Monthly Archives: May 2026
-
- May 13, 2026
Low maintenance gardening is all about creating a garden oasis that thrives with minimal fuss and effort. Whether gardening is a new venture for you or your time and energy are limited, this approachable guide will help you discover dependable plants and smart gardening techniques that suit your lifestyle, climate, and space. From growing vegetables that need little care to crafting stress-free borders that resist weeds, this is your guide to gardening made simple and enjoyable, even when life is busy.Â
What Does Low Maintenance Gardening Really Mean for You?
Low maintenance gardening doesn’t mean no gardening at all; it means working smarter with plants and methods that reduce the regular gardening chores. The goal is a garden that feels manageable and rewarding, not overwhelming. You might find that the right plant choices for your region, combined with strategies like mulching, raised beds, and planting denser beds dramatically cut down on tasks like weeding and watering. -
- May 11, 2026
Choosing between annual and perennial plants is one of the first decisions that shapes how your garden looks, feels, and grows over time. While both offer colour and character, they behave very differently when it comes to lifespan, maintenance, and overall impact. Understanding these differences can help you create a garden that not only looks great, but also fits your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.Â
In this guide, we break down exactly what sets annuals and perennials apart, along with the role of biennials, so you can plan a garden that delivers both instant results and long-term beauty with confidence.Â
What Are Annual Plants?
Annual plants complete their entire life cycle in just one growing season, from seed to flower to seed again, before dying off. These plants bloom continuously through the season, often providing a long-lasting splash of colour that brings instant vibrancy to any garden or container.ÂÂAlthough annuals require
-
- May 09, 2026
May is an exciting month for gardeners, bringing warmer weather, longer days, and an abundance of activity in the garden. Whether you have a busy schedule or are new to gardening, this guide takes away the overwhelm by clearly outlining what to focus on during May. From sowing seeds and planting summer bedding to pruning and lawn care, your garden will flourish with straightforward, practical advice tailored for UKÂ gardeners.Â
What Gardening Jobs Should You Prioritise in May?
In May, your garden enters a phase of rapid growth and opportunity. Key jobs include planting out tender bedding plants once frost risk has passed, sowing vegetables for summer harvests, and keeping on top of weeding and watering. There is also pruning and maintenance work needed to encourage healthy growth without overwhelming your schedule. Balancing these tasks with life’s demands is easier when you have a clear plan and simple routines to follow, keeping your garden productive and vibrant.ÂWhen is
-
- May 07, 2026
How Can You Tell What’s Wrong with Your Plant?
Recognising the problem with your plant starts with close observation. Often, symptoms like yellowing leaves, wilting, curling, or brown spots signal issues that need specific care adjustments. While plant identification apps offer quick insights, they can sometimes confuse lookalike species or misdiagnose problems. Your guide will help you go beyond quick fixes by looking carefully at your plant’s leaves, stems, roots, and environment.
Look for patterns and the location of symptoms. Are leaves turning yellow from the bottom up, or just a few scattered? Is the soil soggy or dry? Are there any signs of pests, like sticky residue, webs, or tiny dots? Getting to know your plant’s normal behaviour and environment helps separate natural life cycles from trouble signs.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Plant Problems?
- Watering mistakes:Both overwatering
Plants usually show distress because of a few key issues that you can manage with the right knowledge: -
- May 05, 2026
Topiary for Beginners: Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Maintaining
Topiary is one of the simplest ways to bring structure, elegance, and year-round interest into your outdoor space. Whether you’re working with a compact patio or a larger garden, these carefully shaped plants create an instant sense of order and style. From classic clipped to striking spirals, topiary offers a timeless look that suits both modern and traditional settings.
If you’re new to topiary, getting started might feel a little daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right plant choices and a few basic care techniques, you can easily grow and maintain beautiful, sculpted greenery at home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the best plants to keeping your topiary looking neat, healthy, and full of life.What Is Topiary and Why Choose Topiary Plants?
Topiary is the horticultural art of training and clipping plants into clearly defined shapes such as balls, spirals, cones,
-
- May 03, 2026
Buying a new plant can be exciting yet a little daunting, especially when it arrives from an online shop. Ensuring it transitions smoothly is key to its health and your long-term enjoyment. Your guide here will show you how to inspect, acclimate, water, and repot your new plant with care and confidence, avoiding common pitfalls and easing transplant shock.
How to Unbox and Inspect Your New Plant
When your plant arrives, unpack it promptly indoors to shield it from extreme temperatures. Handle gently as shipping can cause leaves or stems to be fragile. Remove all packaging materials carefully, and examine the plant thoroughly for any signs of damage or pests. Look closely at leaves, stems, and soil surface in daylight, using a magnifier if needed. Seek pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids, which can hide under leaves or in soil. Also, check for yellowing or wilted foliage, which may be normal post-transit stress but should be monitored. Early detection helps avoid infestations spreading
-
- May 01, 2026
Roses are among the most beloved flowers for gardens, bouquets, and landscapes, cherished for their beauty and fragrance. However, the variety of roses available can feel overwhelming, from hybrid teas to climbers and ramblers. This guide helps you navigate the different types of roses, their characteristics, and where they flourish, so you can pick the varieties that will bring lasting joy to your garden.
What Are the Main Categories of Roses?
Roses broadly fall into three categories: Old Garden Roses, Wild Roses, and Modern Roses. Understanding these groups gives a solid foundation for identifying and selecting roses suited to your needs.
Old Garden Roses Old Garden Roses, also called antique or historic roses, existed before 1867. Known for their strong fragrance and once-a-season bloom, they often show great hardiness.
Wild Roses Wild Roses are the species roses, simple, usually pink, with single five-petal blooms. They are the ancestors of all modern hybrids, treasured for their simplicity