Spring! I am thrilled, not just because of the longer days and the glimmer of the garden coming back to life, but because now I will start to find plants I am growing in the garden and I can start to sow seeds for plants to dye with It feels like a celebration! So, for this month's dye pot I have sought out the flower which oozes spring, the daffodil. When the bursts of yellow start to appear it brings me such joy, as does the colour it produces in the dye pot. Daffodils are said to symbolise new beginnings, so before we get the dye pot out I thought I would share a little more about my dye garden plans, in case you too are thinking of growing some colour this year
Head out and harvest yours to get dyeing.
Dye plants I’m growing this year:
Reds - Madder
Blues - Indigo, Woad
Greens - Black Scabious (blue/grey with modifying), Weld (when combined with Indigo)
Yellows - Weld, Coreopsis, Marigold, Calendula (green with modifying), Dyers Chamomile, Dyers Greenweed (greens/peaches if overdyed with indigo/madder)
Oranges - Coreopsis, Cosmos Sulphureus
Purples- Black Hopi Sunflower, Hollyhock Nigra (blue/green with modifying)
@plot67
Materials you will need
Mordanted fabric
Daffodil petals (100% weight to fabric you want to use, e.g. 50g fabric=50g Daffodil petals, I just pop the whole flower head in)
Dye pan
Sieve
Water
Spoon
Bowl or container to soak fabric
Step 1 - Place your mordanted fabric in a bowl/container and leave to soak for a few hours, (or ideally overnight) so that it is ready for dyeing
Step 2 - Remove the flower heads from your daffodils, roughly tearing them apart and place in your pan, cover with water and gently heat till simmering
Step 3 - Simmer gently for 30-40 mins Be sure to not boil as this will shift the colour to a brown, slow and steady is best!
Step 4 - Strain the flowers from the dye This is optional You can leave them in the pan but expect slightly uneven colouring Another option is to place them in a net/muslin bag and leave in the pan
Step 5 - Place your fabric into the dye bath and gently continue to heat it for 30-40 mins. You may need to add some more water at this stage to ensure your fabric is fully covered.
Step 6 - Turn off the heat and leave your fabric to steep. How long you leave it at this stage is up to you, I left mine for around 3 days Then remove your fabric, rinse and leave to dry or whilst still wet, modify If you want to achieve the vivid yellow pictured, modify your fabric with an Alkali
Follow the step by step and get creating magic.
Modifications
For me the resulting colour was a soft pale yellow so I wanted to explore some modifications to see if I could coax a bit of a brighter hue out. When modified I noted the following:
There was little difference in colour between my cotton and bamboo silk
Acid lightened the colour and made it even paler
Alkali modification was just what I wanted; it warmed the yellow up, almost matching the flower heads! This was my favourite modification so I modified all of my ribbon with it Iron saddened the colour and produced some pale brown hues
Copper (see notes in last month's article regarding toxicity and safe disposal) shifted the colour to green tones My mordant was a little exhausted so this was quite pale but I think fresher may have brought the green out a little more
Modifications
You can play around with different plants with bundle dyeing to see what happens. You can also use spices, herbs and teas which are great for sprinkling in. You might explore modifying or mordanting with iron before dyeing and rolling against an iron blanket to produce imprints, which is particularly effective with leaves I enjoy upcycling old clothes with bundle dyeing, although that may be because as an Art teacher by day, I am often spilling paint and other things on my clothing Bundle dyeing helps to disguise my clumsy nature!
Materials you will need
Sometimes I fancy dyeing something but want a quicker result, or something that is a bit more experimental Bundle dyeing is great for that, as you basically chuck it on, steam it and reveal the results! Well, there’s slightly more process to it, but it is pretty much that Here’s my guide to bundle dyeing to produce tiedye/marble like effects across the fabric
Materials you will need
Mordanted fabric (I like to use squares)
Plant(s) of choice
A steamer
A piece of wood (or something to roll against)
String
Optional: Cling Film
Step 1 - Lay out your mordanted fabric and spray with water so it is slightly damp. You can use wet and wrung out fabric but it will cause the colour to spread more, but maybe that is what you want!
Step 2 - Sprinkle your plant over the surface of the fabric. I used violas and daffodils and I sprinkled over the whole piece Depending how you do step 3 you can sprinkle over half the fabric
Step 3 - You then need to roll the fabric (or you can fold and roll the fabric which allows the colour to imprint on each side) There is also the option before rolling to cover with clingfilm, this minimises the spread of colour
Step 4 - Ideally you have a piece of wood (or an old paintbrush) to roll against You need to roll tightly to ensure good contact with the plant and the fabric If you ’ ve nothing to roll it against just ensure you are rolling it nice and tightly.
Step 5 - Once rolled up, tie your bundle with string.
Step 6 - Place in a steamer for around an hour, then turn off and leave in situ for as long as you can.
Step 7 - Undo to reveal your bundle dyed fabric. I normally leave it for a few days as it makes the plants easier to brush off
Why we love edible flowers?
Anjee
As an allotment gardener I have, over the years, had an appreciative but ambivalent relationship with flowers I want beauty in the garden but also functionality and so growing flowers merely for the aesthetic has never truly appealed Over time however, I have developed a keen respect for the benefits of growing flowering plants chosen specifically for pollinators I have seen first-hand the increase in yields and soil health that biodiversity can bring and I enjoy immensely the life and vibrancy that the increase of insects, birds, and other creatures brings to my growing space.
This intentional growing of more pollinator attracting plants among the fruits and vegetables is what led me, by happy accident, to the world of edible flowers. What could be better than plants that are pretty, great for wildlife, great for the soil, and edible too?
In fact, I discovered, that these little floral morsels are not only eatable but also have incredible benefits for our health Packed
Ally
Growing flowers was my gateway to growing From visiting flower shows as a young child, I have always loved the colour and joy a new flower can bring to the garden
Back in 2022 I grew my own wedding flowers, so began investigating all the different varieties that would grow well but still be useful to me after the wedding was over. I found that so many flowers I was already growing were completely edible and so my love of edible flowers was born!
Whilst working with Anjee, I have learnt that not only are so many edible but can also be used to heal our body too! The magic these little blooms can bring knows no bounds.
Creating a back door planter full of edibles has always been a dream of mine so I am excited to create one filled with flowers this year and show that no matter the size, we can all grow some magic!
Over the next few months as part of this year ’ s Garden Folk grow along, we will be growing a range of our favourite edible flowers and sharing our progress with you through the magazine and our social media We're planning on growing: Cornflowers, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Calendula, Amaranth, and Borage. There are of course lots of others you might like to nibble on such as Chives, Forget me Nots, Dianthus and Primroses.
This month we will be sowing Calendula, Pansies, Cornflowers and Borage. We will be waiting until later in the spring to sow Amaranth and Nasturtiums. The weather and, more importantly, the temperatures in March are still very likely to be unfavourable so we'll be starting our seeds in pots in the greenhouse or on the windowsills for now. You won't need any extra heat to get these seeds going- just a nice, bright, frost-free place
You'll need: pots or seed trays, seed sowing compost, seed (we are using seed from The Hampshire Seed Company
Calendula: Sow into large modules (5 to 10 centimetres across) or into small pots Space one per module or two to three centimetres apart if sowing in a seed tray Cover lightly with compost and pat down
Pansies: Sprinkle seed onto damp compost and very lightly cover with more compost Pat down to make good contact between the tiny seeds and the soil
Cornflower: Sow into trays or pots scattering seeds across. Try and make sure there is some space between them. Cover with compost and pat down.
Borage: Sow individually into deep modules 1 centimetre deep. Press down lightly.
The Calendula, Cornflowers and Borage can also be sown direct where you would like them to grow depending on your climate you may need to wait until April when temperatures warm up
Do remember though that not all flowers are edible, some plants with edible flowers may not have edible leaves or roots and some flowers such as Foxgloves, Azaleas and Lily of the Valley are deadly poisonous! Always do your research and don't eat it if you're not completely sure it's safe! You can find an extensive list of harmful plants here
If you are one of our paid Garden Folk Supporters you can expect to receive seeds from THE HAMPSHIRE SEED COMPANY in the post very soon.
If you ’ re not a subscriber but would like to join in with the grow along, you can purchase seeds from The Hampshire Seed company or if you have some of these varieties sitting in the bottom of your seed box, get them out and get them sown! If you are sharing your gardening journey on Instagram or Facebook, we’d love you to tag @gardenfolkmag or use #EdibleFlowerFolk so we can follow your progress
Calendula
Pansies/violas
Cornflower
Borage
Step into your garden on a warm sunny day, and you’ll see nature’s tiny workers buzzing, fluttering, and darting between flowers Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, beetles, and even birds and bats (depending on where you live!), all play a part in one of nature’s most beautiful processes pollination This intricate dance of life ensures the blooms we cherish and the food we rely on So let’s peel back the petals and uncover the secrets of pollination and explore how we, as gardeners, can give pollinators a helping hand.
Globe Artichoke flowers are bee magnets.
By Mel Heris
How to Support Pollinators in Your Garden
Plant for pollinators all year round: One of the best ways to attract and support pollinators is to plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. This ensures there’s always a food source available, even in early spring or late autumn when resources are scarce.
Provide shelter for nesting and resting pollinators: Pollinators need more than food they also need safe spaces to rest and nest You can help them by putting up insect hotels, leaving areas of your garden undisturbed, and by planting a mix of hedgerows, flowers, and shrubs
Avoid chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are harmful to pollinators, even in small amounts Opt for organic or natural pest control methods, and let your garden embrace a little wildness A few aphids might attract ladybirds, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects that will naturally keep pests in check
Add a water source: Create a simple bee bath by filling a shallow dish with water and adding pebbles or floating corks for safe landing spots. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot to encourage visits.
Let your lawn bloom: Let it grow a little wild. Allow clover, daisies, and dandelions to bloom these plants are fantastic nectar sources for bees and butterflies. You can also create a small wildflower patch in your lawn.
Encourage a wide range of insects to visit your garden.
Grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs: Edible plants like strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and courgettes rely on pollinators to produce fruit Growing these in your garden not only supports wildlife but also rewards you with a delicious harvest Herbs like thyme, mint, and oregano are equally loved by pollinators just let them flower before you harvest
A buzzing, beautiful future
Next time you are out in the garden, take a moment to watch the bees dart between blossoms, the butterflies that bask in the sun, beetles tucked away in the heart of the flower, and the hoverflies that hover delicately over blooms Their hard work sustains the beauty of our gardens and the world beyond As gardeners, we have the power to make a real difference for pollinators By planting diverse flowers and providing safe spaces, we can create gardens that hum with life and colour
Cornflowers come in many pretty colours.
Bees will love the open flowers of cosmos.
Dahlias come in many shapes and sizes.
How Pollination Works
Pollination is the process by which pollen a fine, powdery substance produced by flowers is transferred from the male parts of a flower (the anthers) to the female part (the stigma) This vital exchange allows plants to reproduce by creating seeds, fruits, and the next generation of blooms Some plants rely on the wind to carry their pollen, but many species depend on pollinators These hard working creatures visit flowers in search of nectar (a sugary energy source) and pollen (a protein-rich food) As they feed, pollen sticks to their bodies and is carried from flower to flower Each visit increases the chances of successful fertilization, ensuring the plant’s continued survival and often, a bounty of fruit and seeds for wildlife and humans alike
Who Are the Pollinators?
The word “pollinator” often brings bees to mind, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle They are a variety of creatures that contribute to pollination, and each has its own unique role in the garden ecosystem Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems Without them, many plants wouldn’t be able to reproduce, leading to a decline in biodiversity and food supplies
Bees: From honeybees to solitary bees, like red mason bees and leafcutter bees, bees are nature’s most efficient pollinators. Their fuzzy bodies are perfectly designed to carry pollen, and they’re drawn to a wide range of flowers. Some even have little sacks on their back legs, which they pack up with pollen as they forage.
Butterflies and Moths: They are important day-time and nighttime pollinators. They favour brightly coloured, fragrant flowers with flat surfaces for easy feeding.
Hoverflies: Often mistaken for bees and wasps due to their striped appearance, are excellent pollinators, and a great natural predator for garden pests such as aphids, as their larvae feed on them They look like a bee and a wasp, but they don’t have a stinger
Beetles: Known as “ mess and soil” pollinators They’re particularly drawn to magnolias, which evolved before bees existed and beetles are an important pollinator for them
Birds and Bats: In certain regions, birds like hummingbirds or fruit bats are vital pollinators, helping plants like bananas, avocados, and cacao thrive
Bees are pollen magnets.
Add a touch of silver magic to your garden.
It’s a special edition of the magazine, so here’s a silvery edition of my planty feature I thought I would try to go for plants I know and love rather than the obvious ones that probably come straight to your mind- let’s all say it... Lavender! No, I won’t be selecting one of those- although it might get an honourable mention later on.
I absolutely love using silvery foliage; it really adds another dimension to a mixed border. I tend to find though that most of them like a lot of sunshine and, as my garden is shaded, I have to find ways to incorporate that palette (not that type of pallet) in a creative way. My favourite silver leaved plant is a Cardoon but after years of trying to force it to live in my garden I have admitted defeat and now have to admire it in my work garden instead, where it is extremely happy
Let’s start with Astrantia major the great masterwort, did you know the meaning of wort in a plant name is ‘plant’! Masterwort then is the great Masterplant- a pretty important name for a gorgeous wort It is a clump forming perennial that’s gets to about 60cm I have found the more shade you give this plant the more silvery it goes I’m going to admit now that the leaves of this plant aren’t actually silver- it’s the flowers or more accurately the bracts It’s one of those confusing plants that has a cluster of tiny flowers surrounded by petal like bracts that to the untrained eye looks like a whole flower This plant really adds the wow factor to a border; if you don’t have an Astrantia go out right now and buy yourself some!
Cardoons provide the perfect food for bees!
I won’t cheat this time, this one definitely has silvery foliage and the name instantly conjures up the image of a silvery plant Brunera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ or Siberian bugloss for you common folk I absolutely adore this plant; it’s not the biggest of plants getting to about 40cm but it looks like it should be a house plant The leaves are heart shaped and silvery with striking veins of emerald green Not that it needs flowers, the leaves are scrumptious enough, but it has sprays of forget me not like flowers in spring It is an absolute star of my secret garden in the coming months before the larger structural plants take over
@gardeneriddler
Astrantia major
Brunera macrophylla
Right, ready for a completely left field choice that you can’t buy from a garden centre? You will have to admire this one in the wild unless you are lucky enough to have some in the garden Evernia prunastri or Oakmoss commonly seen growing on the branches of trees It flourishes in clean air, so if you have some your garden it is a very healthy place Interesting fact: this plant is used as a ‘fixative’ in the perfume industry, which I think means it holds the scent on your skin longer I recently found an entire tree covered in this plant in the Lake District it looked truly amazing
Next up is a plant that I long to have more of, but my garden is too damp and shady, so I have to make do with growing it in pots on my patio. Eryngium giganteum ‘Silver Ghost’ or Ghost thistle, if you read the ideal conditions for this plant you can see why it won’t grow in my garden; it likes a ‘ sunny, well-drained border’. It has teasel like flowers surrounded by thistle like bracts, it is a biennial but seeds freely if it’s happy. It’s an absolute gem of a plant if you are lucky enough to have the right conditions.
Final one before some honourable mentions, I thought I would go for a houseplant that is so easy going and survives my constant neglect and failure to deal with pests Sedum morganianum, Donkey or Burro’s Tail As the name suggests, it looks like a donkeys tail You either want it on a high self or a hanging basket or it will soon be on the floor It’s really easy to propagate so once you have it you will always have it
Honourable mentions time: you probably can’t get more silver than Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ so if you want a hit of full-on silver you won’t outdo that one Athyrium ‘Metalicum’ is a silver leaved fern with purple veins, flipping lovely but I have never managed to keep one alive for more than a season Finally, the marmite plant of silver foliage Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' more commonly known as Lambs ears, I absolutely love this plant it’s so tactile, it almost doesn’t seem real.
There we are, I hope I have satisfied your silvery plant fix that you never knew you had.
Sedum morganianum
What a veritable thrill it is to be showcasing one of my favourite plants, the Iris, and before I even properly delve in I can confidently predict that you may not realise the length and breadth of season the Genus offers I certainly didn’t, for a long while, but now I can say there is an Iris for all seasons An Iris is inclusive since I believe they are for everyone and of many palettes You only need to see them en masse fluttering in a warm early summer breeze or depicted so elegantly in a painting to see what all the fuss is all about
What first drew me to the plants was their elegance, and in turn their scent Moving in more closely to interrogate, shows that an Iris offers an otherworldly amount of detail and clever adaptations. Firstly, as I write now, it is often forgotten about that Iris unguicularis, the Algerian Iris is in full bloom, at least here in Guernsey. A pop of violet-blue at a time where very little is in flower let alone that colour, it suffers a bit from being consumed by its leaves but we can forgive that if we choose to pay closer attention to the flowers that have their social anxiety a little lower down in the entanglement. A joy it was on the way to a pilates class to see these by the roadside I can assure you. Seen planted to great effect at East Ruston Old Vicarage, Norfolk.
During late Winter, the delicate but often vivid, Iris reticulata appear, spiking through the ground but only with subtle prominence until the flowers unfurl among bare earth I will put myself on the line here and say I actually prefer them to Snowdrops as my favourite Spring feeling inducer! It is the colour and detail that set them apart, and they look absolutely brilliant in pots too when top dressed neatly with horticultural grit or similar My favourite variety, ‘Blue Note’ even gives off a charming fragrance if you catch it right Other #groovygardeningapproved varieties, all pictured here, include ‘Allida’, ‘Katherine Hodgkin’, ‘Painted Lady’ and ‘Katherine’s Gold’ For purple, add a bit of ‘Spot On’ as this is exactly the impression I get from them
Moving forward into the year, and for more riparian or wet footed settings, at the time the bluebells are carpeting our woodlands, you may recall that in Britain we are blessed in our botanical diversity to have the native flag Iris pseudocaurus. Be careful in monitoring its spread, but as a marginal pond plant it is simply glorious to see as part of my reflective time sitting or walking by the body of water it is so happy to be in. Consider it as part of a pond project and benefit from its bright golden hues and general uplifting demeanour If yellow happens to be a block for you as it is for some gardeners, much to my chagrin, consider Iris ensata in such conditions Or, if you don’t happen to benefit from watercourses but the soil is generally on the moisture retentive side, Iris sibirica will be right at home Relatively short-lived in flower but clump forming for future division and free plants, sibiricas are very dependable and exhibit many of the detailed characteristics of bearded Iris but without the scent Leave their scrappy sword like leaves as long as possible in a garden setting since I feel their senescence contributes to the Autumn texture as they brown The variety I depended upon in the old Nottinghamshire garden I had was ‘Caesar’s Brother’
By Chris Jesson
Iris are stunning planted en masse.
Iris unguicularis
At this point I haven’t even got onto the Bearded Iris and you may already be flabbergasted by the genus ’ versatility? Or perhaps you knew but didn’t consider them in the mix of your planting. Even within the bearded types, there is much of a hierarchy. Firstly, I must elaborate that the beard is the inner hairy structure intended as part of the guideline into the plant for pollinators Sometimes they can be completely opposing colours to the corresponding flowers and their sepals (falls) Come to think of it, some bearded Iris are off the chart for colour clashing, such that I wonder if Christopher Lloyd would have approved First there are the cute short Iris, often shown to great aplomb at Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire and Haddon Hall, Derbyshire Varieties I am particularly fond of include ‘Lilli-White’ and any of the historical Langport series Intermediates, as the name describes, suggest mid period flowering and/or height, while nurseries will often split taller bearded specimens from these One of the last borders I created in my previous garden was dedicated to the Iris, of all kinds, mixed in with airy alpines and annuals so as to give the rhizomes a chance of circulation and baking. Cultivars to note from me include any of the historic Benton series which I had in the garden before Chelsea made them more prominent, but also ‘Sapphire Hills’, ‘Actress’, the venerable ‘Jane Phillips’, ‘Action Front’ and ‘Sable’. I would recommend you go through the catalogue, visit the display fields at Seagate Nurseries and fall in love, as this list is only a snippet. From my days training at Easton Walled Gardens, I brought with me ‘Supreme Sultan’, a particularly fragrant tall Iris that now lands itself in the garden I worked for Marc @gardeneriddler.
Iris reticulata ‘Blue Note’ from above
The vivid hues of Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ in my old garden
Iris reticulata ‘Pixie’ works well in this case with Violas and a backdrop of pinks (Dianthus)
To grow your bearded Iris, give the rhizomes a sunny position such in front of a warm wall to ‘bake’ in whatever sun they capture during the colder months You can give them space, since they may not like competition but I haven’t necessarily found that Trim off strappy leaves in early Autumn to form a fan shape to prevent wind rock and ensure the roots below the rhizome are anchored into the soil. While it is the flowers that often provide a distinct, beautiful fragrance, it is the rhizome that is commonly used for perfumery.
In a nutshell, the Iris comes #groovygardeningapproved for all the reasons that have been defined. You can even source varieties that rebloom in September now, so there is no excuse! Please consider joining the British Iris Society as you have access to their seed bank and are able to bank up within our rhizome (brain) a fountain of knowledge on the Genus They also hold events and exhibit at shows
My recommended purchasing location for Irises would be Seagate Nurseries at Long Sutton in Lincolnshire Owned by a delightful family, who also propagate a series of select perennials that often go amiss in usual outlets You can follow them online @seagatenurseries or at www irises co uk The nursery reopens to the public this March
Iris ‘Sapphire Hills’ showing the orange tipped beard and beautiful raindrops.
Iris sibirica
Iris reticulata ‘Allida’ set against the whitewashed walls of Le Pommier hotel, Guernsey
As a life long flower lover, it seemed only natural to retrain as a florist when my career came to a cross roads after the pandemic. After successfully completing my qualifications, I began freelancing for local florists. During this journey, I discovered the significant environmental impact of the global cut flower industryhigh transportation emissions and heavy chemical use Determined to work more sustainably, I found a small patch of land and began growing my own cut flowers It’s been one of the most joyful and rewarding experiences of my life, and now, I’m excited to share that joy with you!
For many aspiring flower growers, lack of space can seem like a major obstacle However, with thoughtful planning and smart techniques, it is possible to cultivate a thriving cut flower garden even in a small backyard, balcony, or urban plot You don’t need acres of land to grow your own flowers With just a small flower bed or a few pots, you can create your own mini-flower farm and become your own florist.
When space is limited, it’s important to focus on flowers that produce multiple stems, have long blooming periods, and can be harvested repeatedly.
Another thing to consider in small growing spaces is succession planting. This means sowing seeds or transplanting flowers at intervals, ensuring a steady supply of blooms throughout the season For example, plant new poppy seeds every few weeks to enjoy a constant rotation of fresh flowers Additionally, opt for flowers with staggered bloom times to keep your garden looking full all season long Pair early bloomers like tulips with summer favourites such as snapdragons and autumn-friendly chrysanthemums
In a small garden, soil health is crucial for thriving plants, particularly if you are growing in pots Regularly incorporate compost, organic mulch (such as leaves or grass clippings) to keep the soil rich and well-draining. Rotating plantings annually helps prevent nutrient depletion and reduces the risk of diseases.
By Rosie Broom @rosiesflowerplot
Rosie’sWebsite
On my flower plot, I use the no-dig method to maintain my growing beds Adding a layer of cardboard over the growing bed in late winter before adding compost on top This minimises soil disturbance, helping to maintain the natural structure and prevents disruption of beneficial organisms. If you are planting in containers it is especially important to refresh the compost regularly. Regular watering is also essential, particularly for container growing where there is no ground source of water.
When it comes to harvesting, regularly cutting flowers not only gives you lots of beautiful bouquets but also encourages plants to produce more blooms Deadheading (removing faded flowers) helps plants redirect energy into new growth; it is key not to let the faded flowers go to seed So keep snipping to keep your small flower patch vibrant and productive
Growing cut flowers in a small space is all about smart planning and maximising every available inch With the right flower choices, creative layouts, and good care practices, you can enjoy a beautiful, productive cut flower patch no matter how limited your space may be
Happy growing and may your small space bloom beautifully!
PhotoCredi:SockCanva mage
The greenhouse is a perfect place to relax with a cuppa.
The greenhouse is starting to serve its purpose and holding up well despite some of the winds and storms we've been experiencing Currently, we have lots of young perennials in there, although the plan will be for it to become an edible nursery over the coming weeks
Whilst the growing season is in its quieter months, it really gives us gardeners an opportunity to get our thinking caps on Our new growing space has consumed my mind with the majority of thoughts leading back to how sustainable we can make this space. We want to set up water collection, master the art of making our own compost and attract more wildlife into our garden. I want to make sure we can reuse and repurpose as much as we can to balance out some of the new purchases being made, with our humble potting table being the first on the list to get a little glow up.
It was bought quite a few years ago (pre-covid) and has just become another dumping ground for items in the shed. I gave it a wash down, a new coat of paint and tightened all the loose screws so it no longer resembles the leaning Tower of Pisa The mini makeover, which cost a total of £3 60, has left it looking almost brand new and I’m pretty chuffed with the colour Maybe now it will get a chance to fulfil its purpose? I suspect its fate in here will most likely be to serve as a coffee table!
With most of the details complete in the greenhouse, for now, the attention shifted to the raised beds We based our original kitchen garden design around wooden raised beds and have kept the design true to that We were going to buy a kit to assemble but a couple of reasons lead us to want to make our own
Firstly, we have a bit of a wonky patio so the original idea of one big, long, sleek raised bed at the front was not going to work. Secondly, the cost of such kits was high, especially if we were purchasing multiple smaller raised beds. Yes, they would save us time cutting, drilling, and doing all the workings out, but time isn’t an issue, and well, it just didn’t sit right with me. I want this to be a family project, I want to get our brains engaged, to try out and learn new skills, for it to be a project we are all proud of, and so the pre made kits didn’t fit that narrative.
I worked out the dimensions of the beds, materials required, costs, and placed my order Now, when I say I wanted the whole family to get involved, I hadn’t expected our cat Pepper to appoint herself as foreman She got in the way at every opportunity and gave us all a giggle The kids all enjoyed getting their hands on the power tools and really got stuck into the build Even my resistant 15-yearold couldn’t help but enjoy himself It was at this point that I was told to step aside as this was ‘ men ’ s work!’ I was so proud of them, of their commitment and team work and will share the finished product with you next time
By Kerry Tomlinson
Just look at this upcycled beauty!
@lottie thyme
For several years, there’s been a piece of ‘land’ (which I hesitate to call a garden) at the side of my house. Lately it’s become a wild, overgrown mess. It used to be a lawn, which gave way to a ‘ no mow May’ project and in turn a wildflower wilderness which was actually quite lovely for a time until the weeds took over
When my floristry business expanded I needed a constant supply of foliage, so it was planted up with bay hedging, willow and eucalyptus. At the far end I put in raised beds for veg growing, and the rest became an overflow plant nursery where I’ve nurtured dahlias for prizewinning show gardens Over the past two years it’s become, to my shame, a dumping ground for hardcore, corten steel, ponds, birch trees, and a general showcase garden graveyard of surplus, but useful building materials
I’m also really lucky to have a generous-sized allotment plot, but it’s 10 minutes away and that’s not always convenient I’ve wanted a proper organised growing space for veg at home, not just a few haphazard raised beds for some time, and I’ve also been acutely aware that I needed to sort out my ‘bit on the side’ and tackle the chaos Creating a home allotment was the perfect solution and after two years of show gardens, this has become my big project for 2025 When I was contacted by the amazing folk @polyecogreenhouses who kindly offered to gift me a 3m x 4m polytunnel in time to kick start the Spring growing season I knew this was meant to be.
Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for a polytunnel.
Construction begins with the frame.
Wire fencing added to keep in the dog and chickens.
The wire fence wont be going anywhere with these posts.
By Kim O’Brien @gardenwithkim
It's early days but the transformation has been huge already First things first, we had to clear the debris of the post-show garden mayhem that had built up over the last two years The brambles had also really taken over and we chopped these back with pruners and a handsaw There was an enormous cherry tree overhanging and blocking out most of the light, outcompeting a fig tree I planted a few years ago and pruning this back has had a huge impact on the light levels We’ve started adding fencing and although we ’ ve still got about 25 meters to put in, it means our dog and chickens (did I mention we’ll be getting chooks?) will be able to safely roam the home allotment too.
The ground had to be levelled, which was a weekend’s worth of work all on its own, but once that was done, we were ready for the polytunnel, a metal and polycarbonate construction which went up without a hitch – and it’s a game changer! The raised beds are already in place, and I’ll be sowing my first batch of veg in a few days. I’ve got leeks, onions, beans and salad crops lined up to go in first and then there’ll be no stopping me!
The home allotment measures approximately 5m x 22m, and we ’ ve got 12 square meters of undercover growing space in the polytunnel, which feels huge There’s plenty of room for a mix of raised vegetable and flower beds outside too Polyculture is really important to me as it’s a more natural way of growing that can help prevent pests and diseases as well as optimising growing space
We’re also planning a seating area around a fire pit, and an outdoor cooking area where we can go straight from plot to plate, picking fresh produce from the allotment, preparing and cooking it there and then - it won’t even enter the house This area is a quagmire now but the potential for transformation is huge This space will become the most amazing outdoor entertaining venue for friends and family, as well as a growing adventure, and I can’t wait to share updates with you as the vision unfolds later in the season!
The face of a happy gardener.
Pallet collars make great raised planters.
A thick layer of compost was added as a base.
Plastics can be a contentious issue for the gardener
You want pretty new plants? - Plastic pots
You want a watering can that doesn’t weigh a tonne? -Plastic rather than metal A new tool? - Plastic wrapping As an eco worrier (you read that right), plastic usage can cause serious upset: milk bottles, pop bottles, plastic food packaging it is easy to start obsessing about how to reduce this and go down the Zero Waste, rubbish in a glass jar path.
Here is what I learnt:
Eco-bricks can make excellent raised bed edges, but they take ages to make enough!
Stacking 2 litre pop bottles do not work as strawberry towers: they dry out too quickly.
5 litre liquid bottles (think white vinegar) fracture and disintegrate really quickly in the sun and do not make good plant pots
Hula hoops work well as supports for nets for at least two years: unpeel the tape holding the join and shake out the stones
Plastic netting is a waste of time: it falls apart if you pull on the plant Tying string as a net or using scaffolding net works far better and works for far longer
Milk bottles make great plant labels… and winter sowing mini greenhouses
Probiotic bottles make excellent cane toppers… but they need to come in out of the sun over the winter.
Mushroom trays make excellent seed trays/ small pot holders and can last for several years My greenhouse will be a sea of green in spring, and not straight away because of the plants!
Don’t throw away compost bags! They can be used so many times, and are much more hardy than bin bags Making leaf mulch? Doing a tip run? Lining a planter? Compost bags are your friend there!
By Jayne Wallace @theallotmentmum
But if you have a family, a career; if you are time rich rather than money rich, trying to cut out single use plastic can be seriously hard work. In the long term adapting your shopping habits can help (like tinned cat food over pouches) but what can you do as a gardener to reduce this waste?
At the start of my allotment life this was a big deal to me. I wasn’t working I was trying to help save the planet by growing my own food and so I decided to try and take a stand against plastics too
So what does this all mean for me as The Allotment Mum? It means that I avoid single use plastics but aim to buy reusable alternatives instead But it does not mean that I avoid plastic usage entirely, partially because sometimes it’s the best kit for the job, and sometimes I am a wombling skinflint who refuse to spend money on anything else! My verdict is that making your choices on plastics doesn’t need to be all or nothing you can choose what you use and how you use it!
It can be hard to avoid plastics in the garden.
As we look forward to the changing of the seasons and what is to come this year, its also the perfect time for reflection Helping us look back as to what went well last year, what we aren't going to continue into this year and what our goals and aspirations are. But does recycling and sustainability form one of our goals for 2025?
By Holly Eastlake @agardeningmidwife
Prior to the pandemic many of us were passionately reducing our use of single use products, actively trying to reuse and repurpose household items. However, during the pandemic we saw the use of single use products rise. Reports show that our household waste increased in one year by half a million tones from 2019-2020 (Progress report on recycling and recovery targets for England 2020 - GOV UK)
So What Should we be doing?
We all know the phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Years later, are we still going backwards? Whilst gardening and growing our own food has gained popularity, so has a lot of single use and plastic items intended for gardeners Advertising can leave us feeling that we wont be successful without these products But the main benefits of gardening comes from being in nature, being mindful and becoming in tune with the ground So can we turn it around? Can we garden more sustainably and reduce our use of plastic? Of course we can; the power is with us!
Plant feed often comes in single use plastic containers, though some garden centres do offer a refill service. Otherwise, it can be easy to make your own using nettles or comfrey from your garden or allotment. Simply cover your choice of nettles or comfrey, crush them slightly and add to a bucket. Cover with water and weigh down to brew for a few weeks. Once brewed, strain, dilute and use around your garden
Other alternatives to liquid feed includes using grass clippings around your plants, which adds nitrogen and potassium to the soil Coffee grounds add magnesium and calcium Crushed egg shells will also add calcium whilst also deterring pests like slugs and snails
Loo roll inners can make great seed starting containers for peas and beans.
Compost is often bought in single use plastic bags but if you are buying a larger quantity, a lot of companies will deliver in large reusable sacks; consider teaming up with other gardeners to share the quantity
Plant labels are often plastic and get thrown out after use However, most can be easily be reused by removing writing with acetone Alternatively, using old pieces of terracotta pots or slate, works brilliantly and look rustic in the garden I have previously also used bottle corks as labels, once worn they will compost, and they look fun as a marker If you do want to buy labels, you can buy copper labels which can be reused year after year Or you could use wooden markers or large twigs with some chalk paint to create your own rustic label.
One of the main culprits for single use plastic in gardening is plastic pots and trays. Many plants are sold in plastic pots, but some are now being sold in compostable coir, fibre, bamboo or cardboard pots. Many of these can be planted directly into the ground, even adding to your soil health as they break down and compost. If you do buy plastic pots try to buy the best quality you can to enable you to reuse them multiple times. Alternatively you may want to try some of the other options below:
Toilet roll tubes
Make pots out of paper
Reuse yogurt pots
Water bottles cut in half Egg boxes for seedlings
Your challenge!
Can we turn the tide? Well the power is with us, we all know the benefits of reducing our use of plastic not just for our gardens but for the planet My challenge to you is to choose one of the above that you want to make as a change this month
Change can feel overwhelming, choosing to change multiple things at once makes us more likely to fail. Choosing one thing and sticking to it will help you do your bit in reducing single use plastic in your garden. Once you have embedded the change, start another and gradually build sustainability into your garden.
One of the most powerful things we can do is to talk about reducing plastic and sharing our journey. You have taken the first step by reading this article Now share the challenge with a friend Together we can achieve anything!
Try making your own plant labels.
Use plastic lids to make labels.
Re-use fruit trays to start seeds in.
Sheltering and slumbering beneath the bountiful leaves of the forest you’ll find some hidden treasures Under the trees, in the heavy gloom, you might spot a clump of crocus or the pretty, pale petals of a primrose. Both plants can thrive canopied by overhanging branches and shine during springtime.
The ‘golden star’ or ‘butter rose ’ is the sign of an ancient woodland. Primroses dwell in quiet dells and get this common name because they’re one of the earliest plants to flower as the days lengthen and the weather warms With “prima” being derived from the Latin word for first
They were rumoured to be Shakespeare’s favourite flower because of how frequently he mentions them Though he predominantly used them as a metaphor for pale, sickly young women who were likely to die before winter’s end In the language of flowers they had more positive connotations, symbolising renewal and young love In fact the Victorians liked them so much they had a special celebration on April 19th named Primrose Day Begun by Queen Victoria herself the tradition marked the anniversary of the death of the British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli Who, like Tudor England’s beloved bard, was believed to be a fan. With them being worn in buttonholes, as garlands and as hat decorations at this time. @ thequietplace
They were also believed to represent light and draw their power from the sun itself Making them a cure for melancholy Putting a primrose over the heart was said to prevent someone becoming sad, banishing bad spirits However shadows lie below the boughs and this plant can bring tragedy to those who don’t tread cautiously When they bloomed in winter it was said to predict death As did bringing a single blossom into the house or allowing them to wither when growing them in the garden, since they’re favoured by the fairies who would want revenge for such neglectful behaviour. Blessing a home if healthy, happy primroses were planted beside the door. They are edible, and tasting the flowers could give you the power to see those fae for yourself. Large clumps of them discovered in the wild were considered to be the sign of a portal to the other realm, where they flourished, and was often avoided. Picking them, then placing them on special stones may open the gate for those brave or foolish enough to seek entry
There is more than one myth about the crocus, our second herald of spring. Their origin certainly was related to the mortal youth Crocus, or Krokus, from classical mythology. However, the tale takes multiple forms. The bloom might be the boy himself transformed after death as a kindness from the gods. A gift granted by Flora, Roman patron of flowers, because of his great desire and unfulfilled love for the shepherdess Smilax. With three of his fallen tears turned into the vivid orange stigmata. But this may also have happened when the gods decided that Crocus couldn’t marry Smilax because she was actually a nymph or, once she grew bored of her mortal boyfriend and he refused to leave her alone Smilax was possibly transfigured into either a yew tree or bindweed out of pity Another act of Flora’s divine benevolence Yet an alternative fable claims Crocus was the lover of the god Hermes and was accidentally killed whilst they were throwing a discus together Hermes was devastated and in his grief he immortalised Crocus by creating the plant from his spilled blood Despite this, in the language of flowers they represent cheerfulness and youthful glee
In Old English, the word “croh” meant saffron, which was introduced by the Romans, and it is likely that the plant was brought over to Northern Europe by them too so that they could use the crocus to colour their clothes yellow. It is the autumn crocus however, not its spring blossoming cousin, is the true source of saffron. This poisonous plant has a different beginning. Apparently getting its name from a similar sounding island of sorcery found in Greek mythology called Colchis. Home to the infamous witch Medea and surrounded by magical herbs
If you spot a bee dancing in the dappled light of a copse, buzzing hither and thither, on a sunny spring morning no doubt it will be hungry and hunting for food Crocus can provide bed and breakfast as bumblebees have been known to shelter inside them overnight and there’s plenty of pollen to be had
Primroses are also an excellent early food source for pollinators of all kinds including the brimstone and small tortoiseshell butterfly So why not recreate the woodland at home and plant some in your garden?
A crocus lawn beneath a grand tree.
As March arrives, the garden begins to stir with the promise of spring The days grow longer, the air feels warmer, and the first vibrant bursts of color from daffodils, crocus, and primroses light up our outdoor spaces.
Birds sing their joyful dawn chorus, and pollinators slowly return to the garden in search of nectar. For wildlife gardeners, this is an exciting time a chance to welcome back life, nurture emerging species, and prepare the garden for the bustling activity that lies ahead.
Wildlife Garden Tips and Jobs for March
Feed birds as they prepare for nesting season
With nesting season underway, garden birds need extra energy to build their nests and care for their young Keep feeders stocked with high-energy foods like sunflower hearts, suet, and mealworms, and provide fresh water for drinking and bathing Scatter food on the ground for species like robins and blackbirds that prefer to forage on the ground.
Put out nesting materials
Help birds by offering natural nesting materials: Hang bundles of dried grass, moss, or pet hair in a mesh bag, woven into fences, or leave them scattered in sheltered areas
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers
March is an ideal time to plant hardy annuals and perennials that support pollinators. Flowers like foxgloves, lungwort, and wallflowers offer early nectar sources, helping bees, butterflies, and hoverflies thrive as they emerge from hibernation.
Crocus provide an early food source for pollinators.
Create a garden perfect for small mammals.
Daisies are a great food source for pollinators.
Maintain your wildlife pond
If you have a pond, now is the perfect time to gently clean it. Remove any dead leaves or algae that may have accumulated over winter, but be cautious not to disturb overwintering amphibians. Top it up with rainwater if needed, and add native aquatic plants like marsh marigold or water forgetme-not to provide food and shelter
Create safe spaces for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs will soon wake from hibernation. Check for any gaps in fences to allow them to roam freely, and provide a log pile or hedgehog house where they can find shelter.
Tidy your garden mindfully
While it’s tempting to dive into a full spring clean, be mindful of hibernating insects like ladybirds and bees, which may still be sheltering in piles of leaves, stems, or hollow plant stalks Wait until temperatures consistently reach 10°C before clearing these areas
Steps for the Months Ahead
Sow wildflower seeds
March is the perfect time to sow wildflower seeds directly into your garden Choose native varieties to attract pollinators and create a stunning display of colour later in the year.
Plan a composting area
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden, but it is also a great place for wildlife such as insects to seek shelter. Set up a compost bin or pile now, and add garden clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps to start producing your own organic compost.
Make a bee bath
Pollinators and other insects need access to fresh water, too Fill a shallow dish with water and add small stones or pebbles to provide a safe landing spot for bees and butterflies Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot to encourage visitors
Keep a wildlife journal
March is an exciting time for spotting wildlife. Dedicate a few minutes each day/week to observing your garden and recording what you see Note down the first bees, butterflies, or frogspawn of the season it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and track the changes in your garden over time
March Wildlife Highlight: The Awakening Frog
As spring arrives, frogs emerge from their winter hibernation and begin their migration to ponds and wetlands to breed. Males gather near and in ponds and croak softly to attract females, while females make their way to the water’s edge to lay clumps of jelly-like frogspawn, which will soon hatch into tadpoles.
Why They’re Beneficial:
Frogs are invaluable natural pest controllers, feeding on slugs, snails, and other insects that can harm your plants By creating a welcoming habitat for frogs, you ’ re fostering a balanced ecosystem while enjoying the presence of these fascinating creatures
Provide water sources in shallow containers.
Watch out for frogspawn.
There are many beautiful pond plants which will create great habitat for wildlife.
How to help them:
Create a wildlife pond: A small, shallow pond with gently sloping edges is ideal for frogs
Add aquatic plants: Plants like water forget-me-not and marsh marigold provide cover and oxygen for frogs and their offspring
Provide shelter: Leave log piles, stone heaps, or undisturbed areas in your garden where frogs can rest during the day.
Avoid chemicals: Pesticides and slug pellets can be harmful to frogs. Choose organic, wildlife-friendly gardening options instead.
Keep an eye out for frogs as they hop through your garden or rest at the water’s edge. Their return is one of the most exciting signs that spring is finally here!
Leave some places untidy for creatures to hide in.
A Monthly Step By Step Journey
March is a month of transformation, as the garden awakens from its winter slumber and new life begins to emerge. By feeding hungry birds, planting for pollinators, and creating safe spaces for wildlife, you ’ re setting the stage for a thriving garden full of life and beauty throughout the year
See you all next month!
Growing fruit trees in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy homegrown fruit, even if you're short on garden space. Some of the best varieties for container gardening include dwarf citrus trees like Meyer lemons, Calamondin oranges, and Key limes, as they thrive well in pots and provide fragrant blossoms along with juicy fruits Compact apple varieties like 'Minidwarf' and 'Colonnade' are ideal for patio containers, offering delicious apples in a manageable size Fig trees such as 'Petite Negra' are another great choice, producing sweet fruits while being adaptable to pot culture For berry lovers, dwarf varieties of blueberries and raspberries can be grown in pots, adding a burst of colour and flavour to your garden space By choosing these compact and adaptable varieties, you can transform any small area into a fruitful oasis
This time last year I purchased 5 fruit trees from Thompson and Morgan which were designed for small spaces, The Fruit Tree Mini Collection, and this contained 2 apple trees, one plum tree One pear tree and one cherry tree I got them as they were designed for patios and small spaces The varieties were golden delicious, Gala, Conference pear, Black Amber Plums and Sylvia Cherries These trees have been grafted so they were classed as dwarf varieties
Growing fruit trees in pots offers numerous benefits Firstly, it allows for mobility, letting you move trees to optimal sunlit spots or shelter them during harsh weather Secondly, it's ideal for small spaces, like patios or balconies, making fruit growing accessible to urban dwellers.
Pots also help control soil quality and prevent diseases, as you can tailor the soil mix and nutrients precisely. Plus, potgrown trees can be easier to manage and prune, keeping their size in check for convenient harvesting.
with happy trees in pots an approach I hadn’t tried before.
Growing fruit trees in your garden is crucial for several reasons. It promotes sustainability by providing a local food source, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting store-bought fruit. Homegrown trees ensure access to fresh, organic produce, free from harmful pesticides Fruit trees also enhance biodiversity, attracting pollinators like bees and birds They create a beautiful, serene environment, and the act of nurturing them offers therapeutic benefits, connecting us with nature and the food we consume
A very important inspection.
Are you ready for a fruit harvest?
Thirteen Cycles Toward Nature’s Wisdom
‘Thirteen Cycles Towards Nature’s Wisdom’ from which this poem is taken is now available to pre-order at £20 per copy. Email Pete at pendleplantcraft@gmail.com for further information.
In the dappled light of a woodland edge, where the shifting seasons write their stories in leaf and bloom, there exists an unspoken relationship between the land and those who take the time to listen Our new book is an attempt to honour that relationship a guide, yes, but more than that, an invitation A way to meet the plants we so often pass by, not merely as names in a field guide, but as living beings with whom we can form a quiet, reciprocal connection
Foraging, at its heart, is not simply an act of gathering but of noticing It is the deep inhale of a hedgerow’s scent on an autumn afternoon, the memory of a childhood spent picking nettle stems with hesitant fingers, the reverence in pruning a leaf with care, knowing that the plant, in its abundance, has chosen to give
Through these pages, we explore the stories of plants that have long accompanied us: Meadowsweet, whose vanilla-scented flowers once sweetened medieval halls; Oak Moss Lichen, a slow-growing lichen whose presence speaks of clean air and ancient woodlands; Birch Polypore, a mushroom once carried by ancient travellers for its medicinal and practical uses. Each plant carries a history, a gift, a place in the great tapestry of life.
By river’s bend where kingfishers dive, We stepped in quiet, hearts alive Through Lomeshaye’s marsh, so wild, untamed, We walked, we listened, we learned its name
The first frost whispered through sedge and reed, Skeleton leaves on the cold earth freed Ice-laced branches, hawthorn bright, Holding red jewels in the silver light
Then Meadowsweet in summer ’ s air, Softly swayed, a healer’s prayer. Nettle stood, both fierce and kind, A tonic brewed for heart and mind
Wood Ear clung to elder’s grace, A velvet shank, a ghostly face Oak Moss Lichen clung where time stood still, Breathing secrets into the chill
Sorrel’s bite and bramble’s feast, A banquet laid for man and beast Fungi rising, dark and deep, Breaking down what others keep
Foxglove bells and thistle spines, Warning hands yet drawing minds
The marsh held stories, soft and slow, Where silence blooms, the answers grow
Through thirteen moons, through shifting air, We learned to watch, to tend, to care The land stood patient, old yet free, It shaped our hands, it taught our feet
And still it calls, in root and wing, A cycle’s end, a song to sing
But beyond their utility beyond the teas and tinctures, the meals made richer by wild flavours there is something deeper to be gained To know these plants is to step outside of time, to move at a different rhythm, one set not by industry or urgency but by frost and thaw, bud and decay It is an act of resistance, in a world that moves ever faster, to slow down enough to truly see
A record of the bio-diversty at Lomeshaye Marsh, only to be built on ond learned from, learning the lessons that come with new things we learn, deepening our connection
In writing this book, I have reflected on the profound role that nature has played in my own life how it has been both a refuge and a source of resilience in times of struggle I know I am not alone in this Many of us carry unseen burdens, but in the stillness of wild spaces, we find solace We find purpose We find ourselves
More than a collection of recipes and remedies, the tinctures, tonics, and salves crafted at our cabin are not just practical applications of nature’s gifts; they are expressions of gratitude, of care, of participation in an ongoing conversation between human and habitat.
We hope that this book will serve as both a companion and a catalyst for learning, for remembering, for deepening the bond between ourselves and the landscapes we call home Whether you are a seasoned forager or simply curious to see the world through fresh eyes, we hope these pages bring you closer to the quiet wonders waiting just off the beaten path
Last year we shared the journey of some amazing gardeners at GW Live. They even went on to be award winners! This year we have two more growers who have offered to share their journey openly and honestly while creating their Beautiful Borders for Gardeners World Live.
Will you be inspired to create your own show worthy garden?
Heading to GW Live this year grab yourself an exclusive discount below:
SAVE20: 20% off standard adult/concession entry tickets (applies any day), offer expires 23:59 on 7 May 2025
SAVE15: 15% off standard adult/concession entry tickets (excluding Saturday), offer starts 8 May, expires 23:59 on 4 June 2025
The secret is out!
I’ve been keeping a secret for some time now, and I’m finally ready to share it with you: I’ve been selected to create a Beautiful Border at BBC Gardeners' World Live this June!
The inspiration to submit a design came after I had the privilege of helping my good friend Leanne (@my little patch of earth) set up her border at GWL last summer Her guidance and support throughout the submission process have meant the world to me She cheered me on even when I doubted myself, and that helped me feel brave enough to hit the ‘send’ button on my submission!
Inspiration
By Laura Whiskens @lottieonthehill
For this project, I’ve drawn deep inspiration from the gardens at the Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull, West Midlands, where my mum, Marie, passed away in June 2014 The gardens there are s peaceful and comforting, desig to help patients and visitors co nature and find solace in their I know I felt at peace after say goodbye, and I will never forg to nature in the moments I sat among the heavy scent of lavender and watched the bees flutter from flower to flower. Inside the hospice, there is a multi-faith prayer room featuring a prayer bowl and pebbles a simple yet powerful way for people to process their thoughts, prayers, and worries. I’ve always found this gesture beautiful, and I’ve wanted to incorporate it into my design. The bowl and pebbles will symbolize a place of reflection and connection
The future of the garden
I’m excited to share that after Gardeners’ World Live, I plan to donate much of the border’s contents to the hospice, ensuring it continues to bring peace and comfort to others I’ve been in contact with the hospice to ensure that the design of my border aligns with the tranquil spirit of their gardens My hope is that my border will help visitors feel a sense of connection with nature, encouraging peace and reflection
Come and say Hi!
To say I’m both excited and terrified is an understatement, but I can’t wait to get started on turning my 3m x 3m border into a beautiful, meaningful space in memory of my mum. The team at GWL has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been a joy to see how my design has evolved since I first submitted it to them I’m so looking forward to sharing this journey with you the highs, the lows, and everything in between And I hope to see some of you at the event, please come and say hello!
About Laura
Laura took on her first allotment plot in April 2021, and now has a large double plot in Coleshill, Warwickshire, where she grows a variety of vegetables and flowers.
In 2024, Laura won the “Biodiversity” award at the North Warwickshire Allotment Federation awards for the work she has done on encouraging wildlife on her allotment and awarded “Best Allotment” by Coleshill Town Council in 2023 You can follow Laura’s allotment diary on Instagram, @lottieonthehill
PhotoCredi LauraWhskens
PhooCed :LauraWhskens
A change in career
A few years ago, when I decided to change careers from PR to an as-yet-undefined one in horticulture, I must admit I felt a bit foolish ‘I’m quitting my PR career to be a gardener Or a designer I don’t know - something with plants,’ I would explain apologetically to fellow parents at the school gates All I knew was that my career thus far wasn’t making me happy, and I was deeply, madly, in love with gardens
I didn’t feel ridiculous for long Soon I was burying my head in RHS books, digging up my lawn, working as a jobbing gardener and, helping to build a team show garden at Gardener’s World Live
Being brave
Fast forward to 2025 and her I am, feeling a bit foolish all over again The news is out now that I’m building a little show garden of my very own this summer The feelings of imposter syndrome are very, very real. It will take up a huge amount of time, energy, logistics and planning. Nobody is paying me to do it I’m using savings to cover my costs. And I could, quite feasib make a complete and utter foo myself. I keep remembering th in Bridget Jones where she’s terrified of walking into the Law Society Dinner‘What are you doing in here? Bridget Jones, you are ridiculous ’ But we only live once, so I’m doing it anyway
By Alexandra Valk @wyldeandgreen
My garden is one of the Beautiful Borders at Gardeners World Live at the NEC The theme is connections, so naturally, I’ve taken the theme to a bit of a weird place My garden focuses on the connections between new life and, well, death
Initial design ideas
There is method behind what, I’m sure, sounds a bit like madness. One thing gardening has taught me is to be a lot less squeamish I’ve become obsessed with composting and with it, have learned to accept all manner of creepy crawlies in the garden They are essential for making new soil, feeding more critters and helping plants to grow without a load of synthetic chemicals Just as you can’t have spring without winter, you can’t n without also having death The est, the annuals need to complete le, the birds need to eat leftover
On a more long term scale, trees ventually fall, their wood will rot and that process will feed fungi, s and worms, who will then feed the soil and nourish the new and emerging plants.
On a personal level, the garden is about a bit more than that though. The last few years - which have coincided with my move into all things horticultural - I have been immersed simultaneously in the joys of new life and also a wild and ever-present grief
New life and grief
I have become a mother of two glorious, beautiful children and by doing so have found my body infused with love, (and robbed of sleep), and a house filled with laughter and chaos. I have also lost my dad. He was very ill when I started my RHS course, and died just after my summer exams In the months after, I was buffeted by waves of grief which sometimes left me exhausted and other times filled me with a fizzing rage He died in July, and on the days I could barely move, I would sit on the lawn staring at the flowers When the rage came, I picked up my spade and dug up the lawn In many ways, this garden is an expression of all of that The joy of new life, the agony of grief, and how nature is there for the cycles of our lives, as well as the cycles of the plants There is a lot to do on what I know is going to be a big and emotional adventure But first, I really need to get my hands on some logs! Next month I will fill you in on my adventures with chain saws and the kindness of tree surgeons
PhotoCredi AexandaVak
PhooCed :AexandraVak
Young Folk
150g Golden Caster Sugar (plus 3tbsp for the Rhubarb)
75g Egg White
½ tsp Vanilla Paste
300g Rhubarb (cut into 6cm long lengths)
1 Orange (zested and juiced)
160g Thick (full fat) Greek Yogurt
50g Stem Ginger
1tsp Stem Ginger Syrup
Making the meringues
1 Preheat your oven to 100c or 80c(fan oven)
2 Place the egg whites in a large bowl and using an electric whisk gently start to whisk on low When you start to see bubbles form in the mixture, crank the level up to high until you have firm peaks
3 Reduce your mixer speed to medium, add vanilla bean paste and then, one spoonful at a time, add the sugar gradually to the egg white until full incorporated. Continue to whisk the mixture for a further 5 minutes on high or until the mixture is volumous, smooth, and has a gorgeous sheen to it.
4 On a tray lined with parchment paper, spoon out 6 little meringue nests evenly, leaving a little space between each. On the top of each one use the back of the spoon to create a little indent that will help you layer on the topping later.
5 Bake in the oven for 1 hour and then leave in the oven to dry out over night
6 Once cool, you can store your meringues for up to a week in an air tight tin (perfect for preparing ahead of guests)
Making the rhubarb
1 Preheat your oven to 165c or 150c (fan oven)
2 Place the rhubarb into a oven proof dish and sprinkle with 3 tbsp of caster sugar, grated orange zest and juice Stir all together, cover with tinfoil and leave to rest for 3-4 hours in the fridge I find the orange juice helps break down the rhubarb in advance and allows it to release its gorgeous juices
3 Bake the rhubarb for 25 minutes with the tinfoil on Remove from the oven leave the rhubarb to rest on the side for a further 10 minutes without removing the foil.
1 Carefully cut the stem ginger finely ( the pieces want to be translucent in thickness and very small).
2 Put the ginger into a bowl, add the thick Greek yogurt and the stem ginger syrup and carefully fold together before setting aside for later
To serve, simply adorn your meringue with a heaped tablespoon of the yogurt mixture and top with the cooled baked rhubarb, drizzling some of the delicious sauce over the top.
Stem ginger yoghurt
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Its a busy month of sowing for the Wirral Flower Farm. Whose ready for blooms?
March is such an exciting month for growers and gardeners Spring is finally here March never used to be a month I enjoyed in my pre-growing era It’s blue skies and sun were always deceivingly cold which used to annoy me As I prepared myself for the Summer I would wish the Spring away. But now, Spring is never long enough! With all the seed sowing and planting out of overwintering plants, Spring is a season full of hope and joy of what is to come over the coming months…
By Jen Howarth
I’m edging forward towards Wirral Flower Farm opening. Beds are starting to be filled with Hardy Annuals, some of them were walking out of those pots in all honesty, so that’s been a relief. I’ve also been getting lots of perennials in the ground for foliage for a big year of growing – ninebark, eucalyptus, lavender, willow and verbena so far
Don’t forget to check your last frost date – this really matters and don’t be caught out by that fool’s spring! Anything tender will need to wait a little longer!
March is a great month for seed starting – you can get pretty much anything started in a greenhouse this month with its protection from the colder nights and mornings My top tip for starting seeds this month is to check each of the requirements for those seeds, do they need light or prefer dark etc? You can usually find this out on most seed packets
The flower I am really looking forward to the most this year…
Cosmos – Kiiro – This variety is a very soft lemony cosmos with a white little splash in the centre. Maybe yellow is heading back into the good books?
This month on the farm we have the last of the beds to mulch, the sweet pea tunnel frame to build, lots of compost bays to build and LOTS of planting out
I can’t wait to talk to you next month as I begin my direct sowing journey – something that I’ve never been able to do before! But for now – happy sowing!
You can visit the Wirral Flower Farm for pick your own, weddings and workshops see dates below :
June 21st - Flower Crown
July 5th - Summer Hand Tie
July 19th - Summer Hand Tie
Aug 2nd - Summer Hand Tie
Aug 16th - Flower Crown
Check out Jen’s website for all the courses available
@life on the lot
Photo Credit:Canva Stock Image
March heralds the start of Spring and is one of the most exciting months to be in the garden as new life begins to emerge from the ground, plans get decided on and set in motion, and the job list lengthens along with the daylight hours.
Things to sow/plant
Flowers
Calendula
Pansies
Borage
Aster
Cosmos
Petunia
Salvia
Sweet peas
Salvias
Lilies
Edibles
Chard
Broadbeans
Kale
Peas
Tomatoes
Beetroot
Salads
Peppers
Celeriac
Perennial Herbs
Come and join the @gardenfolkmag team for live garden updates throughout the month over on Instagram.
The 'Allotment Diaries Podcast' is a podcast that aims to provide an honest look at what it's like to own an allotment plot It discusses what has worked well as well as what has not worked so well
The podcast will also feature interviews with other allotment holders about their experiences and allotments, as well as special guests
It’s time to roll up those sleeves (or don that woolly hat) this month and get stuck into the gardening year with earnest whenever the weather allows
Hoe veg beds regularly to avoid weeds setting seed there.
Cut down to the base willow, dogwood, and buddleia to encourage new growth.
Deadhead spring bulbs once they finish flowering so they don’t set seed but let the leaves die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year ’ s blooms
Start planting first early potatoes.
Feed any overwintered brassicas and fruit bushes with a nitrogen rich fertilizer.
Do your research and invest in good quality peat free seed sowing compost.
Start watering and feeding houseplants more regularly as the days lengthen.
Finish pruning roses as soon as possible.
Plant Dahlia tubers in pots inside and take cuttings as the new shoots emerge to create more plants
Start seeds off indoors and give them the appropriate care according to their individual needs. Water them carefully.
Tidy and mulch borders
Plant summer flowering bulbs into pots and borders
My favourite plant fact is that Ivy leafed toadflax (which grows everywhere in my garden!) probably isn’t a British native and might have been important accidentally from Italy on old Roman statues brought to our universities �� @ thequietplace
My fact is you need to water seedlings for them to grow! It’s something I sometimes forget @annasgardenjourney
The juice from bluebell bulbs was historically used as glue. @starof 72
This month we asked you:
“Whats your favourite plant fact?”
month we want to know:
My favourite plant fact is that sunflowers arnt just one flower but 1000-2000 tiny individual flowers �� @agardeningmidwife
That sharks are older than trees �� �� @fiveminutegardener
My favourite fact is one I’m quite well known for locally: that conkers are naturalised soap nuts in the U K ! They are not native, so have no protections on them… but conker trees are an excellent resource for eco cleaning, so we need to use them!
@theallotmentmum
One i learned today there are thought to be 30,000 varieties of tomato �� �� @plotandpetals
