When you look at your garden its all about managing the available space, the time you have to manage it, the environment your garden is in and what you would like to see in it. Plant selection is crucial to give an all year round display, but to big in a small space looks out of proportion, to small in a large space and the plants look lost

Past Lesson -

I never really understood the need for consulting when planning a garden, you knew what you wanted it was just a case of planting. How wrong I was, although at an early age I can understand why, I should have taken more notice of my Grandads borders, specific shape of the lawn, scoops giving him a larger planting area, each section framed with a variety of Standard Roses like sentries keeping guard. He never worked all of it at the same time, the lawn would be mowed ( hand mower ), edged and the top swept off of any debris. Any tap root weeds like Dandelions would be hand weeded out, and a couple of days later it would be fed, all done with care and precision.The borders were planted with mainly seasonal planting which he grew in his greenhouse before the Tomatoes took over, but Spring bedding was not a common feature, probably because the greenhouse was not heated. Roses would be staked upright and sturdy, mulched and fed, dead-headed every 2 to 3 days, borders weed free. He always said it was never perfect, because plants grow and shapes change, the weather would often determine how well the garden would bloom and survive, little has changed over the years.

I now understand his principles, after working with experienced gardeners in preparing borders, growing the plants from seed, tending the lawns its obvious not everything can be done at once. We have seasons, we have early, mid and late flowering plants for a reason they all have a purpose. Which is why we have to consult, plan, think of what we want, what we would like to see when we look out our window every morning. Borders and gardens are not created in a day, all those plants you need for all seasons colour are not available all at once, where plants are concerned you need three things beside some careful planning,

Time Patience Common Sense

Consultation and Planning

Its a day all about plants and the garden

Summary -

• What to plant

• Where to plant

• Preparation and aftercare

• Evaluate health and condition of current plants

• Advice on plants to enhance current borders

• How to make it easier to maintain and manage

  This is always followed up by on-going advice and guidance to individuals,business or organisations by phone, e-mail or if needed site visits