Author: Shaun Wakefield

Transforming your outdoor space with vibrant summer patio pots and hanging baskets is a wonderful way to bring colour and life to your patio. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious garden, these plantings can create a beautiful oasis right outside your door. In this blog post, we will explore how to choose […]

As the days grow longer and the weather starts to warm up, April is the month when gardens truly come alive with vibrant colours and new growth. One of the key elements to achieving a stunning April garden is planting spring bulbs. These bulbs have been quietly resting underground throughout the winter, ready to burst […]

It’s an exciting time for garden enthusiasts and wildlife watchers alike. This transitional period is crucial for the preparation of your garden to welcome a diverse array of garden wildlife. From the tiniest insects to the more visible garden birds and elusive mammals like hedgehogs, ensuring your garden is a welcoming habitat can make a […]

As the frost begins to thaw and the days slowly stretch out longer, the UK welcomes the vibrant hues of March. This is a time when gardeners eagerly anticipate the first signs of spring, and nothing heralds the season quite like the emergence of flowers. From the vivid yellows of daffodils to the subtle pastels […]

As February unfolds, with its unpredictable showers and occasional frosts, the keen gardener’s thoughts turn inevitably to the coming growing season. It’s the perfect time to start preparing your vegetable patch, ensuring that the ground and your plans are ready to facilitate a bountiful harvest. February may still seem to be in the grip of […]

February may be one of the coldest months, but it’s also a time filled with gardening promise. As the days slowly start to lengthen and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s the perfect time to start planning and planting certain seeds, bulbs, and plants. The ground may still be hard, and frost is often […]

Growing your own raspberries can be a fulfilling and enjoyable venture. With a little patience and tender care, you can savour the fruit of your efforts. This post will provide you with the know-how and expertise to ensure your raspberry cultivation is a thriving success. Selecting the Ideal Raspberry Variety Choosing the right raspberry variety […]

The British winter garden can often be portrayed as bleak and barren, but there’s a colourful tapestry of blossoms that boldly defy the winter chill. February might be our coldest month, but it also brings a vibrant selection of flowering shrubs that brighten our landscapes and lift our spirits. In this post, we take a […]

As the new year rolls around, it’s time to look out onto your orchard with a fresh perspective. With their dormant season upon us, January is the perfect time to prune your apple and pear trees. This guide will arm you with the knowledge and steps needed to effectively prune your trees this winter. Why […]

January is a month filled with anticipation and excitement for the dedicated wildlife gardener. As the dark nights start to recede, it’s time to start preparing for the busy year ahead. This month, your garden will serve as a sanctuary for wildlife seeking refuge from the harsh winter weather. In this guide, we’ve listed some […]

As we start a new year, many of us are looking for ways to improve our lives and make positive changes. One way to do this is by starting a garden or adding to an existing one. January may not seem like an ideal time for gardening, with the cold weather and shorter days, but […]

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with fresh produce from your very own allotment. December may seem like a quiet month on the allotment, but there are still plenty of tasks to be done to ensure a bountiful harvest for a festive feast. From harvesting winter crops to preparing […]

With December just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways to support and protect our important pollinators. One great way to do so is by making a bee hotel! Not only is this a fun and creative gardening project, but it also provides a safe and cosy home for bees during the […]

As the leaves start to fall and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about adding some colour and life to your outdoor space. One way to do this is by creating a bulb lasagne, a layered display of different types of bulbs that bloom at different times throughout the season. […]

Welcome to our guide on choosing the perfect Christmas tree at a garden centre in the UK! As the holiday season approaches, many of us are getting ready to deck our halls with festive decor, and what better way to do so than with a beautiful UK Christmas tree from a garden centre? Whether you […]

Mulch to keep soil insulated One effective way to keep your soil insulated during the winter is by using mulch. Adding a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, helps to regulate the soil temperature and retain moisture. Mulch acts as a protective barrier against the cold, preventing the soil from freezing […]

Winter-proof your borders: Simple tips for preparing your plants Intro As winter approaches, it’s time to make sure your garden borders are ready to withstand the cold weather. By taking some simple steps, you can help protect your plants from frost and snow. In this blog post, we’ll share some easy tips on how to […]

As the summer months come to an end, many of us are preparing our gardens for autumn. Whilst it is important to clean up any debris or leaves that have accumulated over the warmer months, it is also important to be mindful of the wildlife that your garden may be providing shelter to. In this […]

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, when the leaves change colour and the temperatures drop. To bring warmth and life to your garden during this cooler season, consider adding some golden hues! From bold shades of yellow to golden-browns, a golden garden is a great way to welcome the changing seasons. From beautiful blooms […]

We recently hosted a wonderful pair of evenings with David Austin Roses expert, Andrew Rollings. He captivated the audiences at our Canterbury and Tenterden centres with a most fascinating talk about how the roses have been specially crafted over the past 60 years. David Austin Roses say, “As an age-old symbol of beauty, celebration and […]

  As I’ve delved deeper into the green-fingered world, I have stumbled upon an idea that intrigues me greatly; the idea that you could choose to grow some plants next to each other and it would mutually benefit them. It could help prevent disease, aid pollination, and keep pest numbers down in the garden. It […]

There is a certain beauty to winter, but it can feel a bit monochrome at times. I love it when springtime comes and the splashes of colour shoot through the hard soil, signalling the end of the darker, chillier nights. It fills me with hope and joy to see the sunshine daffs, majestic crocuses and […]