The Helpful Gardener

21/07/2026

If you'd like a garden consultation like Cordova and Ollie, let me know!
Each session is tailored to your needs and includes follow up notes so you have a record of all the advice given

21/07/2026

If you've moved to a new garden or need ideas for transforming your existing space, a garden consultation may be what you need.
Yesterday I met Cordova and Ollie. We discussed how to develop their garden from mostly lawn, great when the kids were young, to a space that they will enjoy as a couple with their dog.
I gave them lots of advice on how to care for existing plants, ideas for new ones, sources for plants, improving sustainability and a new layout with generous new borders.
If you are interested in a garden consultation, do get in touch.

11/06/2026

This is what can happen when you don't mow your lawn. So many beautiful species of grasses and flowers.

This year, like the past few years, my clients like to just have a path mown through the grass until the autumn.

I mowed the grass twice in spring to cut back after winter, this gives it a good start, then apart from the strip of path, it's left until around October when I cut it back so it's not a sodden mass over winter. The only thing I remove is the cherry saplings.

Less work for humans, improved habitat for wildlife

This has taken a number of years to get this good!

05/04/2026

Seedling tip: if your windowsills are too narrow for seedtrays, then position on a table near a window. I saw another hint about using a shoe rack in front of patio doors, also a good idea.

The trays get all the light but not the extremes of temperature if they were right by the window, so it's much better for seed germination and development.

Happy Easter 💐

03/03/2026

26/02/2026

Signs of spring

30/01/2026

Snowdrops give that little bit of hope, often the first new flowers to appear in the garden in January. I've never had much joy planting from bulbs, so follow old advice and split a clump when the flowers have started fading and share with your friends. The flowers will spread and come back for many years

26/01/2026

I know I bang on about this one, but Daphne is just one of the best plants for right now. Pretty flowers and the most gorgeous scent. Try it in a container so you can position it somewhere where you'll appreciate it at this time of year; on a path you take to empty the bins, probably all most of us are doing outside!

14/12/2025

And it's up. All foliage from the garden. I found the cinnamon stick bundles and ribbon in Mum's Christmas collection of decorations, so it's nice to have some of her creative influence here 💕