The Patio Bed

The bed in the patio is important because it is next to seating and so has to look good all year. While it is light, it is also partially shady, and snails are a problem. The Bergenia ‘Abendglut’ will turn dark burgundy in the winter and will look striking against Helleborus Niger. Then deep pink/purple…

Sunlight in the garden

The garden is empty apart from three trees, but the walls and fence and surrounding buildings cast shade. So I have a light garden, but a little direct sunlight.I thought the best way of monitoring the sunshine would be to take photographs at intervals during the day. The planting plan is going to be quite…

Front Garden Makeover

Nearly finished and looking good! Phoebe’s Garden Centre in Catford, London, have done a wonderful construction job. Now I need to plant hedging. And this is where we started.

Front Garden Makeover

We are making good progress. When the construction work is finished I will clean the steps (!) and repaint the walls, and then the garden is ready for a new hedge, either box or privet.

London Garden Makeover – the front garden

The house has a very narrow front ‘garden’ and by clearing it step by step it became clear a radical change is needed. Once the ivy had been cut down we could properly see the railings, and their pretty ending at pavement level, but clearly those posts and the chain need to go. The railings and…

Garden Makeover – the Steps Beds

There is a small bed outside the steps leading from the dining into the garden and it has sun most of the day – probably the warmest place in the garden! The planting, however, has to be low to let light into the dining room.  And on the other side of the bed steps lead…