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My Planting List for a Sunny Cottage Garden Border

How I design a border, the full plant list, plus a video showing placement, planting and the finished bed.

Jul 27 •

The Barn Garden Video Diaries: The Design Takes Shape

Two short videos showing a full tour of the garden explaining the design. Plus: how to add steel edging to the lawn, creating paths, and a hell of a lot…

Jul 13 •

4:53

Summer Garden Furniture Bargains!

I’ve Scoured the Sales so You Don’t Have To! Sofa Sets, Parasols & Canopies, Dining Sets, Sun Loungers, Serving Trolleys, Outdoor Cushions, Outdoor…

Jul 6 •

Dollops of Joy #4 - What are Those Purple Fields?

Plus a video of my highlights from RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival, Swift Bricks, and some honest thoughts on press day.

Jul 2 •

The Barn Garden Diaries: Bringing the Dream to Life Whilst Digging for England!

A recurring dream that became the inspiration, The next stage of creating an oval lawn, Petal-shaped island beds and Excitement beyond belief as a ‘hug…

Jun 29 •

The Barn Garden Diaries: The Beginnings of a Design

Simple Tricks for Marking Out Borders & Creating Perfect Ovals. Plus my Design & Planting Ideas. But, my god, how difficult is it to get two gay…

Jun 15 •

The Barn Garden Diaries: The First Flower Bed

From a gravel bed of weeds & thugs to an almost finished new border.

Jun 1

7:04

The Colourful Collision of Interior and Garden Design at Chelsea 2025

But…is it all just a tad similar?

May 25 •

Strong Beauty: The Glasshouse Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

An exclusive interview with garden designer Jo Thompson, a closer look at the garden that should win Best In Show, and why it matters.

May 20 •

13:07

A Tropical Garden Paradise

The tireless & quite incredible work of the Key West Gardening Club at West Martello Tower.

Apr 17 •

Dollops of Joy #1

The Best Water Butt Designs I’ve Ever Found, Spring Blooms, Shopping & TV Links, How to Prune Hydrangeas, A Short Video From Key West & Garden Treasure.

Apr 9 •

Beautiful Garden Furniture For All Budgets That’s Anything But Faux Rattan

Colourful Dining Sets, Lounge Sets That Don’t Break the Bank, Bistro Beauties & Sun Loungers to Die For.

Apr 6 •

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