garden design Archives - Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Odiham McCarthy Holden Estate Agents

Why Gardens Are Becoming the New Luxury in Property — Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show

May 27, 2026 by Sam Holden

Every May, the world of design turns its attention to London as the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show showcases the very best in garden innovation, outdoor living and landscape creativity.

While the event is traditionally associated with horticulture enthusiasts and designers, its influence increasingly extends into the property market — and for good reason.

In recent years, gardens have evolved from being a simple outdoor addition to becoming one of the most desirable and valuable features of a home. Buyers are no longer just looking at square footage inside the property; they are investing in lifestyle, wellness and connection to nature.

The themes emerging from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show reflect exactly what modern homeowners now want from their properties.

Outdoor Space Has Become Essential

Since the shift towards more flexible and home-based lifestyles, outdoor space has moved firmly up buyers’ wish lists. A thoughtfully designed garden is no longer considered a bonus — it is often a deciding factor.

From compact urban courtyards to expansive country landscapes, gardens now function as:

Outdoor dining spaces
Home working retreats
Wellness sanctuaries
Family entertainment areas
Extensions of interior living spaces

The Chelsea Flower Show consistently demonstrates how even smaller gardens can feel luxurious with clever planting, zoning and sustainable design.

The Rise of “Living Luxury”

Luxury property trends are changing. Instead of focusing purely on grand interiors, buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that offer balance, tranquillity and wellbeing.

At Chelsea, many of the standout gardens embrace:

Naturalistic planting
Biodiversity
Water features
Sustainable materials
Climate-conscious landscaping

This growing appreciation for nature is directly influencing high-end property design. Developers and homeowners alike are recognising that beautifully curated gardens can significantly enhance both property value and buyer appeal.

Kerb Appeal Starts with Greenery

First impressions matter enormously in property. A well-maintained front garden or landscaped entrance immediately elevates a home’s appearance and creates emotional impact before buyers even step inside.

Chelsea-inspired touches such as:

Structured planting
Wildflower borders
Contemporary pathways
Statement trees
Layered textures

can transform a property’s exterior and help it stand out in a competitive market.

Estate agents are increasingly finding that homes with professionally designed outdoor spaces attract stronger interest, more viewings and often achieve higher sale prices.

Sustainability Is Shaping Buyer Decisions

One of the strongest messages from the Chelsea Flower Show in recent years has been sustainability. Drought-resistant planting, pollinator-friendly gardens and eco-conscious materials are becoming central themes — and property buyers are paying attention.

Today’s buyers are more environmentally aware than ever. Gardens that support wildlife, reduce maintenance and encourage sustainable living can add meaningful long-term appeal to a home.

Features such as:

Rainwater collection systems
Native planting
Green roofs
Outdoor vegetable gardens
Permeable paving

are increasingly viewed as attractive lifestyle investments rather than niche additions.

Gardens as an Extension of Interior Design

Another trend heavily showcased at Chelsea is the seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living. Bi-fold doors, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and lounge-style seating are helping gardens feel like true extensions of the home.

For property owners, this presents a major opportunity. Investing in outdoor styling and landscaping can effectively increase usable living space without extending the physical footprint of the property.

In premium markets especially, outdoor presentation now carries almost as much importance as kitchens and bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

The enduring popularity of the Chelsea Flower Show highlights a wider shift in how people view their homes. Gardens are no longer secondary spaces — they are central to modern living, wellbeing and property value.

As buyers continue to prioritise lifestyle, sustainability and outdoor living, homes with thoughtfully designed gardens are likely to remain some of the most sought-after properties on the market.

Whether inspired by Chelsea’s show gardens or simple natural planting at home, the connection between property and green space has never been stronger.

Spruce up your gardening wardrobe for winter

November 14, 2025 by Sam Holden

If your gardening wardrobe is looking tired, all bobbly fleeces and leaky wellies, perhaps it’s time to kit yourself out with some clothes and accessories which will wrap you up warm – and look stylish at the same time.

So ditch those gloves with holes, the tired jumpers and the water-holding jeans for some gardening garb which should help keep you dry, warm and comfortable while you are doing those outdoor jobs in the winter months.

Here are a few items to consider:

1. Norber flat cap (Glencroft, £44.95)

Calling all male gardeners: if you aspire to the likes of David Beckham or Vinnie Jones, a well-made flat cap may be for you. This Norber Yorkshire Tweed cotton-lined flat cap is as practical on the allotment as it is elegant in the potting shed.

Made in the north of England from British wool tweed woven in Yorkshire woollen mills, it is lined with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified 100% cotton for enhanced breathability and is fully quilted for added comfort.

2. Waterproof garden apron (RHS, £32.99)

When the autumn rains fall, you can at least keep your gardening clothes dry, clean and protected if you’re wearing this gardening apron made from khaki waterproof canvas.

With two pockets to hold gloves, seeds and other ephemera so you can keep your hands free for gardening tasks, you can also tie the long waist straps around at the front for a more snug fit.

Just remember to hand wash only with a mild detergent in warm water.

3. Sure & Soft leather gloves (Kent & Stowe and good garden centres, £24.99)

When you’re doing hard tasks like digging, raking and weeding, it makes all the difference to have a pair of comfortable gardening gloves while you work.

These leather gloves are crafted from high-quality super-soft leather and feature a keystone thumb for maximum comfort, reinforced extra stitching for strength and durability and improved dexterity. They should withstand punctures and tears, making them ideal pruning gloves.

4. Women’s National Trust Vierzon Jersey Lined Wellington Boots (Le Chameau and the National Trust, £220)

We’ve all had cheap wellies which end up leaking and cracking, so it might be worth investing in these sublime limited edition boots, created through a collaboration between master bootmaker Le Chameau and the National Trust.

Each pair sold supports the National Trust sites, gardens and coastlines and the boots are inspired by the spaces in the care of the NT.

Made from high-quality Chamolux rubber, with a bespoke print jersey lining made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, a removable antibacterial insole and adjustable straps made from post-consumer recycled bottles, they are their most sustainable boots yet.

The unique Le Chameau/National Trust logo and bespoke lining print, inspired by Buckland Abbey, honours Britain’s natural and cultural heritage.

5. Women’s waterproof gardening trousers (Genus, £169)

Designed for gardening, these Genus waterproof trousers (which are not overtrousers) have a showerproof fabric on the outside and are fully waterproof-lined on the inside so people can still make the most of a very wet day in the garden.

They have handy stab-resistant pockets for secateurs and knives, a breathable padded knee and raised waist for back protection. The quick-drying stretch fabric means you won’t have to put them on the airer for long after a hard day’s digging, planting and composting.

6. Ridgeline Monarch Women’s Gilet (ArdMoor, £79.94)

This snug gilet is ideal for gardening and other outdoor pursuits, with a moleskin finish and durable water-repellent treatment to help keep stains and dirt at bay.

It has practical hand pockets with zips, a secure inner zipped security pocket for personal belongings, and a two-way front-opening zip, adjustable hem and high collar, which adds extra protection against the wind.

On warm autumn days you could wear it as an outer layer on top of a base thermal, while when the weather gets really cold it can be worn under a winter jacket. Available in three garden-friendly tones: Moody Teak, Deep Forest and Navy.

7. Hoggs of Fife Men’s Glenesk Quilted Jacket (Cherry Tree Country Clothing, £76.50)

Any gardener who wants to add style and comfort to his gardening attire should look no further than this snug padded quilted jacket which is crafted from windproof and insulating fabric, with a Teflon finish for durability.

It also has a full-length zip with studded placket cover and two large front pockets which will hold smaller gardening items. Ideal not only for the garden but for autumn walks in the countryside.

8. Chunky Wellington Boot Socks (Town & Country, £9.99)

Keep your toes toasty in these chunky Wellington boot socks in a range of colours, made with Merino wool to offer natural warmth, breathability, and comfort. This natural moisture management helps to keep feet dry and comfortable, and are ideal in colder and wet weather.

Berries which will make your garden a magnet for birds

November 11, 2025 by John Holden

Growing berry-bearing shrubs and trees is an almost guaranteed way to help birds in the garden stock up ready for winter.

Yet there are some berries that seem to be taken in preference to others, or which certain species of birds prefer, says Adrian Thomas, RSPB wildlife gardening expert.

“In particular, birds seem to prefer red berries, but that doesn’t mean that more unusual colours are to be avoided,” he observes.

“Those which ripen to pink, white or yellow may often be those that remain into the middle of winter when birds such as waxwings can be desperate for them.

“Of course there is even a British bird that is named because of its association with berries – the mistle thrush, which adores mistletoe.

“I wouldn’t be without lots of berry-bearing plants in the garden. To see flocks of birds descend on them in a feeding frenzy is always exciting, and if any of the feast lasts until winter, the chance of attracting redwings, fieldfares or even the rare waxwing is a winter treat for us, too.”

Different berries ripen at different times, which means that with a bit of careful planning you can provide a staggered feast over many months, starting with juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii) and going through until spring with ivy berries.

You can plant berry-bearing shrubs in borders or pots, and some can be trained up trellises, walls and fences.

Five berry-bearing climbers, shrubs and trees that Thomas thinks are indispensable in the garden are:

1. Ivy

The berries have a very high fat content. They also ripen sequentially over a long period right through until spring. You do need to allow ivy to get its ‘head into the light’ for it to flower well and hence set fruit.

Growing tips: Ivy is about the easiest plant to grow – it’s not fussy about soil (although common ivy does better in alkaline soils) and will grow in sun or shade, quickly covering difficult areas such as dry spots and stabilising the soil. Just don’t put it in an area that is permanently waterlogged.

2. Hawthorn

The red ‘haws’ are a staple in the countryside for all the common members of the thrush family – blackbird, song thrush, mistle thrush, redwing and fieldfare. Peak consumption is October to December. Their autumn flowers also provide late nectar for insects.

Growing tips: You can grow it as a specimen tree or a hedge in any garden soil in sun or partial shade. Avoid ground which is permanently waterlogged, which could rot the roots. If you are creating a new hedge, plant bare root hedging plants between October and February.

3. Holly

Remember holly bushes are either male or female, and you’ll need a female variety to be sure of winter berries. You may have to plant a male as well for pollination if there isn’t one close by. The red berries are again staples for the thrush family, plus wood pigeons.

Growing tips: Hollies are not fussy about their soil type or situation. All hollies tolerate shade although variegated varieties do better in sun. If you have limited space, go for a self-fertile one which doesn’t need a mate to produce berries, such as ‘J.C. Van Tol’.

4. Rowan

As well as the native rowan, many of the other garden varieties and cultivars are excellent for berries including the pink-berried Sorbus vilmorinii. For the native rowan, peak consumption is in August, ahead of the arrival of the winter-visiting redwings and fieldfares.

Growing tips: Again, it is not fussy, thriving in sun or partial shade, but try to grow it in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Pruning isn’t necessary, although you can remove dead branches in winter. While some rowans such as mountain ash can grow to around 6m, you can get smaller ones, such as the yellow-berried ‘Joseph Rock’, which makes an ideal specimen tree, reaching 4m in 10 years.

5. Bird cherry

A native tree of the northern half of the UK, the deep red berries of Prunus padus which ripen to shiny black are small which means that smaller birds such as blackcaps and robins can eat them as well as the thrushes.

Growing tips: Ideally plant this deciduous tree in autumn in moderately fertile soil in full sun. It can grow to 15m tall and almost the same in width, so you’ll need a big garden, although you can get more compact varieties such as Prunus padus ‘Albertii’.

By Hannah Stephenson, PA

10 ways to elevate your outdoor entertaining

August 5, 2025 by Sam Holden

Perfect your patio, terrace or garden with fashionable furnishings and serveware, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

With gorgeous weather putting the spotlight on indoor-outdoor living, throwing open the doors and prepping for summer soirées has lasting appeal, thanks to this slew of sun-kissed days.

So much so, if you’re spending a good chunk of your time in the garden, chilling out in the sunshine, barbecuing and entertaining family or friends, there’s always room for some stylish upgrades when you enjoy dining in the open air…

1. Wine Glasses – Green Pressed Goblets, £7.99 each, Glass Carafe – Green Pressed, £24.99, rest of items from a selection, Gisela Graham

We all love to drink with our eyes, and these cool green glasses will make your white wine spritzer taste even fresher.

2. VonShef 16-Piece Leaf Print Melamine Dinner Set, £22.99, VonHaus

With a pretty palm leaf print, this melamine dinner set has green leafy salads, exotic fruit plates and smoothies written all over it. Includes four dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and tumblers.

3. Mesh 4 Seat Outdoor Dining Set with Parasol, £249.50 (was £499), Dobbies Garden Centres

With summer parasols at a premium, this outdoor dining set should be snapped up. Featuring a round table and four chairs, the canopy will shade you from the sun and is tailor-made for a patio or big balcony.

4. Meadow Tablecloth, (100cm x 100cm), from £21, Walton & Co

If you’re setting the stage for a summery cottagecore tablescape or complimenting a cottage-style garden, this cotton tablecloth with whimsy illustrations ticks all the right boxes.

5. Morso Grill 71 Table Outdoor Barbecue, £249, Direct Stoves

Depending on the size of your space, this portable grill makes a great centrepiece for chicken, veggie or seafood skewers – choose wood or charcoal. Made from enamelled cast iron to distribute and retain heat, it’s quick and easy to clean too.

6. Walnut Wood Fork And Spoon Set, £14; Walnut Wood Rectangle Trays, from £14 (Small), Bohemia Design Ltd

Rustic table settings with love this eco-friendly cutlery; crafted in Morocco from sustainable walnut wood, the trays compliment the range – and right on point for serving stuffed peppers or antipasti.

7. GoodHome Powell Black 4 Burner Gas BBQ, £200, Diy.com

If the thrill of the grill has passed you by, or your existing BBQ needs replacing, this keenly priced model should encourage the sizzling sound of burgers. Well-suited to smaller patio spaces, it’s easy to wheel around and electronic ignition system means no faffing around with lighters.

8. Marrakesh Olive Collection: Olive Green Side Plate, £14; Olive Green Dinner Plate, £19.50; rest of items from a selection, Rose & Grey

These pretty, floral plates have a boho vibe and can be mixed with old and new. Perfectly placed for avocado salads, houmous or dips… and terracotta tablescape.

9. Leros Woven Outdoor Seating Set, £2,345, Ruma

For the look and feel of luxe, stylish outdoor sofas with comfy cushions and co-ordinating armchairs set the scene for garden parties or resting and reading… depending on your social calendar. With rope weave detailing and modern design, this set includes a sofa, two armchairs, season-proof cushions, small and large coffee tables.

10. Porto Lantern Duo with TruGlow Candles, £59.99 (Set of 2), rest of items from a selection, Lights4fun

When dusk falls, lighting can be make or break for an ambient scheme. With a matte black metal frame and flickering ivory flame, these LEDs will brighten those forgotten corners or cosy, conversation areas.

How to grow a bumper crop of strawberries to rival Wimbledon

June 3, 2025 by Sam Holden

As the tennis championships approach, all thoughts are on this favourite summer fruit.

It’s strawberry season, and British strawberries are off to a great start, with British Berry Growers reporting one of the most promising early seasons in recent memory, thanks to warm days, cool nights and the highest sunshine levels in over 100 years.

And nothing shines a light more on this delicious fruit than the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. On average, 200,000 portions of strawberries and cream are enjoyed during the fortnight.

But there’s nothing quite like the taste of home-grown strawberries picked fresh from the plant to add to your summer desserts – and they are not that difficult to grow. So you could already be thinking about next year’s crop.

The weather makes a difference

“The weather has been very kind to all growers,” says Jim Floor, managing director of berry growers Hall Hunter. “We had a very cold February and March, then from April onwards it’s been sunny – and strawberries love sunshine.

“The nights have been quite cool and the perfect environment for strawberries is 20 degree days and 10 degree nights.”

Plenty of bees help

If you have a garden with plenty of plants which attract pollinators, such as open-flowered geum, iberis, cranesbill geraniums, lavender and heathers, you’re likely to get better crops because the bees will pollinate the strawberry flowers.

For the biggest harvests…

You’ll need plenty of space for a strawberry patch if you want a huge crop, and will need to plant numerous plants. Alternatively, you can grow strawberries in pots but because of the limited number of plants you can accommodate, your yield may be limited.

Many types produce new runners after flowering, which create new plantlets on their own.

You can also plant different varieties of strawberries to extend the season – summer-fruiting types, perpetual strawberries which produce a smaller quantity of fruit from summer until autumn, and Alpine, or wild, strawberries, which bear small crops of tiny berries spasmodically during summer.

How to grow

Plug plants are a good bet and are available in garden centres and nurseries from late spring onwards, or alternatively you can buy bare-root plants, known as runners, which look like root clumps, in late summer or early autumn, and again in spring.

Plant in full sun or in polytunnels where they will be warm and won’t become damp, or if outside a raised bed or grow bag is a good option, Floor suggests.

“I grow them in a hanging basket (at home) because they tend to do much better if they’re not (at ground level) in the soil, where there are lots of pests and diseases.”

During the growing season, make sure they are fed and watered regularly. “I would recommend a balanced multi-purpose liquid feed.

“If you want sweeter strawberries you might want to put more potassium in, but you need to be careful because any overfeeding of potassium, calcium or nitrogen could give you a problem.

“Calcium can burn the leaves, potassium could potentially kill the plants and (overfeeding with) nitrogen, you will get 100% leaves and no fruit.

Possible problems

Slugs are a threat, he warns. “Last year because of the mild winter and the wet year the problem was slugs, particularly if you were growing strawberries in the ground.

“This year it’s been about keeping everything irrigated. As long as the plants have plenty of water, they will do well.”

Birds may also feast on the fruits, so it would be wise to cover your strawberries with netting if you need to keep them at bay.

As the fruits emerge, place straw underneath them so the fruits don’t brush against the ground and rot.

When are they ready to pick?

When they are evenly red, he says. “They don’t necessarily come off the stem quite easily. If the fruit comes off easily it may be over-ripe.”

After fruiting

“De-leaf the plants a little bit, getting rid of the debris and dead leaves, and there’s no reason why they couldn’t be kept for another year,” he suggests.

Good varieties

Strawberries which have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit include ‘Hapil’, which produces large red fruits and is lauded for its vigorous growth and is well-suited to light or drier soils and to containers; and the late season ‘Florence’ which has ‘exceptional disease resistance’ and whose large dark red fruits are produced in mid-July.

Which new plants will we be seeing at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

May 14, 2025 by Sam Holden

Here are some of the stand-out plants which will be showing for the first time at Chelsea in 2025…

One of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show‘s most anticipated highlights is the array of new plant introductions. And for 2025, the plants certainly don’t disappoint.

Whether you’re after bold colour, unusual forms or something to refresh your planting scheme, this year’s crop of new varieties offers plenty to get excited about.

All plants are new to the UK since last year’s show, so they won’t have been seen at Chelsea before.

Here are some of the latest launches that could find a perfect home in your garden.

1. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Garden lights Little light’ (available from Burncoose Nurseries)

Launching at the show is the Hydrangea ‘Little Light’, being exhibited by Burncoose Nurseries. Little Light is a compact, deciduous shrub with lime-green, cone-shaped flower heads that mature to soft pink in late summer.

Reaching just over one metre tall, it’s ideal for small gardens, borders or containers.

Plant it in spring or autumn in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun to partial shade. It thrives in cooler climates and benefits from regular watering, especially in dry spells – perfect for classic British weather.

Low-maintenance and striking, it brings bold colour and structure to any outdoor space.

2. Clematis ‘Baroness Fookes’ (available from Raymond Evison Clematis)

The clematis ‘Baroness Fookes’ is a striking climber with large, rich purple flowers and contrasting creamy stamens, blooming from early summer to early autumn.

Already on the market, the bloom is ideal for trellises, fences or containers, and it grows best in well-drained soil with its roots in shade and top growth in sun.

If you’re interested in bringing this bloom into your garden, experts suggest you prune lightly in late winter or early spring, and mulch annually to keep roots cool and moist.

This clematis is a vibrant choice for adding height and colour to your garden.

3. Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Fondant Fancy’ (available from British Cosmos)

Sounding as delicious as it looks, the ‘Fondant Fancy’ is a charming annual with soft pink, semi-double blooms and feathery green foliage, bringing a light, romantic feel to borders or cutting gardens.

Best sown indoors in spring or directly outside after the last frost, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

This variety is easy to grow, pollinator-friendly and perfect for adding a whimsical touch to summer displays.

The ‘Fondant Fancy’ is launching at the Chelsea Flower Show and will be available to buy then.

4. Hemerocallis ‘See You Tomorrow’ (available from Sparsholt College)

The ‘See You Tomorrow’ is a striking daylily with large, blooms that come in deep purple and yellow variations, and a contrasting lime-green throat, flowering repeatedly through summer.

Best planted in spring or autumn, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This hardy perennial is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and ideal for borders or mixed beds.

There will be 2,000 at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and 5,000 come autumn. It’s a reliable choice for a cheerful touch in the garden.

5. Hosta ‘Party Streamers’ (available from Sienna Hosta)

Hosta ‘Party Streamers’ are a unique variety with narrow, rippled, lime-green leaves creating a fountain-like effect.

The plant is ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens or containers and is best planted in spring or early autumn – preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Already available for purchase, the Party Streamers’ compact form and striking foliage offer season-long interest, while its lavender-purple summer flowers add a delicate touch to your a garden.

6. Heuchera ‘Eternal Flame’ (available from Hare Spring Cottage Plants)

Heuchera ‘Eternal Flame’ is an evergreen perennial with vibrant foliage that shifts from fiery orange to deep red through the seasons.

Its delicate, airy pink-white flowers appear in summer, adding extra charm. It’s best planted in spring or early autumn and thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it perfect for borders, containers or underplanting shrubs.

Easy to care for, ‘Eternal Flame’ needs regular watering in dry periods and occasional mulching. Remove faded leaves to keep it tidy and divide clumps every few years to refresh growth.

The plant will be available at the show with more coming in autumn this year.

8. Geum ‘FireStarter’ (‘Stocrgeu’) (available from Blue Diamond Garden centres)

The Geum ‘FireStarter’ is an eye-catching perennial featuring fiery red-orange flowers with a frilled edge, blooming from late spring to early summer.

It works well in borders, containers or as ground cover, and suits gardens big and small.

If you opt for a FireStarter, be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and cut back foliage in late autumn to promote healthy growth the following season.

The FireStarter is available from spring 2025 and is ideal for adding colour and texture to your outdoor space.

9. Rhaphiolepis indica ‘White Cloud’ (available from Sparsholt College)

Better known as the Indian Hawthorn, the ‘White Cloud’ is an evergreen shrub with clusters of delicate white flowers, appearing in spring, followed by small purple-black berries.

Having launched this April, the ‘White Cloud is best planted in spring or autumn, and thrives in sunny or partially shaded environments. It’s perfect for adding a bit of elegance to gardens with minimal upkeep.

10. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Groundbreaker Blush’ (available from Blue Diamond Garden centres)

The Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker Blush’ is a deciduous shrub with cone-shaped clusters of pink-to-white flowers that bloom in summer.

It features rich green foliage and provides a striking contrast as the flowers age. This hydrangea is perfect for borders or containers.

To care for it, water regularly and prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage vigorous blooms. The Groundbreaker Blush will be available from autumn 2025. It’s low-maintenance and adds a lovely pop of colour to any garden.

How to get your garden spring-ready

February 28, 2025 by John Holden

The weather may still be cold and cloudy, but buds are already starting to appear so it’s time to get your garden ready for spring before the growth spurt begins.

You could make time for a quick tidy-up, washing furniture and ornaments, turning your compost heap and cleaning patio pots.

“It’s a great time to tidy, clean and repair, whether it be tools, pots, furniture or even plant labels,” says Emma O’Neill, head gardener of horticultural charity Garden Organic.

Follow these tips on jobs to do in the garden to give you a head start on spring.

(By: Hannah Stephenson, PA)

Prune fruit

“Prune apple and pear trees. Don’t cut too much off, as you don’t want to put the tree under stress and you don’t want them to produce a load of top growth. Ideally you’re looking for an open goblet shape, with a hand span between each branch. The easiest way to think about it is that the pruning allows a bird to be able to fly through the branches.

“We always start on the laterals on the outside, taking them back to one to two buds. Go for the rule of dead, diseased, damaged and anything that’s crossing. Go back, look at your shape, see what you think, and do it with care,” O’Neill advises.

Beginners should look at a pruning guide to ensure they don’t cut too much off, she adds.

Only prune currants and gooseberries once they are over two years old, she advises.

“Blackcurrants fruit on new growth, while red and whitecurrants fruit on old growth. Again, you’re just taking them back.”

Use green manure

If you’ve grown green manure such as red clover or winter tares, make sure you dig that in to the bed three to four weeks before use. Green manure is any kind of crop which covers and protects the soil, improving soil structure and nutrition.

“If you are going to direct-sow (crops) in March, make sure you’ve dug in your green manure in February,” O’Neill suggests.

If you’ve used rye grass as a green manure, it can inhibit seed germination so wait a month after digging it in before you start sowing, she adds.

Mulch your soil

“It’s always a good idea to regularly mulch your soil to protect it,” O’Neill advises. “If you have your own compost, use that, or alternatively you can get green compost from local authorities.”

Clear your pond

If your pond has been netted over winter, remove the netting and clear any debris including leaves, and cut back pond plants which have died off.

Plant tender perennials in pots for summer blooms

February is an ideal time to get a head start and plant tender perennials like dahlias and begonias in pots, says Hannah Rowson, garden centre manager at bulbs and perennials specialist J. Parker’s.

“By starting these indoors, you can encourage new growth while waiting for warmer weather to transplant them outdoors in spring,” explains Rowson.

She advises: “Make sure to place your tender perennials somewhere safe from frost and with a bit of natural light, such as in a warm, light greenhouse, to promote the growth of new shoots.”

Divide snowdrops

“It is best to divide snowdrops now to help them naturalise over time, leading to more flowers the following year,” Rowson advises.

“You can use a shovel or trowel to lift the flowers out of the ground with their roots, then split through the roots to create two clusters. Plant these halves in your chosen location and watch as they form new colonies in new patches of your garden, creating a beautiful perennial display for years to come.”

Cut back group 2 and 3 clematis

Group 2 clematis flower on old wood in late spring or early summer and again in late summer. They include large flowered types including ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘The President’. Cut them back in late winter or early spring to a pair of strong healthy buds, leaving around 1m on the plant (or around 30cm if it is a newly planted clematis).

Group 3 clematis including ‘Perle d’Azur’ and ‘Jackmanii’ bloom from summer to autumn and should be cut back in February or March to a pair of strong, healthy buds around 30cm (12in) above soil level.

Tidy deciduous plants

After leaving stems on herbaceous perennials such as veronicastrum, echinaceas and rudbeckias to provide habitat for overwintering insects and seeds for birds, you can now cut them down, as new shoots may already be appearing at the base, O’Neill advises. Climbing roses can also be pruned in February.

Finish planting bare-root trees and shrubs

It’s the last chance to plant bare-root trees, roses and shrubs which you’ve bought in their dormant state, unless the ground is frozen, O’Neill advises.

Carry out repairs

Tidy your shed, repair your tools and make good any structures such as trellis and fencing, which may have come loose or been damaged in the winter, O’Neill suggests. Climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle will particularly benefit from this, so you can tie them in as they grow in the spring.

Stake your plants

“Get all your staking done now if you know what plants are going to need support, particularly in the ornamental garden. We have a plant called baptisia which goes absolutely crazy and it’s much better to stake it now that to try to do it in the growing season.”

Clean the greenhouse

Wash the glass and hose down any crevices because lots of pests may be sheltering there, where it’s warmer. Pick a sunny day, so if you are housing plants you can put them out for a couple of hours while you clean, and dispose of dead plants, which you can put on the compost heap, O’Neill advises. Wash down staging and clean dirty pots.

Tend to containers

Dispose of dead container plants, but if you have permanent specimens which were planted in fresh compost last year, take off the top layer of compost and top dress them with a new layer, O’Neill suggests. If you liquid feed through the growing season, your plants should be fine. Make sure your pots are still on pot feet so the moisture can seep through easily.

Cut back herbaceous perennials in pots, but leave evergreen pruning until spring, she adds.

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Easy design tips to help you create a beautiful garden

February 10, 2025 by Sam Holden

Light, soil and what you want from your outdoor space are all important, says an expert.
As we look outside, urging winter to turn into spring, now is a good time to plan your garden, whether you just want a few changes or a complete makeover.

Garden design doesn’t need to be super complicated, because with some simple guidelines you could soon be relishing your outdoor space, says award-winning garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson, author of How To Design A Garden, who has 400,000 Instagram followers and is host of The Ins & Outs podcast.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is not spending enough time getting to know the garden,” she says. The light, border depth, soil and shape will all make a difference.

Here, she offers some design tips to help you get the most from your outdoor space.

Make your garden look wider

“If you have a long narrow garden, the worst thing you can do is run narrow borders down the side next to a strip of lawn because it’s going to turn it into a runway and highlight that it’s long and thin,” says Wilkinson.

Instead, feature your highlights across the garden by planting into it and a deep border at the back which brings your depth of field forward. If you have paving immediately outside the house, bring plants up to that paving across the garden, she suggests. You could then create a gap through to a lawn, or position a path and planting in the middle of the garden as a focal point.

“We’re trying to get you to move your eyes left and right, not down to the end. The trick is to bring the plants in.”

Plant deep borders

Make your flower borders as deep as possible because if they are under 60cm, you’ll only get one row of plants, which can feel accidental, she advises.

“Ensure you can get at least two or three rows of plants, in which will give you a much more interesting garden in terms of seasonality, but will also give you more depth even in a smaller space.”

Use large pots

“In courtyards or small gardens, get rid of your small pots because anything small in a small space feels like clutter. You’re much better off going with one or three really generous pots, I’m talking waist-high,” she suggests. “They can be narrow but if they are waist-high they feel intentional.

“And don’t shy away from putting small trees into small spaces. For urban gardens we use a lot of cornus, crab apples and Amelanchier lamarckii.”

Check the light

“Look at the light in the garden, which is something people can forget,” she advises.

“Focus on where the light falls at different times of day, because that is going to tell you what you can plant, as plants have different light needs.”

The light will also have a bearing on where you will want to sit, she notes.

“Some people like to sit out in the sun in the middle of the day. A lot of people might prefer to sit in the shade. Also think about it at different times of the day. We may want to have somewhere for a morning coffee that’s east-facing and a more comfortable area, like a sofa or bench, that is west-facing for evening sun or cocktails.”

Consider how you want to use your space

“How do you want to use your space and what’s realistic for your lifestyle?

“It depends on where you are in life. If you’ve got young kids or pets, you’re going to use your garden in quite a different way to if you’re older or don’t have kids yet, and you’re using it to entertain or to actually garden,” she observes.

Make a list about what you want and what you can realistically do with the time available, Wilkinson suggests.

In small spaces…

“Be strict with yourself, because if you’ve got a small space, it’s more limited as to what you can do.

“Do one or two things really well. Maybe don’t have a dining table outside. If you’ve got your kitchen right next to the house, you can still eat inside with the doors open.

“Instead, have something comfier, like a sofa or chairs out there, so that you’ve got more versatile space.”

Look at landscaping

“A mistake a lot of people make is to put the patio right by the house and nothing else, so you’ve got this hardscape by the house. We try to find at least one extra place in the garden which is a destination away from the house.

“We can all be guilty of sitting near the house, looking at the garden, rather than being in the garden. You could have a seating area at the end of the garden.

“It might just be on gravel, a few slabs or even on grass, but you could be on a bench in the garden that enjoys sun at a different time of day, or tucked away under a really beautiful tree.”

Repeat-plant

Repeat plant and cluster, always with perennials and also with shrubs, she suggests.

Repeat plants such as clumps of salvias at intervals down a border, spaced between one and two metres apart depending on the size of your border, in clusters of odd numbers (such as three or five), using fewer species but repeating at intervals, to create a fluid scheme.

Hide your shed

If you can’t move your shed to a spot where it is out of the eyeline of your main windows, put it to the back of the garden and plant hedging in front of it, which creates a fake boundary. You may want to also plant other things in front of the hedge.

Remember the seasons

Create a spreadsheet or list of plants you like which will suit each season. Don’t forget winter structure or autumn colours, she says. You want the garden to be interesting year-round, not just in summer.

How To Design A Garden by Pollyanna Wilkinson is published by DK on February 6, priced £22.

How to keep your greenery thriving during late-summer getaways

August 21, 2024 by Sam Holden

Create a holiday haven for your plants and they will prosper, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Whether you’re making the most of late-summer bloomers, or letting your houseplants sun themselves in the open air, chances are your greenery is glowing.

Only what if you’re escaping to your happy place in the sun?

As Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres points out: “Summer holidays bring visions of relaxation and adventure – but for devoted plant parents, the concern of leaving behind beloved plants can cast a shadow.”

“However, with a little preparation, your indoor and outdoor potted plants can thrive while you’re soaking up the sun on your getaway.”

To ensure your container garden and houseplants continue to flourish during your absence, here’s his comprehensive guide for lending a hand to green fingers…

Indoor houseplants

Ensure your houseplants thrive on your holiday with some pre-departure planning…

“Watering is paramount, so we recommend self-watering systems for convenience, or enlist a trusted friend or neighbour to water your plants once a week,” advises Palphramand.

“Light and humidity are also crucial for plant health whilst you are away. Move your plants to receive indirect sunlight so you don’t scorch delicate leaves.”

“To create a mini-humid microclimate, group your plants together,” says Palphramand. “You can also place a tray filled with pebbles and water near them to increase moisture levels.”

Before you leave, he says to adjust your feeding schedule to avoid overfeeding while you’re away. “Consider using slow-release fertilisers for a gradual nutrient supply.

“Inspect your plants thoroughly for signs of pests or diseases before you leave the house, and treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading in your absence.”

When returning from your holiday, give your plants some extra TLC, underlines Palphramand. “Remove dead leaves, prune overgrown branches, and check for any signs of stress or damage.”

Outdoor plants

Pre-holiday TLC…

Before you pack your bags, dedicate some time to ensuring your container plants are in peak condition, highlights Palphramand. “A healthy plant is better equipped to handle the stress of your absence.”

Feed: Give your plants a final meal with a feed rich in potash, says Palphramand. “Potash promotes flower and fruit development, ensuring your plants continue to produce vibrant blooms or delicious edibles while you’re away.”

Deadheading: “Remove spent flowers and wilting foliage before you go on holiday. This not only improves the overall appearance of your plants, but also encourages them to put their energy into new growth instead of sustaining old blooms.”

Prune on your return: Resist the urge to prune extensively before your trip, warns Palphramand. “Pruning can stress plants, making them more susceptible to dehydration during your absence – save any major pruning tasks for when you return.”

Managing whilst away…

Shade: Anticipate hot spells and relocate your hanging baskets, window boxes and containers to a sheltered area with indirect sunlight, suggests Palphramand. “This will help prevent them from drying out too quickly.”

Cluster together: “Group your potted plants together to create a microclimate, where plants benefit from each other’s humidity and provide some mutual shade.”

Placement: While seeking shade, he says to avoid placing your containers directly against walls, fences, or under trees. “These locations might block essential rainfall.”

Watering: “Water is the lifeblood of your plants, and potted plants will require more watering compared to in-ground plants, notes Palphramand.

“The day before your departure, give your plants a thorough drenching. Water generously until water flows out the drainage holes.

“This creates a deep reservoir of moisture for your plants to tap into while you’re away. Fill your water butt before you leave.

“This provides a natural source of water for your plants, especially if a lucky rain shower arrives during your absence.”

Self-watering planters: Consider investing in self-watering planters, recommends Palphramand.

“These containers feature built-in reservoirs that automatically supply water to the plant’s roots as needed.

“They offer peace of mind and are perfect for extended getaways.”

Mulch: “Apply a layer of mulch (bark chippings, gravel, or slate chippings) around the base of your potted plants.

“Mulch acts like a mini blanket, helping to retain moisture in the soil and reducing evaporation – this can significantly extend the time between watering sessions while you are away.”

Delegate plant care: If you’re planning a longer holiday, he says to enlist the help of a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.

“Ask them to check on your plants every few days, especially during hot weather, and give them a quick watering if needed.”

Group thirsty plants together: “If you have plants with similar water requirements, group them together.” He continues. “This makes it easier to water them efficiently and ensures plants with higher water needs benefit from the increased humidity created by their neighbours.”

Look at the weather before you go: Keep an eye on weather forecasts for your area. “If heavy rain is predicted, consider moving your plants to a sheltered location to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.”

With a little pre-planning and strategic care, you can return home to a flourishing haven of greenery, ready to welcome you back from your adventures, says Palphramand.

“So, pack your bags, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved holiday – your plants will be waiting for you, happy and healthy!”

Caroline Quentin: Being an actor and a gardener is not a happy combination

February 20, 2024 by John Holden

Caroline Quentin Gardening McCarthy Holden

The Men Behaving Badly and Life Begins star, who recently appeared in Sky sci-fi series The Lazarus Project, also offers a wealth of advice and tips to her 150k followers on Instagram (@cqgardens).

Her husband, Sam, does much of the filming when she invites followers into her home near Tiverton in Devon, where she makes all sorts of dishes from ingredients she has grown, and shows us what she’s up to in her two-acre garden – which features an orchard, pond, greenhouse, raised vegetable beds and a flower garden, where the magic takes place..

Now, Quentin has written – and illustrated – a new book, Drawn To The Garden. It’s part memoir, part guide, with chapters on seeds, salads, fruit and veg, water, herbs, pets and pests, memories and anecdotes meandering through each section.

Her garden, she says, is “not immaculate”. Weeds haven’t taken over, but she allows some buttercups and daisies to encourage bees.

“By my nature, I’m quite a chaotic person, so I don’t need things to be immaculate, but my vegetables are in a rotational system. I’ll mow a path through the grass rather than cut all the grass. I garden organically.”

The book also features a chapter on wellbeing, an important element to Quentin, whose mother suffered from bipolar disorder and spent periods in a psychiatric hospital, she recalls in the book.

When she was allowed to visit, she’d spend time in the hospital gardens, surrounded by marguerites, which she still loves.

“I genuinely believe that growing things, watching the birds, smelling the roses, eating the green stuff and drawing and painting, all help keep me this side of sanity and one step away from the big dark house on the hill,” she writes.

Here, she tells us more…

How much has gardening benefited your mental health?

“I consider it responsible for my wellbeing. I am by nature someone who goes up and down. I have mood swings, I get low. And if I do feel low, the first thing I turn to is my garden, or if I can’t be near my garden, the nearest open space or natural environment.”

Did you always have access to a garden?

“As a little girl, we had a long strip of suburban terraced house lawn. It was not really a gardening space. Nobody in my house was particularly interested in gardening.

“I wouldn’t say I was a gardener when I was young but at primary school, I’d put a seed on a bit of blotting paper or a bulb in a jam jar with water underneath and it was fascinating. The whole optimism about growing things is always a good thing.”

What was your garden in Devon like when you first moved there?

“It was a derelict property, with just a field and a trickle of stream at the bottom. There was no garden. That was about 17 years ago.

“I put the pond in first because I knew when you put water into a garden, nature comes, and that was what I was most interested in. It was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done with a garden. I swim in it too.”

How do you juggle your acting career with looking after the garden?

“You tend to film in the summer months, and gardening obviously happens a lot in the summer months as well. So I tend to be in the greenhouse in January, February and March, getting everything ready, sowing my seeds, getting the garden ready, and then suddenly the phone will ring and I’ll need to be away from the garden when everything needs to go in and be planted out. Being an actor and a gardener is not really a happy combination. The time balance is somehow wrong.

“I’m filming two dramas this year. I do get homesick. I’m really bad at being away from home, which is weird given that I do it for 90% of my life. But it’s a small price to pay for what has been a very enjoyable career.”

Do you have help?

“Sam will water for me, but he’s not a gardener. Anthony (her gardener) has helped me over the years. He comes in for a morning a week.”

How do you maintain your wellbeing in the garden?

“I hug trees, I talk to trees, I spend as much time as I can in woodland. They call it forest bathing. It’s a deeply rooted human thing to want to be in the shade or dappled light of a tree on a summer’s day.

“I don’t formally meditate, but I do have a process where I try to breathe well when I’m outside if I’m feeling stressed or trying to learn some lines and they’re not going in, or there’s too much to do. I do a little bit of yoga every day. In the summer, I can do that outside and get my breathing organised to just slow my heart rate down and breathe in some good air.”

What’s next?

“I’m planning to downsize and start a new garden (in Devon). My children (Will and Rose) have left home and we have a big house and big plot of land. I’m getting older and maybe it’s time for me to start thinking about a garden for someone in their 60s. I want to make my next garden as well, I don’t want to inherit one. At the moment I’m fixated on having bees. So I’m thinking of an orchard with bees in it, and possibly some wildflowers.”

What will you take from your old garden to your new garden?

“Probably water. What’s brought me the most joy is watching swallows over the pond on a summer’s evening. I would definitely grow apples again and I would have maybe three or four raised beds, and a greenhouse or potting shed.”

Drawn To The Garden by Caroline Quentin is published by Frances Lincoln on February 15, priced £20.