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20 Amazing allotment ideas to improve your garden space

Discover 20 amazing allotment ideas to grow your own food, learn gardening skills, and enjoy a sociable environment.

Keen to grow your own fruit and veggies, but just don’t have the space at home? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight Brits has no garden at all, let alone enough room for food crops. But that’s where allotment gardening comes in.

In this article, we’ll explore garden allotment ideas that will inspire you to make the most of your plot. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these ideas will help you create an amazing garden allotment that yields fresh and delicious produce.

What’s an allotment?

Allotments are small portions of local land made available to individuals for the non-commercial growing of food plants. They’re rented from the landowner (usually the local council) for a very reasonable, essentially nominal sum. And allotments enable you to grow food crops in a friendly, sociable environment, alongside allotment neighbours.

Allotment gardening has become very popular recently, as more people look to grow their own food, free of pesticides. And at the same time, enjoy a fun hobby for the whole family with guaranteed fresh air and exercise. Given the increased demand, there are often waiting lists for allotments. But it depends on where you live as some areas have plenty of vacant spots.

allotment-ideas-allotment-plot — Source: Photo by Tim Umphreys on Unsplash

Where to start an allotment garden?

Let’s say the happy day has arrived that you are informed that you have been granted an allotment plot. Your plot will likely be wild and overgrown, but fear not; this is a good sign that your soil is fertile!

Before you get stuck into the fun part of allotment planting and watching your crops grow, you’ll need to tidy up the plot first. This involves removing old growth, fertilising well and setting up your on-site storage and equipment needs. (You’ll need gardening tools like forks, spades, a wheelbarrow, and a small shed to store everything safely).

Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of allotment gardening. Here in the UK, even if your local council has no allotment land available, you can make an application requesting allotment land if you get together with six or more others on the electoral roll.

Your local authority must consider it, although there’s no specific timeframe for them to provide land. But the more support you have from other keen potential allotment gardeners, the more persuasive your application will be.

What’s best to grow in an allotment garden?

Armed with the knowledge of what grows well in your area, your decision on what to plant will come down to what you would like your family to eat.

The amount of time you are prepared to tend your allotment is also something to keep in mind. Consider all the “cut and come again” veggies that will give you successive harvests through the same season, all from the same plant.

One of the best allotment ideas is to plan leafy greens, beet greens, salad vegetables like lettuce or celery, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, basil, and garlic. Perennials are also excellent allotment plants. They live for more than two years and return each spring from their rootstock.

Practical tips for allotment gardening

In this section, we’ll provide you with a couple of practical tips to make the most of your plot. From planning the layout to choosing low-maintenance crops, this allotment guide got you covered.

Plan the best layout

Before you dig, review your existing plot and draw up a plan on paper. You’ll need to think about the following considerations to layout an allotment:

What type of soil do you have? This will determine which plants will grow well. Other plot holders can probably help you with this, but if not, you can purchase soil testing kits at a garden centre.
What kind of plants are there already? If there are any established, you may wish to keep some crops that you’ll want to eat.
What kind of initial work do you need to be carried out? This can include land clearing or tidying up, general lawn care, earthmoving, garden waste removal, or perhaps soil or sand delivery.
Are there any useful existing structures such as raised beds, trellises, compost areas, pathways, sheds, greenhouses, or cold frames? Think of what you will want to add.
The elements – how the sun travels over the plot, how the wind exposure is, and if there are any shaded areas.
Access to water and fertiliser may be communal, or it may be your responsibility to establish systems.

After going through all these, it’s a case of deciding on the best layout for your purposes. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for allotment layout ideas online!

Choose your structures

Raised beds are trendy because they are attractive, soil quality is easier to manage, and they will ensure you automatically get nice straight pathways in between.

Create low-cost raised beds using recycled materials or buy ready-made planter boxes. Either way, you’ll love the benefits and the neat look of a raised bed allotment.

Many gardeners also recycle other kinds of materials to create beds, such as wooden pallets or old bathtubs. If you’re going for raised beds – whether the sides are constructed from bricks, wood, metal, or concrete blocks – you’ll need to make sure the edges are sturdy. This will reduce maintenance and minimise weed invasion. Adding a surrounding layer of gravel will also help prevent weeds.

If you don’t wish to install a raised bed, you might want to consider low-cost, more flexible planters made from collapsible materials. Some examples are “farm in a sack” polypropylene soft planters and fabric pots.

Figure out a watering system

Your allotment plot may share utilities like water, or it may be up to you to sort out your irrigation needs. Check with your council if you wish to install a proper water tank to collect and store rainwater. There may be subsidies, rebates, or government grants available to help with purchasing and installing water tanks.

On the other hand, you can get away with harvesting water in many different creative ways. Many people choose recycled plastic drums or similar vessels. You can always harvest rainwater from the roof of a shed, and store it in clean ex-fuel drums that are connected and fitted with a tap.

Aim for a low maintenance plot

Since you won’t be spending time daily at your allotment, you’ll want to work out ways to make sure your plot is easy to maintain. Choose low maintenance crops – ones that won’t spoil if they aren’t harvested at a crucial window in time.

Luckily, when it comes to something like watering, it’s fine to water your allotment for an hour once a fortnight, rather than trying to get there often for more frequent watering. You could even use simple tricks like sinking bottles beside the roots of your larger plants (e.g. corn), which you fill with water that will slowly disperse into the root zone.

However, if there comes a time when you cannot tend to your allotment, you could opt to hire someone to help maintain your garden.

Make use of all the space

How much space you have obviously depends on the size of your allotment. Many allotments are pretty large (typically 250sqm!), but they are also often rented out in half or even quarter size plots.

If you have a smaller allotment, you’ll want to extend your space by growing upwards and horizontally. This can be done through trellises and climbing frames, or stepped raised planters. This tiny section of an allotment makes great use of space!

Add mulch

Mulch is your friend for reducing moisture loss through evaporation, improving soil nutrients, reducing soil erosion, and minimising weed growth. You can either use organic mulch (biodegradable, such as grass clippings, cardboard, and wood chips) or inorganic mulch (e.g. river rock and gravel).

Another type of inorganic mulch that’s often used very effectively in allotments is plastic mulch, a Polyethylene film that insulates the soil.

allotment-ideas-beds — Source: Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash

Allotment ideas for beginners and experts

Just because you’re renting the plot doesn’t mean you can’t make cosmetic improvements to enhance your experience! You don’t have to build permanent structures, but you can go ahead and add elements that appeal to you that you can easily dismantle in the future.

If aesthetics are important to you, you might consider hiring a landscape designer.

Here, we’ve gathered 20 allotment ideas to get you started on your allotment gardening journey. There are practical tips on planting and some more decorative ideas to enhance your enjoyment of your plot. Let’s dig in!

1. Look into rooftop allotments

Rooftop allotment is a great allotment idea not only because they are already popular in other global cities but are becoming more common in the UK. Urban agriculture has developed, and landowners are looking for more ways to use city space effectively.

The advantage of a rooftop allotment is installing raised bed planters on top of existing hard flooring. There’s no need to create paths or deal with weed incursion.

2. Set up a tool storage solution

You’ll need some structure to house your garden tools securely. A small metal shed with a good padlock will be the safest bet to keep expensive equipment out of sight. Your shed area is also perfect for setting up a little nursery for propagating plants from seeds and cuttings.

allotment-ideas-tools — Source: Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash

A portable pallet tool station could also make life easier, especially if your allotment plot is a decent size. Who wants to be individually schlepping a bunch of heavy tools around the plot when you can wheel them all wherever you need them? At the end of a gardening session, it can be parked back in secure storage.

3. Create a play station

Allotment gardening can be a bonding experience for the whole family! But if your kids are at an age when they get easily distracted, one of the best allotment ideas is putting together a designated play area. You might want to add a sandpit or mud kitchen or some kid-sized gardening tools and buckets so they can tend to their own little plot while you’re gardening.

garden allotment kids — Source: RODNAE via Pexels

4. Craft DIY garden markers

Don’t lose track of what you’ve planted and where—always add markers to your garden. There are gazillions of tutorials on Pinterest for inexpensive, homemade garden markers that you can use in your allotment. There’s no need to spend too much money on markers because they’re cheap as chips to make.

5. Install a butterfly feeder

Setting up a butterfly feeder is another great idea to add beauty, life, and colour to your allotment plot. Butterflies add charm as they flutter around you while you work.

Butterflies are also essential for helping pollinate many plants. A feeder is simple to make (again, there are thousands of tutorials on Pinterest, so you’re sure to find one you like). You fill them with nectar and let the butterflies do the rest.

allotment-ideas-butterfly-feeder — Source: Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

6. Plant more herbs in your allotment

Add fragrance to your allotment and improve your home cooking by growing plenty of herbs through your plot. They’re also brilliant for repelling pests (for instance, sage will deter cabbage moths). Plus, did you know that growing herbs beside other veggies will enhance the veggies’ flavour? Basil, for example, when grown next to lettuce and tomatoes, beautifully enhances their flavour.

7. Look into companion planting

Essentially, companion planting is the idea that some plants like growing near each other while others prefer not to. It’s all about complementary plant relationships and making the most of your allotment space. Benefits include better nutrient uptake, improved pest management, enhanced pollination and ultimately higher yields.

allotment-ideas-carrots — Source: Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash

Conversely, planting members of the same plant family together means they’ll compete for soil nutrients. So it’s best to disperse them across your plot (for example, related plants like onion, garlic, leek and chives). You’ll find a wealth of information about companion planting online.

8. Build a bug attractor

Some insects are super important for gardens! They’re vital for crop pollination, and there is slime that will eat more destructive pests (or actually live inside the host pest and eat it to death…charming!).

Add a bug hotel to your allotment garden so these beneficial insects can have an inviting home. You can find ready-made kits to buy or construct one using your imagination and a range of materials suited to nesting. Furnish the “rooms” with various materials like deadwood, loose bark, and straw.

9. Create paths between beds

Building durable paths between your beds is important to provide access to all areas of your plot and to link functional areas. Never fear because you don’t need to spend a fortune on paths. Simple bark chips or inexpensive gravel paths are great. You could also use pavers to lead the way. Don’t forget to make your paths wide enough to allow a wheelbarrow through.

10. Go for that “neat” look

You can construct planters and raised beds from so many materials. If a neat-looking allotment appeals to you, square or rectangular metal planter boxes might be the way to go.

Metal choices include aluminium, galvanised steel, or even cast iron. Metal planters can be strong and look attractive against your greenery. However, you need to be careful about the sun potentially overheating the soil and damaging your plants. Make sure to use a plastic liner and always guarantee good drainage.

11. Insulate your plants with cold frames

There are many ways to extend your harvest, even if you live somewhere with a shorter growing season, and one of them is by building cold frames. You’ll often see cold frames used in allotments, as they’re a wonderful way to absorb solar energy and protect your plants in colder months. It’s similar to a greenhouse but isn’t designed for you to walk through.

A cold frame is essentially a box with a transparent lid or cover. You grow your seeds, young plants, or rooted cuttings directly in the frame before transplanting them to the garden beds. Sinking your cold frames into the ground by a foot will also enhance heat retention.

allotment-ideas-cloche — Source: Photo by Eva Elijas from Pexels

12. Create a polytunnel

Popular in allotments, polytunnels are a great economical alternative to greenhouses. They similarly protect plants from seasonal changes, dramatic weather, and pests. Polytunnels are large, elongated, walk-in tunnels with galvanised steel frames covered in plastic sheeting. They’re perfect for your lettuce, tomatoes, and berries!

allotment-ideas-polytunnel — Source: Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

13. Consider using trellises

Make your allotment garden three-dimensional by growing crops on trellises. These always look awesome and won’t take up precious ground space. Heaps of fruit and vegetables can be grown on a trellis, such as beans, peas, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, berries, grapes, and even watermelons.

14. Bring your A-game

The A-frame style of the trellis is another option, commonly used for growing crops like climbing beans. Trellises and frames provide plants with support, free up ground space, and make veggies easier to pick. Not to mention, the look of plants winding their way up trellises and climbing frames is very pleasing. Here’s a simple one made of bamboo:

15. Make an arch

Another plant that loves a good trellis is butternut squash. You can even grow it to form an archway, and the heavy veggies will just dangle lightly as though defying the laws of physics. Growing upwardly saves so much ground space, creating charming spaces in your allotment. It’s definitely worth factoring into your allotment garden layout.

16. Build a DIY potato planter

Planning on growing root vegetables? Save yourself the backache of digging with a DIY raised planter designed explicitly for harvesting crops like potatoes. You can find plans for these online with detailed assembly instructions—or maybe outsource the project to a carpenter.

17. Make use of DIY cloches

Pest and disease control is an essential aspect of allotment gardening. You’ll need to check over all your plants to handle any problems regularly.

Growing plants that are known to be resistant to local diseases or pests is a good start. So is using preventative measures like wire perimeter fencing (against rabbits) or cloches and netting for insect pests. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to make your own cloches to protect your plants.

You can also purchase wire cloches for protecting plants against thieving birds, but honestly, save yourself the expense and make your own with chicken wire. There are plenty of tutorials on Pinterest, and they’re a very basic DIY.

18. Build a triple compost bin

Compost production will be part of your allotment gardening duties. Depending on the size of your plot, and whether you can join composting forces with allotment neighbours, a domestic compost bin may suffice. You might end up building an open compost bay, like a DIY triple-bay compost bin. These triple bays contain one bin for fresh scraps, one for decomposing material and one for usable compost. Note that open compost bays need the weekly turning of compost to create a hot, rapid compost and to minimise rodent breeding.

allotment-ideas-composting — Source: Photo by Eva Elijas from Pexels

19. Create social spaces

Don’t forget to think about installing some seating – preferably under a tree or small pergola for shelter. It’s perfect for taking a break or drinking a refreshing beverage during your allotment gardening sessions. A designated space to have a sip from a thermos while chatting with allotment neighbours is great for fostering new friendships.

20. Install vertical gardening

Do you want to add a touch of modern flair in your allotment? Then you might want to explore the trendy technique of vertical gardening. By utilising trellises, vertical planters, or wall-mounted containers, you can grow climbing plants like cucumbers, beans, or tomatoes in a creative and space-efficient way. Not only does vertical gardening maximise your yields, but it also adds a stunning visual element to your allotment garden.

Start building your allotment garden

There you have a stack of allotment ideas that should enhance your experience of allotment gardening, and hopefully ensure a bumper harvest! Over to you – have you caught the allotment gardening bug yourself, and have perhaps already put your name down on the list with your council? Or are you an old hand at allotment gardening? If so, please share any tips and tricks you have in the comments!

35 Gravel garden ideas for your home

From patios to pathways, our gravel garden ideas show why every garden must get stoned

Gravel is a wonderful material to use in your garden. Whether you want to use it as a lawn substitute, a patio surface, on pathways and driveways, or as a functional, decorative mulch around plants or trees. In fact, gardeners love it because it repels weeds and helps with drainage, preventing runoff as it’s permeable. Gravel garden ideas are increasingly popular because as a garden hardscaping material, gravel is low cost, doesn’t need watering, is easy to install and is low-maintenance– only needing the odd raking to keep it looking neat. And if you prefer a low maintenance garden, you’re certainly not alone.

As an ornamental design element, gravel is just so versatile. It can look classic or modern and it comes in a range of colours so you can find something that’s perfect for your preferred aesthetic. And let’s not forget its satisfying crunch underfoot when used in walkways!

There are some potential issues to bear in mind with gravel. It needs to be contained with an edging material to stop it straying—this is especially the case when used in areas with foot traffic. You also need to add base rock underneath it otherwise it will shift around too much. Once it’s in, you’ll need to touch it up about every four years—and if you change your mind about it, it can be hard to remove. It can also make snow removal tricky.

Ready to rock a gravel garden? Let’s take a look at 35 gravel garden ideas that show surprisingly chic this inexpensive material can be.

1. Create the perfect backdrop

Gravel acts as a wonderful base material for your garden, focusing attention on everything else. Surrounding elements like hedges or garden furniture stand out. And the gravel itself brings another layer of subtle texture into the picture. At the same time it adds an ethereal, ghostly quality to the space. Gravel gardens have a distinct Scandi flavour to them, but you’ll find gravel fits many different decor styles—it’s just so versatile.

2. ‘Carpet’ an outdoor room

For garden areas where you expect high foot traffic, such as around a firepit, gravel is the ideal flooring option. Not only is it decorative and aesthetically pleasing. But it is also a low maintenance ground cover, preventing weeds and improving drainage (as water drains back into the soil below it).

3. Borrow from the Japanese

Gravel is often to be found in Japanese gardens thanks to the abstract appeal of these little round balls. They just meld so well with other abstract elements like landscape rocks or cloud-pruned plants. And the loose, shifting nature of gravel means the pebbles can be easily rearranged. So they lend themselves perfectly to contemplative raking. A gravel garden really embraces simplicity but also loads up with texture.

gravel-garden-raking — Source: Photo by Simon Goetz on Unsplash

4. Channel le jardin rustique

Another decorative style that suits gravel perfectly is the distinctive French country aesthetic. This is characterised by a sense of laidback comfort and speaks of romantic afternoon soirees. Gravel is the perfect backdrop for this charming provincial style. Especially when paired with weathered timber furniture.

gravel-garden-rounded — Source: Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

5. Or try Belgian minimalism

Gravel is the ideal hardscaping material for minimalist and industrial-chic garden designs. Grey gravel works particularly well with concrete. Concrete and gravel are a match made in heaven since when blended they offer continuity of colour but the contrast in texture.

6. Prep a spot for entertaining

A decorative sprinkle of pea gravel suits al fresco spots really well, providing guests with sensory pleasure. There’s the loose, organic look, the cool feel underfoot, and the characteristic sound. However, gravel doesn’t provide a solid base for your furniture, so you need to ensure you have a strong structural layer of rock underneath. For a relaxed dining setup over gravel, go for a vintage, foraged look. Think floral centrepieces and festoon lights to bring the party atmosphere.

7. Embrace curves

The natural look and feel of gravel means it’s ideal for blending into a naturalistic, non-linear garden setting when you don’t want a lawn. And you can echo its organic round forms by designing a garden layout full of serpentine curves. Or by growing boldly rounded flower shapes like hydrangeas.

8. Pave a path

Some kinds of gravel feel nicer on bare feet than others; generally the finer the gravel, the better it feels. Finer gravel is also more stable, making it the best choice for areas of high traffic like paths and driveways. But while gravel is generally great for walkways, the foot traffic can eventually scatter the gravel. One way to prevent this (other than by putting in hard edging) is to incorporate stepping stones to form a defined path.

gravel-garden-with-boulders — Source: Photo by henry perks on Unsplash

9. Warm everything up

The beauty of gravel is that you can get it in such a wide variety of colours, not just the silvery greys that spring to mind. Gravel colour simply depends on the colour of its parent rock material, and it can be quite uniform or in rainbow colours. Select whichever colour best complements your other hardscaping elements or your home exterior. Marled creams and reds and browns are especially nice for adding warmth to a setting, and they complement timber beautifully.

10. Make it Moroccan

Another perfect setting for warm, marled gravel is a courtyard garden designed to evoke summery Moroccan vibes. Again it’s the ideal simple backdrop to a busy vignette. Perfect if your garden is full of raised timber planters or Boho styled bench seating, mirrors, carpets and pillows.

11. Fit a modern farmhouse aesthetic

With the popularity of modern farmhouse as an interior decorating style, more people are choosing gravel for their gardens. It can just strongly convey a complementary rustic, country look for the home’s exterior spaces. Take inspo from the courtyards of mediaeval homes in the south of France. The look is comfortable and inviting, coupled with cottage garden flowers and natural, organic garden furniture.

12. Stimulate the senses

Another reason to love gravel is that it’s such a sensory experience. It’s not just the look of the pleasing repetitive round forms, but the crunchy sound when you walk on it, and the general sensation of walking on it, whether in boots or barefoot. But if you go for a gravel path, make sure you contain the edges with some sort of barrier to stop gravel from migrating into the grass.

13. Get a beach holiday vibe

A gravel garden is perfect if you want to create the summery feeling of a pebbly beach, like some of the rocky coastlines of Mediterranean holiday destinations. Steal the style of Ibizan courtyards with their marled, light-coloured gravel looking gorgeous against the white stucco walls and pops of black décor.

gravel-garden-with-whitewashed-facade — Source: Photo by Maddie Leopardo on Unsplash

14. Signify social spaces

You can define unplanted areas in your garden that are intended for play or reflection by using gravel to show where the ‘garden rooms’ are. When using gravel in a social space or access area, ensure you have a properly compacted, supportive base layer of rock to assist stability.

15. Pretty up a patio

When it comes to gravel patio ideas, bear in mind that gravel can be less than a stable surface on which to place garden furniture. Having a strong structural foundation base layer under gravel helps. But some people prefer to add a more stable hardscaping material directly where the alfresco seating is to go. Large flagstones can be used for both a path of stepping stones and to ensure the patio furniture stays level at all times.

16. Echo roundness in your landscaping

Pea gravel is the tiny, spherical pebble gravel that is frequently used for gravel gardens. That’s due to its pleasing uniformity and smoothness. If you go for this type of gravel, it’s often attractive to visually repeat the organic round forms in your garden design. For instance, opt for curved seating around the firepit rather than linear forms.

17. Finish steps

Giving your garden steps a little decorative flourish with a smattering of pea gravel is one of the less common gravel garden ideas I came across. It could work, as long as you make sure it is contained in a way that doesn’t make the steps slippery! Want to avoid having to drag a hose around the steps? Plant drought-tolerant (and beautifully fragrant) species like lavender and rosemary.

18. Make a Zen corner

Does your garden have a Zen corner? You know, that spot just for one where you can go to do your inner work, focus on your intentions and reconnect with yourself…or maybe just enjoy a cup of tea in peace! The elegant look of pea gravel can give your corner a touch of Grandmillennial grandeur.

gravel-garden-traditional — Source: Photo by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash

19. Add instant texture

All kinds of gravel provide your garden with a good dose of texture. But multi-coloured kinds, like naturally-marled Breedon gravel, give you a double dose. Apart from visually adding texture, gravel also benefits your garden by preventing weeds and erosion and improving drainage. Basically, the water gets drained away from your plants, so their roots have better access to oxygen. It’s often used as mulch for this reason too.

20. Warm up your space

If you love to dine outdoors, one of the most popular gravel garden ideas is to use the stones as flooring beneath your al fresco dining spot. Add a rustic timber table, some contemporary chairs and a few oversized container plants. And you have a relaxed seating area where people will love to linger. Once again, choosing gravel in sunset tones will add to the balmy vibes.

21. Unify all your elements

Have a lot going on in your back garden, with different areas for different uses? You can bring it all together by using gravel as the material for the flooring across all the zones.

gravel-garden-path — Source: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

22. Keep it strong

Whether you’re contemplating gravel driveway ideas or a gravel footpath in your garden, it’s vital that you install a solid structural base layer of compacted crushed rock first. This will avoid the sinking-into-quicksand effect.

23. Give it a decent border

Containing your gravel with some type of hard edging is necessary for many gravel garden situations. But when you do so, ensure your edging is high enough so that the gravel doesn’t spill over. Some types of edging materials, like pavers, will sink down over time as well, so your best bet is to create a tallish border.

24. Make it modern

Gravel has a versatile aesthetic, working very well with many different architectural and décor styles. You’ll find gravel garden ideas for everything from English cottage or Mediterranean gardens to Scandi style minimalism. It also works well for a contemporary garden or a neat small courtyard.

gravel-garden-landscaping — Source: Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

25. Keep things weed-free

Make your life easier by using gravel around seating areas in your garden, where it will repel weeds and stay neat. You can also use landscape fabric underneath your gravel, to increase its effectiveness at stopping weeds from popping up.

gravel-garden-mulch — Source: Photo by Lara Jameson from Pexels

26. Make it Mediterranean

Gravel is a classic look for a Mediterranean garden. So if this look is for you, opt for pale gravel, and add in signature Mediterranean flavour with plants like olive and citrus trees and fragrant species like rosemary and lavender. Dot in plenty of terracotta containers and Grecian-style urns, and go for comfy outdoor furniture. Here in the UK, you’ll probably also want to warm things up with a firepit!

gravel-garden-mediterranean — Source: Photo by Julian Paul on Unsplash

27. Highlight your feature plants

Gravel is perfect for focusing attention on other elements of your garden, such as feature plants or a delicate little pond feature. It provides a simple, uncluttered backdrop that doesn’t compete with other greenery as the lawn does. And also has the benefit of being maintenance-free, which allows you to spend more time on your favourite plants instead!

gravel-garden-courtyard — Source: Photo by Amy Humphries on Unsplash

28. Create a weed barrier

Lots of keen gardeners prefer to use gravel on walkways through their gardens. This keeps garden beds well separated and well-drained and limits weed growth. The border around garden beds, together with the gravel paths, also helps contain the planting.

gravel-garden-garden-paths — Source: Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

29. Delineate zones

When you have a multipurpose garden, gravel can help define the various zones. For example, a gravelled patio corner with a firepit section can be clearly separated from a paved alfresco dining area. Similarly, if you have a veggie patch or an area with raised beds in your garden, gravel can help define those spaces as being distinct from your lawned areas.

30. Make a dry garden

A major bonus about gravel gardens is that they are environmentally friendly since they don’t need to be watered. Maybe you want to go for a true “dry garden” that needs zero water added, or perhaps you simplywant a low-water needs garden. Either way you can blend your gravel hardscaping with drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that thrive in dry conditions.

gravel-garden-japanse — Source: Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

31. Blend into a monochrome setting

If you love a modern, monochrome aesthetic, gravel will provide a chic speckled black-and-white base for your outdoor area. Add massive concrete pots with lavender for a soft, fragrant daub of colour. White metal chairs with a reindeer-fur style throw and a vintage jug can complete your stylish Nordic-inspired vignette.

32. Add a touch of formality

It’s a little ironic that a material that is at the lower end of the cost scale can actually give a luxe appearance. But that’s versatile gravel for you! For an elegant, upmarket, French-flavoured courtyard, add a jasmine-covered archway that leads to a gravel-lined ‘garden room’ beyond.

gravel garden outdoors dining set — Source: Camille Brodard via Unsplash

33. Edge it well

If you intend to use gravel for a pathway or if it will border a lawn, it’s particularly important to think about the need to contain it well. Gravel can sometimes stray thanks to foot traffic, so a hard edging material (brick, concrete, Corten steel, or timber) is necessary. Luckily, this can also have a nice aesthetic effect, giving your walkway a neat definition.

34. Go Japandi

If you love the simplicity and serenity of a Japanese-style garden, gravel is a go-to hardscaping material. Especially when you combine it with larger landscape rocks, to create what landscapers call an “ocean garden”. Large boulders can be used to symbolise coastlines and islands, and the gravel can be raked to appear like waves.

gravel-garden-japandi — Source: Photo by Knopka Ivy on Unsplash

35. Add sparkle to your alfresco area

Why is gravel such a perfect flooring material for your al fresco dining area? Maybe it’s the confetti-like appearance of multi-coloured gravel that is part of its appeal? Or maybe it’s how the soft and rounded forms contrast so well with the sharp lines and angles of contemporary homes? Let me know your thoughts on gravel gardens in the comments below.

Ready to give your garden a makeover? Find a top-rated garden centre in your neck of the woods. We’ve compiled lists of the best garden centres in London, Manchester, Brighton, Leeds and Edinburgh.

Like to explore top-rated gardening services? You can find anyone from expert garden designers to people who can just help prep your space by giving it a tidy-up or if need be, a complete garden clean. There’s also those who specialise in laying down turf for any areas you wish to keep green. When it’s time for laying a base for your gravel garden, you can also get help with soil or sand delivery.

UK gardening trends are evolving

The UK is hungry for horticulture; and here's why.

What was once a popular pastime for retirees has now officially been adopted by the ‘cool kids’. Yup, gardening is all the rage these days as a new generation of plant lovers have blossomed and are taking to social media to show off the latest in gardening trends. Even celebrities are getting in on the action!!

Greenery is making its way into the fashion world with succulents and ferns sitting pretty alongside the latest high street pieces in London outlets. Fashion icons like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung have expressed a love for all things leafy, and beautiful houseplants have become an ‘it item’ for high-end buyers.

Influencers like Sienna Miller and Kelly Brooks are clearly on a mission to make gardening sexy while health-conscious celebs like Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal have taken to gardening to cultivate their own produce.

Looking to hire a gardener in London? Find trusted gardening services with Airtasker.

Gardening Services in London - infographic

Gardening and Millennial Chic

But it’s not just the elite set that has been seduced by shrubbery in recent years. Trend-watchers say that more and more millennials are bringing the outdoors indoors and there has been a significant rise in purchases of edible plants due to the pandemic

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, 2020 has seen unprecedented growth in gardening, with over 3.5 million taking up gardening for the first time. Moving across the pond, US Gardening research found that younger households enjoying gardening are at an all-time high with 16 – 25 million new gardeners, many under the age of 35.

The ‘Age’ of Gardening

So, who are the new breed of British gardeners?

The Late Bloomers – Eager gardeners in their 30s and 40s. As these individuals have grown older, they have become increasingly keen to garden, however, they lack confidence.

The Millennial Gardener – Born between the early 1980s and 2000s, this trendy crowd have discovered gardening via the Internet. The concept of gardening fits right into many millennials’ obsession with self-improvement and wellness and gives their social credibility a nice boost as well.

The Eco-Gardeners – These gardeners are looking for a more sustainable way to garden, with greater consideration for the environment and wildlife.

The Entertainers – This group has the desire to turn their garden into an entertainment area, causing a boost in sales across garden furniture sets, outdoor lighting, and barbecues.

What’s Hot?

Thanks to the wonders of social media, green-thumbed millennials are turned on by the latest in gardening trends, with houseplants being one of the most popular options. Why? Because they’re low-key, low maintenance and can give you some serious social cred.

Indoor plants, in general, account for over 20 million searches on Instagram and have skyrocketed in Google searches between 2015 and 2020. Cactuses are predicted rise in popularity in 2021 with the Fishbone Cactus seeing a 2,280% increase in Google searches and the Bunny Ear Cactus seeing a 1,985% increase.

According to a recent survey by The Student Room, millennials aged between 14 and 24 years old enjoyed gardening as a hobby, although only 7% admitted to considering horticulture as a career path.

72% of millennials have already helped with gardening
79% have grown a plant
75% enjoy growing plants but do not have the space
51% watched a range of gardening programmes
7% would consider horticulture as a career

What’s Not?

While gardening is sure to become more and more popular amongst millennials, Airtasker research has shown that it is also one of the largest tasks that people are willing to outsource. Why? Because, while potting plants may be hot, certain aspects of gardening like mowing the lawn or pulling out weeds are far from sexy. Additionally, we found that 30% of people simply do not have the skills or tools to garden confidently.

Why Are Young Consumers Getting Their Green On?

There are a few key factors driving the gardening trend among young consumers today.

Responsibility: Nurturing a living thing – even one as simple as a houseplant – is quintessential ‘adulting’. Becoming a ‘plant parent’ is an interesting and low-stakes responsibility that can get your peers talking.

Wellness: Gardening fits right into today’s self-care movement by supporting physical and emotional wellness while it can also transform small, unappealing living spaces into havens of tranquillity. Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables also works with today’s foodie culture and a growing keenness to live and eat well.

Social cred: When you create something beautiful, you naturally want to share it, and millennials are sharers extraordinaire. Some enjoy posting casual snaps of their favourite houseplants, while others dedicate entire online accounts to their most ‘Instagrammable’ cultivations. ‘Plant porn’ has even dethroned ‘food porn’ as interest in garden-related content online continues to surge.

Top Trends for the New Green Generation

As interest in gardening has been soaring, each year we see some interesting trends emerging, and this year is no different. Here’s what’s making the hit-list for 2021:

Bringing outdoors in: With most of us increasing the time we spend indoors, the benefits of plants to mental health have never been more relevant with 42% of people noticing an improvement in their mood. ‘Nano-gardening’ is a great way to bring the benefits of the outdoors in.

Beautiful balconies: Balcony gardening has become hugely popular for those lucky enough to rent an apartment with decent balcony space. Gardeners are experimenting with fragrant herbs, shady jungle plants, and even grasses.

Green, green, and more green: A UK-published Garden Trends Report states that the millennial gardener loves greenery and there will be a continued rise in demand for foliage houseplants in the coming year.

The report also revealed the following key statistics:

66% of people grow edible plants in the kitchen. The ‘grow your own’ movement is not slowing down anytime soon.
Google searches for ‘air purifying plants’ and ‘aloe vera’ were up a whopping 550% year on year in 2017. Likewise, Compost Direct also reports that 52% of people are using houseplants to purify the air in their homes.
Just 2% of gardeners feel that they have the knowledge to adapt to climate change.

Young people are becoming more mindful of the benefits of greenery. That said, with less space and less time, modern gardeners are looking for outside help to incorporate into their everyday gardening practices. With the help of Airtasker, you too can enjoy the benefits of gardening without getting your hands too dirty.

Find a trusted gardener in London with Airtasker, for all gardening services – big and small.

How to install your own irrigation system in your garden

Keeps your plants healthy and hydrated.

Sure, installing a DIY garden irrigation system sounds super complex, but it just takes familiarising yourself with a few steps to keep your plant well watered and cared for.

What are the perks, you ask?

Well, a good irrigation system will deliver water only to those of your plants that need it. And, they’ll deliver it at the right time, so the system will save you time, water, and money.

They’re also versatile, so depending on your garden layout, you can either install at ground level, or you can hook it up through a fence so it runs among any plant containers or any hanging baskets.

If you’re thinking of sprinklers – don’t. They’re a popular choice (and let’s face it, they’re fun to run through), but they’re not great at accurate targeting. Drip irrigation systems are also more efficient as they deliver water right to the base of your plant, right where it’s actually needed.

If you hook it up to a set timer, you don’t need to be around to turn it on and off!

First things first, what is a water dripper system?

A dripper system waters each plant using tiny drippers which are connected to a hose. You can assemble it to fit any type and layout of garden, but it’s most suited to plant pots, greenhouses and flower beds.

Need an extra hand to keep your plants in good shape? Connect with skilled gardening services on Airtasker.

What you’ll need:

Drippers
Garden hose (you can get special ones for irrigation systems), hose connector and hose stakes
Timer
Control valve
Hose plug and punch
Tools

How to install a DIY garden irrigation system:

Start by unravelling your hose and run it over to the area that needs watering. Make sure that you have enough supply hose to reach back to your tap.
Once it’s in place, close the end off with the hose plug.
Time to start creating your water pipe network. Using a hole punch, make a hole in your supple hose. This is where you’ll insert your subsidiary hose.
Next, connect your drippers to your supply hose. Peg it into place and use mulch or soil to conceal your hose. Make sure your drippers are clear though. (Remember, if you feel unsure at any point, there are always local gardening services who can help.)
Fit your water timer to your tap and connect your supply hose to it.
Secure all pipes in place with your hose stakes (if you decide to attach to a wall or a fence, use wall clips).
Set the timer, and you’re all set to test the system. You may need to adjust the drippers to get a perfect position. You can also adjust the dripper flow rate just by turning them.

Try your new system a few times so you get a clear idea of how long you need to run it for.

Need help installing or with other areas of your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners on Airtasker.

How to repot a plant

Learn how to give your plant a cosy new home.

Repotting a plant may seem like a simple task, but there’s a lot of little things that can go wrong throughout the process. You could damage your beloved plant through incorrect removal techniques, or it could die if re-potted incorrectly.

But, none of that needs to happen!

If you learn how to prepare your new pot properly and the repotting techniques, you’re all set.

Here’s the easy, uncomplicated way to get it done.

First things first, start by preparing your new pot.

A simple wipe-down isn’t sufficient to get your new pot ready.

Once you’ve chosen the pot you want to repot to (which should be slightly larger than the current pot and have drainage holes), clean and disinfect it thoroughly.

Why do you have to disinfect? Well, pots that have been in use before may have accumulated mineral salts or other debris that could stunt your plant’s growth.

To disinfect, soak the pot in a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for around 10 minutes. Then wash with water and mild washing up liquid and rinse.

Next comes soaking. If your pot is terracotta, you need to soak it in water for a good few hours before you start the repotting process. This is because terracotta soaks water up as it’s a porous material – which means that it steal precious water away from the plant it’s about to house.

Final prep part is covering the drainage holes (something like a coffee filter or a simple paper towel does the trick).

Source: Pinterest – apartmenttherapy.com

Next, remove your plant for repotting.

Time to get your plant ready for its new home.

Water your plant a few hours before so it’s nice and moist and you can remove it easily.
Remove by placing your fingers around the stem of the plant with your hand on top of the pot. Turn the pot onto its side and work the plant out gently.
Plant not coming out? Use a knife to cut around the soil and try again.
Next, prune the plant’s root ball so that fresher roots are exposed to the new soil. Clip off any hanging roots and untangle those that are left over.

Repotting is simple enough, but there’s plenty of more complex plant-related tasks that you may need a helping hand with. Find local gardening help on Airtasker.

Time to repot.

Source: Pinterest – gardeningknowhow.com

Finally, it’s time to get the deed done.

Start by adding a few inches of soil.
Place your plant into the centre of the new pot in an upright position (make sure it isn’t tilted).
All in? Next, you need to fill your pot with soil around the root ball. Careful not to overfill- the soil should stop at least an inch below the top of the pot.

Finish off by watering your plant so the roots can soak up the soil’s nutrients and settle into their new home.

Need to call in the cavalry? Find local gardeners on Airtasker.

10 best garden centres in central London (zones 1-2)

Even the tiniest garden deserves some love.

Your garden might be small and unassuming, but like every classic teen movie heroine, it still deserves a makeover.

Here are 10 central London garden centres you’ll love discovering.

1. Battersea Flower Station

Battersea Flower Station is the ‘Best In London’ according to Time Out. Their pun name is also excellent.

Completely independent with glowing reviews, Battersea Flower Station sells indoor and outdoor plants, herbs, pots, and accessories. They offer same day delivery 6 days a week throughout south west London.

Great for: Advice and ideas if you’re short on inspo.

2. Camden Garden Centre

Plant area manager, Toby, has 10 years’ nursery and gardening experience. He and his team sell plants perfect for Londoners’ small gardens and balcony window boxes.

The Pritchard and Ure Café serves all day breakfast, small plates, coffee and cakes, all made with ingredients sourced from Borough Market.

Great for: Browsing and their sourdough toast.

3. The Boma Garden Centre, Kentish Town

Boma Garden Centre stocks a beautiful selection of plant varieties, including perennials, aquatics, alpines, fruit trees, and vegetables.

It used to be pretty rundown until the current owner took it over. Now it’s a green haven in the middle of North London.

Great for: Seeing how plants will look in your garden – Boma arrange their plants and shrubs naturally.

Source: Camden Garden Centre

4. Growing Concerns, Tower Hamlets

This centre began as a gardening club for local residents, and has blossomed (sorry…) into a centre with knowledgeable staff and loyal customers.

The Growing Concerns team also offer design and landscaping, so can overhaul you entire garden.

Great for: Local expertise.

5. The Chelsea Gardener

The Chelsea Gardener is a luxury retailer with Chelsea-appropriate prices. Their landscaping business is responsible for some of the most beautiful, Sloaney gardens in the capital.

The centre’s surroundings are so stunning it also doubles as a wedding venue.

Great for: When you’re feeling fancy (and also need some terracotta pots).

6. Rassells of Kensington

This Kensington institution is a bit of a hidden gem. From the street outside, you’d never know it has a Georgian square full of greenery and a 120-year history.

Their plant stock varies depending on the season, but they sell pots, fertilisers, and accessories all year round. Extra services include garden design, soil testing, and maintenance.

Great for: Experiencing a bit of London history.

Use Airtasker to find a central London gardening service. They can plant your new purchases and do the heavy lifting.

7. Clifton Nurseries, Paddington

Reportedly one of London’s oldest garden centres, Clifton Nurseries is a “hidden oasis”. The extensive selection of plants and flowers is housed in a glasshouse, and they even have a cat caretaker.

The Quince Tree Café serves champagne afternoon teas, coffees, and lunch.

Great for: Instagram-worthy landscaping.

Source: The Chelsea Gardener

8. Columbia Road Flower Market, Tower Hamlets

One of East London’s most famous markets, Columbia Road Flower Market is open every Sunday, 8am-3ish.

Each seller has their own specialism, and many of them have had the same pitch since the 1970s. Many are family businesses that have passed through the generations, too.

Great for: Quality flowers from traders who really know their stuff.

9. N1 Garden Centre, Hackney

N1 was established in 1998 in an old button factory. Now, it stocks indoor and outdoor plants, furniture, and homeware. The small team’s aim is to “bring exciting plants to urban dwellers”.

The creative director handpicks all stock, so you know you’ll get quality.

Great for: Unusual finds.

10. The Garden Shack, Lambeth

This small shop is a gem, stocking familiar and unusual plants, as well as offering home delivery.

The Garden Shack is part of the growing community of retailers in Gabriel’s Wharf near the Southbank. Pay them a visit now before they get even bigger.

Great for: Lots of choice in a small space.

Central London might seem like it’s lacking in greenery, but there are plenty of garden centres and plant shops to choose from. Not only can you fill your garden, you’ll be supporting some of central London’s independent businesses too.

Need a little help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in central London with Airtasker.

5 Best garden centres in Manchester to visit

Discover the top 5 garden centres in and near Manchester today. From the extensive offerings at Ashton Park to the community atmosphere at Daisy Nook Garden Centre, they cater to all gardening enthusiasts.

Greater Manchester has a pretty extensive choice of garden centres – some huge, some small and some independent. Most of these places provide a pretty decent cup of coffee, too.

If you’re in or near Greater Manchester looking for some fantastic garden centres, you’re in luck! We’ve done the research for you and compiled the best places to visit. Not only do these garden centres in Manchester offer a range of plants, but they also provide gardening services and much more. Let’s dive in!

1. Notcutts, Ashton-Under-Lyne

Part of the Notcutts chain, the Ashton Park branch is one of the best garden centres in Manchester. It has thousands of plant varieties, outdoor furniture, a pet shop, and home and giftware. For the connoisseur, there’s even a soil testing service (so you can check which plants will be happy in your garden) and the option of a personal shopper.

This local garden centre has a lot of nearby restaurants and cafés, too. They are particularly huge here, with hot and cold options, cakes and pastries. Bank holiday sales can be pretty intense, so plan ahead if you’re in need of new garden furniture.

Great for: Browsing and taking advantage of their regular half price sales.

2. Daisy Nook Garden Centre, Oldham

Daisy Nook Garden Centre is just opposite Daisy Nook Country Park in Oldham. Their main selection of products is divided into outdoor and indoor living, including patio ornaments, plant life, furniture, and garden care. When you’ve stocked up on fertiliser, Café Riverside serves Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and fresh cakes.

Their Gardeners’ Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month for a brew and a chat. You don’t have to register or prove your knowledge, it’s an informal meet up for gardening enthusiasts.

Great for: A community feel.

3. J.Parker’s Flixton Garden Centre, Urmston

Part of a small chain, J.Parker’s Flixton Garden Centre has a “large plantaria” of plants, trees, shrubs and more. You can also buy wild bird and pet care items, outdoor furniture, and gifts for the outdoorsy person in your life.

Parkers were established in 1933 and have remained a family-run business. Their Flixton site has been recently refurbished, so it’s looking shiny and new, and now has a café serving local food.

Great for: Decent prices and a warm welcome.

Don’t have time to cultivate your own personal jungle? Find gardening services in Manchester through Airtasker.

4. Bluebell Cottage Gardens and Nursery, Warrington

Owned by a former BBC Gardener of the Year, Bluebell Cottage Gardens are open from March to the end of October each year. The online shop is available all year round. Many of the plants for sale are propagated from Bluebell’s own nursery, and they strongly encourage customers to bring back old plant pots for reuse. Pesticides are also limited at Bluebell Cottage Gardens.

The neighbouring gardens have an admission price but are well worth a visit. There’s also a “rustic” café and tea room.

Great for: Environmentally conscious products and the personal touch.

Source: Parkers Garden Centre

5. Bud Garden Centre, Burnage

Not too far from an allotment site, Bud Garden Centre is a small, independent with a lot of character and charm. All their plants are UK grown, and customers can also buy locally made gifts and accessories.

Bud Garden Centre’s owner, Brenda, supports British nurseries because the plants don’t have to travel as far, they’re usually healthier as a result, and the soil is generally peat-free.

Great for: Supporting a small business and receiving bespoke advice.

Explore the garden centres in Manchester today!

Greater Manchester offers a vibrant gardening scene with a variety of garden centres to explore. Whether you’re looking for a huge 50% off sale, or a niche, independent nursery down a long country lane, Manchester’s garden centres has plenty of choice. So go ahead and start your gardening journey, find inspiration, and make your green thumb dreams come true.

Need a little help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in Manchester with Airtasker.

5 Best garden centres in Edinburgh – perfect for plant lovers!

If you're looking for a weekend getaway filled with all things green and blooming, these garden centres in Edinburgh are calling your name.

Picture this: a day filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and endless gardening options right at your fingertips. That’s precisely what awaits you at the garden centres in Edinburgh.

These 5 Edinburgh garden centres are a day out in their own right, stocking everything you could possibly need. From stunning blooms to expert gardening services in Edinburgh, they have it all.

1. Damhead Nursery, Lothianburn

Established in 2005 for both amateur and professional gardeners, Damhead Nursery is run by landscape gardener, Sue. The range of products is massive. Their plants, shrubs, and trees includes Scottish-grown stock as well as more exotic names.

The absence of a coffee shop makes this less of a day out and more a focused shopping trip. You’ll get the best possible advice from Sue and her highly trained team of plant lovers.

Great for: Advice you can trust and a massive amount of choice.

2. New Hopetoun Gardens, Broxburn

The New Hopetoun Gardens centre was established in 1978 to help fund Hopetoun House. 40 years later and it’s still going strong. They recently supported the ‘Love the Plot You’ve Got’ campaign, which encourages people to make the most of their green spaces, by creating small demo gardens for inspiration.

All New Hopetoun’s plants are tested in proper gardens for hardiness. They stock a selection of popular favourites and unusual, exotic varieties.

After all that browsing, the tea room is open until 4:30pm everyday and set in a beautiful orangery.

Great for: Sourcing plenty of inspiration from the stunning location.

3. Dobbies, Lasswade

Dobbies is a well-known garden centre chain, stocking everything from lawn mowers to shrubs. Their size means they have good relationships with both national and local suppliers and growers, so you’ll find everything from Yankee Candles to niche designers.

Their sales can bring in big crowds, so be prepared to arrive early to get what you want.

Great for: Choice, brands, and reliable discounts.

Find an Edinburgh gardening service on Airtasker. They can test your soil and help you choose the best plants.

4. Pentland Plants Garden Centre, Loanhead

Pentland Plants is “Edinburgh’s gardening haven”, selling plants, gardening materials, pet supplies, and gifts. The family behind Pentland have been active since the 1920s, growing around the UK. All that experience has travelled through the generations. They’re now a huge operation, growing over 50 million plants onsite every year.

They have a particularly active presence on Instagram. Cafe Penola also has many vegan and gluten free options, serving lunch, snacks, and afternoon tea. Pleasingly, dogs are welcome too.

Great for: Quality, locally-grown plants and seedlings.

Source: Discover Scottish Gardens

5. Conifox Nurseries Garden Centre, Kirkliston

Catering to trade customers since 1965, Conifox built up a reputation for quality before opening up to the public in 2014. They promise competitive pricing for both kinds of shoppers, and a range of plants, shrubs, trees, alpines, climbers, and more.

Big orders can be delivered to your door, and the neighbouring Stables Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Great for: A huge catalogue of plants and trees.

As a final thought

These 5 garden centres have amazing choice, and some have a pretty good cake menu too. From the extensive range of gardening products at Damhead Nursery to the stunning location and demo gardens at New Hopetoun Gardens, each centre offers a unique experience that will leave you brimming with gardening ideas and excitement.

Pay one of them a visit this weekend and you’ll have everything you need to turn even a tiny garden into a jungle.

Need a little help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in Edinburgh with Airtasker.

5 Best garden centres in Brighton – check them out today!

If you live in Brighton, these 5 garden centres are the best in the area. Garden centres with farm shops, pet shops, and specialist stock.

For some, garden centres are a chore. For others, it’s the only way to spend a Sunday morning. If you’re in the latter group, these 5 garden centres in Brighton are the best in the area.

Below, we’ll discover Brighton’s top 5 garden centres for gardening enthusiasts and green thumbs alike. From expert advice to a wide selection of plants, gardening equipment, and outdoor furniture, these garden centres offer a delightful experience for your gardening needs.

Need a little help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in Brighton on Airtasker.

1. Brighton Garden Centre, Brighton

Part of Wyevale Garden Centres, Brighton Garden Centre stocks plants, gardening equipment, pet supplies, and outdoor furniture. If you’re a fan of browsing, it could take up your entire day. If you’re more interested in the scientific details, they have bonafide plant experts available for a Q&A.

You can have a coffee and piece of cake in The Garden Kitchen café when you’ve finished browsing. It’s also dog friendly, and the staff will carry your stuff to the car.

Great for: Whiling away the weekend.

2. Mayberry Garden Centre, Portslade

The Mayberry Garden Centre is Tates of Sussex’s smallest branch in the area, one of the most well-known gardening services in Brighton. This Sussex garden centre is stocked with plants, garden furniture, wildlife supplies, barbecues, and even outdoor clothes. They’re conveniently close to the city centre and serve coffees and freshly made food.

Most of the plants available come from Tates nurseries throughout Sussex, so you can be confident they’re locally grown. Staff in this Tates garden centre are trained to answer questions and make recommendations.

Great for: Anyone who doesn’t know their Gerberas from their Begonias and needs choice.

3. Rushfields Plant Centre, Poynings

Based in Poynings, Rushfields is both a plant centre and a farm shop and deli. There are local cheeses and handmade sausages, as well as quality compost and bird feeders. The Rushfields garden centre even has a hot tub showroom if you have room for one.

Their website has a bank of information and gardening tips for novices, so you’ll be able to buy with confidence.

Great for: People who like farmers markets just as much as cultivating their own modest patch of land.

Airtasker can help you connect with gardening services in Brighton. Search for green fingered experts now.

4. Between Two Thorns, Brighton

Setting up as a market stall in 2017, Between Two Thorns is now a gardening emporium in the centre of Brighton. The owner, Alys Dobbie, is ever-present in the shop and regularly runs workshops for crafts and plant-related projects.

Alys dresses events, spaces, and weddings with foliage, so she’ll definitely have some advice for whatever space you want to tart up.

Great for: Supporting small businesses and getting personal, friendly advice.

Source: Between Two Thorns

5. The Garden House, Brighton

A little bit different to a conventional garden centre, The Garden House is both a shop and workshop space. Based in the centre of the city, The Garden House is run by garden design enthusiasts, Bridgette Saunders and Deborah Kalinke.

Visitors can attend courses, talks and workshops on topics like rose growing and botanical illustration. You can also buy seeds, books, and vouchers.

Great for: The whole experience – inspiration, learning and growing your own.

If you look out for it, Brighton is full of greenery. Track down the people who know their stuff, and your own green spaces will be looking lush.

Explore Brighton’s best garden centres and get expert help for your garden!

Brighton is home to an abundance of wonderful garden centres that offer something for every gardening enthusiast. You’ll find a wide selection of plants and supplies at Brighton Garden Centre and Mayberry Garden Centre, a charming and personalized experience at Rushfields Plant Centre and Between Two Thorns, and inspiring garden ideas at The Garden House.

And when you need a helping hand to make your green spaces truly flourish, Airtasker is here for you. Connect with trusted and local gardeners in Brighton through Airtasker and tap into their expertise. Don’t hesitate to make your garden dreams a reality – with their expert help, your green spaces will thrive like never before.

5 Best garden centres in Leeds for green thumb enthusiasts

Time to unleash you inner Alan Titchmarsh as you explore the vibrant world of Leeds' best garden centres.

The outskirts of Leeds city centre is dotted with stunning garden centres. Some are national chains, others are smaller independents, but they all have plenty of choice for you and your garden. You’ll find a diverse selection of plants, accessories, and expert gardening advice to help you create and maintain your dream garden.

Here, let’s take a look at these 5 best plant centres and nurseries for gardeners in Leeds.

1. The Arium, Scarcroft

The Arium garden centre is the biggest plant nursery in Leeds, with an appropriately enormous amount of choice. The building is structured like a giant greenhouse, housing over 500 species of plant, and growing over 3 million individual seedlings a year. Each variety has “strict watering and feeding regimes”.

Visitors can stock up on shrubs and perennials, and then enjoy the view of the 19,000 square metre greenhouse from the café.

Great for: Locally grown plants and a nice wander around the nursery.

An experienced Leeds gardening service can position plants so they receive the most sunlight. Find one on Airtasker.

2. Langlands, Whinmoor

The Langlands is one of the best garden centres in Leeds that sell shrubs and plants, as well as barbecues, solar lights, and garden furniture. There are thousands more products in their Whinmoor shop than online, so it’s a good idea to pay them a visit if you’re browsing.

Loyalty card holders can get extra discounts, so it’s worth signing up if you’re going to be a regular visitor. Langlands also have a Healthy Plant Guarantee, meaning you can return hardy plants if they fail to grow after being given good care.

Great for: Competitive prices and loads of choice.

Source: Johnsons of Whixley

3. Tong Garden Centre, Bradford

Okay, technically this isn’t Leeds – it’s between Leeds and Bradford. It’s still Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centre, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The Tong Garden Centre sells a huge range of gardening, outdoor living, and lifestyle products. Hardy plants have a lifetime guarantee, so you can usually return certain plants that don’t last the winter.

There’s a pet shop, a fancy food hall selling artisan produce and local brands, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and Sunday roasts.

Great for: Keeping everyone happy, including the dog.

4. Crag House Farm Garden Nurseries, Cookridge

The highlight of Crag House Farm Garden Nurseries is definitely their impressive Glasshouse. It’s a tall building with an abundance of natural light that illuminates the colors of the plants inside. As you explore further, you’ll discover a delightful variety of houseplants, seasonal bedding plants, shrubs, conifers, and trees in the outdoor sales area.

But here’s the best part: when it’s cold outside, there’s a cosy café called ‘Grab ‘n’ Go’ where you can warm up and relax. Treat yourself to a hot drink, enjoy some comforting soup, or savor a tasty sandwich. It’s the perfect place to take a break and appreciate the beauty of the plants and flowers around you.

Great for: Looking for a wide selection of plants, including seasonal bedding plants, shrubs, conifers, and trees

5. High Trees Garden Centre, Horsforth

High Trees is a traditional nursery that’s been run as a family business since 1982. Their product range includes fruit trees, house plants, roses, and vegetables, as well as fertilisers and containers. They even have “one of the largest selections of perennial plants in Yorkshire”.

The very fancy sounding Bistro Le Jardin is open 7 days a week (it’s actually very cosy). If you catch them on a Thursday evening, you’ll enjoy one of their themed nights.

Great for: Browsing when you’re not quite sure what you want.

Now, what’s next?

Get your trowel ready and start prepping the flower beds. Any of these 5 Leeds gardening services and centres will stock what you need. And if they don’t, you can always have a potter and a cream tea instead. It’s win-win.

Need a little help with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in Leeds with Airtasker.

Top 10 Instagram accounts for plant lovers

For the most photogenic plants around.

Search for #plants on Instagram and you’ll be faced with almost 20 million results.

That’s nearly as much as #brunch, just to put things in perspective.

Why? Well, according to the Independent, millenials are turning to houseplants instead of kids for stability.

Not hundred percent convinced on that theory, but it’s still clear that our plant obsession is at an all-time high.

If you’re seeking plant inspiration online, save yourselves the ‘hassle’ of browsing your way through this crowded hashtag. Use our list of the top 10 plant Instagram accounts, created or curated for the botanically inclined:

1. The Royal Horticultural Society

The Royal Horticultural Society is the ‘world’s leading gardening charity’ and their Instagram account is here to spread their passion for plants all over.

Follow if you want to keep up to date with botanical-themed events and learn a little something about the benefits of gardening.

2. Succulent City

Obsessing over succulents is easy thanks to their low-maintenance nature and adorable aesthetic. And this account just helps fuel that obsession.

Oh and there’s a bunch of cute cacti to feast your eyes on too.

3. The Jungalow

Started by seriously talented LA designer @justinablakeney, this account offers up a regular stream of drool-worthy inspiration on how to adorn your interiors with greenery.

There’s also a blog and online shop if you want recreate the look at home. Which you will.

4. Urban Jungle Blog

If you like your houseplant inspiration on the ‘untamed’ side, this is the ‘gram account for you. This lovely feed is a curation of gorgeous indoor plant photography from different sources.

Use the hashtag #urbanjunglebloggers for a chance to be featured once you have your very own plant babies.

Need a hand building your own urban jungle? Find local gardening services on Airtasker.

5. Succulove

If there’s a type of plant that is pretty much designed for Instagram, it’s succulents. And this account is proof of that.

A few minute scrolling through this divine feed is bound to convince you that you need a succulent (or 10) in your home.

6. The Plant Hunter

Curated with love by Aussie plant enthusiast Georgina Reid, this is the Instagram account for the super popular online magazine, The Planthunter.

Follow to learn about new and exotic plants, with plenty of inspo and tips to help you create your very own green haven.

7. Alice Vincent

Journalist Alice Vincent started @noughticulture, and it’s clear she knows her stuff. Follow to pick up some supremely useful tips and tricks on how to navigate the world urban gardening.

There’s plenty of advice to help you keep your plants thriving in the Instagram Stories too.

8. Plants on Pink

The clue is in the name.

This Instagram account, started by Dutch artist Lotte Van Baalen, features a stream of different types of greenery set against beautiful pink backdrops.

Turns out pink and green are a pretty perfect match.

9. Cactus Magazine

With a carefully curated cactus feed, this is an artsy and quirky Instagram account sure to satisfy any lovers of cacti.

10. Seed to Stem

Take a peek behind the scenes of super cool lifestyle and plant boutique Seed to Stem.

There’s a ton of wonderfully weird greenery here to inspire you to think outside the plant box.

Need a hand with your garden plans? Find trusted and local gardeners on Airtasker.

10 quirky container ideas for your plants

From boots to birdcages.

Container gardening has a ton of advantages over traditional ‘from the ground’ gardening.

If you want to practice eco-friendly gardening, you’ll be happy to learn that using containers saves water and fertilisers. It’s also easier to prevent pests, and you can move your containers around to a new location whenever you feel like it.

Sold?

There’s more.

Using a quirkier container can really liven things up in your garden. And you can really get creative with your choices, as you’ll find that you can use pretty much anything as a planter.

Read on for some container gardening inspiration:

1. Cupcake cases

How cute can plant containers really get? Cupcake cute, that’s what. See below.

This idea would work well with mini succulents.

Source: Pinterest – flowerona.com

2. Teacups

Make use of your favourite old cuppa by planting little gardens in them. Cute little cacti could work well in teacups too – all you need is some cactus soil and small pebbles.

Source: Pinterest – theheartysoul.com

Want to grow herbs in your teacups? Just drill a hole at the bottom of the cup first.

3. Boots

Dust off those wellies. Whether they’re a basic black or a pretty pattern, they can make a perfect home for your next plant.

Poke some holes at the bottom for extra drainage.

Source: Pinterest – enthusedmonkey.blogspot.com

4. Muffin tins (for herbs)

Want to grow your own herbs? A muffin tin is the ideal spot to do so, with the perfectly compartmentalised sections making it super easy to work with.

Just up-cycle the rusty old tin you have lying at the back of your kitchen cupboard (we all have one).

Source: Pinterest – apartmenttherapy.com

5. Vibrant tins

For a splash of colour in your garden (or for indoor plants), turn to your kitchen cupboard again.

Tins and cans are perfectly designed to be planters, and especially easy to plant in if you’re a beginner to this whole gardening thing.

Wash out thoroughly after devouring the food it came with.

Source: Pinterest – rocknrollbride.com

6. Bags

Yep, even an IKEA bag will do the trick.

Tote bags are particularly great for growing any fruit and veg, thanks to their sturdy nature.

Source: Pinterest – dailymail.co.uk

Want more gardening inspiration? Turn to skilled gardeners on Airtasker.

7. Buckets

This is a budget-friendly plant container option that can actually look surprisingly pretty (well, depending on the bucket you choose, obv).

You can decorate and paint your planter buckets as you please. Just don’t forget to add that hole at the bottom for drainage.

Source: Pinterest – idealhome.co.uk

8. Garden chairs

Got a couple of old chairs lying about? Before chucking away, consider using them as planters.

It’s simple. Just make hole in the seat of the chair and fit a basic container in it.

It looks a lot prettier than it sounds.

Source: Pinterest – gardentherapy.ca

9. Glass containers (for terrariums)

Terrariums, our old favourite. The great thing about these little cuties is they can be planted in pretty much any glass container.

Pick something quirky and unexpected. Case in point below.

Source: Pinterest – google.com.au

10. Birdcages

Birdcages make beautiful vessels for plants and flowers. Get an ornate or vintage one to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

Source: Pinterest – diyandmag.com

Want to make your garden dreams a reality? Find trusted and local gardeners with Airtasker.

6 garden trends for 2018

Yep, gardens can be trendy too.

Sick of gazing out at the same old garden everyday? Sure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of redesigning and updating your outdoor space. But let’s face it, it’s pretty boring to keep things the same year after year.

Luckily, inspiration isn’t far. You can seek out garden tips and inspiration using the multiple amazing gardening blogs out there. Or, you could mix things up by updating your garden based on the latest trends.

Whether you’re considering a complete garden makeover or just want to spruce up some outdoor bits and bobs, read on for some on-trend gardening inspiration:

1. Vertical gardens

Obvious statement alert: outdoor space is usually pretty tight in London.

But you can’t let your limited square footage deprive you of some at-home greenery.

The way around it? The vertical garden, or ‘living wall’. Liven up your home with some green by planting ‘up’.

All you need is a blank wall or a bare fence.

Source: Pinterest- bloglovin.com

2. Eco-friendly landscaping

The good news is, one of the biggest gardening trends of this year has to do with our growing passion for eco-friendly living.

Eco-friendly landscaping means designing a garden where you can limit water and energy usage, and use only environmentally beneficial gardening practices. It’s a good bandwagon to jump on.

Adopt this trend by using our 5 eco-friendly gardening tips.

3. Edible gardens

This trend had us at ‘edible’.

With the rise of veganism and organic produce, we’re seeing more and more veg gardens popping up in people’s homes.

It doesn’t have to be a major operation – you can start off with a small herb garden (which you can easily plant vertically). Then take it up a level by adding in raised beds for fresh veggies.

This one can get pretty addictive.

4. Al fresco dining

This spectacular streak of weather has finally inspired Brits to embrace dining al fresco.

If you have the space, add in an outdoor feasting/entertaining area with comfy garden furniture and ambient lighting.

A word of warning though. Come next spring/summer, it’ll be difficult to keep your friends away.

Source: Pinterest- oka.com

5. Balcony gardening

The rising popularity of balcony gardens proves it. We won’t let limited outdoor space hamper our dreams of green.

There’s tons of balcony gardening inspiration online to help you work with the space you have.

Think hanging plants, herb gardens, and vertical gardening ideas.

6. Purifying houseplants

Could it be that houseplants just make the interior of your home that much more Instagrammable?

Probably. But it’s not just that.

Indoor plants have been huge this year, and it’s not just for aesthetic reasons. The toxin reducing and mood boosting qualities of houseplants are also being appreciated, with purifying plants such as aloe vera and snake plants being particularly popular choices.

Fortunately, this is a quick and low-maintenance gardening trend to adopt. Start here if you’re a newbie.

Source: Pinterest- wikihow.com

Want your garden to stand out from the crowd? Find trusted and local gardeners for your next green project.

Top time-saving gardening tips

For the lazy gardener.

Okay, not lazy, but time-conscious.

Your dreams of a well-tended garden need not take a crazy amount of chore time. You can lighten the gardening load with a few clever tricks.

If you want to spend more time enjoying your garden rather than maintaining it, take a peek at our time-saving gardening tips:

Start with a plan

Take a moment or 10 before you plunge into the doing. Start by creating a plan of what needs to be planted and pruned.

Keep it simple at the start if you’re a gardening newbie – it can be tempting to attempt to recreate your favourite Pinterest gardens, but map out what needs to be done to get there and start with the smaller steps.

You can always build it up as you go.

No time at all? Turn to one of the many gardening services in London.

Organise your tools

Whether you have an entire shed or a little bag full, an obvious but important tip is to get your tools in order before you need them. This includes your tools, pots, compost, fertiliser, etc. You’ll then have a clear idea of when you need to head to the garden centre for replacements.

Make sure your tools are clean and sharp. Using worn out and broken ones means your gardening is bound to take more time. And stash your tools somewhere close to your garden for easy access.

See also: 5 Garden step ideas to beautify your outdoor space

Choose low-maintenance plants

This goes back to the point about starting small. The plants you choose can have varying degrees of maintenance, but start your gardening efforts by choosing those that are easier to care for.

Native plants are easier to look after, as they’re used to the local climate. Also, plants that don’t require much watering and thrive on their own will mean a beautiful looking garden which can stand a bit of neglect.

Save the more exotic plants for when you have more time.

Take a look around your neighbour’s gardens to see what plants are blooming well in their gardens. And hey, if you get garden envy, you could always ask them for gardening tips.

Group plants with similar needs together

On that point, bear plant-keeping requirements in mind. If you group your plants together based on their needs, you’ll save a ton of time during maintenance.

Use slow-release fertiliser

Time-based fertilisers should be your new best friend.

Self-watering containers

Yep, they exist. And you can make them yourselves.

Mulching

Strategic mulching will save you so much precious time in the long run. Sure, it seems like a lot of work at first, but you’ll be glad you got it done come springtime. There are plenty of gardening services in London you can turn to for mulching expertise.

Have a source of water nearby

An obvious one – but you’d be surprised how easily this can be overlooked. Save yourself the time and trouble of hauling in hose pipes from afar by introducing a tap into your garden.

Need a helping hand with your garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in London with Airtasker.

9 Gardening Accounts You Need To Be Following

Because green is back and it's here to stay.

Looking to inject a little more green into your life and/or Instagram feed?

Here are 9 of the best blogs, sites and Instagram accounts worth following if you’re all about that fresh garden life.

1. You Grow Girl

Launched by former graphic designer Gayla Trail in 2000, You Grow Girl is much more than its quite frankly excellent title suggests; it’s a contemporary gardening site with an equal focus across environmentalism, affordability, style, art and humour too. Think gardening discovery coupled with helpful, practical advice over at You Grow Girl.

Click immediately if you’re after a quirky but helpful take on garden affairs.

2. Charlotte Rowe

An award-winning garden designer based in London, Charlotte Rowe’s offerings include full-service consultancy covering design, style, maintenance, and planting – and as you’d imagine, a pretty greenery-filled Instagram account too. Her latest work should give you plenty of inspiration if you’re looking for a top-to-bottom re-design.

Click immediately if you want to go all out for your next garden upgrade.

3. The Anxious Gardener

David Marsden works on two 5-6 acre gardens, so he has plenty of material. He freely admits that “self-employed gardening is often a lonely past-time”, so decided to bring an audience to his work.

His photography is just as inspiring as his blog posts, and he’s even been featured in The Sunday Times.

Click immediately if you’ve only got a tiny garden and want to live vicariously through sprawling acres.

4. Plants on Pink

Dutch-born artist Lotte Van Baalen is the creative mind behind the beautiful Plants on Pink – an Instagram account doing exactly as it says on the tin. Fronting cacti, succulents, and all kinds of greenery pictured in front of pretty much any shade of pink you can imagine, the account has seen plenty of success with its followers sharing their own contributions using the #PlantsOnPink hashtag.

Click immediately if you’re all about style, contrasting colours, and plenty of pink.

5. The Frustrated Gardener

For a small space, The Frustrated Gardener’s Broadstairs garden and outdoor kitchen are incredibly impressive. He’s documented its creation and the list of trees, climbers, and perennials he selected for it.

As well as covering the RHS Chelsea Flower Show each year, he has a complete list of recommended reading for aspiring gardeners.

Click immediately if you’re holding a trowel, staring at your garden, wondering what to do first.

Full of ideas but struggling for time? Select the plants and ask an Airtasker to plant them for you. Find gardening help in London on Airtasker.

6. Grace & Thorn

Grace & Thorn is a forward-thinking florist located in East London, all about challenging the often-boring gardening norm. Forget stuffy tradition, and instead head over to their Instagram for a constant feed of inspiration on all things green, no matter how big or small the space you’re working with.

Click immediately if you’re looking to improve your urban garden.

7. Botanica Trading

Combining landscape gardening with bespoke textile design, Debby Tenquist’s Botanica Trading’s Instagram account promises a selection of gorgeously designed garden shots, sure to inspire all levels of aspiring gardeners. Think perfectly preened with plenty of style over at Botanica Trading.

Click immediately if you love gardens with a touch of class.

8. Clever Bloom

Hailing from Portland, Oregon – Clever Bloom is the clever conception of craft-loving Erin – a DIY, gardening, and all-things-aesthetic pro. Clever Bloom’s Instagram is a treasure chest of cool but accessible ideas for your house and garden, and easily makes our list of the best 10 accounts to follow.

Click immediately if you want to spruce up your garden or house without breaking the bank.

9. The middlesized garden

Created by novelist Alexandra Campbell, The middlesized garden blog is for people with a garden “bigger than a courtyard, but smaller than an acre.”

Her blogs are for conscientious gardeners who need practical tips and a bit of photographic inspiration.

Click immediately if you want considered advice that gets to the point.

Looking to kick on with your next gardening project? Find trusted and local gardeners in London with Airtasker.

5 eco-friendly gardening tips

Keep green AND clean with these eco-friendly gardening tips.

If you’ve been gardening up a storm, keep in mind that you can have a lush garden without harming the environment. Your eco-friendly lifestyle can and should extend to your gardening habits.

How, you ask?

By taking our eco-friendly gardening advice, naturally. And starting with small steps.

Read on for five sustainable gardening tips:

1. Use natural pesticides

Most pesticides are laden with chemicals that are harmful for the environment. Opt for natural alternatives instead to prevent pests from running riot over your garden. Try a garlic and chilli mixture, or put petroleum jelly around your plant pots so pests can’t climb up on them.

Another slightly unusual (but tried and tested) tactic is to use a good old can of beer. Yep, that’s right. Spray a mix of flat beer and salt around your garden to keep bugs and slugs at bay.

If you do buy straight up pesticides, try and make sure they’re 100% organic with low toxicity levels.

There are plenty of green-thumbed gardening services in London if you need help keeping your garden pest-free.

2. Plant your own veg and herbs

There’s no better feeling than growing and eating your own produce. You’ll feel like a proud parent as you watch those babies bloom… before you consume them, of course.

Not only does growing your own vegetables have the feel-good factor, you’ll also be reducing your carbon emissions by not buying produce that often takes a lot of energy to produce.

Now, you don’t need a massive garden to grow your own veg – you can even do a pretty good job with a little balcony space.

Growing herbs is a good first step. They’re fairly low maintenance, and they attract bees which helps to deal with harmful pests.

3. Set up your own compost

Now, this is a lot less complex than it sounds. If you learn how to make your own compost, it’s a great step towards sustainable gardening.

Not only can you easily discard without adding to landfill waste, your plants also get to enjoy the fresh nutrient-rich soil produced by your compost. Win-win.

4. Limit your water usage

Being careful with your water usage when gardening makes a world of difference. And it’s actually not that difficult either. Try the below to be more water-wise:

Opt for more drought-resistant plants. Popular ones include lavender, verbena, oleander, poppies, and sage.
Sure, sprinklers are fun. But they tend to waste quite a bit of water. Use timed ones if you do get them, otherwise a watering hose aimed directly at your soil works really well.
You could also install a rain barrel or water butt to feed your plants with good old rainwater. Make use of our legendary British weather.
Mulch away. Mulching leads to more moisture being absorbed into the soil, and it provides nutrients and prevents weeds.

5. Choose native plants

If your garden is proving high maintenance but looks oh-so-pretty, there are great gardening services in London that can help keep it trim.

If you want a garden you can easily maintain yourself, select native plants. It’s a lot less work to care for plants that thrive in their local habitat. It’s also considerably more eco-friendly as they’re naturally suited to the environment.

Want help with your garden plans or maintenance? Find trusted and local gardeners in London with Airtasker.

5 hanging plants and ideas for small spaces

Want to up your green game in a small space? Say hello to hanging plants.

Heard about how indoor plants can be great for your mood and your well-being? Clearly, many millenials have taken note, as urban gardening and houseplants are super popular at the mo.

But what if you don’t have the space to get some green going in your home, or limited outdoor space? Sure, small flats can be a little more tough to work with, but quite frankly, we’re not going to let them limit our decor dreams. And that includes having some greenery in our homes.

There are plenty of plants you can enjoy if you’re limited on space.

Well, mainly hanging plants.

Check out our list of 5 hanging plants that can (literally) liven up your home without taking up any precious floor space:

Spider plants

Source: Pinterest – sunset.com

The quirky appearance of the popular spider plant makes it pretty much the perfect choice for a hanging plant.

They grow best in bright, indirect light and are low maintenance enough for all gardening newbies.

Indoor ivy

Source: Pinterest – balconygardenweb.com

Usually planted in hanging baskets, long and lush indoor ivy leaves trickle down beautifully from their planter.

You can find several types to choose from, from English ivy (Hedera helix) to Persian ivy (Hedera colchica).

Want to learn more about how to care for your new plants? Find gardening services in London to help

Pothos

Source: Pinterest – homelife.com.au

AKA Devil’s ivy. These bright leaves are tinged with yellow and add a splash of colour into any room in your home.

Easy to grow and care for, their trailing stems can be draped around shelving or left to cascade down.

The Pothos plant is particularly potent at purifying the air in your home, so you can inhale with ease. It’s best placed in low light.

String of hearts

Source: Pinterest – thecottonplant

Yes, it’s as cute as it sound. These adorable heart-shaped leaves are succulent-like (but not succulent) in that they’re rather fleshy and easy to care for. They flourish in bright light, but no direct sun please.

Oh, and if you’re growing these outdoors, expect a super long trail.

Terrarium-style hanging plants

Source: Pinterest – diycandy.com

Now, if you know how to make terrariums, you’ll know that it can get pretty addictive. So, why not try to make a couple of hanging ones?

These charming mini gardens encased in glass containers can make a stylish statement when hung together in groups. Use Christmas glass ornaments or light bulbs to hang in little clusters.

Other ideas for small spaces

Got floating shelves or bookcases that could do with a bit of livening up? Get an assortment of little potted plants such as aloe and jade and display with pride.
Make use of your windowsills, but make sure the plants you choose can fare well in direct sunlight. Some windowsill plant options include cactus and geraniums.
Kitchens and bathroom shelves are a great choice for pint-sized plants. Opt for low maintenance plants such as succulents to add a splash of colour and life.

Got a bigger garden project to tackle? Find trusted and rated gardeners in London with Airtasker.

5 evergreen plants for your garden that will survive the seasons

Keep your garden game strong all through the year.

According to research by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a whopping 82% of Brits say gardening makes them happier. Even in the heart of winter, gardening has proven to be a great way to beat the January blues.

Now, if you want a glorious garden that survives all four seasons, you need to pick your plants with care.

An evergreen plant is one that keeps its green leaves through the course of the entire year, giving you a garden to be proud of from Christmas holidays to BBQ weather.

Not sure where to start with the planting process? There are plenty of gardening services in London that can help.

Check out our list of 5 evergreen plants that are known for hanging onto their leaves, even in the dreary depths of winter:

Daphne

Source: Pinterest – flickr.com

Want a sweet-smelling garden all year round? This pretty plant adds a bright splash of colour that will see you through even the gloomiest of Januaries.

Loved for their fragrance (which is strongest in winter and spring seasons), the oh-so-cute and compact Daphne flowers are nestled in lush yellow-edged leaves.

Best grown in shady parts of your garden.

Holly

Source: Pinterest – gardeningknowhow.com

Other than ‘decking the halls’ with it at Christmas, you can enjoy the sight of the famous dark green leaves and red berries in your garden throughout the year. The glossy leaves are tougher than they look and can survive even the harshest of winters.

Oh and, not only are the berries adorable to look at, they’re a source of food for birds in the winter.

What’s not to love?

Euonymus japonicus

Source: Pinterest – plantssquakmtnursery.com

AKA evergreen spindle. The possibilities are endless with this fresh green plant. The Asian native evergreen shrub can be grown as a tree or a hedge. It’s also highly versatile so you can choose from a variety of shapes.

It’s often spotted by the sea, but you can grow evergreen spindle pretty much everywhere. Severe frost may give the leaves a glazed look, but a rise in temperature will see them come right back to life.

Box (buxus)

Source: Pinterest – denieplant.be

The box plant is a classic evergreen choice, and low maintenance throughout the year. No matter how dishevelled your garden currently is, box plants are great for adding a neat look and a somewhat formal air.

Shape your box plant to your preference. Opt for squares for a modern and chic look, or go for the classic curve. This evergreen shrub thrives best out of the sun but is just fine on sunnier days with a bit more water.

Lavender

Source: Pinterest – quizony.com

Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? And it’s surprisingly easy to grow, with a high tolerance for all kinds of weather.

This popular evergreen plant brings pretty shades of purple to your garden all year round. Snip and put in a little glass vase to bring that much-loved fragrance indoors.

Make little sachets of dried lavender blossoms for your closet. They can help protect clothes from moths.

Need an extra pair of hands to help with your garden? Find trusted gardeners in London with Airtasker

How to make your own compost bin

Show your garden how much you love it.

Creating and maintaining a successful compost heap is peak adult. Level 45 adult, to be precise. It’s amazing for your garden’s health, stops useful things from ending up in landfill, and shows you’ve really got your life together.

This is how to create a DIY compost bin, or an indoor compost bin, and start filling your garden full of nutrients.

Psst; need to find a gardener in London? Find rated and trusted local gardening services with Airtasker.

Choose your container

Plastic

Ready-made plastic compost bins come in all kinds of different sizes – some are very compact, others can hold 500 litres.

Good points

If it comes with a lid, it’ll keep vermin and animals out.
Usually super cheap.

Downsides

Less air circulation.
Depending on the structure, it’s harder to turn the compost over.

Wood

For some, wood is a better compost bin material because it’s more natural. If you’re crafty enough, you can build your own.

Good points

Better air circulation.
Easy to access and turn.

Bad points

Making one yourself is time-consuming (you’ll need to be a keen bean to take the project on).
Vermin is more likely to cause damage.

Source: Saga

Choose a spot

Your compost bin needs to be put on a level surface, ideally on higher ground in case of flooding.

Extreme temperature changes and strong sunlight are a no-no – its temperature should ideally stay the same. Choose a shady area of the garden that won’t be waterlogged after heavy rain.

What to put in it

There are two types of compost bin waste – green and brown. When you’re adding material to your bin, alternate between green and brown to vary the contents as much as possible.

Green

Fresh garden waste (plant and grass cuttings)
Vegetable peelings
Fruit and vegetable offcuts
Crushed gg shells
Tea bags and coffee grounds

Brown

Rough garden waste (branches, twigs, fallen leaves)
Cardboard and newspaper cuttings
Woodchips.

Source: Eden Project

How to look after it

Turn it regularly

Air is essential for a compost heap to develop and become fertiliser. To stop the heap from becoming too wet, turn it with a gardening fork and mix the contents together regularly. At least once a month should be fine, but as the weather changes you’ll need to keep an eye on it.

Another (more satisfying) way to aerate is to stab holes into the heap with your gardening fork.

Add an accelerator

You can buy compost accelerators at a garden centre or DIY shop.

If you’re lacking in green waste, some products can replace the nitrogen they add to the heap. If you’re lacking in brown waste, you need something to add more carbon.

Indoor composting

If your outdoor space is quite small, keeping a pile of decaying waste in it probably isn’t a huge priority. Instead, buy a small bin with a lid, throw your compost material in, and add some fresh soil every week or so. Store it in a cupboard so pets and kids will keep their hands off it.

Treat your indoor compost bin like an outdoor one – keep turning the contents, aerate it, and check how the colour changes and develops.

When it’s ready

Your compost won’t be ready for at least 6 months. When it’s ready, it’ll closely resemble soil. Check that it’s brown/black in colour and has a spongy texture. The original ingredients should be entirely gone.

If the compost is too wet add more brown waste and turn more often.

If the compost is too dry add more green waste.

Spread it on top of your normal soil in a thick, consistent layer. If you’re potting plants, mix your own compost with ready-made compost. Spreading compost on flower beds improves the quality of the natural soil, prevents disease and parasites, and feeds the worms.

Want to put your compost to good use? Find local gardeners with Airtasker.

5 sites to buy plants online

Get some greenery delivered right to your door.

Garden centres might be the perfect Sunday afternoon for some, but a lot of effort for others. You can get almost anything delivered to your house, and plant buying websites are no different.

These 5 websites are some of the best for buying plants online. They all offer something different, from obscure cacti to affordable, familiar perennials.

Pssst. Need a little help finding local gardeners in London? Connect with trusted gardening services and professionals with Airtasker.

1. Crocus

Crocus has an impressive number of categories and subcategories. Gardening beginners will love the search function. Shoppers can choose plants and flowers based on their ideal soil type, preferred position, and need for sunlight.

Buy perennials, shrubs, flowers, container plants, and even garden furniture easily online. Their collection of gardening accessories also means you can get all your equipment in one go too.

Frequent sales and discounts make filling your flower beds super cheap too.

Best thing about it – the super-specific product filters. Got an east-facing garden with dry, sandy soil? Here are 27 plants that will be ideal.

2. Ornamental Trees

This site stocks 500 different trees and shrubs, from unusual fruit trees you’ve never heard of, to traditional evergreens. Each tree has detailed planting and care information, including aftercare and how to prune. Most trees are available in different sizes.

Many of the trees require some careful looking after, but some are fine for beginners. Read the extensive notes before you buy.

Best thing about it – the novelty. They stock trees you’re unlikely to find at your local nursery.

3. Blackmoor Nurseries

This family-run nursery specialises in fruit trees, growing their varieties on 250 acres. Shoppers can choose from edible apple, kiwi, loganberry, strawberry and more. Foodies can even buy a truffle tree.

To help with the logistics, Blackmoor have created a 28-page fruit-grower’s handbook. The guide explains how to plant, where to prune, and how to care for the specific plant every month of the year.

Best thing about it – the massive choice. Beginners and experienced fruit-growers will both be pretty impressed.

4. Tropical Britain

Buy grasses, perennials, and succulents from all over the world. Gardeners who want to introduce something a bit different to their garden have their pick of plants native to South America, the Himalayas, and Australia.

Each plant includes detailed info about growing preferences, aftercare, and cultivation. It’s not true that exotic plants won’t thrive in a British climate, Tropical Britain. They grow all their stock indoors in the UK.

Best thing about it – style and substance. Pick a plant that would look great in your garden and get lots of advice on taking care of it.

5. RHS Plants

This online plant shop is from the most reputable source – The Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS owns and maintains 4 gardens throughout the UK, and hosts the Chelsea Flower Show every year.

The RHS’ search tool helps you filter by soil type, sun exposure, and the category of plant you’re looking for (herbs, evergreens, grasses, shrubs, etc.) If you need any more advice, their online resources are pretty thorough too.

Best thing about it – search for exactly what you need. Browsing is fun, but you can also get really specific.

These plant buying sites stock a varieties you’ll already be familiar with, and plenty you’ve never seen before. Whether you’re looking for something different, or functional plants that keep flowering, your garden will be full of colour in no time.

Need help planting your new purchases? Find trusted and local gardeners in London.

Gardening tips every beginner needs to know

Embracing the green? These basic gardening tips should help.

If you’ve decided to get serious about your garden – congratulations. Not only does it help bees and wildlife, gardening is good for your mental health, burns calories, and even helps keep your heart pumping away.

For those who aren’t sure where to start, this outdoor plant advice and gardening help is perfect for beginners. You’ll be pruning confidently in no time.

Essential equipment

There are hundreds of shiny gardening tools you could buy, but a beginner only needs the basics. A good pair of gloves, a sharp pair of secateurs, and some decent compost will go far.

Hand trowel/fork
Secateurs
Watering can
Gardening gloves
Multipurpose compost
Planting pots
Labels

Weeding

Weeds are the bane of a gardener’s life. They wait for the perfect conditions, grow fast, and spread their seeds very easily.

Unsure whether something’s a weed or the beginning of a plant worth looking after? Use the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) visual guide. It will help you sort the horsetail from the hydrangeas.

Weeds in flower beds

It’s a good idea to tackle weeds when they’re tiny seedlings, but this gets confusing when you’ve been growing new plants at the same time. Use your labels to identify what’s been planted where, and search for images if you’re not sure what they should look like.

Remove the weeds by hand, or with your gardening fork. Outdoor plant advice suggests you cut the roots at the top or remove them completely, if possible.

Stop them growing again by adding a layer of bark on top of the soil.

Weeds in pots

You’ll mainly find mosses and algae in pots, which can be removed by hand. Use your trowel to remove the top layer of soil and replace with fresh compost.

Stop them growing again with a layer of pebbles, glass chips, or shells.

Weeds in the lawn

Kill the weeds and protect the rest of your lawn by adding herbicide to just the leaves. For weeds which look like a rougher kind of grass, cut them as short as possible before mowing as normal.

Stop them growing again by raking the lawn regularly, and spiking holes in the turf to keep air flowing through it.

Planting

The plants and flowers you choose are the stars of the garden. You’ll probably want a specific look, but plants have different needs and personalities.

The conditions of your garden won’t necessarily be comfortable for a particular variety, and some will flower once and never show their face again.

Looking for low-maintenance perennials? Not even sure what a perennial is? Read our guide to the 5 outdoor plants you can’t kill.

Flowerbeds

Prepare the soil by turning it over with your fork, remove stones, pebbles, and anything that looks like a weed. Sprinkle some fertiliser over the top to speed up growth.

Half a pint of water for each plant is about enough, according to legendary gardening don Alan Titchmarsh.

Regardless of what direction your garden points towards, the perimeters will get some shade at some point in the day. Ideal plants for beds include alchemilla mollis, anemones, asters, and roses.

Pots and troughs

Terracotta and plastic are the best materials for spring and winter pots. They need to be fairly big (the smaller the pot the quicker it dries), and have holes in the bottom for drainage.

From April to September, water the pots whenever they become dry. Cut the dead bits off to encourage new growth. If the rain’s lashing down, move the pots somewhere covered or they’ll ‘drown’.

Begonia, hydrangea, pansies, and clematis love containers and pots. If you need some gardening help in London, they’ll be happy to suggest plants that thrive in small spaces.

Hanging baskets

Line the baskets with moss, or readymade liners, and half-fill with compost. In spring and summer, treat them like containers and water just as regularly. They benefit massively from weekly fertilising too.

You can keep hanging baskets outside in cold months if you choose winter plants, but they’ll need to come indoors if it gets really frosty.

Becoming a savvy gardener is all about trial and error. Once you’ve got the basics, you can start branching out into more unusual plants and experiment with your soil’s pH. Until that time, successfully keeping it all alive is still a major victory.

Looking for help with your garden tasks? Find professional gardeners in London with Airtasker

How to grow vegetables on your balcony

Up your veggie intake with just a little balcony space.

Living in a city doesn’t have to mean missing out on fresh organic vegetables and herbs at home. Even with the (teeniest) tiniest balcony, you can create a thriving kitchen garden of your very own. Not only can you consume what you harvest, you’ll feel like a proud parent as you watch your veggies grow.

You’re going to love casually popping out to pluck some mint leaves for your Pimms this summer. And with a blossoming balcony allotment, there really won’t be any excuse to not meet your 5-a-day quota anymore.

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started with growing vegetables in London:

Start with herbs

New to the world of edible gardening? Kick off with planting herbs. Why? They’re super easy to grow and all they need is a few hours of sunlight. It’s a good idea to start small to see what you can maintain before you go all out.

Mint, basil, parsley, oregano, try them all. And hey, you might even get inspired to try a new mix of flavours in your cooking.

Consider hanging plants for limited space

If you’re the proud owner of a smaller balcony, don’t let that get in the way of you and your fresh veg. Opt for vertical gardening to maximise your space. Check out some ideas below:

Create a DIY wall planter

Source: Pinterest – zinawright.typepad.com

Use a hanging shoe organiser for your herbs

Source: Pinterest – instructables.com

Hang plant pots in rows to maximise space

Source: Pinterest – bhg.com

Position plants based on sunlight access

Most plants will require 6 hours of sunshine a day. Some, such as root vegetables, can get by on less. This is why you need to put a little time and effort into planning your micro allotment. You should arrange your plants based on their own specific needs. Some will be needier than others.

It also helps to arrange your pots before you pour the soil so they’re easier to move around.

Choose deep pots which retain moisture for longer

Small pots tend to dry quickly, so opt for deeper pots to keep the soil most. It’s especially important to use larger pots if you’re growing big veg such as courgettes, peppers and tomatoes. For vegetables of this size, choose pots that are around 40cm deep. For herbs and smaller veg such as carrots or radishes, 20cm deep should be sufficient for them to thrive.

Use a soil-less potting blend

A soil-less potting medium is lighter and good at retaining moisture. Paired with organic fertiliser, it should result in some plump and juicy homegrown veg. So much better than store-bought.

Consistent care is key

Though balcony allotments are fairly low maintenance, you’ll need to take a little time out of hectic city life to care for your babies. Consistent watering, fertilising, and pruning is important. Seed packets will tell you all you need to know about specific care instructions.

Don’t let the maintenance factor stress you out, as most plants won’t need much watering and pruning is only required every so often. Things just get a little out of hand if you neglect them for a while. If you need help caring for your balcony garden while you’re away, there are plenty of great gardening services in London.

Combine different types of veg into one pot based on needs

Want to combine more than one plant into one pot? It’s generally a good idea. Pair plants into pots based on their needs. For instance, lettuce and herbs are great companions as they have similar requirements for water and fertiliser. Aubergines and beans also go well together.

Avoid incompatible combinations to make caring for your urban allotment easier.

Need some help in the gardening? Find trusted and local gardeners in London with Airtasker

How to make the perfect terrarium

Who doesn't want more green in their lives? Say hello to your very own indoor mini garden.

Houseplants are the way forward for those of us with limited garden space. Not only do indoor plants purify the air in your home, they also beat the blues and have many other benefits.

If you don’t have time for too much maintenance, you may just need a terrarium or two in your life.

Terrariums are an easy way to create instant botanical vibes in your home, and you don’t need extensive gardening skills to put one together. In fact, the whole DIY process for terrariums is easy and enjoyable.

First things first, what is a terrarium?

Essentially, a pretty ‘mini garden’ that’s super easy to care for. A terrarium is a set of small plants growing in a contained environment. Containers are transparent and usually just have an opening big enough to let you plant inside. And the best part? Each terrarium you make is completely unique.

And above all that let’s face it, they’re adorable.

Want to learn how to make the perfect terrarium? Here’s what you need to get started:

A glass container to create your terrarium in. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your choices, as long as the opening is wide enough to let you plant inside.
Stones or pebbles as the base layer to provide water drainage.
Activated charcoal to keep water fresh and to fight off any bacteria.
Soil. Any type should do unless you’re opting for a plant with specific soil needs.
Your plant of choice. Popular terrarium plants include air plants and succulents.
Any tools you may need to put it together, such as a spoon or gloves. Although it’s easy to put a small terrarium together using just your hands.

Start by picking a glass container of your choice (head to your local charity shop if you don’t have one at home) and follow the steps below:

1. Cover the bottom of your container with small stones or pebbles. Keep this base layer about 1.5 inches thick.

Source: Pinterest – contemporist. com

2. Put down a thin layer of activated charcoal, which helps keep the soil fresh. This is especially important if you’re opting for a closed container.

3. Add a layer of soil. Keep this layer between 2-3 inches deep. Pay attention to the edges as that’s what will be seen outside.

4. Create a hole in the soil and start adding your plants of choice, working your way from the largest to smallest. Prune before re-potting.

Careful not to add too many plants to avoid overcrowding. If you’re worried about upkeep, there are plenty of low-maintenance indoor plants to choose from.

Source: Pinterest – contemporist. com

5. Add another layer of stones/pebbles and any decorative items, and voila! Your own little mini indoor garden.

Source: Pinterest – contemporist. com

Need a little help with your outdoor garden space? Find gardening services in London on Airtasker.

Terrarium tips

A terrarium will survive just fine with a spritz of water once a week.
When deciding between open and closed terrariums, consider the needs of the plant you’d like to grow. If it’s more of a sun-lover, an open container works better. Plants that thrive in humidity would be better placed in a closed jar.
Avoid placing in hot areas or rooms with direct sunlight – terrariums are basically mini greenhouses so any direct heat could scorch the plants inside. They grow best in indirect light.
Remote any wilting or rotting plants as soon you spot them to allow the rest of the plants to thrive.
Use unusual containers such as transparent teacups and glass lighting fixtures to create a quirky terrarium.
Get creative with landscaping – you can use anything from figurines and gnomes to cake toppers.
There are no rules with terrarium design – just play around and have fun with it!

Terrarium inspiration

Use glass Christmas ornaments to create hanging terrariums

Source: Pinterest – brit. co

Got any old mason jars lying about?

Source: Pinterest – clarkhoward.com

Group an assortment of terrariums together for a seriously impressive indoor garden.

Source: Pinterest – flickr.com

Need a little extra help with the garden? Find trusted and local gardeners in London with Airtasker.

5 outdoor plants you can’t kill

Struggling keeping the green in your life alive? These five plants are your best bet.

Gardening is often seen as a high-maintenance activity, preferred by people who have monogrammed weeding gloves – but gardening trends are evolving and more people than ever are getting into the green.

It’s easy to maintain your garden (or your window box) if you know where to plant things and how much water to chuck on it – but if you’re a novice, it might seem like a task too big.

You don’t need to spend your life pruning and investigating every leaf spot though, just simple knowledge and gardening services will do. Here are five examples of the toughest greenery – and some outdoor plant advice – for even the most careless gardener.

Geranium Rozanne

Appropriately nicknamed ‘hardy Geranium’, this five-petalled outdoor flower can put up with most things. It doesn’t mind what pH the soil is, won’t judge you if your garden isn’t south-facing, and grows like a trooper in both sunlight and shade.

Geraniums are worth it for a small amount of care – you’ll see green leaves throughout spring, summer and autumn.

Source: Let’s Go Planting

How to keep it alive:

Water – Keep geraniums moist, but make sure the water can drain if in a pot.

Light – A mix of direct sunlight and partial shade.

Anything else? – This is super low-maintenance – you don’t even need to trim off old leaves. Leaving them alone encourages new growth.

Iris

It might look delicate, but the Iris achieves a top score of 7 for toughness, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). That means it grows nicely even “in the severest European continental climates”. Much like Jon Snow, the Iris knows winter is coming and it couldn’t be more ready for it.

Avoid this one if you’ve got dogs or cats. Chewing on Iris can make them quite sick.

How to keep it alive:

Water – Water regularly so the soil doesn’t dry.

Light – This one enjoys the sun when it can get it, but doesn’t mind some partial shade too.

Anything else? – Prune after the flowers have died off in autumn. Iris are happiest in flower beds and borders.

Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

With large, round green leaves, and small delicate flowers, Alchemilla mollis is relatively pest-free. Slugs and snails will find something else to chew on. Its tough constitution also means you can plant it anywhere, including sloping beds, sandwiched between other plants, and even in gravel.

Lady’s mantle flowers in summer and throughout autumn, so you’ll get a lot out of it. Foliage is green all year too.

How to keep it alive:

Water – Keep topped up with water, the soil shouldn’t go dry. Make sure water can drain away.

Light – Anything goes with this one. Direct sunlight, partial, and full shade are all fine.

Anything else? – Only prune if it looks untidy.

Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

This evergreen shrub is originally from hot Mediterranean countries. It’s still easy to grow in the UK as long as it gets the occasional blast of bright sunlight. Chalk, loam, and sandy soils are its personal favourites, and it only needs pruning once a year after flowering in summer.

Jerusalem Sage has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the RHS, which sounds incredibly fancy, but basically means it’s easy to get hold of, simple to look after, and perfect for British gardens.

Source: Wikipedia

How to keep it alive:

Water – Keep the soil moist but well-drained. (We looked for an alternative word to ‘moist’ but it’s just not happening.)

Light – Full sun exposure where possible. Ideal for East, South, and West-facing gardens.

Anything else? – You don’t need to trim the seed heads before winter, they’re quite spikey and interesting looking.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

A herb garden really helps you feel like you’ve got your life together. Better yet, thyme is pest and disease-free, and trimmings can be taken all year round. A 15cm deep pot is plenty of room, or you can plant it directly in the soil.

Thyme will keep growing for 5-10 years before it reaches its full height. It’s not all about utility though, in summer you’ll see pink and white flowers.

How to keep it alive:

Water – It doesn’t like to be too wet, so make sure the water can drain if it’s in a pot or a flower bed.

Light – As much sunlight as possible.

Anything else? – Cut the dead bits off during spring.

Hopefully, you’re not baffled by all the Latin names anymore – gardening help doesn’t have to be complicated. Next time you go to a garden centre, look for familiar faces with simple needs. They’ll live for ages, help save the bees, and brighten up the view from your kitchen window.