gardenfolk the mag
Keeping the Community Inspired
September brings a change of pace in the harvests, chillier days and the sign of darker nights. Fear not though, this is not something to be sad about but a time to look back on the joy of the summer we have had this year.
What a summer it has been, I think you would struggle to find anyone right now that didn’t have a sweltering time in the garden. I for one am looking forward to an Autumn of planning and enjoying as much preserving as possible.
Right now my garden is starting to show signs of Autumn, with leaves slowly turning on the trees and the flowers slowing down in their bounty.
If you like me, you are looking for inspiration, then this month we have plenty to offer, with garden projects, recycling tips and recipes to use up and store the last few moments of summer!
Enjoy reading Garden Folk, Ally xx
Join us on Instagram on 8 September for a garden chat and on the 15 with this month’s live guest Laura th th Live at 7pm on the @gardenfolkmag page
Can you believe how little water there is left?
What I learnt this year?
What have I learnt this year? is a question that I ask myself most years about this time as the summer is reaching its climax and the season is beginning to change. I think this year has been my most challenging in my gardening career, it’s been a gorgeous summer with record temperatures but also record low rain fall which means I have been really tested to try and keep the garden alive whilst having very little water to be able to water to the required level In my 13 years at this garden I have never seen the stream completely dry up and this is where we extract all of our water for irrigation. So for the last 3 months I have had to really try and only water what is really struggling because I am relying solely on mains water.
By Marc Ridpath
Most areas of the garden that require watering now have drip line irrigation which means pipes laid throughout the boarders with holes in that drip constantly which they are on delivering the water directly to the plants roots rather than the leaves so none is wasted to evaporation I also only do this in the evening and I leave an area on for a good few hours to give it a really good drink so that it doesn’t require doing for at least another week
@gardeneriddler
We have also mulched more areas than have ever been done in the garden, reducing the amount of watering needed and also reducing the amount of weeding needed so I can devote more time to the areas that need major works
This year I have had more staff than I have ever had at my disposal and the results speak for themselves. I feel like I am finally winning the war after years of barely staying afloat. It’s been a learning experience for me to coordinate such a big simplification project whilst experiencing such an extreme summer. Plants that should have been able to be moved and survive have really struggled because of the hot dry weather and even plants that have been in place for 15 years have show signs of stress. There are so many shrubs and trees with autumn colour already because they are suffering from the drought and are trying to reduce transpiration, which is water loss from the leaves
Where will this path lead?
Dash is off on an adventure.
One major lesson I have learnt is find good reliable people who care about the project and the garden, we have been let down by so many people throughout my time there that you try and do it all yourself but a garden of that size is about people power. Luckily we have found two fantastic passionate people who are so invested by the project and are fantastic at their jobs, I am in debt to their efforts this year. We have also had contractors in to do some import maintenance work and the large path project I talked about last month
The other thing this year has taught me is to admit defeat, sometimes it’s okay to wave the white flag We moved a large amount of yew hedging and no amount of watering could keep it alive it was just too hot and too dry and the plants did not appreciate that they had been moved Unfortunately, they will need removing and replacing with some more yew or maybe something else, maybe beech or hornbeam I could have let it get me down but I couldn’t have done any more considering the circumstances- sometimes the garden wins If I had moved them last autumn they probably would have survived, unfortunately one thing we can’t do as gardeners is predict the future.
With tthe etremes of the past few years in mind, one thing we all need to to get better at is saving more rain water when it does fall Get some more waterbutts attached to your down pipe this winter and save it like it’s precious- because it is
Embracing the shade and planting more herbs has been a win for me this year at home I have mostly planted my pots on the patio with herbs and they have put on a fantastic display whilst being a lot more resistant to prolonged dry spells than bedding plants would be. Also, I usually curse the shade in my garden but this year it’s been a haven for both us and the plants. The ones in the shaded parts have faired much better than the sunny spots.
So, if I could take one lesson from this year to tell you to practice in your own garden it would be reactive to the conditions, don’t just carry on like you would any other year because you have to adjust and swerve. For example, last year the slugs ate everything in my garden but this year they are none existent so I have planted more dahlias and hostas than ever before and more new plants because I knew they wouldn’t get eaten alive I have also planted loads of roses because I know they are more resilient to the drier hotter weather as well as salvias I just hope we don’t have a really wet year next year and the slugs make a return I promise you one thing, next year will be completely different to this year I can’t tell you what the weather will be like but it will probably be wet Nature like to repay its debts If it isn’t we are going to suffer even more because we are desperate for rain and a lot of it
That being said I have enjoyed the warm evenings and tried to spend more time enjoying my garden rather than constantly working That’s probably the most important lesson I have taken from this growing season.
Dahlias will provide you with blooms all the way through to the first frost.
Would
you like to write for
Garden Folk mag?
We are always looking for new writers to join the team, no experience needed and everyone is welcome.
If you have a story you would like to share or just want to try your hand at writing, get in touch and pop us an email
Get in touch
The Friendships My Garden Grew
When I first planted my garden, I thought it would be about vegetables, herbs, and the joy of harvesting my own food But quietly, and almost without me realising, it grew something else entirely: friendship
Through Instagram, I began sharing the daily rhythms of my garde the seedlings, the triumphs, the setbacks, the small rituals that mad life feel more grounded At first, it was simply a way of documentin my journey, but slowly, conversations formed Someone offered advice about tomatoes, another shared their trick for battling slugs and I found myself surrounded by a circle of people who spoke the same quiet language of soil, seasons, and patience Those conversations soon blossomed into real trust and companionship. What began with swapping gardening tips turned into sharing life heavier moments; the kind of challenges that dig deeper than wee These friends have been there through the tougher times, offering encouragement when words felt hard to find.
And the beauty is that our roots didn’t stay confined to Instagram. We’ve climbed Snowdon together, visited garden shows, laughed over muddy boots, and celebrated each other’s victories; both in th garden and in life What started as a seed of connection grew into something strong enough to carry us up mountains Literally Not every connection lasts, of course Some conversations fade like summer annuals But the true friendships, the ones worth tending; a like perennials They come back each season, stronger for the storm they’ve weathered I’ve learned who to trust, who shares the same values of kindness, resilience, and joy in the small things Those friends know who they are
By Tori Thomas @torisallotment
From Left to Right: Kelly, Kerry, Jen, Tori
There is a special magic in watching someone else’s garden grow alongside your own Even miles apart, we share in each other’s successes I cheer silently when a friend posts a first tomato, and they celebrate my tiny triumphs in return It is a rhythm of give and take, of noticing and being noticed, of empathy rooted in common soil
In a way, gardening teaches us about people as much as plants
Patience, persistence, and care are required for both Just as a tomato plant needs water, sunlight, and support, friendships thrive when tended with honesty, kindness, and time There is no shortcut, no instant gratification; only the slow, satisfying growth of something meaningful And there is joy in the little rituals, too The text that says “I saved you those tomato seeds,” the shared photos of blooms that have surprised us, the laughter over a particularly stubborn weed These are small acts, almost invisible, but they accumulate into a sense of connection that feels larger than life.
My garden has also taught me to embrace imperfection. Crops fail, flowers droop, unexpected frost comes. Yet even in those moments, the friendships I have grown alongside the garden remain resilient. They remind me that we are not defined by perfection, but by how we show up for one another, through mud, mistakes, and moments of triumph. When I look at my garden now, I don’t just see herbs and vegetables flourishing in raised beds I see the faces of those who have walked alongside me, both in the soil and beyond it I see how the simple act of planting a seed has the power to connect lives, to turn strangers into companions, and to remind us that we were never meant to grow alone
Gardens give us food, beauty, and solace But their greatest gift? Other gardeners!
Sometimes I catch myself pausing in the middle of a bed of herbs or amid the riot of summer flowers and reflecting on this unexpected harvest The friendships, the shared stories, the laughter and support; they are as nourishing as the kale I pick or the tomatoes I slice for supper. They are a great reminder that life, much like gardening, is richer when it is shared.
The truth is, my garden has become a mirror of life itself: layered, messy, unpredictable, and breathtakingly beautiful. And in it, I have learned that friendships; like the strongest perennials; grow quietly, steadily, and persist through every season. They remind me that even when we feel most alone, there are hands reaching out, hearts attuned, and roots entwined.
In the end, gardening is not just an act of cultivation; it is an invitation An invitation to grow, to nurture, and to open ourselves to the friendships that may bloom alongside us, often when we least expect them
And for that, I am endlessly grateful
So much delicious produce.
A real gathering of gardening girlies.
Who wouldn’t want to have a drink here?
In October 2016 Mr P and I put in an offer on a house that was so run down it needed new doors, windows, electrics, roof, bathroom, kitchen, ceilings and every wall needed to be taken back to brick. “What’s this got to do with gardening?” I hear you ask Well, the reason we made that offer was the 100m x 7m back garden that filled us with excitement at the potential of what we could create We decided that rather than build an extension on the house, we would make the garden the extension
Fast forward to May 2021, we had spent a ridiculous amount of money on the house, the world was just coming out of a pandemic, and we were ready to create our dream garden. Our starting point was always going to be an entertainment zone to host friends and family Out we went with our can of spray paint and started marking the grass with where we wanted things to go We made the decision that the entertaining zone would go at the end of the garden so that we don’t disturb our neighbours Mr P was working away from home at the tim so we bought in a local landscaper (so local he lived 7 doors down), the diggers arrived, work commenced and the entertainment courtyard was built
First to go in, at the end of the garden, was Mr P’s workshop which is almost the width of the garden In front of this we built a wooden gazebo, a huge raised bed and a large porcelain tiled courtyard. The raised bed was originally filled with cordalines, however in the great freeze of winter 2022 most of these died. This bed has now become where I grow many of my dahlias, a flower I once famously said I would never grow as there is only room for one diva in my garden and that’s me. There’s also a smaller bed which was originally intended to be a small wildlife pond, this didn’t work out and it is now filled with cordyline and black grass.
In July 2022, during a heatwave, the bar, or ‘The Dirty Hoe’ as it is now known, arrived A huge 6m x 4m log cabin that, piece by piece, had to be carried 80m from the front drive to where it was going to be built Every bit of wood needed to be painted on the outside prior to building and I was frantically painting as the landscapers were putting the cabin together There were times when I struggled to keep up, but miraculously I managed It took 4 days from start to finish to build ‘The Dirty Hoe’ and a week later we hosted 50 friends and family at our annual BBQ
Next came fixtures and fittings. Mr P set to work building an actual bar using the wood from the pallet that the log cabin had arrived on, along with some old scaffolding boards. Shelving was made from old scaffolding boards and recycled brackets from Great Western Railway dating back to 1833. There’s a fantastic wood recycling centre in Southampton where we got the scaffolding boards and the brackets from. It took another 8 months for ‘The Dirty Hoe’ to be the amazing entertaining space she is today, complete with spinning mirrorball!
A lot of work had to be done to start with.
By Shona Price@starof 72 What an amazing space!
Once a year, we hold a huge BBQ for our friends and family and this is the perfect setting. The garden faces south west so the courtyard gets the sun for most of the day. The bar and gazebo provide shelter from the sun, or even the rain on a typical British summer day, though we usually get lucky with the weather.
Food is our love language and nothing gives us more pleasure than making sure that anyone who visits is well fed. This now includes food that I’ve grown in the garden. At the BBQ it is mainly salad, grilled courgettes and sweetcorn, but come at any other time and I will make you a meal based on what is in season at the time It doesn’t stop at food either Chances are that if you visit the Dirty Hoe you’ll get a cocktail where at least one of the ingredients or garnishes has been grown by me Over the past couple of years I’ve had the immense pleasure of hosting quite a few of the gardening friends I have made through my Instagram account This is both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time “What if they don’t like my cooking?”, “What if they think my garden is awful?” are just some of the things that cross my mind Fortunately, I’ve had no complaints on either so far In fact, most people dive in for seconds when it comes to the food and the cocktails
Next time I’ll share how I went from growing 4 tomato plants and a cucumber in the greenhouse to creating a garden allotment.
Guests at Shona’s house are treated to five star treatment.
Drinks at Shona’s, Yes please!
Kerry’s kitchen garden
I love the shift of summer to autumn; it might be my favourite time of the year The change in seasons marks the return of knitwear, it’s the season that all my children have birthdays in, it’s the season for bed mulching and this year, collecting warm, freshly laid eggs straight from the garden
A house warming of the fluffy kind took place a few weeks ago after our three little bantam hens made their way in style (tucked nicely in a gardening flexi tub) from the allotment plot to our home garden
They’ve had a downgrade in coop size but gained more free roaming space and now spend most of their time happily digging away for worms.
Many of you might think this is living the ‘chicken dream’ but it’s actually not really the ideal set up. We live in a mid-terrace house with a garden that isn’t particularly big, and there are daily sightings of scavenging foxes along our road. Chickens although very cute, are quite rouge and messy little beings who can be very vocal, especially when they celebrate laying an egg. Of course, none of these things matter on an allotment plot but when you are quite garden proud and like to have a little lay in on the weekend (along with the neighbours) well, it poses a few challenges
So, to overcome these issues we have the girls secure at night in the coop with an auto-door which eliminates light This door runs on a timer meaning we don’t have to get out of bed to let them out We have sacrificed the area to the left of the greenhouse and put up a fence to provide their own little messy patch We had planned for a little bistro set to go here but ensuring we have happy hens is more important They have taken the move in their fluffy strides and have continued to lay eggs throughout
With the hens settled in, the focus could shift back to the plants and wow, were we in for a treat! This year ’ s tomato harvest has been the silver lining on all those heatwaves we ’ ve experienced.
The garden has been so productive on the tomato front and I’ve really enjoyed getting in the kitchen with my boys and trying out new recipes. The Tart á la Moutard recipe from last months GardenFolk mag has been a firm favourite.
Unfortunately, the tomato season will soon come to an end as we head into Autumn and the hours of daylight draw in The beginning of September is when I remove any new flowers that are not yet pollinated This allows the plants to invest all their energy into ripening the fruits on the vines
As the tomato plants head into their end stages, the chillies are just forming and hopefully we will be able to start harvesting those soon along with the peppers
Join me next month for a greenhouse update
By Kerry
Tomlinson
Will you be cooking the Garden Folk Tart recipe like Kerry?
Its been a magnificent year for tomatoes!
The bantams are making the most of their new space.
@lottie thyme
Edible Flower Grow-Along
This year, as part of this year ’ s Garden Folk grow along, we are growing a range of our favourite edible flowers and sharing our progress with you through the magazine and our social media We're growing: Cornflowers, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Calendula, Amaranth, and Borage from The Hampshire Seed Company.
For those of you who have been sowing and potting on along with us, you should now have a range of lovely plants that are producing masses of beautiful and useful flowers
This month you might have a dazzling display of Amaranthus tassels and as well as looking stunning in any floral display (either fresh or dried), these can make beautiful edible cake decorations
If you let the flowers turn to seed on the plant though you can collect the ‘grain’ and create some delicious things to eat.
One of our favourites is Puffed Amaranth Seeds. These are a simple, nutritious and protein filled snack and are really great sprinkled on a salad, as a cereal or as a yoghurt topping
Before getting stuck in in the kitchen though you will first need to separate the seed from the chaff. Shake the flower tassels into a paper bag to release the seed then shake to let the seed sink to the bottom of the bag Pinch out the majority of the chaff and discard to the chickens or the compost heap to remove the rest try going outside and pouring the seed from one bowl to another. the breeze should take away the remaining chaff.
Once you have the seed, puffing it is easy. Just add the grain to a hot dry pan and heat until it pops- just like popcorn!
Remember to save a few seeds before heating them too. Then you’ll have free seeds to grow more of these awesome plants next year!
Do remember 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
Puffed Amaranth seed is delicious.
National AllotmentWeek 2025
By LauraWhiskens @lottieonthehill
It was the 23rd year of National Allotment week 11-17th August, and this year's theme was 'Allotments and Wellbeing’. I celebrated the week by sharing my favourite parts of my allotment site, how I encourage wildlife onto my plot, and inviting others to share their growing spaces with me.
I asked them:
• Can you describe your plot in 3 words?
• What is your favourite crop to grow?
• What is your favourite allotment snack?
• We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot?
• In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
Here's what they had to say...
Can you describe your plot in 3 words?
“Make-do and mend or bits of everything”
What is your favourite crop to grow?
“Annual - beetroot, perennial - asparagus ”
What is your favourite allotment snack?
“Peas, a cheeky tomato or in early spring tulip petals”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot?
“Tzatziki, Broad bean hummus and lots of fresh veg to dip in them”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
“Content”
Day 1 of Nic's plot
Shona
Before Shona transformed her garden into an allotment
Can you describe your plot in 3 words?
“Chaotic. Productive. Organic”
What is your favourite crop to grow?
“Berries (strawberries, raspberries & blueberries)”
What is your favourite allotment snack?
“Peas”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot?
“Roasted pepper hummus with cucumber and carrot crudités, tomatoes and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
“Calm”
Can you describe your plot in 3 words?
“My Happy Place”
What is your favourite crop to grow?
“Courgette ”
What is your favourite allotment snack? “Peas”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot?
“Tomatoes”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
“Buzzing”
Ruth and Gary
A space to sit and reflect
Can you describe your plot in 3 words? “Place to grow”
What is your favourite crop to grow? “Pumpkins ”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel? P
What is your favourite allotment snack? “Strawberries ”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot? “Tomatoes ”
Can you describe your plot i “Productive, messy and wildlife-f
What is your favourite crop “Always tomatoes! ”
What is your favourite allotm
“Got to be raspberries”
We're going on a GardenFol what are you bringing from “Berries (probably raspberries or blackberries)”
In one word, how does your you feel?
“Whole”
Emma Yousef
A beautiful place to lose yourself
Can you describe your plot in 3 words?
“Lush, peaceful, educational ”
What is your favourite crop to grow?
“Munchkin pumpkins”
What is your favourite allotment snack?
“Beans ”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot?
“Mint, to put in salads and yoghurt”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
“Stewardship of the earth”
Can you describe your plot in 3 words? “Flourishing, abundant, sanctuary ”
What is your favourite crop to grow? “Pumpkin ”
What is your favourite allotment snack? “Peas”
We're going on a GardenFolk picnic, what are you bringing from your plot? “Tomatoes”
In one word, how does your plot make you feel?
“Wholesome”
Growing organic veg,
A real-world guide from my veg patch
Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding things you can do not just for your health, but for your sense of connection to the earth. That said, it’s not always smooth sailing. Pests, diseases, unpredictable weather, and soil challenges can make it feel like a battle. But here’s the good news: growing food organically doesn’t have to be complicated With a bit of know-how and a willingness to experiment, it can be surprisingly easy and deeply satisfying
I’ve been growing vegetables at the bottom of my garden for the past three years. It’s a modest patch, but it’s become my sanctuary. I use very few chemicals, which means my produce is reasonably organic It’s not perfect, but it’s real and that’s what matters
Location, location, location
The first thing I learned is that location is everything My veg patch sits in the sunniest part of the garden In summer, it gets direct sunlight for up to 10 hours a day sometimes more Even in winter, I can count on at least five hours That kind of exposure is gold for most vegetables, especially sun-loving crops like tomatoes, courgettes, and peppers
Of course, the downside of all that sun is the watering A sunny spot means your soil dries out faster, so you’ll need to stay on top of hydration I’ve found that early morning watering works best as it reduces evaporation and gives plants a good start to the day
Soil that works hard
Next up: soil Good drainage is essential, but so is water retention especially during dry spells It’s a balancing act, and yes, I want it all. The one thing that’s made a huge difference for me is spent mushroom compost.
If you haven’t heard of it, spent mushroom compost is the leftover substrate from commercial mushroom farming. It’s nutrient-rich, full of organic matter, and works wonders as a soil conditioner. It improves structure, boosts fertility, and helps retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. I get mine delivered for around £45 per tonne, which is a bargain considering how far it goes. Just a heads-up: when wet, it’s incredibly heavy so plan accordingly if you ’ re moving it by hand
Planning your planting
Once your soil is sorted, it’s time to think about what you ’ re growing Are you planting crops that thrive in full sun, or do you need to make room for shade-tolerant varieties like spinach or lettuce? Understanding your plants’ needs is key to success I also recommend exploring companion planting and crop rotation Companion planting involves grouping plants that benefit each other like basil and tomatoes, or carrots and onions It can help deter pests, improve pollination, and even enhance flavour Crop rotation, on the other hand, is about changing what you grow in each bed from season to season This prevents nutrient depletion and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases Even in a small space, rotating crops can make a big difference
Amy’s space, though it is small, provides a huge amount of love.
By AmyWest @amys allotment adventures
Organic Inputs Matter
If you ’ re aiming for truly organic produce, it’s important to start with the right inputs That means choosing seeds, seedlings, and feeds that are certified organic or non-GMO These products are free from synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms, giving you peace of mind about what’s going into your soil and ultimately, your body
Organic growing also means embracing imperfection. Your veg might not look like the pristine specimens in the supermarket. They’ll be wonky, quirky, and full of character. But they’ll taste incredible and they’ll be fresher, healthier, and more nutrient-dense than anything that’s been sitting in cold storage for weeks.
Real Results, Real Rewards
I’ve had good years and bad years. Some seasons are abundant, others are a bit of a flop. But that’s part of the journey. Success depends on your inputs watering, feeding, pest control and sometimes, just plain luck. The important thing is to keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep growing.
Organic gardening is within reach for anyone You don’t need acres of land or fancy equipment Just a sunny spot, some decent compost, and a willingness to get your hands dirty The rewards go far beyond the harvest There’s something deeply grounding about watching a seed become a meal It connects you to the rhythms of nature and to yourself
So go on, give it a go Your garden might surprise you
Just look at this water setup.
Flowers in the Fjords
This summer has been a bit of an escape for me. As a busy flower grower, the opportunity to holiday during the growing season is rare, but this year I’ve organised my work differently and scheduled in some time to travel. Part of my journey has taken me to Scandinavia, and having Norwegian blood on my father’s side, it’s been good to spend time in the Fjords of Stavanger, Olden, Flam and Haugesund and to connect with that side of my family heritage.
I didn’t go with the intention of ‘plant hunting’ as I wanted to take a break from the day job, but inevitably, when you are spending so much time on foot in the mountains, hiking to the glaciers for a swim, travelling through the Fjords, and forest bathing every day, I guess the inevitable happened. Here’s the lowdown about the plants I wasn’t looking for but found me…
Enjoy your harvest al fresco style like Kim.
Singing out from among the dramatic cliffs and glacial waters of the Norwegian fjords, the vibrant blooms of willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium) brought an unexpected colour to the rugged landscape. Known in the UK as rosebay willowherb, this tall, spiky wildflower thrives in disturbed soils and has found a home in Norway’s alpine meadows and lakeshores. The tall stems of bright purple flowers really stand out against the grey stone and turquoise greens of the fjords. It isn’t just beautiful, it’s also remarkably hardy This plant can endure cold, poor soils, and high altitudes, making it well-suited to Norway’s harsh terrain Its rapid colonisation abilities also make it a pioneer species, often one of the first to reclaim bare or damaged ground
In the fjords, willowherb doesn’t just brighten the view; it supports pollinators during the short but intense Nordic summer Though considered a weed in some British gardens, in the wild Norwegian landscape, it’s considered to be a symbol of resilience and regeneration
By Kim O’Brien @gardenwithkim
Wild Lupins
When is a weed not a weed? Or rather, when is a cultivated flower not? Last summer I grew lupins in pots on gravel in my back garden, and this year, I have discovered self-seeded lupins growing in that same gravel. Originally introduced to Norway from North America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, wild lupins have since spread widely, (and controversially!) throughout the country Nothing had prepared me for this sight, but now each summer, Norway’s roadsides and meadows burst into colour with the striking blooms of wild lupins (Lupinus polyphyllus) Towering spikes of purple, pink, and blue flowers create a painted landscape that draws tourists and photographers alike I saw mostly spent seedheads as, bar a few, the flowers were nearly over, but even these looked breathtakingly beautiful against the lakes and mountains
Despite this undeniably beauty, lupins are considered invasive in Norway Their ability to thrive in poor soils and outcompete native flora poses a threat to local ecosystems By fixing nitrogen in the soil, lupins alter natural nutrient balances, making conditions less favourable for traditional Nordic wildflowers and grasses. Despite their impact, lupins have become an iconic, if unintended, part of the Norwegian summer. In early June, they dominate the landscape from the south to the edge of the Arctic Circle, especially along rural roads and fjord valleys. Some communities have launched efforts to control their spread, while others have embraced them as part of the visual charm of summer in Norway. Rosebay Willowherb provides a pop of
Lupins are loved by some but not by others.
Wild Hydrangeas
Yes you did read that correctly. Nestled beside Norway’s serene lakes and forested shores, wild hydrangeas add a delicate, almost ornamental touch to the country’s dramatic natural beauty. With their large, clouded clusters of pale blues, soft pinks, and creamy whites, these flowers seem more at home in cultivated gardens, but in parts of southern and western Norway, hydrangeas thrive in the wild!
While true wild hydrangeas are not native to Norway, some garden varieties, have naturalised over time in the mild, coastal climates and lake regions Here, they benefit from the rich soils, cool summers, and abundant moisture which are ideal conditions for their growth These resilient shrubs often flourish along walking paths, lakesides, and old homesteads, where they blur the line between wild flora and cultivated escapees
The hydrangea blooms also provide a valuable nectar source for pollinators and in late summer, the fading blooms turn shades of antique rose and copper which compliments the Nordic shades of Autumn.
Green Rooves!
The final observation from my travels isn’t about a single plant but rather the grouping of plants on the rooves of sheds, homes, pergolas, caravans and log stores Here in the UK we think Green roofs are a modern innovation, when in Norway, they are so traditional and commonplace that it’s rare to see roofs that aren’t densely shrouded in mosses, grasses, ferns and even small trees! I spotted ash trees and even small pine trees on some of the rooftops, and with the traditional Nordic colouring of the wooden homes in olive greens, mustard yellows, and dark reds, they are practical, traditional, and enhancing to the landscape For anyone who hasn’t visited Norway yet, I strongly recommend it The plants may be taking over in this wild landscape, but it’s refreshing to see us humans being put in our place for a change instead of the other way around.
Some garden plants have naturalised over time.
Green roof to a whole new level!
TheWildlife Gardening Almanac
As September arrives, the garden begins its gentle transition from the vibrancy of summer to the golden hues of autumn. The days grow shorter, the air cooler, and a soft stillness settles over the garden. Yet, there is no shortage of activity Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies continue to visit late-blooming flowers, birds feast on seeds and berries, and, as night falls, moths emerge to take their turn in the spotlight
For wildlife gardeners, September is a month to savour the last flourish of summer while preparing the garden for the coming months. From planting for next year to creating habitats for overwintering creatures, there’s plenty to do to keep your garden buzzing with life.
Wildlife Garden Tips and Jobs for September
Support Late Pollinators
As flowers begin to fade, it’s important to ensure pollinators have access to nectar. Plant lateflowering species like sedum, ivy, and asters to provide a lifeline for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Collect and Save Seeds
Gather seeds from your favorite flowers like poppies, calendula, and cornflowers. Store them in a cool, dry place to sow next spring, and leave some seed heads in place to provide food for birds and shelter for insects.
Who is ready for spring bulbs?
Provide space for wildlife and they will come.
Create Overwintering Shelters
Wildlife like ladybirds, lacewings, and solitary bees will soon begin looking for places to hibernate Leave piles of leaves, hollow stems, build/get an insect hotel, or provide log stacks in quiet corners of your garden to give them a safe space
Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Autumn is the time to plant daffodils, crocuses, and other spring bulbs that will bloom early next year These flowers are vital for early pollinators like bees emerging from hibernation
Refresh Your Wildlife Pond
Remove excess vegetation or algae from your pond, being careful not to disturb any wildlife Place the removed material on the side of the pond for a day or two to allow creatures to return to the water before composting it
Prune Mindfully
When tidying your garden, leave some areas wild to provide shelter for insects and small mammals Avoid cutting back plants like teasels and sunflowers, as their seed heads are an important food source for birds in the autumn
Steps for the Months Ahead
Plan for Autumn and Winter Shelter
Think ahead to colder months and create habitats for wildlife to hibernate. Add log piles, leave leaf litter in quiet areas, and avoid clearing your garden too much to ensure wildlife has safe spaces to rest.
Prepare for Migrating Birds
Birds like swallows and house martins are preparing and starting their migration Keep feeders stocked to provide them with the energy they need for their long journey south
Build a Compost Heap
Composting is a fantastic way to recycle garden waste, enrich your soil, and create a habitat for creatures like beetles, worms, and frogs Start building your compost heap now, adding a mix of green and brown materials
SeptemberWildlife
Highlight: The Enigmatic Moth
As dusk falls, moths take center stage, emerging from their daytime hiding spots to flutter around flowers. With their soft, muted colors and intricate wing patterns, moths are a quiet but vital part of the garden ecosystem. While some species are active year-round, September is an especially good time to spot moths, as many are busy feeding and laying eggs before the colder months arrive
Why They’re Beneficial:
Moths (or how they are called in Dutch nachtvlinder, which translates to night butterfly) are important pollinators, visiting flowers under the cover of darkness and transferring pollen as they feed. Their caterpillars are a crucial food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, making them an essential part of the food chain.
birds will need an extra boost throughout the winter.
This year has seen so many more moths appearing.
The
How to help them:
Plant Night-Scented Flowers: Flowers like evening primrose, jasmine, and night scented stock release their fragrance at night, attracting moths to your garden
Leave the Lights Off: Artificial light can confuse and disorient moths Turn off outdoor lights at night, or use warm-toned, low-intensity bulbs to minimize disturbance
Provide Shelter: Leave areas of long grass, shrubs, or hedgerows where moths can rest during the day.
Avoid Pesticides: Moths are highly sensitive to chemicals.
Sitting in the garden on a late summer evening and watching moths flit from flower to flower is a magical experience, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of our gardens at night
The garden transistion is a thing of beauty.
A Monthly Step By Step Journey
As summer fades into autumn, September is a month of transition and preparation. By supporting late pollinators, creating habitats for overwintering creatures, and planting for spring, you ’ re ensuring your garden remains a haven for wildlife all year round
See you all next month!
The Magic of Wirral Flower Farm
Are you ready to step into the Wirral Flower Farm?
Tucked away on the windswept edges of Claremont farm in Bebington, you'll find a little slice of floral heaven: Wirral flower farm It's here that Jen - flower farmer, creative soul, business owner, mother, and all-round boss lady - spends her days coaxing colour from the soil and joy from the land
With a loaded gardener's tool belt, a keen eye for beauty, and a stash of Bucks Fizz, Jen has created a farm that is much more than just a place where flowers grow-it's a celebration of nature, nurture, and community spirit. It’s a perfect space to come alone, or with friends, Wirral flower farm is a place of pure joy.
I was lucky enough to visit the flower farm during one of Jen's flower crown making workshops, and I brought along Leanne (@my little patch of earth) and Kate (@themessyallotmenteer) for an afternoon of fun, flower therapy, and supporting our friend during her first year of business In return, we got an abundance of fun, laughter and friendship from those precious hours!
What a first year it's been to start a flower farm! With no less than FOUR heatwaves and hardly any rainfall since May, managing the farm is hard work Thankfully, although Wirral flower farm has no running water supply, Jen has managed to source several IBCs to store water - though Jen freely admits that that wasn't in the business plan She also has great neighbours at Claremont Farm, who have helped out by delivering water for the IBCs, to keep the field well watered during these dry months. It doesn't surprise me that Jen has formed a great community around the flower farm - her sense of joy and passion for this space is infectious.
By LauraWhiskens @lottieonthehill
Is there any job Jen doesn't do at the Farm?
So did Jen always dream of being a flower farmer? "No, I don't remember thinking I want to be a flower farmer," says Jen After growing flowers on her allotment and enjoying it, Jen's husband was the one who suggested that she do something more with the flowers "So it's very much the hobby that has got out of hand!"
Jen welcomes visitors to the field from a small gazebo near to the gate, with the biggest smile and it's clear to see that the hobby turned business is a the labour of love. So what is the most satisfying part of her work on the farm? "It changes all of the time, but the most satisfying part this year has been seeing other people enjoying the farm.”
“That's why I wanted to get the 'Pick Your own' open as soon as possible," Jen tells me "Being able to welcome people into the farm for workshops; and just seeing people using the space and interacting with flowers has been brilliant That is the thing I've loved the most "
You can definitely see that joy emanating from Jen as she interacts with visitors to the farm During the flower crown workshop, she told us the story of the farm's creation as she effortlessly demonstrated how to create elements of the flower crowns, and was overjoyed at everyone's creations We were each given a bucket with some water in, so that we could go and pick lots of flowers for the crowns and I asked Jen if it made her sad if people picked any of her favourites She reassured me that, absolutely not! The flowers were grown for picking and enjoyment. Who wouldnt want to capture a photo here?
Jen has smashed her first year on the Flower Farm!
Jen does an amazing job at teaching everyone how to create floral magic.
So, what is Jen's favourite flower to grow? "It's usually the one giving me the biggest amount of grief at the time of growing So something that's given me a particular problem," she explains. "So I'm not friends with it, but then once it's in bloom it seems fantastic. And it's my best friend in the world! But otherwise, it's sweet peas because I love them.”
It's a good thing Jen loves a challenge, given that the lack of rain has been such a struggle this year for all of us gardeners and growers. This determination and ability to continue smiling is truly awe-inspiring. Jen is an inspiration, and it's a delight to spend time with her at the farm It's no wonder that Claremont farm were happy to open their arms to welcome her into their farm family - as Jen says, the flower farm sits midway between their pick your own strawberries and pumpkin patches "They're an incredible business, and place to be and be supported by ”
Watching Jen at the farm, she makes it all seem so fun and effortless, which is part of the magic she creates Because in reality, the role of a flower farmer never stops "What people might not realise is that it is a full time job-all year," Jen tells me " So even if the farm isn't open, I’m there - watering, feeding, weeding, planting, seeding, cutting grass There's always something to do, even in winter." flower farming isn't a clean job either-so don't expect to find Jen in floaty floral dresses. “I'm dirty and sweaty all day, wearing my professional work boots with steel caps and lugging massive tools around all day. It's definitely the least glamorous job!" Although I think Jen looks radiant as she poses amongst the flowers in her baseball cap, and toolbelt, glass of bucks fizz in hand.
So what's next for Wirral flower farm? "I've got a really clear picture of where the farm is going within the next 5 years," says Jen “I want to expand the growing space, we still have lots to work with I'm going to focus Year Two on maximising the space that we have currently cultivated to make it as productive as possible We are saving up for a polytunnel to maximise the amount of plants; so that's next on the list "
Jen's goals for the farm go beyond the workshops and Pick Your Own, too " Eventually my dream is for the business to create a CIC arm to provide valuable training opportunities to people with learning disabilities and be able to give them jobs and access to training ” This space is definitely the perfect place to help others grow and develop. Jen has somehow managed to turn the field into a nurturing and friendly home from home, where everyone is welcome.
All the tools and tricks to create your flower crown.
Doesn't the crown look magnificent?
Does Jen have a secret weapon for keeping on top of work at the farm? "Eminem. When I'm in the field getting jobs done, like mulching, I have a playlist, lots of 90s rap music! I need music where people shout at me to get the jobs done,” says Jen. “In terms of tools, I have two pairs of snips and a hori hori knife that are my favourite - nobody else is allowed to use them."
It's been a joy speaking to Jen about the flower farm, and I can definitely imagine her late nana (Jen's dream guest) would love sitting at the picnic benches with Jen, enjoying a nice brew next to the sweet peas Myself, Kate and Leanne certainly loved our time there and all agreed that she has created heaven on the Wirral! Here's hoping she get some much needed rain soon
(If you're interested, on the day of asking, Jen's theme song for the flower farm was Pink Pony Club, and I can definitely imagine myself dancing around the farm with my flower crown on to that!)
A placed filled with love!
Two amazing ladies creating floral masterpieces.
Let’s all raise a glass to Jen!
Become a Garden Folk Supporter
...and help us keep making the Garden Folk Mag
We appreciate all the support given to the magazine by all the Garden Folkour readers, writers, industry supporters and anyone else who cheers us on Running the magazine each month does incur financial costs though, so if you are able to contribute, either with a one off payment or by becoming a member, it would really help to keep the magazine going... and growing.
There are currently three membership tiers to choose from, all with great benefits
Despite making me very unpopular at times with the NotAllotmentDad, my reputation as a womble of anything even tenuously useful for gardening does have its advantages
By JayneWallace
It started small The lovely elderly couple that I won’t let pay for their weekly eggs (they are really good neighbours) now leave toilet roll and kitchen roll inners and egg boxes for me every week We come home to find bags of plastic flowerpots on the doorstep from we don’t know who. Random buckets of windfall apples, huge batches of cut lavender. All because “Jayne will find a use for those”. We receive jam jars of all sizes, swing top bottles, PALLETS, and the most recent addition to my skip yard down the side of the house? Bales and bales of old chicken wire… and I mean the good ‘building a chicken run, small square stuff’, not the big hexagon wire mesh. Score!
This is the way of the recycling or ‘skinflint’ gardener It goes past making labels out of milk bottles (although you know I do that religiously) and errs on the side of ‘where the hell am I going to put that?’ If the old hoarding lady from the Labyrinth film was covered in miscellaneous gardening kit, that would be me
It does have its downsides, other than the obvious eye sore/ jumble Apart from taking up space and being not so pretty to the eye it can also be quite dangerous A few years ago I caught my foot on lengths of wood that we’d been given and ended up with a dodgy knee for months and the small, raised egg on my left knee is still there as a reminder! It can also cause your neighbours a headache: there is more than one reason why Julie and Derek get free eggs from me every week!
But the benefits can be huge. I’ve been dreaming of those cattle panel arches that American homesteaders build for years now but couldn’t manage the cost. Now? Guess what I will be building once the kids are safely ensconced back at school. The flats from obsolete greenhouse staging will now be adapted into my drying shed: my onions and garlic will be drying in luxury next year And the plant pots? I fully intend to sort and recycle them very soon as my local Haskins will take what I don’t want to keep All this will take some time, sweat and probably a fair bit of swearing have you ever tried to build arches on your own?
Jayne in one of the many greenhouses.
I have had to learn to say no thank you sometimes though, no matter how hard it hurts I’ve had to turn down wood chip: can’t store five tonnes on our driveway again and my oldest refuses to help me bag it up this time! I’ve turned down plants by hiding behind the rules of the plot (“no thank you, I’m not allowed to take your hugely oversized bamboo/ agapanthus rules you know!”) and in some cases I’ve also hidden behind the threat of TheNotAllotmentDad (“Robin would kill me!”) although I am sure he thinks I don’t do that often enough…
I currently need to go sort out lavender into sachets/ wreaths/ dollies. I have loads of wire mesh that needs moving to the plot (there’s a reason why my car is nicknamed ‘The Truck’), and the aforementioned pots need sorting… onwards and upwards!
Lavender wreaths are a great way to make the most of the season.
Reusing old glass jars for seeds is a great recycle.
By Kate Cooper
Making the most of summer Making the most of summer
Hi, I’m Kate and I live with my husband and our two children. We have been in our current property for nearly 9 years and our garden gives us an ongoing project we can get wrapped up in.
We love the seasonal changes it comes with and relish in all the planning of plants and bulbs and then creating new dishes with the produce we have grown.
There is no bigger joy in the garden than being able to harvest what you have nurtured over the last few months You have battled Mother Nature’s less appealing side; unpredictable weather, inconsistent weather and pests The harvest seems a little sweeter when we have dealt with difficult situations, especially when it is a bumper crop!
We have had great success this year with our tomatoes In fact, tomatoes are a crop which we have grown for a number of years now and so far, managed to always get a good yield We always grow a type of cherry tomato, plum tomato and beef tomato We have tried some new varieties this year including Tigerella, San Marzano and Burlesque
Whilst tomatoes are one of our most loved crops to grow, it’s only me in my family who eats them fresh. The majority of our tomatoes get used for making batches of tomato sauces for meals such as pasta dishes, soups and chilli con carne. It may be one of the most common ways to preserve tomatoes for the winter but, in my opinion, it’s one of the best and easiest! As we head into autumn and winter, I can’t help but think of all the warming recipes I can make. For us, cooking with all our produce is just as much fun as growing it and we love it!
If you ’ re making any type of tomato sauce or a meal with a tomato base, garlic has to feature in there somewhere We love garlic but I do hate the way the smell stays on your fingers after you peel and chop it This next recipe, lazy garlic, has to be my favourite because it makes it so easy to use garlic in cooking Preserving the garlic as a paste and freezing it in batches means its available whenever you need it We keep a jar of it in our fridge so it’s always on hand
Alongside tomatoes, they are definitely our winning crop each year We got the garlic bulbs from The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight and planted each clove individually in October last year. We will be ordering more garlic from them for this winter as they are such good quality. If you happen to be catching a ferry over that way, I definitely recommend visiting The Garlic Farm shop and restaurant. We harvested the garlic at the beginning of July and let them dry out in our greenhouse until we were ready to make our lazy garlic mid-August.
Tomato Sauce Tomato Sauce
Measurements for this recipe always vary slightly but we base it on having enough tomatoes to make a layer of tomatoes in a roasting tin.
Measurements for this recipe always vary slightly but we base it on having enough tomatoes to make a layer of tomatoes in a roasting tin.
Ingredients
A roasting tin of tomatoes (a single layer) Chop the larger ones so they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Garlic bulb – you could peel and chop individual cloves or cut a garlic bulb in half and place them in the roasting tin.
3 shallots – quartered 1tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp turmeric
Splash of water
½ -1 pint of vegetable stock
1 Put everything, other than the stock, in a roasting tin and put it in the oven for 180c for about an hour or until everything is soft and squishy.
2 If you have put in a whole garlic bulb, squeeze out all the garlic. Blitz everything in a blender until smooth. If you want a finer texture you could put it all through a sieve.
3 Finally add the vegetable stock to add extra flavour and make it into a sauce like consistency.
Lazy garlic Lazy garlic
Ingredients
3 cups of garlic gloves ½ cup oil
1tbs salt
Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until you have a consistency you want Store in sterilised jars or freezer bags in the freezer Simple.
How are your Beets doing this year?
Beetroot Hummus
As we herald the beginning of autumn and wave goodbye to summer no vegetable represents the turn in the season like the humble beetroot This is a really fun spin on a regular hummus recipe and fantastic as a dip, topping for toast or open sandwiches and surprisingly pairs very well with a little jerk seasoning Beetroot not only turns the dish a gorgeous pink colour but imparts a delicious earthy hue
150g Beetroot (topped/ tailed, washed and peeled)
240g Chickpeas (drained)
120g Tahini
Beetroot tailed, washed and Tahini
1 Place your beetroot in a square of tinfoil (you may need to chop the beetroots in half depending on the size so it cooks through) bring the corners of the tinfoil up above the beetroots and scrunch to seal tightly shut. Cook in the oven at 180c for 45 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.
2 Garlic cloves (large)
1 juice of a lemon 30ml Water
30ml Olive Oil
3 Ice cubes (circa 30g)
1.5 tsp Salt
Garlic cloves juice of a lemon 30ml cubes (circa 30g) tsp Salt
2 Place the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, water and salt -blend well.
Pepper to taste
Pepper
3 Add your beetroots and whilst continuously blending pour in the olive oil followed by the ice cubes one at a time ( the ice cubes ensure that silky smooth consistence, don’t skip it!).
4 Pepper to taste. This will last for a week stored in an air tight container in the fridge.
By Jen Howarth @life on the lot
Notebook of a flower farmer
September often feels like a bit of a turning point in the garden. Summer is still hanging on, but the mornings have that cool edge, and you can sense change in the air. For flower growers, it’s a month that invites a little forward thinking, that bit of preparation you will be thankful for when the madness of Spring hits. While the dahlias are still strutting their stuff, it’s the perfect moment to turn attention to hardy annuals.
Autumn sown hardy annuals, in my opinion, are the unsung heroes of Spring You would be a fool to miss the boat!
Hardy annuals are those brilliant flowers that thrive on a bit of toughness Sow them now and they’ll sit quietly through the winter, ready to leap ahead in spring By giving them this head start, you’ll end up with sturdier plants, earlier flowers, and bigger harvests than if you wait until spring to sow
Cornflowers, ammi, orlaya, larkspur, nigella, calendula – all of these will thank you for an autumn sowing They germinate quickly in the still-warm soil, then settle into balls of foliage as the days shorten. As long as you give them a well-drained spot and don’t let them get swamped by weeds, they’ll happily tick over until spring wakes them up again.
If you ’ re growing on a larger scale, autumn sowings can make the difference between a patch that hits the ground running in May and one that lags behind. If you ’ re tending a small cutting patch at home, it means armfuls of flowers weeks earlier than you’d expect. Either way, September is the magic month!
There’s something special about sowing now, while the garden is still in full growth You’re enjoying the last of this year ’ s blooms even as you ’ re laying the foundations for the next Hardy annuals are the promise to your garden, that there is always next year and we have another chance to go again!
You can visit the Wirral Flower Farm for pick your own, weddings and workshops (see starting dates below) :
Sept 20th - Autumn Table Setting
Oct 11th - Autumn Wreath Making Dec 4th - Xmas Wreath Making
Check out Jen’s website for all the courses available
Gardening in September
September may indicate a slowing down of the season as we head into autumn but the tasks in the garden are ramping up once more as we balance harvesting, caring for the plants still growing, and also prepping and planning for the season to come.
Things to sow/plant
Flowers
Antirrhinum (snapdragons)
Verbascum
Calendula
Aquilegia
Cornflowers
Delphinium
Angelica
Achillea/Yarrow
Sweet Rocket
Edibles
Spinach
American Land
Cress
Broad Beans
Mustard Greens
Pak Choi
Spring Cabbage
Coriander
Overwintering
Onions
Lambs Lettuce
Come and join the @gardenfolkmag team for live garden updates throughout the month over on Instagram.
What to listen to while you sow:
Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future
Take a look at the recent episode: How soil can help save the world
Jobs to do
September is ringing in the changes and us gardeners will need to keep pace.
Collect seeds on dry days and store in paper bags
Harvest the last of the potatoes to avoid slug damage
Order bare root fruit trees to plant in the dormant season.
Plan for and start to plant spring bulbs
Start to reduce how often you water your houseplants
Plant raspberry bushes.
Leave stems and seedheads to provide interest and food sources for wildlife through the winter.
Add mulch and sow green manures to enrich and protect the soil
Clean ponds and water features
Plant shrubs to give them time to establish before winter.
Divide and plant perennials.
Deadhead to keep the last of the flowers blooming for as long as possible
If you’re in need of Garden related ‘stuff’ remember that Garden Folk Supporters get some amazing discounts with some great companies!
Hear from Garden Folk Friends!
This month we asked you:
“How do you recycle in your garden?”
I love using o jars or glass from the sup containers seeds becau way to @ th
I use newspaper and loo rolls for starting seeds along with soil blocking a strict no more buying plastic for the garden #challengeaccepted @torisallotment
Among many other things, I turn every wooden ice cream stick (or what do you actually call them? ��), our old bamboo toothbrushes and the disposable wooden cutlery into plant tags after use They all look classy - I like them @christophsgaertli
Recycling and gardening simply go hand in hand, whether it’s using old pallets to make raised beds, composting what would otherwise be food waste in the bin, and reusing cardboard to use at the base of new raised beds, paths or just shredded into a compost heap @4mcds bloomingplot
My favourite is my milk bottle watering can! @sophs.mae.garden
I cut up old milk jugs to use as plant labels! ��, Used toilet roll tubes are great as root runners for beans @andygrows Next month we want you to: ‘ Send us your best squash photos!’ Send us the picture on Instagram or email them over to info@gardenfolkmag.com
Chive flowers for potato salads, cheese sandwiches or leafy salads because the more you use them the more you get for bee picnics! ���� @ thequietplace
Check out the birth flower collection!
Head to the shop
Set the date for October 3rd for the next issue