Category Archives: Gardening

Gardening, Gardens

Exploring the World of Outdoor Planters: Different Styles, Sizes, and Finishes for Your Garden

When it comes to enhancing the beauty of your garden, outdoor planters can be a game-changer. These versatile containers not only provide a home for your beloved plants but also add a touch of style and elegance to your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cozy balcony, there’s a perfect planter waiting to adorn your space. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of outdoor planters, exploring different styles, sizes, and finishes to help you make the best choice for your garden.

1. The Classic Terra Cotta Planter

Terra Cotta planters have been a timeless choice for garden enthusiasts for centuries. These clay pots have a rustic charm that can complement any garden style, from Mediterranean to cottage gardens. Terra cotta is known for its porous nature, which allows air and moisture to penetrate the soil, promoting healthier plant growth. These planters are available in various sizes, making them suitable for both small and large gardens.

2. Modern Minimalism with Concrete Planters

For those who appreciate sleek and contemporary design, concrete planters are a popular choice. They offer a minimalist aesthetic that can effortlessly elevate the style of your garden. Concrete planters are not only stylish but also durable and weather-resistant. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including square, rectangular, and cylindrical, allowing you to mix and match to create a unique garden composition. Interested in these types of planters? Check out outdoor planters here.

3. Rustic Charm of Wooden Planters

Wooden planters bring a natural and rustic vibe to your garden. They are perfect for those looking to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space. Cedar and redwood are popular choices for wooden planters due to their resistance to decay and insects. These planters can be stained or painted to match your garden’s colour scheme, and they come in a range of sizes, from small boxes for herbs to large containers for trees.

4. Elegance in Metal Planters

Metal planters, such as those made from stainless steel, aluminium, or iron, are an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their garden. They offer a contemporary and industrial look that can contrast beautifully with lush greenery. Metal planters are not only stylish but also sturdy and weather-resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

5. Vibrant Colours with Ceramic Planters

Ceramic planters are perfect for gardeners who want to infuse their outdoor space with vibrant colours. These planters come in a wide range of hues and patterns, allowing you to express your creativity. Ceramic planters are known for their excellent moisture retention, making them an ideal choice for plants that require consistent hydration. They are available in various sizes, from small pots for succulents to large urns for statement pieces.

6. Elevated Gardening with Raised Planters

Raised planters are a practical and space-saving solution for gardening enthusiasts with limited outdoor space. These elevated containers allow you to grow plants without the need for a traditional garden bed. Raised planters come in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. They are not only convenient but also offer better drainage and pest control.

7. Go Green with Recycled Planters

If you’re environmentally conscious, consider recycled planters made from materials like reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, or even old tires. These planters not only help reduce waste but also add a unique and eco-friendly touch to your garden. They are available in various styles and sizes, making them a sustainable choice for gardeners.

8. Asian Flair with Bamboo Planters

Bamboo planters bring a touch of Asian elegance to your garden. These lightweight and eco-friendly containers are perfect for creating a serene and Zen-like atmosphere. Bamboo planters can be used for bamboo plants themselves or other garden favorites. Their natural finish complements a variety of garden styles, including tropical and Japanese-inspired gardens.

9. Creative Options with Hanging Planters

Hanging planters are a fantastic choice for those who want to add a vertical dimension to their garden. These suspended containers can be hung from trees, pergolas, or hooks, allowing you to utilize unused vertical space. Hanging planters come in various materials, including ceramic, metal, and woven materials like macramé. They are perfect for cascading plants like trailing vines and colourful flowers.

10. Go Big with Oversized Planters

For gardeners with a penchant for making a bold statement, oversized planters are the way to go. These larger-than-life containers can accommodate trees, shrubs, and even small garden ponds. Oversized planters come in various materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and metal. They make an impressive focal point in large gardens or spacious patios.

11. Versatility of Plastic Planters

Plastic planters are lightweight, durable, and versatile. They are available in various styles and sizes, including those designed to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials like stone or wood. Plastic planters are an affordable option for gardeners on a budget and are easy to move around, making them a flexible choice for those who like to change their garden layout frequently.

12. Timeless Elegance of Stone Planters

Stone planters exude timeless elegance and can give your garden a touch of grandeur. They are heavy and durable, providing stability for larger plants and trees. Stone planters can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use. While they may be on the expensive side, their beauty and durability make them a long-term investment.

13. Whimsical Touch with Fairy Garden Planters

For a touch of whimsy and magic in your garden, consider fairy garden planters. These miniature containers are designed to create enchanting miniature landscapes. You can use tiny figurines, miniature furniture, and small plants to create your very own fairy tale garden. Fairy garden planters come in various materials, including resin and ceramic, and can be as small as a teacup or as large as a wheelbarrow.

14. Custom Creations with DIY Planters

If you have a creative streak and love to personalize your garden, consider making your own DIY planters. You can upcycle old containers, such as wooden crates, tin cans, or even old boots, into unique and eye-catching planters. DIY planters allow you to add a personal touch to your garden and showcase your creativity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outdoor planter for your garden is not just about practicality but also about adding aesthetic value to your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the classic charm of terra cotta, the modern elegance of concrete, or the rustic appeal of wood, there’s a planter style, size, and finish that suits your garden’s personality. By exploring these various options, you can transform your garden into a beautiful and inviting oasis that reflects your style and creativity. So, go ahead and start your journey into the world of outdoor planters and watch your garden flourish in both beauty and function.

Business & Property News, Events, Gardening, Gardens, News

Cheshire designer celebrates the Peak District in iconic RHS letters display

Penny Williams from Modern Farmhouse Flowers showcases her passion for using sustainable materials, locally sourced flowers and love of the Peak District in this year’s RHS letters show feature. 

Sustainable materials and locally grown blooms were the welcoming sight to more than 80,000 people who visited the annual RHS Flower Show Tatton Park this July.

After being awarded the design for this year’s coveted RHS letters installation, up-and-coming Cheshire based floral designer Penny Williams from Modern Farmhouse Flowers decided to make the iconic signage a homage to the beauty of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park featuring stunning Cheshire grown cut flowers.

One of the most photographed installations of the event, generating thousands of Instagram impressions every year, this year’s RHS letters display is the brainchild of Penny Williams who launched her Cheshire-based floristry business, Modern Farmhouse Flowers, less than 12 months ago.

Inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Peak District, the display embraces Penny’s passion for working with locally sourced and naturally derived materials, incorporating cut flowers grown in Mobberley; natural stone borrowed from a farmer in Macclesfield and a path of crushed whelk shells, the bi-product of a fish factory in West Wales – providing a sustainable alternative to grit by Shell On Earth.

 

Speaking about the commission, Penny said: “It was an absolute honour to be asked to create the letter installation for this year’s show. As an avid visitor to the event, I know just how hotly anticipated the RHS entrance display is. It’s a key landmark of the show and plays a pivotal role in welcoming visitors to the annual event. To think that around 80,000 people will see the display is absolutely mind blowing. It’s an amazing way to mark my first year in business.

“My creation is inspired by the dramatic and varied landscape of my home, the Peak District. A visit to this area of natural beauty is a feast for the senses as the fierce ever-changing weather makes its mark on the landscape. Every year thousands of ramblers beat on charming public footpaths; climbing its wild moorlands, weaving through atmospheric forests and often stopping for rest in its charming villages. The installation has been designed to capture the magic of this wonderful sensory experience.”

Penny Williams trained at the Tallulah Rose Flower School and worked as an innovation manager for Bloom and Wild before opening Modern Farmhouse Flowers in 2022. She specialises in event and wedding styling and has attracted a loyal local following since opening a showroom located within the Arighi Bianchi store in Macclesfield. She also has an online shop offering same and next day local delivery and a flower subscription service.

For more information about Modern Farmhouse Flowers visit www.modernfarmhouse.co.uk or follow @modernfarmhouseflowers on Instagram. You can also find out more about Shell On Earth here
https://www.shellonearth.co.uk/

 

Gardening, Gardens

Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Garden

Having an eco-friendly garden not only contributes towards creating a balanced ecosystem but also helps to reduce carbon footprints. But it’s a common misconception that creating an eco-friendly garden takes a significant financial investment as well as a lot of time and effort. The best plants should be chosen, and sustainable management techniques should be used, to create a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly landscape. With the help of Elementa Garden Design, you can create a beautiful garden that is aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance.

 

Choosing the Right Plants for a Low-Maintenance Garden

The right plants must be chosen when creating a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly landscape. The time and effort required to maintain a garden will be greatly reduced by including plants that require little pruning, watering, or fertilizer.

  1. Perennials vs. Annuals: Perennials are plants that will come back year after year and require less maintenance than annuals. Moreover, they are also well-adapted to local weather conditions and soil types.

  2. Native Plants: Another fantastic technique to design a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden is to use native plants. Native plants not only use less water, but they also draw beneficial insects and animals that support a healthy ecosystem.

  3. Drought-Tolerant Plants: Incorporating drought-tolerant plants is another great way to reduce water usage and maintenance. These are the plants that require less water and are better adapted to dry climates.

 

Creating the Garden Layout

The second step in designing a low-maintenance and eco-friendly garden is to create a garden layout. This step involves mapping out where different elements of the garden will go, such as flowerbeds, herb gardens, pathways, and seating areas. When designing the garden layout, it is important to consider the natural features of the landscape, such as sun exposure and water drainage, as well as any existing trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that should remain in place.

 

  1. Utilizing Raised Beds and Hardscaping for Easier Maintenance: Incorporating raised beds and hardscaping elements into the garden design makes it easier to manage soil quality, water drainage, and weed control. Additionally, raised beds are a great way to add depth and texture to the landscape.

 

  1. Incorporating Water Features and Other Attractive Additions: Adding water features, such as ponds or fountains, can help to create a more inviting environment. Other attractive additions include bird baths, sculptures, and seating areas.

 

  1. Designing an Accessible Pathway or Walkway: Designing a pathway or walkway that is convenient and accessible is important for both aesthetic appeal and safety.

 

Sustainable Garden Management Practices

Sustainable garden management practices help conserve not only natural resources but also create healthy environments. Here are three tips for designing a low-maintenance and eco-friendly garden.

 

  • Firstly, choose native plants that can thrive in the local climate and soil conditions with minimal inputs. This involves selecting plants that are adapted to the area, require less water, and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.

  • Secondly, use organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques instead of synthetic chemicals. This can help to reduce the amount of run-off going into the soil and water bodies, as well as protect beneficial insects and wildlife.

  • Lastly, conserve water by collecting rainwater in barrels and using it to water plants, and also incorporating efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation. These sustainable garden practices not only benefit the environment but also lead to a more beautiful and sustainable garden that requires less maintenance.

 

In Conclusion

Designing a low-maintenance and eco-friendly garden can save you time, energy, and money in the long run while also promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. By selecting the right plants, using native species, recycling materials, and reducing your water consumption, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that requires minimal upkeep and has a positive impact on the ecosystem. Remember, gardening doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance chore. It can be a rewarding experience that benefits you and the planet.

 

Gardening, News, West Wales

Local irrigation supplier is helping gardeners beat the hosepipe ban throughout the UK

Pembrokeshire-based garden irrigation supplier, Easy Garden Irrigation is busy helping gardeners across the region navigate through the recent news of a hosepipe ban in the region. 

As multiple water companies have released that new areas across the UK will be imposed with a hosepipe ban starting from the 5th of August, this leading supplier of garden watering equipment, decided to step in and educate gardeners on how they can continue to keep their gardens hydrated whilst the ban is in place without breaking any rules and risking a hefty £1000 fine. 

Located in Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, Easy Garden Irrigation stocks and sells some of the leading garden irrigation brands including Hozelock and Claber to customers all over the UK, Ireland, and throughout Europe and consists of a small team of five people dedicated to helping customers who wish to install DIY garden watering systems. In the past month, they have processed over 3000 orders and spoken with over 1500 customers on the phone seeking advice.

Sean Lade, managing director of Easy Garden Irrigation knows his stuff when it comes to the different garden irrigation methods and which some are still permitted under a hosepipe ban, which he is actively informing the community of. Due to their water efficiency, an approved drip or trickle irrigation system fitted with a PRV (pressure-reducing valve) and a water timer is allowed to be used in gardens despite a hosepipe ban.

Sean has actively been informing worried gardeners that this is an excellent solution by creating informative articles on the Easy Garden Irrigation website, reaching out to the top gardening news websites and contacting those that he knows will benefit from this information. 

Sean comments on the recent news of further hosepipe restrictions explaining:

“A hosepipe ban prevents customers from watering their garden with a typical garden hose or sprinklers. A drip irrigation system is exempt from the ban, so an ideal investment to help keep the garden healthy during the hot weather. The Discretionary Universal Exceptions that all water suppliers have adopted allow for the use of a drip irrigation system to water gardens. Not many folks are aware of these exemptions, so we’ve been doing our best to educate folks through our website.

We’ve been on a mission to help customers be more efficient with garden watering, so the exemption of drip irrigation systems from the hosepipe ban really demonstrates

how efficient these systems are. A drip irrigation system is a highly efficient method of watering plants. Originally designed for agricultural use, they have been adopted by gardeners worldwide to keep their plants healthy. The systems are very easy to install and are relatively low in cost, ranging from £50 – £200, depending on the size of the garden it is being installed for.”

For more information on the hosepipe ban and the watering methods you can still use in your garden visit: https://www.easygardenirrigation.co.uk/blogs/news/watering-plants-during-hosepipe-ban 

 

Customer Service, Gardening, Gardens

National lawn care giant sows seeds for future growth with post-pandemic vision

A GIANT of the lawn care industry is sowing the seeds of future growth with plans to expand further post-pandemic.

GreenThumb is the market leader for lawn treatment services with 220 branches nationwide and a network turnover of more than £48million.

Founded by CEO Stephen Waring in 1986, the business employs more than 100 staff at its St Asaph headquarters and is now led by Managing Director Paul Edwards, who took the helm just months before the onset of Covid-19 in the UK.

A former lawyer, he is focused on further improving the customer experience and building on the solid foundations which have positioned GreenThumb as one of the country’s most reputable, sustainable, and responsible organisations.

“Like all industries we faced challenges over the last couple of years, but our incredible team and service operatives worked hard to ensure health and safety were paramount, and that the standards we set were as high as ever,” said Paul.

“As a result, we managed to keep growing and have invested heavily in the wellbeing of our staff and the culture of GreenThumb, which is, and will always be, about people.”

Servicing more than three million lawns every year, operatives were able to continue working when other sectors ground to a halt, and Paul says they received many letters and messages from customers, thanking them for their support and reassuring presence.

“During lockdown, a lot of more vulnerable householders were in isolation and didn’t see anyone for days or even weeks, so having our vans in their local area helped them return to some semblance of normality,” he said.

“That feedback makes us proud and spurred everyone on to look at the long-term vision of the company, where we are heading and what our priorities are.

“More GreenThumb franchisees and the unveiling of new machinery and treatments will ensure we remain at the forefront of advances in lawn care.

“When we connect our people with great products, equipment and new technology it will take the experience of our customers to a whole new level.

“That will be pivotal, as is the continued development of our service to our customers.

“Ultimately it’s about continuing to enhance and improve the customer’s end to end journey, from booking a consultation to treatment of their lawns.”

Paul, an ex-semi-professional rugby player who lives in Cheshire with wife Nicole and son Harry, added: “We have plans to streamline our commercial and scheduling processes online, including a self-service portal that will make a big difference in terms of flexibility and efficiency.

“It will be more personalised, make recommendations and be tailored to their needs; it’s not about sales it’s about striving for an even better experience, something GreenThumb is renowned for.”

A winner of countless awards, the firm is also looking to forge new partnerships over the months ahead.

“I have an ambitious plan for the business, supported by what is a strong and experienced leadership team,” said Paul.

“We are already trusted by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and want to see that rise further, so there is an opportunity to attract new franchise partners who can see the benefits of being part of what is an established, successful working model.

“The GreenThumb culture is also a major USP, our operatives are fantastic ambassadors and have long-standing relationships with our customers, they genuinely care and that’s why we continue to grow and improve.”

He added: “The main thing for me is keeping our promises and coming from a legal background the integrity and attitude we display is crucial to our success.

“Every day is something new, we want to keep delighting our customers and that involves significant investment in the development of our products and our workforce, so they continue to see even better results.

“Lawns are living, breathing things and with proper care they will thrive; that’s our ethos for the service we provide and the people who represent GreenThumb – long may that continue.”

For more news and information from GreenThumb, visit www.greenthumb.co.uk and follow them on social media at @greenthumblawns. Alternatively, call 0800 0111 222.