Helping our hedgehogs: A beginner's guide
Hedgehogs aren’t just cute, they’re also a really useful part of the garden ecosystem, so it’s a good idea to welcome them into your space and help them snuggle down for winter. So, keep reading to find out why hedgehogs are such an asset to your garden and how you can help them out.Why are hedgehogs good for your garden?Hedgehogs ...
Summer gardening tips
Summer can be a really rewarding time for gardeners as you start to see the fruits of your labour bloom and burst with colour. But that doesn’t mean the work is over! Maintenance is a gardener’s number one priority in the warmer months with the hotter temperatures and drier weather bringing conditions that mean plants, grass, and ...

Ask Colin

Meet Colin, our resident garden expert.  Whether you would like advice for the best plant for a particular place in your garden, or how to care for a favourite houseplant then Colin is here to help.  Tell him the details and Colin will get back to you personally with what to do.

Alternatively, read Colin’s FAQs to see if your question has been asked before, or take a look at our How-to pages

Ants
Various Formica, Lasius and Myrmica species Ants rarely do any direct damage to plants, but their mining can kill roots, and their effects are secondary. But their anthills are a nuisance in lawns and borders.Symptoms Ants crawling over structures and plants – either individually or in large numbers Anthills – mainly in lawns ...
Asparagus beetle
(Crioceris asparagi) Asparagus beetle is the most serious pest of asparagus. Heavy attacks by this distinctive beetle weaken the plants and reduces crops in the following year.Symptoms Black beetles with six yellowish blotches on plants Greyish-black, six-legged larvae on plants Foliage eaten away Foliage dries up and turns brown What is ...

Contemporary garden
Contemporary gardens are becoming increasingly popular with their minimalistic approach to design. Simplicity, style and low maintenance is the order of the day with this garden design, making it easy to create and even easier to look after. A Contemporary Garden is very much an extension of your home and is usually made up of raised beds, ...
Cottage garden
Reminiscent of quintessential English countryside gardens, the romantic cottage garden look is as beautiful as it is easy to achieve. While many specific garden looks depend on order and organisation, this is a rich tapestry of colours, scents and flowers in abundance which focuses more on creating something you love, rather than sticking to ...