Join us on Instagram on 7th April for a chat with Anjee and Ally.
Then on 14th April we will be chatting to this months writer Mark Meadows
Live at 7pm on the @gardenfolkmag page
As the planting season approaches, there’s a familiar buzz of excitement in the air. For many, including myself, this time of year marks a new cycle of growth and the promise of nourishment and learning If you're new to gardening, it can feel overwhelming where do you even begin? That’s where no-dig gardening comes in: a method that makes starting and maintaining an allotment (or any growing space, for that matter) more affordable, less labour-intensive, and perfect for those of us balancing gardening with busy lives Although we’d all love to potter in our gardens all day, the modern reality of 'going to work' simply doesn’t allow it The time-saving and earth-friendly approach of this method promises better soil health, less weeding and, over time, higher yields
Why No-Dig?
I took on my allotment in the middle of last year, and while I have plenty of experience growing in gardens at previous homes, this is my first time managing a full allotment space I quickly realised the soil was heavy and clay-rich, holding onto water not to mention it was a bit of a 'meadow in the making', enshrouded in a blanket of weeds I desperately searched for a method that would not only quash the weeds but also improve the soil's structure
That’s when I came across no-dig, a bit of a 'buzzword' flying around the gardening space While I'm not one for hopping on trends, after some research, the ideology seemed to have some science-backed 'legs'.
Loo roll inners can make great seed starting containers for peas and beans.
Overwhelmed by the notion of tackling the weed-laden land and working out how to get raised bed-building material crammed into my little Vauxhall Adam, I instead made the executive decision to not have raised beds (to the disbelief of my fellow 'allotmenteers').
By Chloe Taylor @wildlychlo
Here is a before shot of Chloe’s plot.
Chloe is laying the cardboard out here to create the no dig beds.
Woodchip is a fab way to create low maintenance paths.
How I Set Up My No-Dig Space in aWeekend:
To transform the space, I laid down a thick layer of cardboard which was partially sourced from garden centres and my place of work for free to suppress the majority of the weeds beneath, before covering it with a good layer of compost I did indulge in purchasing a roll of recycled cardboard for around £35; however, if you're a more patient individual, you don't have to buy any Once you start looking, cardboard is free and abundant
I did purchase several bulk bags of 'PAS 100 Compost', as I was lucky enough to find a reasonably priced local supplier This addition means that I can plant into it straight away However, it's not a total necessity, and it is an investment I spent around £250 on four bulk bags of compost and one bulk bag of woodchip to line the paths.
In hindsight, I've learned that if you contact a local tree surgeon, they will likely deliver you woodchip en masse for a very reasonable price (or even free in some cases). Over time, the cardboard has broken down, smothering weeds beneath and encouraging worms and microbes, which improve the soil naturally.
This is my first year trying no-dig on an allotment scale, and I’m already so glad I chose it! Skipping the standard addition of 'raised beds' has not only saved time and labour but also reduced habitats where slugs can hide It also means I can fully utilise the space, allocating more of the ground for growing, thanks to narrower paths I'd recommend setting out your space with smaller beds that can be easily accessed from all sides to minimise the chance of stepping on the soil My beds are no bigger than 2 5m x 1 6m
I also want to stress that I work a ‘real job’ I’m not a fulltime influencer with unlimited time (or money) something most 'influencers' may not admit to spend on my allotment. I understand the struggle of finding time-saving methods that actually work. For those of us working long hours and trying to squeeze gardening into already full schedules, no-dig is a practical and rewarding approach.
How I’ve set things up for a productive and low-maintenance growing season:
Refreshing the Beds:
Over winter, my beds have been topped with well-rotted manure and compost, feeding the soil naturally. Now, they’re primed and ready for planting with no need to turn the soil.
Companion Planting for a Thriving Ecosystem:
I’ve carefully planned my layout to maximise space (with plenty of interplanting) and encourage natural pest control Flowers will play a crucial role in my space this year
Successional Sowing for Continuous Harvests:
Rather than planting everything at once, I’m spacing out my sowings. This means I’ll have a steady supply of fresh produce rather than a sudden glut followed by nothing.
Water and Weed Management:
With a thick compost layer on top, I’ll be watering less frequently, as the soil retains moisture better Weeds are also suppressed, saving me time spent weeding
Gardening should be for everyone, but often the costs and effort involved put people off. Organic produce is becoming increasingly expensive, and for many, access to fresh, chemicalfree food is limited. No-dig means you don’t need fancy equipment just cardboard, compost, and time
Gardening shouldn’t feel like a chore it should fit into your life in a way that feels enjoyable and rewarding
As we celebrate Earth Week, it’s worth reflecting on how our gardening practices impact the planet By embracing no-dig gardening, we not only make life easier for ourselves but also work in harmony with nature A goal for me this year is to befriend my allotment robin (Tony, after the motivational speaker) and to re-situate my 'tiny barrel pond' to encourage frogs creating an allotment army that preys on molluscs
So, if you ’ re looking for a way to grow your own food without the overwhelm, give no-dig gardening a try. It’s cheaper, easier, and perfect for busy people who still want to enjoy the magic of growing. Let’s make gardening more accessible, one no-dig bed at a time!
Keep busy indoors with sowing seeds in the rainy days of April.
Just
It’s the time of year when we are itching to sow seeds, but what do you do when you don’t have room to sow them indoors? Many of us will wait till the plants come into our garden centres and buy plugs, which is a great way to garden, but have you considered just sowing the seeds directly?
As a Gardener, I often face the dilemma of starting my plants from seeds or purchasing plug plants. Both methods have merits, but direct seed sowing can offer significant cost benefits over buying plug plants.
When discussing direct sowing, I refer to planting seeds directly into the soil where they will grow instead of starting them indoors and transplanting them later. This method particularly benefits crops and flowers that do not transplant well, such as root vegetables (carrots, radishes) and certain annual flowers (zinnias, poppies).
One of the most beneficial reasons to opt for direct sowing is the cost efficiency Seeds are generally much cheaper than plug plants While a packet of seeds can cost a few pounds and yield dozens to hundreds of plants, a single plug plant can cost a similar amount The savings can be substantial for gardeners aiming to cover large areas or grow a variety of plants
By AmyWest @amys allotment adventures
Seeds can also offer wider varieties than plug plants in garden centres. This allows gardeners to experiment with different species and cultivars that may not be commercially available as plug plants, such as heritage or heirloom varieties, which are often prized for their unique characteristics and historical significance.
Directly sown plants tend to be hardier and better adapted to their growing conditions, which is essential when living in the UK, where the weather is forever changing. They often develop stronger root systems, and resilience can result in more robust growth and higher yields
Starting plants from seeds can also have positive environmental impacts Gardeners can minimise plastic waste by reducing the need for plastic pots and trays used for plug plants Furthermore, locally sown seeds reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting plug plants from nurseries to garden centres and then to the gardener's home
I usually direct sow rocket, radish, peas, beans, many salad leaves, carrots, and parsnips This saves me money on both compost and time However, direct sowing doesn’t always provide the desired outcome. For example, when I have direct sown onion and garlic sets, they always tend to rot away, but for others, I know this is the only way they can grow onions and garlic.
Whatever method you choose to use this year – Enjoy it!
Direct sown peas are a great starter plant.
Starting a garden for the first time can feel overwhelming. There are so many tools and gadgets available in garden centres and online, so it can feel hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are only a few simple tools that you need to begin your gardening journey.
By Sophie Mae @sophsmaegarden
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Create something different this year for your hanging baskets.
Ey up! Me again for some planty waffle. This month I am going to tell you some of my off beat plants to use in hanging baskets rather than your boring bedding plants. Ironically, bedding plants are probably one of the few plants that a lot of garden centres still actually grow themselves rather than relying on imports.
The first thing I love to use is bulbs (I can never use that word without thinking of the way @gardenwithjonny says it). Some of my favourites are as follows. Muscari or Grape Hyacinths are short in stature and early flowering in a range of colours: white, blue, pink and even yellows and purples. Daffodil are next with varieties everyone will know like Tete-a-tete but I love the variety Minnow as you get a cluster of miniature creamy flowers on each stem Crocus are another great choice as they are small but have a great range of colours One of my favourites is Flower Record which are a gorgeous shade of purple and larger than a usual crocus The final bulb I’ll recommend is Scilla ‘Pink Giant’ it used to be called Chinodoxa but you know how they like to confuse us and change plant names This is a long lasting spike of pink star shaped flowers with a few dark green strappy leaves at the base It will give any an hanging basket that wow factor
Most people like to have a centre piece in their hanging baskets and you usually get a young green conifer or something similar shoved in the middle What I like to use is an ornamental dwarf grass. Carexs are so reliable and come in loads of different colours and you get a flower spike of tiny white flowers on most of them, they are also evergreen. Carex Buchananii is a fab choice: bronze in colour for something to pop off of hot colours, or you could choose Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance which is green with white leaf margins and always looks lush and lovely.
My next top tip is the 9cm square perennials that most garden centres sell around spring time for reasonable prices and as you change your hanging basket displays regularly you can plant these and grow them on in the hanging basket then plant them out in to your garden when they are a much more impressive size It’s like you have got a free plant when you change your display I like to go for plants that like it a little on the dry side for this purpose Eryngium Blue Hobbit is one of my favourite plants but it wouldn’t grow in the ground in my garden so I satisfy my need for it by planting it in a hanging basket
@gardeneriddler
Narcissus provide so much colour in these early months.
Eryngium Blue Hobbit
Muscari are a fantastc first early bloom.
Ajuga is another great filler plant and it will spread in amongst the rest of your display quickly Ajuga reptans 'Braunhertz' is probably one of my favourites with glossy deep purple leaves and deep blue flowers produced on spikes Geums can regularly be found sold in this way, Mrs Bradshaw or Lady Stratham are the standard one Red and Yellow flowers respectively but some garden centres are being a bit more adventurous with some of the orange and pinky coloured ones so look out for those
The final thing you need in a hanging basket is a bit of dangle and for ease and cheapness you can’t go wrong with some Sweetpeas or even some pea plants; then you can have a crop in your hanging basket and go for all the permaculture feels. Trailing rosemary is another awesome plant to have hanging out the side and again you can eat it! Or even Nasturtium with its edible leaves flowers and seeds.
If you have the type of hanging basket that needs a liner, don’t waste your money- just use some sheep’s wool matting that comes in most food packing if you buy any food items online. It’s fab for lining your hanging baskets and you can put it straight on your compost heap or bury it in your garden after use and it will break down remarkably quickly
There you go, I hope I have inspired you to do something a bit differently this year with your hanging baskets!
Sweet peas are a fantastic cut and come again flower.
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 you can get sowing all of our edible flower selection. We'll be starting our seeds both in pots in the greenhouse (or on the windowsill) and also direct in pots outside. Keep an eye on our socials to see how we get on. 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 evenly 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.
Nasturtiums: Sow individually into deep modules 1 centimetre deep. Press down lightly.
Amaranth: Sow sparingly into a tray of compost and sprinkle lightly with compost Press down lightly, water, and cover with a propagator lid to ensure soil does not dry out
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
Nasturtium
Cornflower
Amaranth
A bouquet of roses, a bunch of tulips, or a spray of lilies, fresh flowers are a universal symbol of beauty and celebration. But behind these pretty blooms lies an industry with a surprisingly heavy carbon footprint that relies on energy-intensive farming, long-distance transportation and chemical-heavy production.
By Rosie Broom
The Carbon Footprint of Cut Flowers
The global cut flower industry is a massive operation, with billions of stems moving across continents each year Countries like Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands are among the largest exporters, with flowers grown in heated greenhouses, often under conditions that prioritise yield over sustainability These blooms are then packed in plastic, refrigerated and flown thousands of miles to reach the UK
The carbon footprint of a single bouquet can be staggering Beyond transportation, the energy required to power artificial lighting and heating in greenhouses, especially in cooler climates like the Netherlands, adds significantly to the industry’s carbon footprint. Some estimates suggest that growing roses in heated greenhouses in Europe can result in even higher emissions than transporting them from warmer countries.
The Environmental Toll of Industrial Flower Farming
Cut flowers are often grown in monoculture systems that deplete soil health and require high levels of chemical inputs To maintain perfect, unblemished blooms, large-scale flower farms rely on synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, many of which are banned in food production due to their toxicity. These chemicals don’t just affect the flowers; they leach into soil and water sources, harming local ecosystems and endangering the health of farmworkers.
Another environmental concern is water use. Many of the world’s biggest flower-producing regions are located in areas with water scarcity. In Kenya, for example, flower farms around Lake Naivasha have been linked to significant drops in water levels, affecting local communities and wildlife
For those who love fresh flowers, growing your own is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact Here’s why:
Zero Air Miles and Lower Carbon Emissions
Homegrown flowers eliminate the need for air freight, refrigeration and long-distance transportation. By planting your own cutting patch, you can enjoy beautiful blooms without the hidden carbon cost.
No Harmful Chemicals
When you grow your own flowers, you control how they’re cultivated By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, you help protect pollinators like bees and butterflies while reducing harmful runoff into waterways
Supports Biodiversity
A diverse flower garden provides essential food and habitat for pollinators, birds and beneficial insects. Unlike monoculture flower farms, a home garden fosters a thriving ecosystem
Reduces PlasticWaste
Commercial bouquets often come wrapped in plastic sleeves and are secured with rubber bands or plastic ties. Growing your own means no unnecessary packaging, just fresh flowers, straight from the garden.
Healthier Soil, Healthier Planet
Well-maintained garden soil acts as a carbon sink, helping to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere By composting plant waste and using organic methods, you enrich the soil while reducing your overall footprint
A GreenerWay to Enjoy Flowers
Cut flowers will always hold a special place in human culture, but the way we source them matters. By choosing to grow your own, you can enjoy the beauty of fresh blooms without the environmental cost In the process, you’ll cultivate not just flowers, but a deeper connection to nature, one that nurtures both the planet and the soul
PhotoCredit:RosieBroom
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
It all got real!
On March 11th, I had the exciting opportunity to meet the Gardener’s World Live team at the NEC Birmingham, alongside my Beautiful Border neighbours. We toured the site, discussed the ins and outs of the build, and got a sneak peek at where our borders will be situated during the event!
At that moment, everything f Until then, it had all seemed fever dream! Now, I’m abou excited and 30% nervous, b are definitely moving forwar thrilled to say that my design coming together beautifully, after a generous donation of a gorgeous arch from Zest, arranged by the lovely Kelly; many discussions with my gardening friends; and the knowledgeable Bob from GWL, whose advice has been invaluable Thanks to all of this, I’m excited to reveal my updated Beautiful Border design!
By LauraWhiskens @lottieonthehill
Thoughtful change
The new design flows much and aligns with the sense of ca a d p o ec o I wanted to convey, inspired by my time at the Marie Curie Hospice Garden in Solihull. I’ve also given careful thought to the plants I’ll be using.
Good Friends
I’m incredibly fortunate to have access to some wonderful plant and folklore experts, including Mel (@ thequietplace), Jenn (@learn.the.latin.garden), and, of course, the GWL champion herself, Leanne (@my little patch of earth), who has been a constant source of support and inspiration. Our Instagram Book Club chats have been one of the best things to come out of this project Thanks to those discussions, I’ve decided to trees in my design hopefully an trees (fingers crossed I can e perfect ones!) Rowan trees, known as the "tree of life," mbolize courage, wisdom, and protection exactly what I wanted for this border
Meaning matters
Up until now, I’ve chosen plants mainly based on their aesthetic appeal or personal connection, such as ones I’ve grown myself and love It turns out, I might have been subconsciously drawn to them for a reason, as many of these plants have beautiful symbolism and folklore behind them! For example, Nigella, which I adore growing at home and at the allotment, has a fascinating history.
In ancient folklore, it was associated with brave warriors, used in protection ceremonies, and symbolises purity and peace. Another plant I’ve chosen is thyme. I love its fragrant leaves and delicate flowers and frequently use this at home, but I was astonished to discover its rich symbolism In ancient Greece, thyme was burned to purify and eternalise the souls of the dead According to legend, thyme was born from the tears of Helen of Troy, who wept over the Trojan War As a result, it became a symbol of courage and strength a truly beautiful story
Next month, I’ll share more about the flowers and herbs I’ve selected and give you an update on the progress of my Beautiful Border adventure Stay tuned!
PhooCred :LauraWhskens
PhooCredt LauaWhiskens
Nothing is simple
One thing you can say about planning a show garden - it’s never dull Even if the whole thing turns out to be a disaster, at least I can safely say I’ve completely baffled the neighbours with my back garden antics
One of the reasons I opted patio or a wall, is that I hav skills and I thought piling log But it turns out, making logs way without them falling do in reality than on paperWit gnawing at my ability to sle still unable to use the actual wood in my garden as the t surgeon hadn’t come yet, I ordered a slightly insane quantity of kiln dried logs (our wood burner is now all set for the next three winters!) and started playing a bizarre game of Jenga in the garden.
Try and try again
My first attempt, at the end of a long day building and testing lawnmowers for a magazine, was a bit of a mess I was too tired, I had noreal plan, the logs just kept falling down, and whenever I sat down to have a rest, my four year old plonked herself down in my lap and told me that I should stick to growing flowers. As the light faded, I stomped huffily inside and spent the evening watching log stacking YouTube videos by Canadian lumberjacks.
The following morning, having absorbed the quite obvious suggestion that the largest pieces of wood should go at the bottom, I managed to get the logs to pile into an imperfect spiral. It still wasn’t quite right, but it was a vast improvement on the day before
With a little help
What I still need is to find a way for all the logs to face outwards, neatly, as while I want the show border to look naturalistic, I also want to balance this with order In short, I don’t want it to look like a complete mess
This Thursday, a kind tree surgeon is spending the day in my d d ll h f ll b ble to fashion me a collection of a-slice shaped, which will give he spiral I’m also looking into logs together, inspired by this video from RHS Bridgewater
Working with nature
umberjacking aside, I’ve been thinking about how to dress the sculpture so it looks like it has been rotting down for years Moss is one option, and as I have a north facing, very mossy garden, I have decided to scrape and cultivate it in seed trays, over a thin layer gorgeous Dalefoot Compost. Dalefoot have very kindly upplied me with their beautiful compost for growing plants for the show, for which I will be eternally grateful.
dividing Alchemilla mollis and seeded ferns from around the g p logs Will it work? Or will the whole thing be absolutely ridiculous? Time will tell, but I am having fun along the way
By AlexandraValk @wyldeandgreen
PhooCred :AexandraVak
PhotoCredi AexandraVak
By
On the second day we explored the showground looking at the stalls and flower marquee, I particularly liked the bonsai and now I want one of my own I was really happy to see that the hosta display got a gold medal because they’re one of my favourite plants We really liked the school gardens, my favourite was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang By Three Counties Academy Trust I would love to design a show garden myself one day, maybe with other home educated kids I really liked the feature garden, The Secret Escape, it had a cool disco polytunnel and ping pong that I played with my mum.
We started the first day at the Festival Theatre where Frances Tophill was giving her talk ‘A year in a small garden’, which I really enjoyed because I also have a small garden.
At the end I was so excited when the theatre host, James AlexanderSinclair asked if I wanted to have a photo with Frances We spent the rest of the afternoon in the Festival Theatre for Frances’ second talk and gardeners question time I was so lucky to get up on stage to ask my questions and sit with Ellen Mary, Chris Collins, Frances Tophill, Jon Wheatly and Toby Buckland
The highlight of my day was meeting Alan Titchmarsh and getting up on stage to ask him my question “What advice would you give to young gardeners?” I also got to go backstage to meet some of the gardeners and have photos taken with them.
I would recommend visiting The Malvern Spring Festival because it is a great place to go if you need some help and advice and there’s so much to see and do It is a fun day out and makes me excited for the rest of the year Maybe I will see you there in 2025?
RHS Malvern Spring Festival is open from 8-11 May and you can all the details here
Sam @samandthesoil
PhotoCredit:VictoriaBaines
PhooCredi:VcoriaBaines
Alan Titchmarsh, Ellen and Sam.
Sam and Frances Tophill
Sam on stage chatting to all
The tulips are emerging, there are edibles growing in the greenhouse and...cue drum roll.. we have some fully assembled raised beds just in time for spring sowing!
By Kerry Tomlinson @lottie thyme
With the wooden raised beds now assembled it was time to get them into place on the patio. The boys were roped in to help whilst Pepper and I supervised I thought once we had them in place that we'd be done, ready to move onto the next part of filling them but something was a little off The bare wood was too rustic looking and actually quite distracting, it wasn't quite the look I had envisioned Remember, we are dealing with a small space and I want the plants to be the focal point, not the containers they are growing in So, the easiest fix for the problem was to paint them and so we did Now, we've had a little hiccup in that the paint which arrived didn't actually match the tester pot (more cream than green) so we will consider them as 'undercoated' at this point in time but you get the gist
With the wooden beds now looking sleeker after a coat of paint, it was time to line them and fill them with soil. Because the beds are placed on top of concrete patio slabs, they needed to be lined so the soil didn't fall out through the bottom edges. Old compost bags were repurposed and used as liners. We stapled them into place and added drainage holes. I wasn't sure exactly how much soil would be needed to fill them all but I found an online calculator and turns out 1000l of compost would do the job. I was keen to fill them as cheaply as possible given the volume required. We raided the allotment for smaller tree and shrub branches to put in the bottom and added a mix of compost and well-rotted manure The beds were ready for planting just as Fool's spring left and the snow arrived, so we'll hold off any direct sowing for another couple of weeks
Whilst we wait though, there are some edibles that are ready to find their way from the greenhouse to our plate in the form of young salad leaves and pea-shoots Now, I'm not the keenest of cooks but the kids are and it's one of George's (my eldest) GCSE subjects and one that he is particularly passionate about He's lost his love of gardening for now but I'm hoping I can bridge the gap by asking him to try out new recipes for us Pea-shoot pesto (served with pasta) has become our first plot to plate recipe success with our quick crop of 13 days old pea shoots. They are such an easy little, cut and come again salad crop to grow and we will be doing successional sowings over the coming months. So, lets hope George can find plenty of pea-based recipes to cook! Maybe a risotto will be on the cards to try next?
I feel like our Kitchen Garden is finally starting to come together and I’ve got an exciting to addition to share with you next time.
Doesn’t this look delicious?
Pea shoots are the perfect early season treat!
Creating a pond will bring so much joy to your growing space.
So when considering the cost, there was always something else that was needed for the plot. However, last autumn, I didn’t know what I wanted for Christmas and so the pond happened! I was overjoyed! It was set up within 48 hours of arriving, which is high speed for me I have added large sticks around it so amphibians can climb in and luxuriate Rain water was added, along with a ramp for creatures to get up and out easily Oxygenating weed was bought and included as well My luxury bijoux abode for new slug eating residents was open for business!
Fast forward to April, and I am avidly watching the water, praying for a sign of life On Instagram my buddies are all showing scenes of spawn but seeing as my daffs aren’t even showing yet maybe my plot is behind, maybe it’s too cold? So Pondwatch continues… and I wait. Will we have frogs? Newts? They have been seen at our site so I can hope, right?
Is anyone else desperately waiting for signs of life in the pond right now, or is it just me?
By JayneWallace
I do use the term pond in this case very loosely My very early Christmas present from TheNotAllotmentDad was a small barrel pond complete with native plants which I’d had on my wish list for quite some time, ever since @marfskitchengarden made their video about a stunning butlers sink pond in the back garden. For me it meant that the pond had to be raised so that my youngest doesn’t stand in it, it has to fit within the Council rules (which are getting tighter and more exact every year), and it had to be native non-invasive plants obviously . Which is why it’s taken so long to find the right set up. This is also a want for the plot rather than a need: my plot has always been frequented by frogs as my neighbours have ponds: they particularly like the brassica cage. Not enough to ward off the bugs eating the kale, but enough to give me some unnecessary surprises when I go in there!
It can be hard to avoid plastics in the garden.
The Allotment Pond-a-long
I wanted to create a wildlife area at the allotment to encourage frogs, newts, bees, butterflies and birds to aid pollination and to give nature a helping hand and now the whole plot was coming together for the coming season and spring was on the horizon, now was the perfect opportunity
By AnnaWhite @annasgardenjourney
I had been on the hunt for a pond on Facebook Marketplace for months, stalking it on an hourly basis and when one came up 20 minutes away from me, I snapped at the chance! I collected it straightaway; it was even the kids birthday, that is commitment!
Digging the hole for the pond was no small feat The ground was so muddy from the recent poor weather, it felt like a scene from the Somme and it made it so much heavier trying to dig it out! Despite the challenging conditions, perseverance paid off, and the pond mould was finally set in place and the excess soil was used for the raised beds. My arms should have been like Popeye and my figure like Betty Boop but alas, no!
As good as the pond mould was, it did look fake and not as authentic as natural ponds so I started collecting stones from various places; the garden, other plot holders, and family members I layered the edge of the pond with cardboard and compost then placed the stones around the lip on the pond, creating a more natural look Some of the stones even had moss on them which was even better
As I wanted to ensure the pond area to be a healthy environ wildlife, I selected native oxygenating plants in the shallower sections of the pond and duckweed and frogbit to float in the pond These plants would hopefully help with maintaining the quality and provide essential oxygen for aquatic creatures w wanted to make this pond their home
To prevent any creatures from getting stuck in the pond, stick bricks were placed inside so that any animal that fell in could climb out, making the pond a safe haven for all.
I also moved snowdrops to around the pond, planted some d shelf verbena plants and scattered some wildflower seeds.
I also put up a bird feeding station to hang the bird seed ho
I have done what I can for now, I am hoping the frogs or new find the pond and want to make it their home, I hope the snowdrops, wildflowers and verbena attract the bees and bu to give them help they so desperately need, and that the bird enjoy the buffet Watch this space!
As April unfolds, the garden bursts into life Fresh green shoots emerge, flowers bloom with vibrant colours, the air hums with buzzing pollinators, birds flit about, busily building nests, and frogs and newts can be seen darting in and out of ponds. The world and garden is starting to fully awaken, and the longer days and warmer temperatures make April an exciting time for wildlife gardeners. y
Wildlife Garden Tips and Jobs for April
Encourage Pollinators with Flowering Plants
April is a wonderful time to plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, foxgloves, and borage, which will bloom in the coming months and provide vital food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators Focus on native plants to attract local wildlife, and consider including a mix of early, mid, and late bloomers to keep your garden buzzing all season long.
Support Nesting Birds
Birds will be busy raising their first broods of the season Ensure they have a steady supply of highenergy foods like mealworms, suet, and sunflower hearts, which are perfect for feeding their young Make sure they have fresh water available
Keep an Eye on Frogspawn
If you ’ ve been lucky enough to see frogspawn in your pond, monitor its progress as it develops into tadpoles. Avoid disturbing it, and ensure the pond edges remain accessible for the growing tadpoles and visiting wildlife.
The blossom is a’buzz with bees!
You can create a bug hotel with just a few simple things.
By starting now, your garden can look like this in summertime.
Create a Bug Hotel
Insects are vital to a healthy garden ecosystem, and a bug hotel is a fun and simple way to support them. Use old bricks, bamboo canes, twigs, and dry leaves to build a shelter in a sunny, undisturbed corner of your garden. These hotels are perfect for solitary bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects
Start a Herb Garden
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano aren’t just great for the kitchen they’re also loved by pollinators. Plant a small herb patch or grow them in pots, and let some of the plants flower to provide food for bees and butterflies.
Water for Wildlife
As the weather warms, ensure there’s a fresh water source in your garden A shallow dish or small pond can provide a lifeline for birds, insects, and small mammals Add stones or pebbles to the dish to give pollinators a safe landing spot
Steps for the Months Ahead
Plant Summer Bulbs
April is a perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs like lilies, gladiolus, and crocosmia These bulbs will bring a burst of color to your garden and provide additional nectar sources for pollinators in the summer months.
Thin Out Self-Sown Plants
As self-seeded plants like foxgloves and poppies start to emerge, thin out overcrowded seedlings and replant them in other areas of your garden. This ensures strong, healthy plants and helps spread their beauty and nectar across your borders.
Plan a Wildflower Meadow/Patch
If you ’ ve been dreaming of a wildflower meadow/patch, now is the time to prepare the soil and sow seeds
Support Hedgehogs with Food and Shelter
Hedgehogs are active again in April Provide hedgehog-friendly food, such as specialist hedgehog biscuits or meaty cat food which have meat as their first ingredient in the ingredient list, and create a safe corner of your garden with a log pile or hedgehog house for them to shelter in
AprilWildlife Highlight: The Industrious Solitary
Bee
As April warms, solitary bees like red mason bees and leafcutter bees emerge from their winter homes to begin their crucial work of pollinating and nesting Unlike honeybees, these fascinating insects work and live alone, building individual nests in hollow stems, insect hotels, or small burrows in the soil. Solitary bees are gentle, non-aggressive, and highly efficient pollinators perfect for any wildlife garden.
Why They’re Beneficial:
Solitary bees are incredibly effective pollinators, often outperforming honeybees in pollination. A single red mason bee can pollinate as many flowers as 120 honeybees! By supporting them, you ’ re helping ensure the success of fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers in your garden while contributing to wider ecosystem health
Wildflower meadows not only look beautiful but provide a space for wildlife to eat and live.
Be on the lookout for these beautiful bees.
Wallflowers are a great addition to any space, providing colour and food.
How to help them:
Provide nesting sites: Install an insect hotel or leave undisturbed areas with hollow plant stems, bamboo canes, or patches of bare soil where solitary bees can nest
Plant a variety of flowers: Sow nectar-rich plants like forget-me-nots, wallflowers, and fruit tree blossoms to provide food for these bees as they emerge
Avoid chemicals: Solitary bees are particularly sensitive to pesticides. Keep your garden chemicalfree to ensure their safety.
Watching solitary bees dart between flowers and quietly go about their work is a delightful reminder that spring has truly returned.
A Monthly Step By Step Journey
April is a month of growth, renewal, and preparation as the garden shakes off its winter slumber. By planting for pollinators, supporting nesting birds, and creating habitats for wildlife, you ’ re laying the foundation for a thriving, vibrant garden full of life throughout every season
See you all next month!
All of the garden is filled with life right now.
Everyone is aware of beekeeping; people have been doing it for hundreds of years and we know very well how this incredible and vulnerable keystone species plays such a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Without honeybees, vast expanses offlowering plants would disappear, taking with them a significant portion of our food supply. The loss of bee-pollinated plants would also diminish vital habitats, disrupting ecosystems and endangering many other species.
By Mark Meadows @buzzintobeekeeping
Sadly, honeybees are under more and more pressure from habitat reduction, pesticide use,climate change, and even invasive predatory species like the Yellow Legged Hornet (aka, the Asian Hornet), and all these threats are thanks to us!
But fear not, there are things we can do to help these furry little pollinators: from growing a variety of pollinator-friendly plants in your garden, to taking part in No Mow May and avoiding pesticide and herbicide use. Or you can get handson and become a beekeeper and directly support a colony or two by providing a great, safe place to call home.
Here in the UK, we need more bees and beekeepers. There were an estimated 1 million honeybee colonies here in 1900 –although we don’t have official records from that long ago, however in 2023 there were only 252,000 registered colonies according to the National Bee Unit, a division of DEFRA. There are fewer and fewer wild colonies now due to increased food production resulting in a reduction of natural habitat and resources
In 1950, there were 80,000 registered beekeepers in the UK After the arrival of the Varroa Mite to the UK in the 1990’s many beekeepers stopped, and the number dropped to just 9,000 by the year 2000 For various reasons this number is rising again and there were just over 49,000 beekeepers registered with the BBKA in 2023
This is a great comeback however, the UK population has increased by 20 million since the 1950’s so, realistically, we should be aiming to at least double the number to 100,000 beekeepers, and as soon as possible.
The UK has one of the lowest number of beekeepers per capita in the whole of Europe. By contrast, Slovenia has 7 times as many beekeepers than we have in the UK, Germany has just over double the UK proportion, and France 1.5 times the UK’s number.
By keeping bees, people can actively contribute to strengthening the honeybee population and ensure the vital but delicate ecological links they are responsible for are not lost
Mark with the bee starter pack.
What does beekeeping involve?
Beekeeping is a seasonal hobby, a lot like gardening, and the most active months are April to August when each colony requires an hour or two per week. Winter beekeeping activities are mostly about prepping for the summer and eating honey on toast with a cup of tea!
The busier summer months involve carrying out regular hive inspections to check a few key things; is the Queen present and laying well (she can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day!), are there any signs of disease or distress, and does the colony have enough space?
In the spring, the colony expands rapidly, and the bees need more space to raise their brood and store honey The natural urge is for some of the bees to fly off with the Queen to find a new hive, leaving most of the bees behind in the existing hive with a brandnew young queen This is called swarming, and it is how bees naturally increase the number of colonies Beekeepers have a few strategies for dealing with swarming, like adding more boxes called ‘ supers ’ on top to give the colony more space
Later in the summer, beekeepers will be busy with harvesting surplus honey and prepping the colony for winter by removing the extra super boxes and treating for the Varroa mite. By the time the temperature drops to about 10 degrees the bees will stop flying and, while they don’t actually hibernate, they will form a rugby ball shaped cluster in the middle of the hive to keep warm for the winter.
A honeycomb filled with bees.
What do you need to keep bees?
Space: A hive doesn’t need much space at all, a space of around 2m x 2m in a quiet corner of your garden or allotment would be plenty If the entrance to the hive is close to the fence, the bees will naturally fly up and then fan out in all directions when they leave to go foraging
Equipment: Like gardening or cooking, there are roughly a billion different bits of kit that you could buy to help with beekeeping, however you only really need a few key pieces. These include a hive, a suit and gloves, a smoker and a hive tool which is used when inspecting the hive.
The Buzz Box starter pack has everything you need and is available here, and Garden Folk Magazine supporters can get 20% off using their discount code.
Training: Information about beekeeping is available almost everywhere; online, libraries, local associations and even social media A great way to start is to contact your local beekeeping association or local beekeeper and enrol on a training course or beekeeping experience The British Beekeepers Association have a lot of information about training and local associations on their website, and the Buzz Box website is another source of great information about beekeeping in the UK
Bees: Arguably the most important ingredient! There are a few ways to getting bees; if you ’ re extremely lucky, a swarm might move into your hive, or you can catch a swarm which is quite easy if you know how. The simplest method is to buy a nucleus colony or ‘ nuc ’ from a good bee breeder (a selection is listed on the Buzz Box website). A nuc is a small hive of 5 or 6 frames of comb, with a young laying queen and a few thousand bees. The frames are taken from the nuc hive and place into the middle of your hive, and BANG! you ’ re a beekeeper!
Everything you need to start your own beekeeping adventure.
Get your very own starter pack and use the supporters discount.
I am sure that most gardeners, particularly the allotmenteers amongst us, will be familiar with this month's plant. I am fortunate to have an entire hedge of it at the side of my allotment, it’s Nettle. I’m not sure many would say it was fortunate if they’d seen the scale of it when I first took it on and I thought it would be a bit of a nightmare if I’m honest The roots are well known to spread; everyone knows the pain of accidentally rubbing against a plant, and whilst I’m sure many of us are familiar with it being edible, there’s only so much one can consume!
However, when I started dyeing with plants and discovered the colours it can produce, it changed my mind How fortunate I was to have a hedge of something, which as far as I could tell from reading, and now from testing, can produce varied colour throughout the year. I will share my normal recipe but I m now I have dyed several times with nettles, th struggling to pinpoint what exactly it is that c variety in the colour it produces. Perhaps it is year it’s collected? Could it be the time the dy steep? Is it the location or type of nettle? Som sure I will continue to investigate. I’m leaning the season and perhaps the heat of the dye b the biggest influences
Nettles have been used throughout history fo things; food, cloth and medicine I’m quite pa nettle tea and a favourite at home is to make bread I was particularly interested to read, i Hart-Davies book The Herbal Year, that durin second world war County Herb Committees i oversaw the collection of nettles for dyeing ca fabric I would recommend trying to dye with spring, summer and autumn to capture the ra different colours, and if it’s on your own land curious enough to dig up the root and try dye that. That’s something I’m yet to try, I’m unsur would produce colour but remembering how roots are when I’ve dug them out of previous I must say I am curious. Another curiosity I ha Nettles is their use to create fibre and fabric. the fibre being made into cloth dates back to age. There is an incredible project by Textile Brown ‘The Nettle Dress’ which includes a wo film you can watch about his 7 year journey a dress from locally foraged nettles Another interest for nettle textiles is a book I am curre ‘Yarn from Wild Nettles, A practical guide’ b Ford
Back to our dye, as always if you are foragin nettles take only what you need and don’t ha heavily from one area I have found with nett just take the top few clusters of leaves, as the recover from this, helpful if you wish to collec summer as well I would recommend the use when collecting but I have seen that there are for collecting with bare hands if you are brav
Head
Materials you will need
Nettle leaves (100% weight to fabric you want to use, e g 50g fabric=50g Nettle leaves)
Gloves (to wear when collecting the nettles!)
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 - Wearing gloves, roughly chop the nettle leaves and then add to the pan Cover with hot water and leave to steep overnight
Step 3 - The next day, heat the dye gently until simmering, then remove from the heat You can dye at this stage but I normally leave it overnight again
Step 4 - Strain the leaves from the dye
Step 5 - Place your fabric into the dye bath and gently 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 normally leave mine overnight again. When happy with your colour remove your fabric, rinse and leave to dry or whilst still wet, modify.
Follow the step by step instructions and start creating magic.
My experiments
I found that during the summer the dye produced more yellow/green tones and my recent spring experiments produced a soft grey. It seems a little more like a pale green initially in spring and perhaps if I played around with timing/heat more I could capture that colour better. In the summer, I also experimented with screen printing- using an iron paste and then dyeing with nettles. This was fun as the modification with Iron seemed to shift the colour enough for this to be effective. In spring, the colour shift was more subtle so I did not experiment with this.
By Kim O’Brien
Forsythia is one of those ‘ordinary’ and dare I say it ‘boring’ shrubs that sits unnoticed in the garden for eleven months of the year, and then Spring rolls round and it erupts into a dazzling fountain of golden pizazz that has all the subtlety of big bird from Sesame Street! Suddenly in every garden, these luminous blooms that are small and delicate individually, zing out of the dark days en masse and scream ‘Spring’ ‘False Spring’ ‘Fools Spring’ and ‘Spring again’ delighting us with their flamboyance at every step
We discovered when we moved into our house 15 years ago, an uninteresting entangled green forsythia shrub had been trained using wire netting against a dilapidated shed by the previous owner A little unorthodox to grow this as a climber instead of as a free-standing shrub, and when the time came to take down the shed (before it fell down) I was in half a mind about whether to chop this lanky forsythia down too and be done with it I very nearly did But when we took the shed away, that’s when the magic happened! The Forsythia, had developed its own ‘trunk’ and had a lush green canopy that really did give it the appearance of being a tree. We decided to see if it was strong enough to withstand whatever the weather threw at it – and 15 years later, our unique forsythia ‘tree’ is still standing strong and is the crowning glory of our back garden in the Spring. Collared doves nest in it; blue tits and gold finches frolic in its blossom and steal its golden stars for nesting material; and when the sky is blue, its gilded flowers are as radiant as any treasure you’d see in Aladdin’s cave I cut it to bring inside for fabulous floral arrangements, but even better than that, we forage it to make forsythia syrup for sponge cake or fresh pancakes, and it washes down perfectly with a fresh pot of steeped forsythia tea!
@garden.with.kim
PhotoCredits
Recipe for the individual sponge cupcakes:
100g soft brown sugar
100g sifted self raising flour
100g salted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Recipe for the Forsythia Syrup
Approx 100 forsythia florets (to prepare the florets snip off the stem and green calyx)
50g soft brown sugar
50g salted butter
50g honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Forsythia tea is the first fresh floral cup of Spring! Lightly roll a handful of flowers between your palms to bruise them, then pour over boiling water and allow to steep for 5 minutes to release the flavour This can sometimes be a little bitter, (similar to green tea)), so if it’s your preference to sweeten, I’d recommend using a dash of honey or maple syrup to do so
If you ’ re wondering if there are any health benefits to this – there are! Forsythia is a powerful anti-inflammatory which can be beneficial for many ailments in the body including swelling and fever.
Now sit back, relax and enjoy your tea and cake, because Spring with its blossom, is finally here!
PhotoCredits on this page:KimO’Brien
Head out and find your own Wild
Photo Credit: Stock Canva Image
Photo Credit: Natacha Ramsay
Will April bring lots of rain for the Wirral Flower Farm?
Hello April!
Only a fool would count on those April showers without a backup plan. April sends our gardens into overdrive – it will seemingly grow before your very eyes! And yes, while usually April is abundant with rain especially in 2024 – this year not so much!
By
Water is something I have been planning for in the field since I gained access. It was one of the first things I addressed. And over winter five IBC tanks have been collecting water However, my project over the past few weeks has been to think ahead to when we need more than just a watering can – after all, with over 50 beds, a watering can just isn’t going to cut it
I found an excellent pump to add into the tank to allow me to run a hose pipe! I’m utterly thrilled with this invention and it’s battery operated which is a huge bonus as there is no electric in a field!
Elsewhere, during the end of April, I will be beginning a direct sowing journey I have a confession to make – I have never direct sown before… yes – really!
The reason for this is because my allotment plot was too weedy – perennial weeds were rampant and would quickly overtake any small seedlings that were just making their mark. So, it has never been something I was able to do, until now.
From the end of April (which is my last frost date) anything I sow on the farm will be direct into the soil. This will then be covered with some frost cloth until germination, just as a precaution and so the birds don’t have a feast Hopefully, I’ll have those late summer/autumn blooms lasting right up until the first frost, with a fraction of the effort!
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
Jen Howarth @life on the lot
Photo Credit:Canva Stock Image
April is one of the busiest and most hopeful months in the garden. New growth is in abundance and there are lots of really enjoyable gardening jobs to do; seed sowing, dividing perennials, potting on seedlings and planting out overwintered plants. Our growing spaces are really starting to come to life.
Things to sow/plant
Flowers
Calendula
Pansies
Borage
Nasturtium
Cosmos
Amaranthus
Salvia
Marigolds
Rudbeckia
Lilies
Sunflowers
Salvias
Stocks
Zinnias
Edibles
Chard
Brussel Sprouts
Kale
Peas
Tomatoes
Beetroot
Salads
Squash
Carrots
Cabbage
Broccoli
Potatoes
Come and join the @gardenfolkmag team for live garden updates throughout the month over on Instagram.
Roz has run her own successful cut flower farm for nearly 12 years and is delighted to share her hints and tips with you
She will be joined by a myriad of guest speakers who are all experts in their own fields be that edible flowers, floristry, roses, dahlias, no dig gardening and so much more
There are a plethora of tasks to get stuck into this month but sometimes it’s good to leave the list at home and just attend to what you notice needs to be done as spring progresses
Keep on top of removing weeds as they start to grow
Sow hardy annual flowers and tender herbs
Let the foliage of spring bulbs die back naturally wherever possible to allow the energy to feed the bulb for next year
Provide support to climbers
Prune any spring flowering shrubs once they finish flowering.
Remove the spent flowrs of spring bulbs to prevent them putting energy into seed production
Take this opportunity to lift and divide herbaceous perennials that are getting too large or that you’d like extra of
Plant potatoes.
Begin mowing and feeding your lawn Neaten the edges and use a fork to aerate compacted areas
Stagger your vegetable sowings where reasonable so that you have a steady supply of veg throughout the seaon.
Keep on top of watering seedlings and pots.
Provide water for birds, insects and small mammals
This month we asked you:
“How are you caring for the earth in your growing space?”
I don’t use any chemicals in the garden - only organic products! I plant a range of things to increase biodiversity in the garden and encourage bees and pollinators �� @theplantparlourgram
I think I need to do a bit more - went to look at my plot yesterday and it was like dust �� lovely mulch required!
@brackenandfleur
I’m using my balcony to create a flower meadow for bees & pollinators- I’m also adding a bug hotel & watering station for thirsty bees And I’ve completely stopped using chemicals for pests after learning how harmful they are for the environment, animals, and humans ��
@bumblebuddies
I am caring for the earth by growing a variety of edibles and ornamentals with different shapes flowers to attract different pollinators into my growing space �� @agardeningmidwife
By not poisoning it with man made chemicals x @lottie thyme
Recycling card and paper to line beds, working without any chemicals, harvest75/save25 growth, and this year planting harmony plants to work naturally and encourage biodiversity whilst (hopefully) keeping the plants healthy (rather than slugs / snails / bugs having an absolute field day in my carefully tended veggies!��) lots planned for this year, including starting my own composting bin for scraps etc @nottoofarfromsanity
I help the earth by doing things like making bug houses and doing no dig, because no dig helps protect the soil life.
