Charlotte Hallam | The Garden Guru

Beautiful Gardens to Visit Around the UK

July 7, 2017March 2, 2020 Charlotte Hallam

Whether you’re naturally green fingered or not, there’s something pretty relaxing about wondering around an impressive, well-kept garden. For some people, it might evoke garden envy. For others, it’s a distant appreciation and thankfulness that their own doesn’t take so much upkeep. There are so many amazing public gardens in the UK, it’d be impossible to include them all, so we’ve included just a few of our favourites. Redhall Walled Garden Located on the west side of Edinburgh, Redhall Walled Garden isn’t like other public gardens. It’s a beautiful…

A Northern National Trust Road Trip

June 27, 2017January 13, 2020 Charlotte Hallam

An affordable day out can be quite hard to find nowadays, but a National Trust membership makes it much less difficult. However, even if you were to visit without a membership, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable the prices are. There are so many fabulous National Trust sites dotted throughout the UK and, although we can’t cover them all, we’re going to cover as many as possible. Today, we’re starting our road trip in the North of England covering counties from Northumberland to Cheshire. Don’t worry though, we’ll be…

Essential tips for erecting a new garden shed

June 15, 2017August 20, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

This is the time of year when people start kitting out their gardens with all things new and beautiful. One accessory no garden should be without at this time of year is a shed. The staple of many British gardens is a wooden shed, but we’ll bet that you, just like many others out there, end up replacing your shed every few years for one reason or another. Maybe it’s not weathered well; perhaps the floor has become damp or rotten; or maybe it’s started to bow. There are many…

5 summer cocktails you simply must try

June 15, 2017May 1, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

Following on from our colourful post on fruity summer smoothies, this one’s aimed more at evening entertainment and garden parties. Of course, we’re talking about summer cocktail parties and all things alcoholic, below you’ll find a list of tastiest along with their recipes. Pimms cocktail Of course Pimms is at the top, it is the drink of summer after all. But surprisingly, there’s more to it than throwing Pimms, strawberries, mint and lemonade into a jug. Yes, really there is. The proportions need to be just right. Luckily, we have…

Perfect summer smoothie recipes

June 15, 2017February 17, 2020 Charlotte Hallam

Summer’s very much around the corner which means cold drinks and healthy eating are all the rage at the moment. In order to make things a little easier for you, here we have the recipes for 10 tasty summer smoothies that’ll help you pack in your five a day. Summer in a cup A stunning recipe from the Minimalist Baker. All you need is raspberries, banana, pomegranate juice, orange juice and almond milk. For the ultimate, cool, creamy and beautifully refreshing summer smoothie, click here for the full recipe.…

Chelsea 2017: Trends you can replicate at home

June 15, 2017August 27, 2019 Charlotte Hallam

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show, just like every year, was one of regal proportion. Every garden display was elegant, charming and perfectly executed. However, although this is the most well-known flower show in the UK, that doesn’t mean the gardens displayed are completely out of reach. You can’t pick them up and take them with you, but we’re going to show you the key trends you could definitely adopt. Level changes Playing about with the levels in a garden adds drama, and provides more room for planting. This is…

Summer sowing, what should you be growing?

June 15, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

Unless you’re a truly seasoned gardener, it can be difficult to know what to sow and when. And, if you decide on the wrong thing at the wrong time of year then the results – or lack of – can be a more than a little disheartening. With this comprehensive guide we’ve tried to give you all the info you need to sow successfully through the summer and into autumn to ensure a great crop of fresh vegetables throughout the winter. Looking after your sowings Ideally, you should start sowing…

Essential Father’s Day Gift Guide 2017

June 15, 2017July 29, 2019 Charlotte Hallam

Father’s Day is only a couple of weeks away which means, if you haven’t already, it’s time to get your thinking caps on. Buying a gift for Dad is a notoriously difficult task, so we’re here to save you a headache and give you a few great ideas, whatever type of Dad you have. The Techy Dad Techy Dads are cool because they’re into all the latest gadgets but that does mean that cost can be a bit of a problem. Rather than a gadget, consider a backpack that…

Attracting wildlife to your garden: the how to guide

May 31, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

Inviting wildlife into your garden is surprisingly easy and doesn’t cost a fortune. With our top tips you’ll have families of birds, mammals and bugs, enjoying your garden in no time. Bird/nesting boxes Bird boxes will encourage birds to breed in your garden but the types of birds you see will depend entirely on the type of box you introduce to your garden. When putting up nesting boxes you should ensure they’re sheltered and protected from the elements. Summer is always a good time to add them to your garden…

Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners

May 27, 2017May 23, 2017 Charlotte Hallam

Gardening is an art and a science. However, it’s not exact and it’s certainly not exclusive. It might not seem it when you walk past 20 pristine front gardens on the way to your own front door, but gardening really is for everyone. So, don’t be intimidated, pick up your tools and follow our list of essentials for gardening beginners. Plants & Soil Knowing the type of soil you have in your garden is essential if you want your garden the thrive. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as simply…