It’s first thing in the morning, and you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the garden, coffee cup in hand – when you see that it’s happened yet again: those lovingly planted lettuce seedlings have disappeared, with just a chewed edge left behind. Snails and slugs are probably among the most dreaded of our garden companions. But rather than reaching for the slug pellets it’s worth turning to nature for the answers – there are many plants snails just can’t stand, and these are the ones you need to make your friends.

The longest day and shortest night mark the start of one of the most magical times in the year – the summer solstice, also known as midsummer. On Midsummer Eve nature shines in all its glory – full of life, light and a deep connection between heaven and earth. Our ancestors also celebrated this transition, connecting themselves with the forces of nature through fires, dancing and rituals. 

Some plants are more than just beautiful or useful – they tell stories, whisper memories, and breathe a fragrance of old times, opening our hearts. Salvias are this kind of plant.They grow in the dry uplands of the Mediterranean, in Mexican gardens, on European meadows – and in the quiet corners of our soul. With more than 1,000 different species, salvia is one of the world’s most diverse plant groups. Yet it’s not just this botanical abundance that makes it so fascinating – it’s the combination of healing, beauty, fragrance and spirituality that makes this plant so special.

Salad leaves are a truly multi-talented garden crop – they can be tender, spicy or crispy, ranging from classic lettuces and rocket salad across an astonishing range of different varieties, leaf shapes and flavours. Some are great for growing a quick crop in spring – others will survive the first frosts and give you fresh green leaves through into winter. In this post we’re taking a look at twelve different salad categories

Have you heard of mulching? Maybe you’ve seen the ground in a garden or park covered with bark mulch, straw or grass clippings. But what’s this done for? And how can you use it in your own garden? Mulching is a simple but effective technique that will help you grow stronger, healthier vegetables, flowers and shrubs – and with very little effort!

Imagine your garden being full of fresh vegetables all year round.  The secret? A continuous planting plan, good crop rotation and effective plant combinations. The never-ending veg plot is a concept you can apply anywhere, whether you’re growing in a raised bed, a traditional vegetable patch or a balcony garden.