Steve Ott
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No Excuses for Not Pruning
If you haven’t pruned yet, better now than never. Markus Kobelt of Swiss fruit nursery Lubera has just posted a very funny blog listing the excuses his customers come up with for not having pruned their fruit trees, ranging from,…
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Return of the ladybirds?
Could it happen again? It’s been 40 years since the ladybird plague of 1976, when a summer of heat and drought saw swarms of seven-spotted ladybirds infesting the UK. The British Entomological and Natural History Society has estimated that 23.65…
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The Magic of Maples
Create a focal point in your outside space with Japanese maple. Create a focal point in your outside space with Japanese maple. It’s the perfect choice of tree for any small, compact or courtyard garden, and the Horticultural Trades Association’s…
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Volunteer for Wildlife
Do Something great for nature with BBC Springwatch. The BBC Springwatch Do Something Great campaign is aiming to get as many people as possible volunteering and helping nature and wildlife this spring. From litter picking and beach cleans to planting…
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Spinach with Cous Cous, Pine Nuts & Sultanas
On the table in 15 minutes, this is a perfect supper dish for nights when you don’t have the time or energy. On the table in 15 minutes, this is a perfect supper dish for nights when you don’t have…
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Breeding Wildness Back
Are tomatoes too well-bred for their own good? A new study led by scientists at Newcastle University has found that tomatoes are getting too well-bred for their own good. The study, published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development, shows that in our…
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Asparagus and Wild Garlic Frittata
As British asparagus season dawns, Lucy Burton shares her recipe for frittata success, and a quick and easy lunch to boot Delicate asparagus, in its luscious green glory, likes to keep us guessing. Unlike the more reliable staples of the…
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Spring spectacular at beautiful Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum is living proof it’s not just for autumn – it’s in the spring the wild garden really comes into its own. The Fuji cherries – a mountain variety of Japanese cherry – kick-start the blossom displays from late…
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Edible Garden for Chelsea’s Great Pavilion
See the totally edible garden being produced by the Miracle-Gro Company at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. According to Vicky Page, the company’s spokesperson, “We are packing the raised beds with an amazing variety of edible flowers, productive fruit trees…
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Seasonal Double Take at Scotland’s Gardens
Lack of frost has meant Scotland’s gardens are off to a blooming start this Spring. Mild winter conditions and a lack of frost has seen gardens across Scotland bursting into bloom earlier than expected to welcome visitors with stunning displays…
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Swifts are the best tenants you can hope for
But despite being low maintenance guests, their summer accommodation is under threat. If you are going to have company for the whole of the summer, you couldn’t get better house guests than swifts, who will be arriving soon for their…
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Rhubarb and Spelt Upside Down Cake
Most gardeners will be well-acquainted with summery wild rhubarb, but pretty pink forced rhubarb is in season and perfect for winter baking In the UK, rhubarb celebrates two seasons. In summer, the sturdy, leafy and wild variety blooms; to the…
