Charlotte Hallam | The Garden Guru

Great garden gifts for Christmas 2017

November 27, 2017August 28, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

Keen gardeners are notoriously difficult to buy for at Christmas because in terms of tools, they’ve usually got everything they need and more. This means you need to work out those things that they’ve not yet worked out they need. Here we’ve come up with a selection of great ideas for any green fingered member of your family. Gardener’s World subscription A subscription is a great gift that can be enjoyed throughout the year and is perfect, whatever your budget. There’s currently a great offer available direct through the…

Homemade Christmas Gifts

November 22, 2017November 19, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

To kick off our Christmas Gift Guide series of posts, we thought we’d start with the most thoughtful of all – the homemade gift. Nothing says thoughtfulness like a homemade gift. The recipient will always love it because of the extra effort you’ve gone to. And, they’re also perfect for anyone on a limited budget. It doesn’t matter who you’re gifting to this year because we’ve got a selection of great, homemade options for you to try. Cocktail jars What better gift for your friends and family that a…

Must-try Christmas Bakes for 2017

November 17, 2017November 19, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

You might not like it, but it’s getting extremely close to that time of year. Over the next few weeks we’ll be getting you sorted for the big day, with everything from bakes and cakes, to gifts and party tips – so keep a look out for those. Christmas is a time when families get together to eat, drink and celebrate. Festive foods are most definitely one of the best things about this time of year. Their richness, and the warmth of the winter spices makes them the perfect choices…

Last Minute Garden Jobs Before the Season Change

November 6, 2017October 30, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

With winter just around the corner the idea of heading out into the garden is becoming a distant memory for many. However, before the cold weather really sets in, you can make the most of the daylight hours to tackle a few of those last-minute jobs. These last-minute tasks might not seem like much now, but they could bring huge benefits in the months to come. Take a look… Spend time over the next few weeks making the most of the relatively mild days and weekends. Plant garlic before the…

Keeping your dog calm on bonfire night

October 30, 2017February 3, 2020 Charlotte Hallam

Bonfire night is only a week away but the likelihood is that there will be plenty of celebrations going on during the lead-up to the big night itself. Although pretty, colourful and exciting for us, it’s a time of year dog owners dread. Fireworks are very scary for dogs and playful pups become petrified pooches at the sound of a firework bang. Although bonfire night is just one night of the year, it’s actually much more than that for pet owners. From Halloween to new year celebrations, the night sky…

Autumn/Winter Garden Security Tips

October 25, 2017September 17, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

Home security is number one on a lot of people’s priority lists. Under no circumstance do you want the safety of everything you work so hard for being jeopardised. You wouldn’t leave your house unlocked with all of your possessions on display, would you? With this is mind, the rules shouldn’t be any different for your garden. As the days are getting shorter and darker it’s much easier for an opportunist thief to get hold of your belongings without detection. The extra hours of darkness, coupled with the fact that…

Halloween at Home: Fun for Everyone

October 20, 2017October 14, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

At this time of year, heading out on a dark, cold evening is the last thing on your mind. Even more so when, as a parent, you’re faced with the task of trick or treating. So, this year, avoid walking the streets with your little monsters and have Halloween at home – don’t worry, with our tips it’ll be fun for you too. This year, Halloween falls on a Tuesday which falls right in the middle of half term for some, but for anyone not lucky enough to be off…

Getting Involved with National Baking Week (16-22 October)

October 16, 2017October 14, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

This year’s Great British Bake Off has been somewhat controversial, what with the channel change and Paul Hollywood’s new alliance with Channel 4. Anyway, whether you’ve loved it, hated it, vowed never to watch it again, or begun watching for the first time this year, it’s certainly inspired the baker in everyone. This week (16-22 October) is National Baking Week, so to get you started in the kitchen, here are some simply great bakes that even the most novice of bakers will be able to pull off as a masterpiece.…

Your Car: The Cold Weather Checklist

September 22, 2017September 30, 2019 Charlotte Hallam

Colder weather presents some of the most challenging driving conditions we face. Because of this, it’s essential to be prepared. You don’t need to be a boy scout, nor do you need to kit your car out with the latest gadgets. All you need are a few key essentials. Whether the road surface is covered with leaves, it’s raining, icy, snowing or slushy, every single journey through autumn and winter can be hazardous. Combine the many weather-related hazards with the fact that the days are much shorter and you’ve got…

Getting your garden ready for autumn

September 15, 2017September 8, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

The transition between summer and winter has begun and although the drop in temperature is a welcome change for many, this is the time of year when many people start to neglect their gardens. A lot of people give up on their garden maintenance during the autumn and winter because they feel their hard work will only be ruined by the harsh temperatures. However, autumn is possibly the most important time of the year for gardeners. The belief that all the hard work starts in spring is absolutely a myth.…