In this day and age we need now more than any other time to reflect on our planet and how we can look after it.

Some call it Re-Wilding others Nature Restoration and in some respects its a little of both. We are keen to re-introduce the same landscape as before and bring the wildlife back, but on the other side if we can look after what we have it will be restoring nature which in turn is quite capable of taking over areas all on its own, given time.

So, your now thinking what has that got to do with my garden ?

Well garden management involves consistent attention to detail, plan ahead, work with nature ( and the changing weather ), we can help nature by looking after the soil ( so wildlife can feed ), mulch borders to allow foraging by Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock and many others, plant selection for interest through the seasons ( feeding Insects, Bees and Butterflies ).

These are the skills and principles I look at as a Horticulturist, every day is educational, therapeutic, inspiring when you see the finished work and the artistic use of plants and their colours as nature makes full use of it

Spring - New beginnings Summer - Sustaining growth - Autumn -Transition and change - Winter - Neglect and decline

A Horticulturist can give you that expert knowledge and in turn help your garden give you both physical and mental benefits, stimulate your thoughts, enhance your memory and connect you with nature.

Alliums Gaillardias Amarylis Geranium Orkney Cherry

Gardening with intent and passion

Created with tutoring client Soil heap to wildlife water area Perennial border plan Salvia Black and Blue

Present Time

How many of us have gone to a garden centre and bought plants to create a border that a month after we are disappointed with, the plants have not grown well, the flowers are fewer than anticipated so we go and buy a few more to fill in ? The lesson I learned in those early years is to give your plants the best start, think of what you want them to do, are they happy. When planting always remove all dead or yellow leaves ( They serve no purpose ) remove any flowers, when you dig the hole ( even if using a trowel ) water around the roots before you fill it in then water again. For larger plants add a mulch around the base to keep it moist while they settle in. They will give good growth and an amazing display because you have taken the pressure off, they need to root into the soil and trying to do that and flower at the same time is hard work, its multi-tasking.

So, when buying plants look for a good root system ( tap them out of there pots before you buy ), make sure there are few dead leaves, and no yellowing, and if they are in small pots 3 inch to 5 inch, when you get them home let them settle in the garden for a few days to acclimatise and then plant. Lastly, make sure the soil is loose enough for the roots, if its to difficult for you to plant think how they will feel.

Its all about keeping your plants looking good and healthy all year round, taking into account the soil, nutrients they may need and plant selection. Also looking into growth patterns and the environmental factors that affect a plants growth, combined with some scientific research in cultivating and managing, but most of all its anticipating what could happen and how to prevent or avoid it, and just as I use mine now, the experience I learnt from others still stays with me now.

Working with you from start to finish

Physocarpus,Hoheria + others Late summer flowering Grasses for a hot border Shaded but structured planting

Trees and plants were here before us, its why we breathe

Lets not spoil it

Natural shape and planting Re-aligned border and plan Border design 3 months later Shaded water feature with Ferns

Creating borders and planting areas will lift any garden so Inspire can -

Plan and design garden borders all to scale

Position all plants in there positions with all necessary information to keep looking good and healthy

Create the border and plant if required

Supply good quality plants direct from wholesaler

Always be around if any advice, guidance required after

( Tutoring within the garden is also available, one to one, both practical and theory, e-mail or call for more information)

* We will always reply within 24 hours *

Echinacea Tiarella White Asters Salvia

Plants and the garden are like a song, they need to harmonise with each other, create a rhythm that allows the colours to flow through the seasons

Mark on 07575 107807

‘In practice it is to place every plant or group of plants with such thoughtful care and definite intention that they shall form part of a harmonious whole ‘Gertrude Jekyll