There are so many things a gardener wants to find under the tree on Christmas morning. But not another decorative fork and trowel set with floral design handle and little practical use, or that grainy, green organic soap, please Let’s get serious and define gardening up front here, as it relates to the garden owner:… Continue reading Christmas Presents for Gardeners
Classic Navarin of Lamb Recipe: A French Comfort Dish
Navarin of lamb is a classic French stew, bursting with hearty flavours and rustic charm. Known for its tender pieces of lamb and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, savoury sauce, this dish is a perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a meal that not only satisfies the palate but also… Continue reading Classic Navarin of Lamb Recipe: A French Comfort Dish
Shropshire Hedgerow Heroes
The Shropshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England is on fire this year with hedge related events The hottest events in the CPRE (The Countryside Charity) volunteer & event calendar this year are shaping up to be in Shropshire, whose CPRE branch have made practically international news in the Shropshire Star for their… Continue reading Shropshire Hedgerow Heroes
Does Silver Birch Make a Good Hedge Plant?
No, silver birch does not make a good clipped hedge plant. It will serve, but it’s a somewhat sad sightHowever, it is a good tree to grow as part of a pretty, wildlife friendly mixed native hedgerow, featuring a standard tree every few metres Silver birch is the worst native tree to try to turn… Continue reading Does Silver Birch Make a Good Hedge Plant?
Tree Hugging Ineffective, Studies Show
Despite organising Britain’s largest tree hug, Coventrians are unable to prevent 26 big old trees getting the final chop-chop In the largest scientific study of its kind, Coventry demonstrated that when the council is out to build you some roads, a tree hug isn’t going to change that, even a really big one. Coventry Council are… Continue reading Tree Hugging Ineffective, Studies Show
Habitat Aid Hedge Planting Video
Habitat Aid is our all-time favourite, award-winning, impact driven, Somerset based business founded in 2008, and their hedge planting video is educationally inspirational Native hedge plants are proven to be tough as cookies made of brass monkeys, and Habitat Aid demonstrate how rough and ready you can be with them. Hawthorn in particular is absurdly… Continue reading Habitat Aid Hedge Planting Video
Belfast’s Phantom Fruit Tree Planter
We don’t need to sell anyone here on the virtues of masks and dogs, but joining a Paramilitree organisation at my age seemed impossible “Ah, go on” says the Phantom Planter in a musical Irish voice, “you will, you will” All you need is the dogs, safety masks, your mate Dave with a spade, and… Continue reading Belfast’s Phantom Fruit Tree Planter
How to Rake Gravel Masterclass
Being a Rake-y Master in the garden looks easy when you see a professional Irishman on the job, but it’s a gravely serious task The secret to lush, flowing gravel that wows and pleases is to start with natural, smooth gravel, and then to give it a regular raking. In the good old days, gravel… Continue reading How to Rake Gravel Masterclass
Surrey Schoolkids Publish Tree Book
“The Thousand Year Tree,” a book featuring children’s artwork from Surrey, was published after a year-long project by Lucy Reynolds and Katie Hickey. Funded by Defra’s Access for All fund, it aims to raise awareness about the conservation of mature trees. Educational Outreach The Surrey Hills Society took Weyfield Primary Academy students to Newlands Corner… Continue reading Surrey Schoolkids Publish Tree Book
You Won’t Believe the Difference Between These Hedges
At home, we are used to formal evergreen hedges exactly like this yew one: In coun’ryside, we have perfectly maintained native hedges, probably laid by heartthrob layer, Paul A. Lamb. If you don’t have him handy, friends and family will have to do; it will tire them out beautifully by tea time: So how does… Continue reading You Won’t Believe the Difference Between These Hedges