The Manic Botanic

09/09/2026

I suppose a lot of people think that because I have a lovely garden, I’d be good at designing lovely gardens for others. I think I’d be terrible at it…

“You should be a landscape designer.”

09/09/2026

I’ve only recently planted a handful of magnolias. I don’t really have the right location for them - too windy. But now that I have some solid hedge shelter, I’m trying out these Magnolia Stellata varieties. They’ve got good shelter from the strong norwest wind so fingers crossed they cope with my conditions. I love magnolias so I’m a bit sad I can’t plant all the varieties in my windy garden.

09/09/2026

These are all the lessons I’ve learned over the years that’ll help you skip all the ‘learning the hard way’ moments.

08/09/2026

I find it very easy to fall into this trap. It’s cold and miserable outside and my brain forgets that everything in the greenhouse might be getting a bit thirsty.

Do you forget your greenhouse on rainy days too?

08/09/2026

I do believe I may have used every one of these at one time or another. 🙄

08/09/2026

What a difference six years makes. If you’re at the beginning of a project, or somewhere in the muddy middle, keep going. The end result is worth it.

07/09/2026

Last year’s tomato experiment taught me a lot about growing this yummy summer crop.

Tomato season is creeping up on us again, which means my greenhouse is about to become home to another summer’s worth of tomato plants, companion flowers, enthusiastic basil… and what I’m sure the tomatoes would describe as “experimental management practices.”

07/09/2026

Does the rain stop you from gardening?

07/09/2026

Helpful advice and feedback from The Husband is always so welcome 🙄😬🥴