by GillianPolley | Nov 5, 2012 | bulbs, Green house, herbaceous perennials, Jobs to do in the garden, Plants, Spring
On good days outside keep going on the autumn tidy up of the garden and cutting back of herbaceous plants. Leave ornamental grasses uncut until spring to give winter interest in the garden and at the same time provide over wintering insects with protection. November...
by GillianPolley | Oct 1, 2012 | bulbs, Green house, herbaceous perennials, Jobs to do in the garden, Plants, Ponds, shrubs, Spring, trees
Now is a good time to plant new trees, shrubs, climbers and turf. The soil is still warm enough to allow root growth and establishment – also in autumn to move existing trees and shrubs. Bare root plants will be available in November for hedging and larger...
by GillianPolley | Sep 17, 2012 | arts and crafts, Beth Chatto, Obelisks, Plants, Spring, Stipa gigantea
In the last year I have designed gardens for houses, both old and modern. Working with existing gardens is something I especially enjoy as there are so many elements to consider. Existing layout, planting – both beautiful and mature and old and ‘had...
by GillianPolley | Mar 18, 2012 | Daphne bholua, Plants, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Spring
This week I paid a visit to an old friend at the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. I go every year in early spring and every year I am never disappointed. The old friend is a lovely specimen shrub of Daphne bholua and at this time of year it is smothered with small...
by GillianPolley | Dec 20, 2011 | Eden Project, garden design, Gardeners' World Magazine, Inside Out Chef, Raised wooden beds, Vegetable growing
Raised wooden beds are a great way to grow vegetables. I am often asked by clients to add a productive area to their gardens and raised beds are what I recommend. The soil heats up more quickly in the spring, it is easier to weed and maintain them, let alone being...
