Hot Cross Buns

One a penny, two a penny, hot cross-buns Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, these days hot cross buns seem to be available practically year-round, more ten a penny than two. If you’re tired of lacklustre shop-bought buns, try making your own. They’re straightforward to make – as with most baked goods the main ingredient is… Continue reading Hot Cross Buns

62% of Brits enjoy gardening – here’s their favourite flower

With the first day of spring fast approaching, we asked 1,000 UK-based adults to choose their favourite flowers and trees, as well as answer a few key questions about their interest in gardening as a hobby or pastime. Across this blog post, we’ll look at a range of gardening statistics, uncovering how the nation feels… Continue reading 62% of Brits enjoy gardening – here’s their favourite flower

Coming up Roses part 3: Fabulous Floribundas and Super Shrubs

Fabulous Floribundas and Super Shrubs It’s hard to imagine any British garden without roses somewhere in the mix – for many, their beautiful blooms are a must-have in any self-respecting summer border. Whether you’re a first timer or an avid rosarian, planting bareroot is one of the best ways of adding a rose to your… Continue reading Coming up Roses part 3: Fabulous Floribundas and Super Shrubs

Best Gardening & Garden Design Apps to Green Up Your Space

Gardening apps make gardening more straightforward than ever. Need help choosing the best gardening app for your needs? This article can help. We’ve listed the best gardening and garden design apps for every level, from experienced gardeners to beginners. These tools provide all you need to grow healthy plants, vegetables, and herbs. These apps have… Continue reading Best Gardening & Garden Design Apps to Green Up Your Space

Your Guide to Oak Trees: Facts, Types & Essential Information

Mature English Oak Tree (Quercus robur)

It’s no exaggeration to describe oak trees as the national tree of Great Britain. They have been integral to our countryside for centuries, so naturally, many people are interested in growing oak trees for themselves. Planting an oak tree is one of the most altruistic things a gardener can do. These slow-growing giants take a… Continue reading Your Guide to Oak Trees: Facts, Types & Essential Information

Somerset Apple Cake with optional streusel twist

The streusel topping elevates a traditional tea time delicacy to a luxurious dessert. The apple store is usually looking a little depleted by this time of year, but if you still have a few Bramley apples knocking about this recipe is a lovely way of using them up. (If you don’t have Bramley’s any other… Continue reading Somerset Apple Cake with optional streusel twist

Comté & pear tartlets

Comté & pear tartlets

February’s pickings from the vegetable patch can be sparse, but if you’re lucky you’ll have apples and pears from autumn’s harvest to use up. There might also be some winter salad leaves such as mizuna, lamb’s lettuce or baby spinach. Tossed in a punchy mustardy dressing, they’re the ideal counterpoint to this crisp and indulgently… Continue reading Comté & pear tartlets

Getting a Word in Hedgewise

Hedge Laying

Here at Ashridge the ‘dormant season’ is anything but – in fact it’s our busiest time of the year. But we’re not the only ones kept busy in winter. While we’re despatching bareroot trees and hedging plants from the nursery, out in the fields hedge layers are hard at work. Hedge laying has been practised… Continue reading Getting a Word in Hedgewise

Wine in the garden

Pantone Viva Magenta

We adore colour here at Ashridge. Find us a plant lover who doesn’t. So we’re excited to get on board with Pantone’s Colour of the Year, the energetic-sounding Viva Magenta. Pantone describes its 2023 hero as ‘A shade rooted in nature… brave and fearless.’ Closer examination reveals a rich, saturated wine – or claret if… Continue reading Wine in the garden

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