Featured Gardening Articles
July Gardening Jobs
Jobs for July in the garden.
NPK Fertilisers: What every gardener should know
What exactly is NPK? Why does it matter? And how do you choose the right ratio for your garden? We'll demystify NPK fertilisers by answering the most common questions gardeners have!
Creating a Native Hedge: How to Plant and Grow a Wildlife-Friendly Hedge
Whether you're defining a garden edge, creating privacy, or restoring a countryside boundary, a carefully chosen native hedge will reward you with flowers in spring, berries in autumn, and a constant hum of life throughout the year.
How and why to thin apples: A simple guide for better harvests
While it might seem counterintuitive to remove developing fruit, proper thinning is important - but why?
Stihl HSA 26 vs Milwaukee M12 FHT20 mini hedge trimmer comparison
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a weekend warrior with a passion for tidy borders and boxwood, having the right tools makes all the difference. We take a close look at two heavyweights in the world of compact trimming: the Stihl HSA 26 and the Milwaukee M12 FHT20
Gardening with Kids: Fun and educational projects for every season
Looking for ways to get your kids outside, off screens, and connected with nature? Gardening is one of the best hands-on activities to engage children
Growing Calla Lilies in pots indoors in the UK
Whether you're a beginner plant lover or an experienced indoor gardener, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage of growing Calla Lilies in containers indoors in the UK.
What is over-potting and why is it bad for your plants?
While it might seem intuitive to give plants plenty of room to 'stretch out', there's such a thing as too much space. This brings us to a common but misunderstood gardening mistake: over-potting.
How to holiday-proof your garden: A complete guide to stress-free time away
Whether you're taking a week-long beach break or a month-long adventure, it's crucial to make sure your garden is ready to thrive (or at least survive) while you're away.
From the blog
10 of the most beautiful gardens in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is renowned for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic landmarks. But beyond the picturesque stone cottages and bustling market towns lies a collection of gardens that are nothing short of magical. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or someone who simply enjoys a leisurely stroll amidst blooms, the Cotswolds offers a garden for every soul.
What are the red dots or spots on my Field Maple tree leaves?
Have you noticed red sport on the leaves of Field Maple? You might be interested to know the cause...
What are the red dots or spots on my Field Maple tree leaves?
Is gardening only for old people?
The idea that gardening is only for old people is one of the most persistent (and inaccurate!) myths out there. It?s time to dig a little deeper - pun totally intended - and unearth the truth.
July in the Cotswolds Garden: Sunshine, harvests & holiday prep
As we tip into the full bloom of July, the Cotswolds garden is positively bursting with colour, life, and warmth. From the scent of lavender on the breeze to the sound of bees dancing through the herbaceous borders, there's so much to savour.
July in the Cotswolds Garden: Sunshine, harvests & holiday prep
June in the garden: blooming beautiful and buzzing with life
June is a magical month in the gardening calendar. The days are at their longest, the sun is (usually!) shining, and gardens are bursting into full summer glory. Whether you're growing vegetables, tending to a wildflower patch, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea on the patio, June is a month to truly savour.
June in the garden: blooming beautiful and buzzing with life
May in the garden
After the slow unfurling of spring, May arrives in the garden like a burst of energy. The days are longer, the light is brighter, and the soil is finally warming beneath our feet.
It's a month of planting, sowing, weeding, feeding, and a bit of dreaming too. Here's a deeper look at what's going on in the garden this month.
What are the best plants to replace box hedge?
Has your box hedging been decimated by the Box tree caterpillars? Sadly, it's becoming an all-too-common tale in British gardens. Discover some alternatives that you can be planting to replace your Box plants.
Currently Reading
Whether you are new to gardening, or you're a seasoned pro, RHS Gardening Through the Year: Month-by-month Planning Instructions and Inspiration, published by DK and written by Ian Spence, is a must for your gardening bookshelf.
The book is separated into months, and details "Things to Do", "Last Chance" and "Get Ahead" within each month.
A wise person once said, "garden by the season, not the month" (or did I make that up myself?), this book is full useful information and indicators of what you should be thinking of doing in the garden in any given month.
Gardening FAQs
Cotswold Garden - Gardening Shop
During our gardening exploits we come across gardening related products which become instant favourites, Felco secateurs come to mind!
The Cotswolds Garden shop contains gardening tools, books and other gardening products we think you may like.
Opinel Folding Saw
This handly little folding saw from Opinel is the ideal tool to keep in a pocket for those quick pruning jobs which are just a little to much for your secateurs to handle.
This tool measures approximately 165mm in length when the carbon steel serrated blade is safely folded into the polished beech handle, and the simple but effective locking mechanism keeps the blade from opening.
Felco Model 7 Professional Secateurs
One of the "must have" tools for any gardener is a pair of good quality secateurs, and they don't come much better than this "revolving handle" version, otherwise known as the Felco Model 7.
The ingenious design helps to reduce strain on your fingers and wrist. If you've never tried them before the revolving handle sensation may take a little time to get used to. But in no time at all you will be wondering why you didn't purchase them a long time ago!
