Author Archives: gardenregen

A hosepipe ban to include Sussex has been announced today by South East Water… And yet some gardens do not yet possess a water butt. Or perhaps there’s that token one in a corner, abandoned, clearly seen better days — no longer hooked to a downpipe, the lid long blown away and holding the fetidContinue reading “Are you water butt ready?”

I’ve learned something new. Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is as tough as old boots, which, given that it’s a native species to the U.K. shouldn’t really surprise me. But when I see it growing in bone-dry, heavy clay ground, I’m still amazed. The tall flower spikes (you could mistake it for a Verbena) blaze aContinue reading “A surprise contender in this heatwave — purple loosestrife proves as resilient as it is striking”

It’s still bird nesting season. I hold off doing hedges until the end of August to be sure my hedge cutter does not terrify an unsuspecting bird sitting peacefully on it’s eggs deep within. Or worse…which is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981. I check shrubs carefully before doing any individualContinue reading “Let your hedges spill out and echo the fullness of summer”

The yellows of the silver birch, the ginkgo, and the field maple? The oranges of the Japanese maple, the tulip tree, and the oak? Or the reds of the cherry, the smokebush, the barberry, and the Virginia creeper? If you’re like me, as the year comes to an end, you find yourself drawn to thoseContinue reading “What’s your flavour?”

Flames and fireworks — Hawthorn and Ivy The garden is slowing down, and the colours of autumn are now a dazzling spectacle. The inspirational duo for me today is the hawthorn and ivy — both sharing a hedgerow like the perfect pair. While the hawthorn is retreating, its leaves turning blush red and russet orange,Continue reading “Winning combinations this week:”

A golden light casts its autumnal veil across the landscape. It’s around four in the afternoon. The harvesting days in my garden are numbered as the last of the pears cling to their branches. I pick one that hasn’t yet been pecked at, grateful for any at all and happy to share them with theContinue reading “Fruit, glorious fruit”

Yesterday it dawned on me in punchy shades of yellow and orange that the year was closing in when I noticed the leaves of the large Acer in the garden were already turning, signalling the shift from late summer to autumn. These trees are renowned for their vibrant green leaves which move through flame-like transitionsContinue reading “Maples in September: The Turning of the Year”

If your plum tree has barely any fruit and congested growth, light pruning in late June is okay—especially to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Focus on thinning out overcrowded shoots, removing any inward-growing or crossing branches, and cutting back overly vigorous upright growth (like water shoots). Use clean, sharp secateurs and make clean, angledContinue reading “Late June: Selectively pruning plum trees”

Now is the time to sow native wildflowers in your garden, creating a vibrant, natural space that supports local wildlife and gives you a certain kudos at the same time. By choosing the right native mix suited to your soil type, you can help foster biodiversity, provide nectar for pollinators, and enjoy the charm ofContinue reading “Sowing Wildflowers: Embrace the Wilds with Snake’s-Head Fritillaries and More”