Here are some quick tips to improve the health of your plants and thereby increasing plant quality and crop yield. Most tomatoes are grown in greenhouses as “cordons” (rather than bushes) to improve fruit size and quality by stopping the plants from using energy creating new branches and foliage. This is done by removing the side shoots that appear in the angle between the main stem and each branch. Side shoots should be pinched out when small so keep doing
Read more →Make sure wildlife has access to water. If it’s likely to freeze, putting a floating object, like a small ball, in the water. You can also add warm water to melt the ice. Bird feeders and bird baths should be cleaned before refilling to prevent the spread of diseases such as avian pox. Clean out bird boxes ready for the new breeding season. It’s best to do this during the day as some birds may be using the boxes for
Read more →Inspiration for a garden design can come from anywhere Following a trip to Iceland last year I’ve found myself drawn to mossy rocks and stones. The ancient lava fields in Iceland have weathered over the centuries to create rounded boulders which have become covered in velvety green moss as far as the eye can see. Since then I’ve been looking closer to home for ways in which this “look” has been used in man-made landscapes.
Read more →
I’m now the proud owner of piggygarden.co.uk, which sells quality garden furniture (and I’ll be adding more outdoor living products soon): https://piggygarden.co.uk For the whole of June, you can get 5% off any orders placed by using the code JUNE18 at checkout. If you’ve been a design client of mine at any time past or present, I can offer a permanent 5% off any orders – just send me an email and I’ll send an up to date discount code.
Read more →
Welcome to the new web site for A Room Outside. I’m Charlotte Ridley and I’ve been designing gardens in and around Newcastle for several years now, from small backyards to large mature gardens. I’m Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualified and hold a National Diploma in Horticulture and a Diploma in Garden Design. I have always been passionate about plants and gardens and love the opportunity to create something special and personal for my customers that means they can make the most
Read more →