News
Win a gift for Grandparents’ Day
Over the years the role of grandparents in the modern family has become more active than ever before, with 72% of UK grandparents taking care of their grandchildren on a regular basis. From passing on using money-saving tips to providing baby-sitting duties, grandparents are contributing an amazing £33 billion worth of care a year. Read more
Gardening Tips: What to do in September
The seasons are beginning to change once again and, as the cooler weather sets in and the days grow shorter; it’s time to start preparing your garden. Taking the proper steps now will ensure your garden stays healthy and lush right through autumn and winter and into spring. So here are our top gardening tips for September. Read more
Top 10 ways to attract wildlife to your garden
Creating a thriving garden is about more than simply planting flowers and mowing the lawn. Your garden is an ecosystem that relies on a number of species, both flora and fauna, to help it grow. Below we have listed our top 10 ways to attract wildlife into your garden and how to keep them coming back again. Read more
10 top tips for growing roses
Roses come in a variety of stunning colours, numerous shapes and sizes and are grown all over the world. It’s easy to see how it’s become one of the most popular cultivated flowers and has inspired generations of artists, writers and musicians.
If you are eager to start your own rose collection in the garden then our top 10 tips will help you grow a stunning selection in no time. Read more
Summer gardening: what to do in August
Now that sunshine and blue skies have finally decided to make a late appearance, you are sure to find yourself out and about in your garden a lot more during August.
Thanks to the recent deluge of rain and the relatively mild weather, your garden will probably resemble a jungle by now, so we’ve put together our best tips for August to help get your garden back in top condition. Read more
What to do in your vegetable garden in August
We are in the middle of summer, despite what the weather would have you believe, and now is a great time to get cracking on your vegetable garden.
If you haven’t set up your allotment, you may think it is too late now to think about planting, but far from it. We’ve put together a handy guide to show you how to get the most out of your veg garden.
Whether you’ve been planting since spring or are just getting involved now, we’ve got all the helpful tips and advice you will need. Read more
What’s On at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show
The RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, one of the UK’s biggest flower and garden shows, is coming to Cheshire East this July.
From 18th to 22nd July, 2012, visitors will be able to explore 28 acres of beautiful gardens and displays, as well as browse more than 500 exhibitors and trade stands.
So, let’s take a look at some of the great sights to see waiting for you at this year’s RHS Tatton Park Flower Show! Read more
How sunflowers and gladiolus are grown in the UK
Sunflowers and gladiolus are two popular flower varieties often found in summer bouquets and arrangements. Although originally from hot and sunny climates, these splendid flowers have one important thing in common; they’re both grown right here in the UK. Read more
Summer gardening: what to do in July
July is usually the month of hot summer days and warm temperate nights. However, it won’t have escaped your notice that this July has been decidedly wet so far; and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. Nevertheless, your garden still needs care and attention during the next few weeks and we’ve got the best tips and advice to see you through to August.
How to Grow Strawberries
Perhaps the best loved of all summer fruits; strawberries are sweet, succulent and utterly delicious. With a little knowledge, they’re also refreshingly easy to grow in your own back garden, making them a perfect plant for amateurs and even children to try their hand at. After all who can resist the appeal of home-grown strawberries?
It might surprise you to learn that strawberries can be grown almost anywhere- in raised flower beds, pots or even hanging baskets. In fact strawberry plants are relatively hardy; the only two ingredients they really need are plenty of sunshine and good drainage. For this reason you should always try to plant your strawberries in sunny areas, ideally on high ground.
When you purchase your strawberry plants always aim to get them into the ground as soon as possible, even if this means planting them in pots until your preferred site is ready. The optimum time for planting outside is between late June and September. This ensures that the plants have enough time to establish themselves and are ready to bear fruit for the following summer.
If you are putting your strawberry plants directly into the ground, plant them in rows about 75cm apart and prepare the soil by digging it over and adding fertiliser or manure. And because strawberries produce their seeds on the outside, it is advisable to cover them with a net to prevent birds and other wildlife eating them. Once planted regularly hoe between the rows and remove any perennial weeds and dead leaves.
You will know your strawberries are ready for picking when they are fully coloured. During the harvest period check your plants every day for ripened fruit. These should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the plant from rotting. To avoid damaging the fruit always pick your strawberries gently with the green stalk still intact.
Strawberry plants are hardy perennials which will produce fruit for about 3 to 4 years. Why not plant a few different varieties to ensure you have fruit all summer long?
Gift ideas for Father’s Day
Fathers play such an important role in our lives yet finding the perfect way to show your Dad just how much you love and appreciate him can be difficult. Whether your dad is a traditional socks-and-tie man or prefers something a little more unusual, this guide to the best Father’s Day gifts offers plenty of inspiring ways to treat him on his special day.
Solstice dates for your diary
The United Kingdom has a long and interesting history, stretching back centuries. Every year across the UK a number of celebrations are held to mark the changing of the seasons and celebrate our rich heritage.
We’ve put together a calendar of the most important seasonal dates in the year so you can celebrate each and every one.