Despite it's high latitude, the British Isles, thanks to the jet stream, bringing warm air across the Atlantic, has a much more temperate climate than other places at the same latitude, such as mid Canada. This means whilst they might have a hardiness classification of just 3 to 6, most of Britain and Ireland is at least 8, and coastal areas are even milder. This means that many plants, that are usually found in much warmer countries, can survive our winters. There are a few palm tree species that can grow well here. Click on the article below to read more about them. Gardenis has some new large planters available that are ideal for palms and other architectural plants. This can help give them a bit more frost protection, than just planting in the ground, and enables them to be moved inside a greenhouse in winter, if they are one of the plants less tolerant of cold temperatures. They can all be found in the Planters category.
]]>The number of ponds has halved in Britain over the last century, but thankfully there is a renewed interest in restoring and creating new ponds in gardens. They are one of the best things you can do to make your garden wildlife friendly, as they can attract amphibians such as frogs, toads, and newts, aquatic insects, dragonflies and damselflies, as well as provide a drinking source for birds. CONTINUES > https://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/garden-wildlife-pond
]]>New large, robust, plastic planters are now available, which are great for patios, decking areas, balconies, roof gardens and ideal for either side of a front door, planted with small trees, shrubs, perennials, or annual flower displays.
There is also galvanised metal raised bed style planters, that can transform a paved over front garden, and add some foliage and colour.
View the range here >
]]>HUGE water butts are now available for order. Available in 800, 1200 or 1500 litre sizes and the best thing is, rather than having to join separate barrels, these mighty water butts are all just one big water butt, made with a seamless mould, so no joins at all. Dimensions are in the product descriptions.
View the Ecosure range here > https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/water-butts
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When it comes to creating attractive garden paths, patios, and functional driveways, gravel offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and low maintenance. In this article, we will delve into the numerous benefits of incorporating gravel into your outdoor spaces, comparing it to the alternatives and exploring how to effectively care for it.
1. Gravel: Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility:
Gravel stands out with its natural charm, lending a rustic and textured feel to your garden. It effortlessly complements various architectural styles, from modern to traditional, while providing unmatched versatility. Whether you seek a casual and relaxed atmosphere or an elegant and refined ambiance, gravel can harmonise with any design preference.
2. Cost-Effective Solution:
Compared to paving and artificial grass, gravel is generally more cost-effective. It allows homeowners to achieve a visually attractive landscape without breaking the bank. With gravel, you can cover larger areas at a fraction of the cost, offering an excellent return on investment.
3. Natural Drainage and Eco-Friendly Benefits:
One of gravel's greatest advantages lies in its excellent drainage properties. Gravel allows rainwater to permeate the ground, reducing the risk of standing water and potential flooding. This natural drainage system also helps to replenish groundwater supplies. Furthermore, using gravel instead of paving or artificial grass promotes sustainability as it requires minimal processing and has a much lower carbon footprint.
4. Easy Installation Process:
Installing gravel is a relatively straightforward process. Homeowners can conveniently lay it themselves or seek professional assistance. Unlike the time-consuming and complex installation procedures associated with paving or artificial grass, gravel offers a hassle-free experience that can be completed quickly.
5. Low Maintenance Requirements:
Undoubtedly, gravel surpasses most other materials in terms of low maintenance. Regular raking or sweeping is sufficient to keep your gravel area neat and free from debris. Additionally, occasional replenishment may be needed to retain a consistent depth and also address any minor displacement. This ease of maintenance is in stark contrast to the constant cleaning and upkeep required for paving and artificial grass.
In summary, gravel is a cost-effective, visually appealing, solution for garden paths, patios, and drives. It adds a touch of natural charm to your outdoor spaces and effortlessly blends with any style of architecture. With its excellent drainage properties and low maintenance requirements, gravel proves to be a practical choice for homeowners seeking an attractive and sustainable landscaping solution.
View the different types of gravel, slate and pebbles here:
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Gardenis.co.uk is an online retailer of of environmentally-friendly gardening solutions, committed to preserving the environment while enhancing outdoor spaces. We offer a wide range of products made from recycled materials, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality. Our mission is to inspire individuals to create beautiful gardens that benefit both people and wildlife.
The Garden and nature Quiz Book is a selection of quizzes about gardening and nature eg. grow your own quiz, bird quiz, national park quiz, tree anagrams etc. Ideal for garden club gatherings, allotment society barbecues or to keep in the shed or greenhouse to complete while your having a break, or at home when the weather is bad.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garden-Nature-Quiz-Book/dp/B0BQ99L7TC
]]>Firstly, if you have a water meter installed, you will want to use the mains taps as infrequently as possible, to save money. So, you can use the water in your water butts to fill buckets to hand-wash the car, or for mopping floors, cleaning greenhouse glass panels, patios etc.
Another more communal benefit, is how it can slow the flow of water going down drains during periods of heavy rain, which can increase flood risk, and also use of sewage outflow pipes into rivers. (During high rainfall periods, these pipes are used to prevent waste water backing up pipes.)
An Olympic swimming pool holds 2.5 million litres of water. If 6,300 homes , of a small town, all installed a 200 litre water butt double kit, (400 litres total), it would save 2.52 million litres from going straight into the drain network, during a heavy downpour. With an Olympic swimming pool worth of water saved in the water butts, this could lower the risk of some local flooding, and reduce the use of a nearby sewage outflow pipe into the river.
200 litre water butt double kit, available to buy here;
https://www.gardenis.co.uk/products/200-litre-water-butt-kit-double-200-litre-water-butt-kit
Image - Wiki creative commons / Kallerna
]]>New aromatherapy gift set, that includes 12 different essential oils, made from plants. An ideal gift for Christmas.
Gift box includes
- 5ml Ylang III Essential Oil
- 5ml Lemon Essential Oil
- 5ml Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 5ml Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 5ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 5ml Lavender Essential Oil
- 5ml Rosemary Essential Oil
- 5ml Bergamot Essential Oil
- 5ml Citronella Essential Oil
- 5ml Orange Essential Oil
- 5ml Patchouli Essential Oil
- 5ml Sandalwood Amayris
- 2x droppers
https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/homewares-gifts/products/aromatherapy-gift-set
]]>Rayung grass
https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/homewares-gifts/products/rayung-grass-x-3-1-6m-or-2m
Cantal grass
https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/homewares-gifts/products/cantal-grass-x-6
Dried flower ceramic vases
https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/homewares-gifts/products/ceramic-vase-various-designs
]]>Cordyline australis, more commonly known as Cabbage Palm, is a great plant if you are creating an exotic / jungle type garden, in temperate Britain. Although not a palm tree, it does have a palm tree 'effect', and looks great in a vibrant coloured border, or planted amongst other exotic, leafy plants. It is hardy to down to about -5c, so is fine for growing in coastal areas, or cities. The best place for them in the garden is a sunny position, and they are drought tolerant. If you would like a Cabbage Palm in your garden, but live in a colder part of the country, it's still possible for them to grow successfully outdoors, but if the winter is colder than average, make sure it is protected with some insulating fleece, to help it get through the coldest nights. You could also consider growing in large containers, and in winter store in a greenhouse, and then bring outside onto the patio or decking in spring.
]]>If you want to make your garden more wildlife friendly, one thing you can do is set your lawn mower at a higher cut setting, and sow some Red clover seeds into your lawn. The bees love Red clover flowers! More information here -
]]>Artificial grass
Plastic plants
Glysophate weedkiller
Harsh chemical pesticides.
Please go for organic alternatives, gardens can look lovely, without using any of the above. Below is some information about glysophate weedkiller, and alternatives.
]]>Here is an article with some tips for successfully growing an Olive tree in your garden.
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So, if you want to water your garden order a water butt here!
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Coastal areas, such as Cornwall, are even milder, with a classification of 9b. That is the same, or even higher than many parts of Spain!
Here are some plant ideas for a temperate tropical garden.
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Preformed Pond - 3 sizes plastic garden pond wildlife pond ready made – Gardenis.co.uk
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