Winter | The Garden Guru

Snow-proofing your garden

March 19, 2018March 18, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

The UK has suffered some very weird weather patterns over the last few weeks and despite it being the 19th March, spring has most definitely not sprung. It’s snow problem Although it might seem like the end of the world, one day of light snow shouldn’t be enough to kill your spring plants. Rather than panicking it’s important to remember that the soil must have been workable in order to be able to plant anything, and one day of unexpected weather isn’t enough to freeze it again. However, if…

Improving your Winter Garden – The How-to Guide

February 12, 2018February 11, 2018 Charlotte Hallam

Winter is a pretty sad time for our gardens. Your garden will generally look pretty dark and damp. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of ways to improve the look of your winter garden. Take a look at our top tips that will allow you to enjoy your garden all year round. Trees Choose trees that’ll be the centre of attention in spring and autumn. Beautiful blossom and long lasting fruits are exactly what you should be looking for. Fruit trees are particularly popular…

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…

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…

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.…

Garden Gadgets: The Essentials Guide

September 8, 2017May 7, 2019 Charlotte Hallam

Whether you’re a keen gardener or a seasonal flitter, everyone loves a gadget. Here’s a selection of the best garden gadgets available for taming, pruning, watering and decorating. Hozelock Auto Reel with 40M Hose If your garden is a small yard or a tiny patch of grass then we’d recommend checking out some cheaper, shorter hose options. However, if your garden is slightly larger, covering the area of a small town for example, then this 40m hose – sure to be one of the longest in the world –…