by cleaning everything that will come into contact with seeds or seedlings. Seeds such as Sweet Peas Dahlias, Delphiniums, Chillies, Basil and Aubergines can all be sown indoors.

Try growing your own potatoes

The early bird catches the worm, and the early shopper catches the best range of potato varieties. Check out our range now available instore, we have a great choice of potatoes to buy, plus expert advice.

Choose potatoes without long shoots or any signs of mould. When you get them home, stand them rose end up (the end with most small dents, or eyes) in a seed tray or an old egg box and leave them in a cool, frost-free light place until you plant them, otherwise known as chitting potatoes. This will discourage the sprouts from growing too long. The potatoes are ready to plant when the shoots are about 3cm (1in) long. 

Invite green into your home

Houseplants provide a touch of colour indoors even when everything outdoors is still chilly and bare. As well as looking great, making your home welcoming and cosy, they have lots of magical qualities.

• They help clean the air
• They can help you relax – caring for houseplants can help you feel calm
• It’s a great new hobby and believe us, very addictive
• There’s a perfect plant to suit every room of your home, regardless of space page

Plant identification and information