This is the ideal time to collect the seeds from your fading blooms. When a seedpod has clearly formed, cut it off and allow it to completely dry before cracking open and removing the seeds inside. Place the dry seeds … Continue reading →

There are so many wonderful gardens and forest walks in Sussex to visit, but this weekend we were in Devon and visited Occombe Farm, nr Torquay. Walking through the newly planted cider apple and plum orchard, you reach the native … Continue reading →

It’s a great time to start planting up your window boxes and pots, creating wonderful colour and interest. You can choose from a number of hardy plants including Crocus, winter Pansies, Viola, Cyclamen and winter flowering Heathers. It’s a good … Continue reading →

This week we visited the refurbished Fulham Palace walled garden, London – a site protected as an important historic landscape. As we walked through the gardens we spotted the wonderful entrance gates with a secretive peep at the Knot Garden, … Continue reading →

Put all the effort of clearing those falling autumn leaves to some good use by making your own biodegradable mulches using leafmould. These break down gradually to release nutrients in the soil and help improve its structure. One simple way … Continue reading →

Sheffield Park, the renowned landscape garden and parkland in East Sussex is at its peak at this time of year and when we visited on a crisp sun filled day, the trees were just about to turn to  produce  the … Continue reading →

You can gain extra plants this time of year by dividing some perennials…giving them a new lease of life and making them stronger…but make sure you wait until your plant is in it’s dormant phase – don’t rush out with … Continue reading →

This week we visited the RHS garden at Wisley and had the benefit of the stunning herbaceous border planting, a truly breathtaking way to see the final late summer flowers…. the simply planted Verbena and Cosmos border was stunning, particularly … Continue reading →

It’s time to pick those apples and pears, but how do you know they’re ready for picking? Here’s our top tip – hold the fruit in the palm of your hand, lift slightly and twist gently.  If the fruit comes … Continue reading →

Picnic strapped to our backs on a sunny Saturday, we began the ascent of Chanctonbury Hill to the top of the South Downs. The ancient woodland is a site of special scientific interest with magnificent trees, mainly Beech, Ash and … Continue reading →