Lyra Shires Gardening

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

Winter boughs created from foraged materials from the client's garden. Evergreen greenery such as Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Fir (Abies spp.) and Cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.).

03/02/2026

Recent hedge planting. These bare-root whips are a cost-effective way to buy woody plants during the dormant season, ideal for hedging. This hedge is made up of native hedgerow plants including Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Sloe (Prunus spinosa) and Dog rose (Rosa canina), all plants which are perfect for promoting biodiversity.
Update incoming...

19/11/2025

What have I been up to this week?

Leaf blowing and mowing! A very satisfying job.
Mowing up the leaves is not only a quick way to tidy up leaves but it also breaks them down quicker into leaf mould. Leaf mould is great for mulching your borders and keeping soil healthy.
Although don’t forget to leave some undisturbed areas of fallen leaves for the little critters to overwinter.

November is also a great time to get your bulbs in for that spring colour.

Give me a message if you want any autumn tidying, planting or pruning done before winter really sets in.

26/02/2025

Clearing a border for a customer, added some bricks for edging found around the garden. A very satisfying job, nice to see that it's all level and clear.

Excited to put in some shade-loving now!

26/02/2025

Transplanting a rose bush for a lovely customer. They are having an extension build and wanted to save their rose bush.

It's important for roses to have an open shape to support air flow and prevent fungal infections. I made sure it was much less congested and removed dead and damages branches.
Whopper of a root! Hopefully the rose is happy in its new home.

And took some cuttings to hopefully grow on some new plants.

13/02/2025

February is a good time to prune deciduous shrubs like this Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' in my garden. Cutting back the older branches will encourage new more colourful growth. Excited to see what will grow back in spring!
Pruning also revealed a cute little Mahonia (Pic 3)

With the arisings I started to create a dead hedge (Pic 4) which is a great habitat for birds and insects.

13/02/2025

Hello! I provide sustainable and ecological gardening services to help your garden thrive naturally. I have a year of gardening experience, volunteering in a formal garden and working in private gardens.
Services include:
- Planting & plant care
- Pruning & trimming
- Garden tidying
- Advice
- Encouraging wildlife & diversity

Get in touch for a free consultation. Within the York area.