Autumn is a great time to get your lawn into shape before the temperature starts to change. With a little time invested now, you can achieve a luscious lawn that will thrive next year and beyond. Watch our short ‘How to’ video with 4 simple steps to getting your lawn in tip top shape.

Autumn and early winter are the ideal times to plant trees. The soil is still warm and the plants are losing their leaves, so will need less water and be under less stress as they establish their root system through the winter. Container grown trees are available year round from your local garden centre.

How to keep pet guinea pigs healthy and happy Guinea pigs (or cavies as they are sometimes known) make excellent pets for children as they tend to be quite docile, are very gentle and don’t bite when handled. Guinea pigs are small and light enough for children to handle but this must always be done with adult supervision. Click here...

How to keep pet rabbits healthy and happy Rabbits are lively and responsive pets, each with their own distinctive characters. Rabbits can be great fun, but it is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment to care for them. Rabbits can be good pets for children provided they are handled with care and always supervised. If looked after properly, pet...

Homemade compost is a great soil conditioner to use as surface mulch around existing plants or for digging it in to your soil before planting. All soils benefit from the addition of bulky organic matter, which will act as a sponge to hold moisture in light, sandy soils and help break down heavy clay soils, making them easier to work...

How to keep pet zebra finches healthy and happy Zebra finches are lively, chirpy little birds and one of the most attractive pet birds. With their intricate markings and inquisitive character, they are a firm favourite for an aviary or indoor cage. Zebra finches originally come from Australia and can live up to 10 years with good care. Zebra finches...

How to keep pet tropical fish healthy and happy A tropical fish tank creates a stunning display of colour and life into your home. These pets are very rewarding and interesting too, with many owners feeling the soothing, calming effects of keeping fish at home. If well looked after, your fish could live for many years. They are relatively easy...

How to keep pet Syrian or golden hamsters healthy and happy Syrian, or golden hamsters as they are also known, are attractive, undemanding, clean and easily tamed little pets. They can be very active with great personalities, and if cared for properly, can live for up to 3 years. Click here to read our full guide to caring for your...

How to keep pet stick insects healthy and happy Keeping stick insects as pets can be great fun. They are particularly good for children as they are easy to look after, provided they are handled with care and under supervision. There are nearly 3,000 known types of stick insect but the most common types to be kept as pets are...

How to keep pet rats healthy and happy Rats are very friendly, loyal pets who make close bonds with their owners. They can be easily tamed and make a good first pet for a family. Children should always be supervised during handling. Rats are very intelligent animals and can learn to do a few tricks like finding their way out...

How to keep pet pygmy hedgehogs healthy and happy Pygmy hedgehogs make lovely little pets that are easy to look after and provide hours of fun for the family. These pets are easily scared and may not be suitable for young children. Adult supervision is always required when children are handling a pygmy hedgehog. Click here to read our full...

How to keep pet tortoises healthy and happy Mediterranean tortoises (also called the Hermann’s tortoise) will generally live for up to 70 years but some have been known to reach 100 years old. They are a lifetime companion and as such, require a big commitment, probably for the rest of your life. Choosing a tortoise as a pet should be...