Tag: gardening

Dobbies launches virtual events to get Edinburgh gardens blooming

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced a programme of exclusive virtual events this Spring, helping Edinburgh gardeners of all ages and abilities take their green spaces to the next level.

Launching on Saturday 27 March and running throughout Spring, the expert sessions will be hosted by Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, live from his own garden.

Marcus will provide viewers with engaging tips and tricks, tutorials and live demonstrations across a variety of topics, to help gardeners make the most of their outdoor spaces.

Kicking off the series will be an event on refreshing pots and planters with colourful springtime blooms, with subsequent classes covering topics including developing healthy soil and edible crops, cultivating garden wildlife and maintaining a lush lawn.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly and gain the expertise required to create an Instagrammable garden, no matter its size.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Over the past year, more of us than ever before have discovered a love of gardening and experienced the ways that it enriches our lives and improves our wellbeing.

“Gardening is something we can all enjoy, no matter how large or small our outdoor spaces, and we are delighted to be launching this series of virtual events. We hope that they will inspire and help gardeners old and new to learn the skills and techniques they need to take their gardens to the next level.”

Dobbies’ virtual events follow a successful programme of Facebook Live sessions in 2020 and provide a virtual alternative to the regular ‘Grow How’ events previously hosted in the Edinburgh store. Further events focused on adding colour to the your garden and roses will be announced soon.

The sessions are free of charge and exclusively available to Dobbies Club members. For those who aren’t yet members of Dobbies Club, membership is free and signing up is quick and simple, giving access to a variety of benefits, special offers and exclusive events. To sign up visit dobbies.com.

To sign up for the masterclasses, visit https://www.dobbies.com/content/events.html

Dobbies live event calendar:

·        Saturday 27th March – Refresh Your Pots with Spring Colour

·        Saturday 10th April – Healthy Soil Grows Better Crops

·        Saturday 24th April – Lawns and Wildlife

·        More events to be announced soon

Zoning your garden on a budget

As Brits start getting their outdoor spaces ready for summer, garden lovers have been offered five creative ways to zone their space on a budget.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have collated some top tips on making the garden work for every member of the household.

Zoning your garden will make the space feel bigger and gives everyone their own space in nature. Relax and unwind in a chill zone, whilst the kids play in theirs.

Dividing the garden up into different areas, with different purposes can make the space feel more organized and is a simple way to make the most of every inch of green space.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “There are loads of creative ways to break up your plot with recycled materials, screens and new plants.

“Seeing your garden as another room of your home is helpful when zoning. Think about what you would like closest to the house. Maybe the kid’s area to keep an eye on them, or the dining area so you can get food straight out of the kitchen.

“Whether you need a relaxing spot to read the newspaper, or a play area for burning off steam, these tips will help you achieve it on a budget.”

Zoning ideas

1. Dining

Carving some space in the garden for an area to eat alfresco will be appreciated in the summer months. Place the area where you have existing hedgerows as they are great at absorbing noise, so you can enjoy dinner without interruption from the outside world. Patio sets are costly but can be found cheap on local community online selling sites, especially during the spring and autumn.

2. Privacy

Creating a privacy screen is the ultimate easy garden DIY project to gain a concealed area. Apart from nails and a hammer, the quirky yet functional partition can be made solely out of out of old doors or wooden pallets. Another alternative is wire fencing, as it is a quick to install and unbelievably cheap. Growing climbing plants like a colourful clematis or ivy up the wire will create a private space and a great place to nature spot.

3. Game zone

Creating an area where kids can let off steam is ideal for those will little ones. Move old outdoor toys into this space to declutter the rest of the garden. Those tight on space could repurpose a pop-up tent as a magical play area or transform an old work surface into a pool table or table tennis.

4. A pause

When zoning your garden, think about where an extra space could be added to relax in. There are nooks of space in most gardens to create a small relaxation area. Hang a hammock in between a pair of trees to unwind in privacy or place an arbour over an existing seating area to create more shelter. Solid wood arbours are quite expensive, so for a cheaper aesthetically pleasing arbour, cover a plastic arch in jasmine, or evergreen honeysuckle climbers.

5. Tidy space

Toys, tools and bikes all make a garden look messy when strewn around. Dedicate a zone to clutter, so it doesn’t interrupt the other areas. Make some extra shelves out of old wood and put them up to keep the shed organised. If the lawn is still covered in items, consider purchasing an external storage box to keep your belongings safe and tucked out of the way.

Planning Your Plot

ONLINE WORKSHOPS for COMMUNITY GROUPS

Join an upcoming Online Workshop: “Planning your Plot” with the Edible Gardening Project at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

19 February 2-3pm
24 February 10-11am
25 February 3-4pm

In Winter we have time to reflect on our successes and failures from last year’s growing season. Come and join the Botanic Garden’s Edible Gardening project for a session on ‘how to plan your plot’ to maximize your production while looking after your soil’s health.

Please select 1 session only as each is repeated 3 times.

Email eleslie@rbge.org.uk for more info.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91852338629…
Meeting ID: 918 5233 8629
Passcode: 310773

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) is to start a regular growing group at the botanic garden.

If interested in joining, please email cfc@elrec.org.uk

Winter: Is it time for a prune?

Winter is coming, and for responsible householders and landowners this is the time to take stock of trees on their property and to make sure they are healthy, well maintained and, above all, safe, writes KEITH GALLACHER.

While trees are without doubt one of nature’s greatest gifts, many people regard them as a hazard, posing a significant risk of harm or injury. This is an understandable fear, but largely unfounded.

The most up to date research shows that some six people a year were killed in the UK by a tree, or parts of a tree falling. With a population of 60 million, this would equate to a one in in 10 million chance, by any standards a low risk.

But it remains prudent to be aware of the state of trees in your ownership, and to keep an eye out for dangerous or defective branches or decaying of the trunk which may lead to a sudden failure and collapse.

The onset of winter provides the best opportunity to undertake this kind of inspection, since the foliage of the tree has gone and the underlying structure is clearly visible. Pruning and maintenance now is also less likely to cause disturbance to nesting birds.

Apart from removing potentially dangerous branches, pruning in winter can be used to improve the structure of a tree, to reduce shading, to make it less vulnerable to wind damage or just to clear branches away from a building or wires.

Trees are dynamic, living organisms, which use the miracle of photosynthesis to create their building blocks, and cutting them – if not expertly done – can leave wounds through which infection can enter, reducing their vitality.

And cutting branches, especially at height, is a dangerous business and should only be undertaken by a trained, insured and professionally-equipped specialist.

As well as maintaining trees in domestic garden settings, specialists are routinely called on to deal with issues in public areas or for site clearance work in spaces scheduled for construction activity.

Part of the planning process ensures that wildlife is fully protected during such operations and arborists will call on the services of a suitably qualified ecologist to advise on when it is safe to proceed with operations.

This is an area which goes largely unpoliced in the domestic arena, and householders should be sure that any tree operatives they employ in their gardens will carry out the appropriate checks before any work commences.

Foremost among these checks should be awareness of Tree Preservation Orders, which are made by local authorities to protect individual trees, groups of trees of woodlands which have a particular amenity value or contribute to the landscape or townscape.

While it might be expected that large, stately deciduous trees would have TPOs, the most unexpected varieties can also be protected. I recently discovered that there was an order on a Sitka Spruce we had been asked to fell – one of the commonest commercial trees in the country.

Potentially dangerous limbs can, in theory, be removed without permission from a tree with a TPO on it, but the penalties for breaching the legislations, inadvertently or not, can be severe.

With all tree work, safety is of primary importance and if branches larger than your wrist need to be removed or if ladders are necessary, a professionally qualified trees surgeon or arboriculturist should be engaged.

Keith Gallacher is Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland.

Six ways to help look after wildlife this autumn

Gardeners are being urged to hang out fat balls and avoid turning their compost heaps in order to help wildlife this autumn.

Gardening experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared six tips to help look after autumn wildlife.

From the humble hedgehog to toads and frogs, wildlife found in gardens across the country are starting to adapt and prepare for the winter ahead.

Ensuring the animals have access to food, water and shelter will mean they have a much better chance of surviving the winter.

A spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “When it turns to autumn many of us start to change our house in order to make it cosy for winter.

“Our wildlife is just the same, but unfortunately for them winter can be some of the most dangerous months.

“By changing a few things in our gardens, we can help make life easier for the wildlife as well as giving them somewhere to feel safe.”

These are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips to look after autumn wildlife:

1. Food

Placing food out for animals to eat without needing to hunt or scavenge is a simple but effective way to look after local wildlife. Place fat balls or blocks out for birds along with grain and nuts to keep them going through the winter months.

2. Bonfires

Although big community bonfires won’t be happening this year, if you’re planning one at home it’s important to check for all animals and wildlife before setting it alight. These can include hedgehogs, toads and frogs. Prod underneath the bonfire with a stick to encourage the animals to move before you strike a match.

3. Compost Heap

Compost heaps are a great place for hibernating animals to live due to the warmth it can provide. Take caution when turning your heap, or if you’re able to try and avoid turning it at all, or as much as normal, during the cold winter months.

4. Ponds

If you have a pond and see it frozen over, try and melt a hole in the middle so that the animals can still find a source of water. Do this by using a saucepan full of hot water. Don’t hit or crack the ice as this can cause shockwaves causing potential damage to the animals in the pond. If you don’t have a pond, a little dish of water at ground level will be a great source of water.

5. Berries

If you have any berry or fruit trees in your garden, ensure you leave some fallen fruit and berries untouched. By doing so, birds such as thrushes and blackbirds can enjoy food before winter hits. Traditional hedgerow berries such as blackberries, sloes and rosehips will provide food for birds during the colder months.

6. Bug hotels

Building a bug hotel with pieces of wood and leftover bricks and other materials will provide a safe place for bugs to call home. It can be as small or as big as you like and can be as simple as a pile of logs.

Six tips to deal with weeds

Taking time when it comes to watering, making a chemical-free weed killer and mulching are some of the ways experts have suggested to keep on top of pesky weeds.

Gardening experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have revealed six tips on how to stop, and prevent, weeds growing in a garden. 

It’s important to ensure that the whole plant is removed when picking weeds, but pay particular attention to the roots as these hardy plants will soon grow back if only the top parts are removed.

Considering weed-suppressing materials may also be an idea if placing gravel, paving or decking onto a weed-prone area.

A spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Weeding can be a real pain. It can often seem like as soon as you’ve picked a weed there are ten more starting to grow in its place. 

“They can make an outdoor space look unkempt so it’s important to keep on top of them where possible.

“By following these tips you should be able to train and remove the weeds from your garden, reducing the amount of labour needed.”

These are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips for weeding:

1. Watering

Just like flowers, weeds also need water to be able to grow. If you’re watering your plants make sure you try and avoid the areas where weeds are, as this will encourage them to grow. Do this by using a watering can with a smaller spout and by just watering the roots of the flowers, instead of the leaves.

2. Hand pulling

Picking out weeds by hand or with a hand fork will work for annual or ephemeral weeds that only last up to a year. Perennial weeds die over winter and re-grow each spring meaning they are very deep-rooted. Just removing the tops will not affect these weeds.

3. Roots

If you are struggling with perennial weeds, grab a spade and try to remove all of the weed, most importantly its roots. If not, the deep roots will ensure the weed keeps growing even after you’ve removed the top. Depending on the length of the roots it may disturb the soil and other flower roots around it. 

4. Materials

If you have a particularly bad weed problem, using a weed-suppressant fabric may be a good idea. These groundcover fabrics should be laid over soil which has recently been cleared of weeds to stop re-growth or new weeds establishing. Materials can include plastic sheeting, woven materials and spun materials, each coming with their own advantages and disadvantages.  

5. Mulching

Placing a thick mulch on flowerbeds will help make it more difficult for the weeds to grow through. The mulch needs to be deep for it to be effective – around 10-15cm should help starve the weeds of sunlight and water. 

6. Non-chemical weed killer

You can create your own weed killer which doesn’t use chemicals from mixing vinegar, water and soap. Spray it onto the weeds in the garden. For some weeds one spritzing should be enough to kill them, but others may need spraying a few more times until it works. 

CBIL boost helps recycling business support gardeners in lockdown

  • Bank of Scotland supports green waste recycling firm with six-figure CBILS loan
  • Forth Resource Management triples online compost and topsoil delivery sales as more people spend time in their gardens
  • Working capital injection comes as local authority clients stop garden waste collections and close local recycling centres 

An East Lothian recycling business has seen its online sales more than triple and has stepped up its local delivery service with the support of Bank of Scotland. It is believed that the jump in sales is partly as a result COVID-19, with more people spending time at home and in their garden.

Forth Resource Management recycles more than 100,000 tonnes of organic waste for local councils and landscapers across Scotland each year, retailing subsequent product direct to local residents, builders merchants, garden centres and farmers.

With the UK now on lockdown, the business has increased the output of its online retail offer, supported by a six-figure loan from Bank of Scotland as part of the government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

The funding comes as a number of Forth Resource Management’s key local authority clients have stopped their garden waste collection services and closed their local recycling centres.

While the business has ultimately had to furlough a small number of its employees, the booming online delivery service – alongside the working capital injection from the bank – is expected to stand it in good stead for when normal trading resumes.

Tommy Dale, managing director at Forth Resource Management, said: “Local authority contracts have always been a key revenue pillar within our company but we’re fortunate that the nature of our business means we can adjust our focus and meet growing need elsewhere.

“Gardening and time spent outdoors is offering valuable respite up and down the country so it’s nice to know we’re positively contributing to keeping spirits up.

“The speed at which Bank of Scotland provided the funding has given us a great deal of confidence to trade through this challenging period and line up investment for growth in more certain times.”

Daniel Burns, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Plotting a path against current headwinds is a challenge for almost every business at present.

“As such, we’re committed to being by the side of companies like Forth Resource Management – working with government to enable them to adapt their operations for the short-term.”

Perfect plants for relieving stress

Stressed out Scots are being offered advice on the best plants to have in their home and garden. Gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together their top plants for creating a less stressful environment.

Well known stress relievers all make the list including Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine and Evening Primrose. Other less well known but just as effective include Peppermint, Areca Palm, and even Aloe Vera, which is more commonly used for its soothing and healing properties.

A spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Life is stressful enough, so anything natural we can add to our gardens or inside our home to alleviate some of that has to be a good thing.

“Plants like Lavender and Chamomile are very easy to grow in the garden and require very little care. As well as having great stress relieving properties, they look and smell amazing too.”

Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk top ten stress relieving plants:

1. Lavender

Just the smell and sight of lavender is enough to calm some people. Lavender oil is great for treating anxiety and depression. They’re also very easy to grow in the garden and picked up for pennies.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint lowers frustration and helps boost alertness. It’s also great at relieving tired or overworked muscles.

3. Chamomile

Drink as a tea and Chamomile will help reduce inflammation. It’s also very well known for easing anxiety and aiding a good night’s sleep.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has many medicinal and soothing properties and it’s also one of the most powerful plant air purifiers around. The plant is great to have around if you suffer from anxiety and helps relieve worry and stress.

5. Rosemary

Often using in cooking, Rosemary improves air quality, memory function, reduces stress and alleviate anxiety.

6. Areca Palm

This air purifying palm removes any unwanted toxins and adds moisture to the air. Breathing in cleaner air helps to lower anxiety and blood pressure, with positive effects on our mental health and wellbeing.

7. Chrysanthemum

As well as adding a splash of colour to your home, Chrysanthemums are said to purify the air and lessen the symptoms of worry and stress. It also has lots of medicinal properties including the treatment of high blood pressure, colds, headaches and dizziness.

8. Jasmine

Sweet smelling Jasmine helps promote sleep, meaning you feel fresh and alert and much less anxious.

9. Evening Primrose

This yellow wildflower is said to balance hormones. When your hormones are balanced, you should experience less depression and irritability.

10. Sunflowers

The bright yellow head of a beautiful Sunflower is enough to make everyone smile. The seeds also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that produces serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, which helps improve mood.

RHS: Let’s get “Greening Great Britain”

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is calling on the nation to get Greening Great Britain for the good of the nation’s health and for the environment.
 
The Charity has announced key moments and plans to promote and encourage gardening for our health and well-being and also for the environment. Continue reading RHS: Let’s get “Greening Great Britain”