Manchester Organic Gardeners

07/06/2026

Reading about Drought to Deluge in latest National Trust Mag led to reading up on permeable driveways... so decided to share..

05/06/2026

One use for a dead tree.. a clematis support...

17/05/2026

This sounds very interesting

PLEASE SHARE!

HOW TO DESIGN A PLANT COMMUNITY with garden designer Jack Wallington (read Jack’s bio at the end of the post).

Thursday 14th May 6:30-8:30pm
at Burnage Library. £15pp. Buy tickets at Bud / via Eventbrite - link in first comment.

This talk will explore how to think about designed plant communities and the ways in which they function as the core of an ecosystem. Beneficial for both wildlife and us while being naturally sustainable and long-lasting.

We’ll cover the mind shift away from traditional border planning to see a planting holistically as a living system. Giving an overview of plant community design for you to explore the topic further in your own time and some ideas to get started straight away in your garden.

The talk is aimed at beginner gardeners as well as experienced gardeners who are new to the concept of plant communities.

Jack Wallington is an ecological grower and landscape designer specialising in modern gardens with regenerative, wildlife friendly planting. He trained to RHS Level 3 at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before going on to create over 100 gardens, from tiny city balconies to country estates. His designs have appeared on BBC Gardener's World and he has written articles for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Gardens Illustrated, RHS The Garden, Gardener's World Magazine, The English Garden and others. His debut book, Wild about Weeds: Garden Design with Rebel Plants, was named Gardening Book of the Year by The Times in 2019. The follow-up A Greener Life: Discover the Joy of Sustainable and Mindful Gardening was named Gardening Book of Year by The Times and The Sunday Times in 2022.

10/05/2026

Please do consider signing this

We need your help! Make your voice heard on pesticides…tell the Government you don’t want the dangerous herbicide glyphosate in your gardens, parks, playgrounds and public spaces. ✋

This is urgent.

In December, the Government will decide if it will renew the glyphosate licence. This licence could run until 2041…

• That’s 15 more years of devastating impacts on earthworms and bees.
• 15 years of glyphosate damage to soils and run-off into ponds and rivers.
• 15 years of glyphosate leaching into your food.

If you think that’s unacceptable, sign our petition NOW to ban this dangerous herbicide.🚫

You can:
📢 Add your name to our petition, write to your MP, and find out more about our campaign at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/glyphosate-campaign.
📢Learn about the dangers of glyphosate – and alternatives for use - at gardenorganic.org.uk/glyphosate.
📢 Like, share and shout about this post to spread the word about this campaign!

(Thanks to https://thenest.earth/ for crafting this graphic 🙌)

Pesticide Action Network UK

10/05/2026

What we didn't mention is that this bed is an example of hugelkultur. Looks well worth having a go in your own gardens..

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Thank you to Victoria and the team at NorthernLily today. We had a great visit.. such an inspiring place (you can see lock 66 on the Rochdale Canal if you peep through the fence.)

No dig, using Organic methods to produce delicious fresh food and share the joy of growing your own .. We had a great time and wish everyone at NorthernLily all the very best in their fantastic gardens.