Val’s Gardening Services

18/06/2026

Look what has self seeded into the barn wall. So pretty. I am happy they are nice an high so our animals can’t eat them 😊

05/06/2026

02/06/2026

Pleased with today’s jam jar bouquets 😊

31/05/2026

Polycrub 2 update... 🌿🔨

Despite the rain being determined to slow us down today 🌧️😅, we're now over halfway through building the second end of Polycrub 2 🎉

So far we have:
✅ Measured and cut the polycarbonate
✅ Fitted the lintel beam
✅ Postcreted the uprights into place
✅ Installed the supporting framework
✅ Attached the polycarbonate sheets

That just leaves:
🔨 The framing and weatherboard at the bottom
🚪 The door threshold
🚪 The stable-style door to build and fit

We're definitely on the home stretch now, and it's exciting to see the finish line getting closer! 🌱💚

Happy gardening everyone 🌱😊

30/05/2026

We're nearly at one of my favourite times of the year... 🌿💜🐝

The chives in my herb border are just about to start flowering, and our bees absolutely adore them 🐝✨

Not only do they look beautiful, but they're a fantastic source of nectar and are always buzzing with activity 💜🌿

Once the flowers have gone over, I cut the plants back to around 10cm ✂️. This encourages a second flush of growth and flowering later in the year, which is perfect for harvesting seeds 🌱😊

Do you grow chives in your garden?

Happy gardening everyone 🌱💚

30/05/2026

Polycrub 2 update... 🌿🔨

After a busy day, we now have one end of the new Polycrub fully constructed 🎉✨

We still need to fit the window surround, but first the timber needs a coat of paint 🎨🪵

It's definitely starting to come together now, and it's exciting to finally see all the hard work taking shape 🌱💚

Slowly but surely, we're getting there! 😊

Happy gardening everyone 🌱✨

29/05/2026

Polycrub 2 update... 🌿🔨

We took a quick break from the plants today to make some more progress on the Polycrub 2 build 🌱

Today's jobs included:
✅ Measuring and cutting the polycarbonate for the first end
✅ Digging the holes for the uprights
✅ Fitting the first three sheets
✅ Installing the lintel beam
✅ Setting the two uprights in place with postcrete

It's great to see the first end starting to take shape! 🎉✨
Weather permitting 🌤️🤞, we're hoping to get the first end finished tomorrow once the postcrete has fully set.

Slowly but surely, Polycrub 2 is coming together 💚

Happy gardening everyone 🌱😊

27/05/2026

Delighted with this morning jam jar flowers. Available from the Achies Farm sales shed for £3 to brighten up your house 😊. As more flowers start to bloom the arrangements just get better. They look and smell wonderful.

26/05/2026

🌸 How to Sow Zinnia ‘Oklahoma Mix’ 🌸

Zinnias are fantastic for adding bright colour to borders and cutting gardens, and they’re one of the best flowers for producing armfuls of blooms through summer 🌿

‘Oklahoma Mix’ produces beautiful smaller blooms in a lovely range of colours and is a favourite for cut flower growing.

Here’s how we sow them at Vals Gardening Services 👇

The variety we’ve sown is Oklahoma Mix 🌸

🌱 What you’ll need:
• Zinnia seeds
• Seed trays or small pots with drainage
• Seed compost
• Water spray or gentle watering can
• A warm, bright spot
• A clear lid or a plastic bag

🌱 How to sow:
• Fill trays or pots with seed compost and lightly firm
• Water the compost before sowing
• Sow seeds about 5–10mm deep
• Cover lightly with compost and water gently
• Cover the tray with a clear lid or loosely with a plastic bag to retain moisture

🌱 Germination & care:
• Place somewhere warm (around 20–24°C)
• Keep compost moist, not wet
• Germination usually takes 5–10 days
• Remove the lid or plastic bag once seedlings appear
• Ensure plenty of light to prevent leggy growth

🌸 Top tip:
Zinnias dislike root disturbance, so pot seedlings on carefully and avoid letting them become root-bound 👍

A little care now means masses of colourful flowers and armfuls of cut blooms later in the season 🌈

If you’d like more seasonal growing tips or help with your garden, just give us a shout 🌱

Happy gardening everyone 🌿