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Sunflowers, snowdrops, no dig plots, bee hives and wildflower meadows – Scotland’s Gardens Scheme launches 2024 season

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme returns for 2024 with an exciting new season of gardens, raising funds for hundreds of charities and involving over 1000 volunteers and garden openers.

2024 season highlights include:

  • Over 50 new gardens will open their garden gates with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme for the first time
  • 26 group and village openings
  • 37 gardens opening as part of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival
  • 11 community and education gardens participating
  • An increasing trend towards wildlife-friendly and eco-conscious gardening

WELCOMING NEW GARDENS
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is excited to welcome new gardens great and small and despite a tradition of stately homes and castles, it continues to see an increase in the number of smaller gardens enquiring about opening with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. These gardens are appealing to garden visitors, providing real-life inspiration for their own gardens. However, castles and large gardens remain very popular for an insight into gardening on a grand scale.

Sunflower Dreams in Nairn (13 July) truly lives up to its name; the garden is a wildlife-friendly space with upcycled features and filled with blooms, including helichrysum, dahlias, nicotiana,  bedding plants – and of course sunflowers – all grown from seed in the owners’ greenhouse. Plenty of inspiration for those gardening on a budget.

Meanwhile, another newcomer to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, Aldourie Castle (11 August) sits in a wonderful position overlooking Loch Ness. The garden has been designed by Tom Stuart-Smith and is an ambitious modern re-imagining of a traditional castle garden and grounds, including a 1.3 acre walled garden with a large productive area hosting a range of vegetables and cut flowers.

PLANT SALES & SPECIAL EVENTS

As well as a range of plant sales where visitors can snap up plant bargains, often including the rare and unusual, some gardens also include special features in their open days to make the day go with a swing.  Redcroft (11 & 12 May) and 20 Blackford Road (2 June), both in Edinburgh, will feature musical entertainment at their open days. Westgate in Dundee (19 & 20 October) and 12 Chatelherault Avenue in Glasgow (14 September) both feature later season openings, with the opportunity for an atmospheric evening, as the former garden is floodlit and the latter will feature pizza from their garden pizza oven.

Some events hark back to their historic origins with traditional family fun days; Drummond Castle near Crieff (4 August), with its magnificent Italianate parterre will run its lovely annual open day for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, which features family attractions, ice cream and teas in August. In East Lothian, Winton Castle (14 April) celebrates the start of spring – and its 90th open day with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme – with its wonderful garden fete where visitors can meander through swathes of thousands of daffodils.

CELEBRATING SNOWDROPS
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme celebrates the Scottish Snowdrop Festival with 37 participating gardens, including beautiful white carpets of thousands of snowdrops at Danevale in Kirkcudbrightshire (18 February), Craig in Dumfriesshire (18 February) or curated collections of rare and unusual treasures at Bruckhills Croft in Aberdeenshire (by arrangement 3 February to 17 March), Shepherd House in East Lothian (18 February and Tuesdays/Thursdays throughout the month) and 10 Pilmuir Road West in Moray (by arrangement 25 January – 11 March). Scone Palace will also open its gates for the charity with the chance to join Head Gardener, Beechgrove regular and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Ambassador, Brian Cunningham and his team to plant snowdrops in the green on Sunday 25th February.

Read more about snowdrop gardens here: https://scotlandsgardens.org/snowdrops-and-winter-walks/

WILDLIFE- FRIENDLY AND ECO-CONSCIOUS GARDENING

Reflecting the growing trend across many UK gardens, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme’s 2024 programme includes an increasing number of gardens that actively seek to incorporate environmentally-friendly practises in their gardens. Indeed, there are few gardens these days that don’t include a pollinator patch, compost heap, unmown section of grass or wildlife-friendly corner of the garden, however small, and garden visitors find these touches fascinating and take inspiration for their own gardens.

A number of garden owners are beekeepers and you can find hives at quite a few; Barochreal in Argyl (by arrangement 1 May to 30 September) even has a purpose-built bee shelter to prevent hives from getting waterlogged in the area’s wet climate. The Moorhouse in the Scottish Borders (23 June) specialises in eco-friendly ‘grown not flown’ cut flowers, grown without chemical fertilisers and pesticides and floristry and visitors will be able to see how they grow their cut flowers and experience bouquet workshops on their open day.  Over the past few years, Willowhill in Fife (by arrangement and also specific open dates from 27 April – 31 August) has created new ‘no dig’ herbaceous borders and visitors are invited to view these through the season and learn from the owners’ experience.  And a new group of gardens at Covington in Lanarkshire (16 June) will include wildflower meadows with 80 species spotted in 2023, and a moth expert who will be on hand to show the different species of moth found in gardens.

WHERE THE MONEY WENT IN 2023

Last year Scotland’s Gardens Scheme gave £289,700 in total to a range of good causes. The charity is unique in that 60% of funds raised may go to a cause selected by garden owners. Last year, over £230,000 went directly to charities and good causes chosen by garden owners. In addition, £16,000 each went to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme core charity partners, Perennial, Maggie’s and the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland.  A new bursary scheme launched in March 2023 gave £8,200 for grants to horticulturists in Scotland, for personal and professional training and development, administered by the Professional Gardeners’ Trust on behalf of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, while a further £3,500 was donated to the National Trust for Scotland, supporting the professional development of their gardeners.

“We’re thrilled to launch another season of exciting garden open days to the public. As always, it’s such a pleasure to welcome a host of new gardens into the fold and we know our visitors take great pleasure and inspiration from these gardens, whatever their shape, style or size. Opening gardens is really a joyful way to raise money for charity and it’s such a ‘win-win’ – as well as fundraising, our gardeners and visitors are sharing good gardening practices, meeting new people and spending time together in the great outdoors – all such great ways to boost the wellbeing benefits of gardens and gardening. We hope you’ll join us in 2024.” said Liz Stewart, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Chief Executive.

For details of all this and lots more to whet the appetite for the garden visiting season ahead, browse through the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme website or buy the 2024 guidebook, available on the website at scotlandsgardens.org.

ENDS

 If you would like a copy of the 2024 Guidebook, please email info@scotlandsgardens.org with your name and address.

For trade sales, books can be ordered through Bookspeed: https://www.bookspeed.com/product/140009/scottish-gardens-open-for-charity-2024-by-scotlands-gardens-scheme

For more information:

Emma Mason emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433
Jessica Taylor jessica@scotlandsgardens.org

https://scotlandsgardens.org

NOTES FOR EDITORS 

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme supports the opening of gardens throughout Scotland to the public, raising funds for charity through garden gate tickets, plant sales and teas. Most are privately owned and are normally inaccessible to the public at other times.  60% of funds raised at each garden opening may go to garden owner’s charity of choice with the remainder being donated to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and its beneficiary charities, Maggie’s, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland and Perennial. Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is powered by volunteers and has been raising funds for charity through garden openings since 1931.

Full garden details can be found at scotlandsgardens.org. Garden and charity highlights can also be found on:

X @ScotGardens   
Instagram @ScotlandGardenScheme  
Facebook @ScotlandsGardens  

TikTok @scotlandsgardens

LinkedIn
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/ScotlandsGardensScheme

Not-Another-Jungle-jacket-hi-res

Not Another Jungle by Tony Le-Britton – how to take your houseplant growing to the next level

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Comprehensive care for extraordinary houseplants by leading houseplant influencer Tony Le-Britton

6 April 2023 | £16.99 | Hardback | 155 pages

HOW TO TAKE YOUR HOUSEPLANT GROWING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

  • Expert advice on how to care for some of the most desirable and beautiful houseplants available so they can thrive in your home
  • Award-winning photographer Tony Le-Britton switched his career focus during lockdown and is now one of the UK’s leading indoor ‘plantfluencers’ @NotAnotherJungle with 221k followers
  • Self-taught and now a professional grower, Tony is a prolific houseplant collector of some of the world’s rarest plants
  • Includes myth-busting, tips on watering, propagating, feeding, lighting, pests and diseases, as well as sustainability, responsible growing and sourcing
  • The science of how houseplants actually grow explained
  • Inspirational step-by-step ‘how to’ photography and stunning images of the rare plant jewels in Tony’s own collection – ideal for those obsessed with houseplants and newbie owners too

One of the country’s most popular growers Tony Le-Britton, shares his infectious passion and expansive knowledge for houseplants in his debut book Not Another Jungle.

Tony’s new book is aimed at anyone who loves houseplants and wants to find out how to progress their rare plant collections, and how to help them flourish with bespoke care techniques. For houseplant novices there are his easy-to-follow tips and methods for ensuring their plants not only survive but thrive. Tony’s personal and easy-to-read text helps ensure everyone can understand how to get the best from their houseplants.

Tony, who began as an amateur enthusiast and is now a leading professional grower with his own houseplant shop, says: “I want to help readers take their houseplant growing to the next level, by sharing my knowledge and explaining how to care for and nurture your plants, but also the reasons behind why we do what we do for them and why plants behave in certain ways.”

A breakout social media star, Tony, aka @NotAnotherJungle, has established a large following with his calming plant-filled videos, helpful advice and intriguing peeks inside his stunning indoor greenhouse at home. He actively engages with his audience, and shares so much of his passion, his followers feel they are there growing the plants with him. His book cleverly covers everything houseplant lovers need, with detailed chapters on light, water, humidity, fertiliser, variegation, propagation, and pests and diseases so you can confidently care for your inside garden.

Having travelled the world to explore and learn about plants in their natural habitats, Tony empowers readers to create the optimum environment in their own home so their plants will thrive. Combining detailed information and stunning imagery, the book’s curated plants include Monstera, Anthurium, Philodendron, Rhaphidophora, Alocasia and Begonia, with a special focus on desirable and unusual varieties, including beautiful variegated plants.

Tony discusses the history of plant exploration, touching on the impact to indigenous peoples and habitats, and the blight of modern-day plant poaching. He gives practical advice on how to source and grow plants responsibly, encouraging readers to value their collections, rehome rather than throw away, and use environmentally friendly growing materials and practices.

Tony says: “I want to make sure that enthusiasts choose a plant that is right for their specific growing conditions – my aim is to enable everyone to be successful with houseplants. I also want to inspire them to explore plant growing and to cut down on unnecessary waste by keeping their plants longer and rejecting the throwaway plant culture. It’s a win-win. The feeling that comes from nurturing individual living things and seeing them grow is something that can’t be rivalled.”

ENDS

For further information contact Emma Mason emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433 or Jane Southcott jane@janesouthcottpr.co.uk 07787 527430

Notes for editors:

Tony Le-Britton is a self-taught grower and prolific houseplant collector of some of the world’s rarest plants. Taught to garden as a child by his grandparents, this book will bring together 30 years of growing experience and plant knowledge. His Instagram account @NotAnotherJungle has built up over 188k followers since he set it up in 2020 and many ask for plant care advice. Featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. He is also one of the UK’s most respected hair and beauty photographers. https://www.hji.co.uk/latest/tony-le-britton-photographer

DK | For the curious

We believe in the power of discovery. That’s why we create books for everyone that explore

ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.

 

 

Metal water feature fountain Arthur Jack and Co planters UK British made - Made in England Britain photography by Stephen Studd photographer

Classic looks, hand-crafted and made in the UK – 2023 garden range from Arthur Jack & Co

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Arthur Jack & Co has expanded its hand-crafted garden range for 2023 with a stunning self-contained water feature and a classic window box designed to fit bay window side sills.

Like the rest of Arthur Jack’s luxury products, both are forged from galvanised steel by artisans in the UK, are made to last for years and are guaranteed to add a touch of classic style to your home or garden.

Clockwise, from top left – Water feature; small obelisk; small window box and small water butts

Water feature – Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, Arthur Jack’s water feature contains everything needed to add a beautiful and calming focal point. It is self-contained so no water supply is needed and is ideal on a paved terrace, in a conservatory, or garden room. Size – 82cm long x 48cm deep x 97cm at the highest point.  Weight – 45kg. Price £895 + delivery £80

Small window box – Designed specially to fit the side bay window sills of traditional Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian houses, Arthur Jack’s new 15cm x 18cm x 45cm long window box will add real curb appeal.  Adjustable legs make the box level on a slanted window sill and aid drainage, and a drilled base prevents waterlogging.

This new addition to the range is a perfect companion to Arthur Jack’s longer window boxes [85cm or 110cm long] designed to fit the front sills of a traditional bay window. They can all be used as terrace or decking edging, or, with an optional U bolt, can be hung from railings. A bottom tray is also available for all window boxes to stop water discolouring the sill.  New small window box £125 + delivery £30.

Also from Arthur Jack

Obelisk range: ideal for vigorous climbing plants and a show-off feature for your garden, particularly in autumn and winter. Both obelisks feature steel lattice work so plant tendrils can grasp onto the structure, helping to avoid the need for tying in. Made of thick galvanised steel and decorated with Arthur Jack trademark coach bolts.

Small – standing 1.4m above ground, designed as a stand-alone or will fit snugly into an Arthur Jack large planter. Delivered fully assembled.

Weight 18kg, dimensions 142cm high (excluding legs of 30cm) x 45cm sq at base. Price: £545 + delivery

Large – at over 2m high, this makes a bold statement in its own right, even during winter without climbing plants. Arrives fully assembled in two sections that can be simply slotted together and tightened with a screwdriver.

Weight 25kg, dimensions 213cm high (excluding legs of 45cm) x 40cm sq at base. Price: £845 + delivery

Large round planter: perfect for topiary, roses, shrubs or small trees, this heavy-duty garden planter looks stunning next to your front door, on a terrace or in an herbaceous border. Decorated with Tudor roses and decorative balls. Made in 1.5mm galvanised steel, there are 6cm feet to keep the base clear and the bottom panel is drilled to allow free drainage. Steel top hoop with a hammered finish.

Weight 20 kg, dimensions 65cm x 50cm. Price £395 + delivery

Arthur Jack’s galvanised steel range includes hand-crafted window boxes, garden planters, trough, water butts, boot wash and scraper. More information, including full pricing and how to order, can be found at www.arthurjack.co.uk.

ENDS

For further media information please contact: Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk or 07762 117433

Notes for editors: Arthur Jack’s steel planters, water butts, window boxes, obelisks, water feature and boot scrapers are the result of a great deal of research by a couple of keen gardeners, who were unable to find exactly what they wanted for their own garden.

Made of heavy gauge galvanised steel, they are decorated in a traditional Georgian style complete with Tudor roses and decorative balls. The bottom panels on the garden planters are drilled to allow free drainage and there are feet in each corner to keep the base clear.

They are made in England by artisan metal craftsmen, and then finished with a special treatment to give them an aged patina. Their many uses in the garden are as containers for topiary box ball, roses, small shrubs, trees and flowers. Because they are hot dip galvanised they will have a long life.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden of hope for mothers to raise awareness of Covid’s devastating impact on perinatal mental health

RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden of hope for mothers to raise awareness of Covid’s devastating impact on perinatal mental health

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  • The Mothers for Mothers Garden: “This too shall pass” designed by Pollyanna Wilkinson for Mothers for Mothers charity in the new show garden category ‘All About Plants’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022.
  • Design and planting to echo the road to recovery for mothers experiencingmental health  
  • Covid restrictions have had a drastic impact on pregnant women, birthing people and new parents with partners barred from appointments, anxiety in the workplace, isolation due to a lack of family/peer contact, changes in antenatal care and fewer face-to-face appointments.
  • Planting from the garden will be relocated to Hartcliffe City Farm in Bristol after the show, close to Mothers for Mothers’ base

The Mothers for Mothers Garden, for the namesake Bristol-based charity, is a symbolic plant-filled garden showing the mental health journey mothers take in pregnancy and early parenthood. It will raise awareness of perinatalmental illness, and the added pressures of Covid, at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2022.

 The garden will feature a cloister of bronze-toned walls and archways to represent how long days at home with a baby can feel either like a sanctuary or a cage.

A fractured pathway through the garden surrounded first by muted, restrained planting will gradually transition to a joyful, feminine palette depicting the road to recovery, supported along the way by other mothers with a similar lived experience. True to this new show garden category, 78% of the garden will be plants – showing the impact a small space can have (6x8m).

Designer Pollyanna Wilkinson, a former mental health counsellor and mother of two young children, said: “The expression ‘this too shall pass’ is a mantra passed between women navigating motherhood and the mental healthchallenges that often come with it. The garden is based on the idea of transition – from despair to hope.”

The global pandemic and associated restrictions have had a devasting impact on pregnant women, those giving birth and new mums. Seven in every ten women1 who were pregnant or who had given birth during COVID said they had increased stress and struggled with the ability to cope with pregnancy or baby. 70% of new parents said the lockdown was negatively affecting their baby, and only a third said they were confident in being able to access mental healthsupport.

The garden is funded by the Project Giving Back scheme and supports the vital work of the Bristol charity Mothers for Mothers set up 40 years ago to help mums survive perinatal illness by offering peer support, therapies and counselling, as well as providing assistance for dads and partners.

Maria Viner, the charity’s CEO, said: “The theme of our garden is hope and reassurance. We would like visitors to walk away seeing that it’s possible to find your way back to yourself. For women who are struggling with their mental healthand emotional wellbeing during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby there is support and understanding available. There are people who have lived through this experience and recovered who have been trained to support you and will walk alongside you on your journey to recovery. With the right help and support you will get better.

“For others we hope that the message of hope will translate across whatever their own personal circumstances may be – that if you can find the courage to reach out there are often others who understand and who have walked the same path who can offer companionship, support and compassion without judgment, until you too feel more hopeful about your future.”

During the show, Mothers for Mothers plans to host campaign and fundraising events supported by CBRE and after the RHS Chelsea Flower Show plants from the garden will be relocated to Hartcliffe City Farm close to the charity’s Bristol base.

In terms of planting, the exuberant pink and apricot ruffled Iris ‘Wondrous’ will denote the colour returning to life; apricot Rosa ‘The Lark Ascending’ will provide a feminine and informal feel; tangerine tones of Verbascum‘Clementine’ will denote joy, and the pure blue hues of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ will conversely symbolise low mood.

ENDS

For further information on the garden contact Pollyanna Wilkinson on polly@pollyannawilkinson.com 07534 506604 or Emma Mason emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433. For further information on Mothers for Mothers contact Maria.viner@mothersformothers.co.uk  07796 402667

1 The Fawcett Society

Pollyanna Wilkinson Garden Design: After a decade working in London in legal marketing, Polly retrained as a garden designer at the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden before setting up her namesake studio, based in Surrey.   She later studied Horticulture at Merrist Wood.  Prior to her career in Garden Design, Polly volunteered as a counsellor for several years, working in a variety of settings from schools, to bereavement charities and maternal mentalhealth clinics.  As both a mother and qualified counsellor, the Mothers for Mothers garden holds very significant meaning to her. Polly has previously created two other show gardens, both at Hampton Court Flower Show. In 2018 she earned a Silver Gilt for her garden focusing on the mental health impacts of social media (A very modern problem) and in 2019 she created a garden focusing on nature crafts, earning a Silver medal and People’s choice award. Polly’s design style is a mix of elegance and practicality. She works on all manner of gardens – from country estates to roof terraces across London and the South West.

Mothers for Mothers: Since 1981 Mothers for Mothers has supported families affected by maternal mental illness and emotional wellbeing needs across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset and received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in their 40th year. They offer support to women and their families during pregnancy and until their youngest child attends school, from illness to wellness, through support services which include: Reach helpline/support calls, Home Visiting, Counselling, Antenatal wellbeing in pregnancy group and Peer Support Groups with a play support worker. The services are designed and delivered by women with lived experience of maternal mental illness.  Mothers for Mothers aim to achieve the following outcomes for the women and families they work with:

  • Improved confidence, resilience and relationships with children and family, leading to faster recovery.
  • Improving children’s emotional development by supporting mothers to be sensitive and responsive in their relationships with their children.
  • Reduced social isolation and improved social and support networks.
  • More awareness of maternalmental Health and the support available.
  • Improved care and services for maternalmental illness.

 

RHS_Garden_Sustainable_Product_2021_Finalist

Eco compost shortlisted for first ever RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award

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RHS Sustainable Garden Product of the Year finalist

A peat-free compost range made from sheep’s wool, bracken – and now comfrey – by Dalefoot Composts in the Lake District has been shortlisted for the first ever RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year Award.

Dalefoot Wool Compost with Comfrey, launched earlier this year by the Penrith-based firm, is one of ten shortlisted products to be recognised for their green credentials in this prestigious RHS competition*.

Family-owned Dalefoot Composts spent five years perfecting the addition of comfrey, a plant superfood, into its popular peat-free Wool Compost range. Known as the organic gardener’s best friend, comfrey has high levels of potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers and bigger crops.

Comfrey is now grown sustainably at Dalefoot farm near Heltondale as a commercial crop allowing the company to scale up peat-free compost production to supply many more garden centres and nurseries across the UK, plus online for home delivery. Blending comfrey into the composts complements the company’s on-farm approach to no-till soil management, adds structure and additional flowers and biodiversity to the landscape benefitting insects and pollinators, and, importantly from a horticultural perspective, provides increased nutrient content in the final compost product.

Professor Jane Barker of Dalefoot Composts said: “As firm believers in true sustainability – social, economic and environmental – our team is over the moon to get this recognition and be shortlisted. We take real care to employ environmental best practice at Dalefoot, from the sourcing and harvesting of ingredients, to packaging and delivery. Our premium products also provide gardeners with a sustainable alternative to using environmentally damaging peat in their outdoor spaces.”

With a hat-trick of performance-packed natural ingredients – comfrey, bracken and sheep’s wool – the Wool Compost range feeds plants for at least a season, requires less watering, as wool cleverly retains moisture, and is Soil Association-approved for organic gardening. Wool Compost is available in Potting, Seeds, Vegetables & Salads, Tomatoes, Double Strength and Ericaceous**.

The company sources bracken from Exmoor, Northumberland and Wales, as well as locally in Cumbria – helping a diversity of farming communities and local landscapes. Bracken is an invasive plant but when harvested sustainably and composted, provides rich potash for plants and acts as a fantastic soil conditioner. Sheep farmers are benefitting too as supplying undipped wool for the compost means they have a market for a product they struggle to sell. Dalefoot is a significant local employer and is Living Wage-accredited, and it also restores damaged peat bogs for organisations such as Natural England and the wildlife trusts.

Over the past 12 months, compost production has doubled at Dalefoot, with more than 175 garden centres and nurseries now stocking its products.

ENDS

For further information contact Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433

Comfrey is renowned in the gardening world for being a plant superfood. It has very long roots so is able to absorb nutrients deep in the soil as it grows, and when harvested and then added to compost or a traditional comfrey tea, the nutrients give a growing ‘kick’ to other plants, encouraging strong, healthy growth. The introduction of comfrey to the compost mix marks the culmination of a five-year project by the Dalefoot team to grow the plant on a commercial scale, sustainably on the farm, and harness its extraordinary qualities. The fast-growing comfrey crop can be harvested four times a year, so there is plenty on tap to meet rising demand for the company’s premium composts in the future.

 

Dalefoot’s story – The entrepreneurial couple behind Dalefoot, environmental scientist Professor Jane Barker and farmer Simon Bland, started making compost from the natural ingredients around their Cumbrian farm in 1997. Inspired by early 20th century gardening books that mentioned wool as a garden mulch, and a desire to make good use of the invasive bracken growing on the fells, the couple invented their secret compost recipe, bagged the product up themselves and started selling at local farmers’ markets. Twenty years later the compost is sold across the UK and the business employs 18 local people, and sources bracken and wool from farmers.

The range is available online at www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk from £11.99 per bag down to £8.50 each for orders of 50 bags plus delivery, and also from a growing list of stockists. Tel: 01931 713281   Email: sales@dalefootcomposts.co.uk

 

Peat bogs – The Dalefoot team also restores peat bogs, some of which were once owned by peat compost companies, across the UK for the likes of Natural England, NatureScot, South West Water and wildlife trusts. Peat bogs store more carbon than forests and many in the UK are now in poor condition, releasing carbon rather than just storing it. To date, this work equates to 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to 500,000 flights from London to New York – saved since Dalefoot started two decades ago.

 

* About RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year – The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden Product of the Year was launched in 2011 to recognise the best new garden products at the show. In line with the ever increasing importance to ensure products offer sustainable solutions, the 2021 competition will award the RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year for the first time. Other shortlisted products include New Vegebag by Vegepod UK, Composting Loo by Green Oak and Ocean Plastic Pots, made from discarded rope and fishing net. An expert judging panel will consider environmental sustainability as well as innovation, visual appeal, functionality and quality and the winner will be announced during Virtual Chelsea (17 – 21 May). A trophy presentation will take place on Press Day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show now being held in September.

 

** Wool Compost Ericaceous, Lakeland Gold and Bulb Compost do not contain comfrey

Dalefoot Composts

Dalefoot Composts adds comfrey into its peat-free range to give plants a nutrient super boost

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  • Comfrey – the organic gardener’s best friend – a ‘dynamic accumulator’ packed with nutrients is added into the Wool Compost range
  • ‘Bocking 14’ variety has high levels of potassium, phosphorous & nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers & bigger crops
  • Comfrey now being grown sustainably at Dalefoot farm as company scales up peat-free compost production to supply many more garden centres and nurseries across the UK, plus online for home delivery
  • Bracken for Dalefoot’s products sourced from Exmoor, Northumberland & Wales, helping farming communities & local biodiversity further afiel

Dalefoot Composts, the Lake District peat-free compost maker, has added comfrey into its peat-free Wool Compost range giving an extra super charge of nutrients and trace elements for blooming, healthy plants.

Now with a hat-trick of performance-packed natural ingredients – comfrey, bracken and sheep’s wool – the Wool Compost range feeds plants for at least a season, requires less watering, as wool cleverly retains moisture, and is Soil Association-approved for organic gardening. Wool Compost is available in Potting, Seeds, Vegetables & Salads, Tomatoes, Double Strength and Ericaceous1.

Comfrey is renowned in the gardening world for being a plant superfood. It has very long roots so is able to absorb nutrients deep in the soil as it grows, and when harvested and then added to compost or a traditional comfrey tea, the nutrients give a growing ‘kick’ to other plants, encouraging strong, healthy growth.

The introduction of comfrey to the compost mix marks the culmination of a five-year project by the Dalefoot team to grow the plant on a commercial scale, sustainably on the farm, and harness its extraordinary qualities. The fast-growing comfrey crop can be harvested four times a year, so there is plenty on tap to meet rising demand for the company’s premium composts in the future.

The company is also now sourcing bracken from Exmoor, Northumberland and Wales, as well as locally in Cumbria – helping a diversity of farming communities and local landscapes. Bracken is an invasive plant but when harvested sustainably and composted, provides rich potash for plants and acts as a fantastic soil conditioner. Sheep farmers are benefitting too as supplying wool for the compost means they have a market for a product they struggle to sell.

Dalefoot’s peat-free products are unique as they use a fully-traceable, sustainable blend of wool, bracken and now comfrey to make composts for every gardening need. Wool releases a steady stream of nitrogen and other must-have nutrients which, when combined with bracken and comfrey, means no further feed is required over the growing season.

Professor Jane Barker of Dalefoot Composts said: “Comfrey is a truly remarkable plant offering a multitude of uses and we’re excited to grow it right here on the farm for our compost. We’ll be looking at how we can use it in other products for the gardener in the future.

“Our farm’s bees, insects and wildlife are also benefitting from the biodiversity boost the new comfrey fields and their nectar-rich flowers bring to the local environment.”

Over the past 12 months, compost production has doubled at Dalefoot, with 177 garden centres and nurseries now stocking its products.

The Dalefoot team also restores peat bogs, some of which were once owned by peat compost companies, across the UK for the likes of Natural England, NatureScot, South West Water and wildlife trusts. Peat bogs store more carbon than forests and many in the UK are now in poor condition, releasing carbon rather than just storing it. To date, this work equates to 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to 500,000 flights from London to New York – saved since Dalefoot started two decades ago.

ENDS

For further information contact Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433

1 – Wool Compost Ericaceous, Lakeland Gold and Bulb Compost do not contain comfrey

Dalefoot’s story – The entrepreneurial couple behind Dalefoot, environmental scientist Professor Jane Barker and farmer Simon Bland, started making compost from the natural ingredients around their Cumbrian farm in 1997. Inspired by early 20th century gardening books that mentioned wool as a garden mulch, and a desire to make good use of the invasive bracken growing on the fells, the couple invented their secret compost recipe, bagged the product up themselves and started selling at local farmers’ markets. Twenty years later the compost is sold across the UK and has been shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden Product of the Year. The business employs 18 local people, and sources bracken and wool from farmers.

The range is available online at www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk from £11.99 per bag down to £8.50 each for orders of 50 bags plus delivery, and also from a growing list of stockists.

Tel: 01931 713281   Email: sales@dalefootcomposts.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

DSC_0052-low-res

The no-planning homes keeping multi-generational families together during lockdowns

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  • Sales of Scandi-style log cabin garden annexes soar during lockdowns
  • Ideal for grandparents or other close family and no planning permission needed1
  • Leading annex provider Norwegian Log has seen sales rocket by 35% over the last year and enquiries by 50%
  • Most purchasers are aged over 70 and want to move closer to their children

With lockdowns and travel restrictions making it difficult for families to see their elderly relatives, a Reading-based log cabin company is having to upscale production of its annexes – that provide an affordable, fuss-free property solution to keeping people safely connected – just to match demand.

Helping a growing number of savvy pensioners shrewdly sidestep separation issues, Scandi-style log cabin maker Norwegian Log has seen sales of its annexes soar by 35% last year, compared to 2019. The annexes can be built at the bottom of the garden within months and, because they are cleverly classed as ‘transportable’, in most cases don’t need planning permission1.

As one of the country’s longest established annex providers, Norwegian Log builds bespoke lodges from solid wood, which makes them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with a ski chalet vibe.

Older generations are reaping the benefits of purchasing these high quality-build annexes as they can be conveniently sited within the garden of a son, daughter or close relative. The elderly residents are then within easy reach if help is needed and long distance drives to see each other can be a thing of the past.

Prices start from just over £50,000 for a one bedroom log annex – a fraction of the cost of a bricks and mortar equivalent – so many downsizing pensioners are able to save sizable sums for their retirement, travel or a rainy day. The cabins are built all on one level and can be fitted out with the latest 21st century fixtures and fittings.

Research from Norwegian Log showed that 50% of pensioners interested in buying an annex this year live between 20-100 miles away from their family, and the main reason for their move was to be closer to their loved ones.

Customer Muriel Seamon owns a two bedroom annex sited in her daughter Jennie’s Kent garden. Jennie Mathews said: “It has really put my mind at rest having mum so close to us through this long lockdown especially over Christmas.  It means she has not been in isolation alone as we are all in her ‘bubble’. We were able to cook Christmas dinner together and spend the day together as a family.

“In the first lockdown we did her shopping for the first month and we would leave it at her door and didn’t go in, but she is fiercely independent and in the end we worked out the safest time for her to shop on her own as she was so determined to do so. I was working from home so it was lovely to work in the garden together during my lunch breaks.”

Annex owner Dave Swift lives in a lodge next to the Somerset home of his daughter Kelly. He said: “One great benefit of living in the family garden is that we are in the same bubble enabling us to meet and help each other out. I am quite sure I would have felt much more isolated had I still been in my previous house.”

Nick Forrester of Norwegian Log said: “Lockdowns have prompted a flood of enquiries from families who realise that living miles away from their elderly relatives, particularly those on their own, makes it very difficult to support them at a time when they need supporting the most. Our annexes can be built in a back garden within weeks and provide peace of mind for both parties.

“The prospect of high residential care costs means that many families were already seeking alternative solutions to looking after their loved ones but the pandemic has made them realise they should do something sooner rather than later.”

Ends

For further information contact: Emma Mason on 07762 117433 emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk

Notes for editors:

1 Planning permission – Norwegian Log’s granny annexes are classed as transportable mobile homes and so if sited within the curtilage of your property – the garden, essentially – for the exclusive use of a family member, you will not need planning permission. The annex has to remain ancillary to the house (i.e. not legally separated for sale or rental to a non-family member). Norwegian Log recommends that you apply for a Certificate of Lawful Use, which confirms that situation, and it provides this service as part of its Granny Annex package. If the annex is NOT a mobile home, you will require planning permission and building regulations approval. The planning office may then dictate the annex’s size, facilities, etc.

 

 

 

 

spring-picks

HOT SPRING PICKS – The clothing most loved by Genus Gardenwear fans and new spring ranges launching soon

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With high performance, technical wear that looks as good as it performs, clothing from Genus Gardenwear has been a hit with serious gardeners since 2013.

Its trousers and tops for all weathers, boasting UK-first designs, have proved popular with green-fingered Brits. The Cotswolds-based firm’s gear has clever horti’ twists such as stab-proof pockets for secateurs, padded knees, raised waists for back protection and easy-care fabrics, and many lines are endorsed by the RHS.

Later this spring, Genus will be launching new ranges of summer trousers and shorts for both men and women, to keep gardeners cool, comfortable but still protected as the weather warms up.

2021 BEST SELLERS INCLUDE:

TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT

Men’s Dixter Gardening Pullover £95 – Specially designed for gardening, this pullover for men is perfect when you need that little extra degree of warmth.  Cosy but lightweight, its relaxed fit and longer length allows you to wear it on its own, or to layer up, and still move freely.

Women’s Waterproof Gardening Trousers £150 – also available for men. The first-ever totally waterproof trousers specially designed for gardening and with a generous cut specially for women.  Based on the hugely successful Genus 3-Season Gardening Trousers, their 2-in-1 function does away with the need for over-trousers.  Using the same showerproof fabric on the outside, these pants have a full-length waterproof lining so you stay totally dry, yet supremely comfortable.

Men’s Rosemoor Gardening Henley £35 – also available for women. The perfect top for gardening in warmer weather, this lightweight Henley tee is made from a silky soft, high performance fabric to keep you cool and dry when the going gets hot.

BOTTOM ROW LEFT TO RIGHT

Women’s Everyday Gardening Trousers £95 – A more affordable version of the Genus best-selling gardening pants, Everyday Gardening Trouser for Women is a great all-rounder, offering all the essential features, superb quality and a level of performance a hard working gardener needs.

  • Adjustable, breathable and damp-proof padded knee
  • Stab-resistant pocket for secateurs
  • Raised waist band for back protection
  • Showerproof, easy-care, quick-drying stretch fabric

Women’s Eden Gardening Jersey £55 – Designed as the perfect partner to the 3-Season Gardening Trousers, this high-performance jersey (also available for men) is cut from a technically advanced fabric made out of recycled plastic bottles and coffee fibres, and the extra-long body and thumb loop give protection when gardening.

  • Thumb loop for wrist protection
  • Long body length
  • Half zip
  • Flat-lock seams for comfort

Men’s 3-Season Gardening Trousers £125 – Extraordinary trousers designed for gardeners by gardeners and cut specially for men (women’s available too). Packed with unique gardening functionality and clever horti’ features, these gardening pants provide unparalleled performance, style and comfort for a hard day in the garden. Now also available in iron grey – for menand women.

  • Adjustable, breathable and damp-proof padded knee
  • Stab-resistant pockets for secateurs and knives
  • Raised waist band for back protection
  • Showerproof, easy care, quick-drying, stretch fabric

All available to purchase from www.genus.gs.

ENDS

For further information and high res images contact:

Emma Mason / emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433

Sarah Cole / sarahcole@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07958 397637

Seeds-in-a-Box-Genus-HiRes-1

Perfect gifts for gardening lovers from Genus

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Spare green-fingered friends and family yet another novelty garden gnome or slogan mug and up the stakes this Christmas with something to put a genuine smile on their face. Created by gardeners for gardeners, Cotswolds-based Genus Gardenwear has been making quality clothing and accessories since 2013 and this year’s gift collection is no exception. With prices starting at just £20 and a shedload of ideas, from interesting gadgets, must-have tools, clever clothing to seeds in a box, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets, plus gift cards from £10 if you can’t decide and everything can be bought online – https://www.genus.gs

Christmas gifts from Genus Gardenwear

PRODUCT & PRICING INFORMATION

TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: WOMEN’S EDEN GARDENING JERSEY (£55); MERINO WRIST WARMERS (£30); SEEDS IN A BOX illustrated by Cotswold artist Tracey Elphick (£25, six packs)

SECOND ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: JAPANESE SECATEURS (£80); GENUS GIFT CARD (from £10); MERINO NECK WARMER (£30); WOMEN’S DIXTER GARDENING GILET (£85)

THIRD ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: WOMEN’S ROSEMOOR GARDENING HENLEY (£35, also available in MEN’S); GREETINGS CARDS designed by Cotswold artist Tracey Elphick (£20, set of six); MEN’S EDEN GARDENING JERSEY (£55); JAPANESE SECATEURS (£80) – in box image

FOURTH ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: MERINO SLOUCH GARDENING HAT (£25); SILK GLOVE LINERS (£20); HORI HORI TOOL (£45); MEN’S DIXTER GARDENING PULLOVER (£95)

 

 

Charles in his no dig garden with lettuce and other vegetables September

Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardening – From Weeds to Vegetables Easily and Quickly

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No Dig Gardening – From Weeds to Vegetables Easily and Quickly

Published end August 2020 – £22.50 – Hardback – 240 pages

Available to order via www.charlesdowding.co.uk Nationwide distribution

Organic pioneer Charles Dowding reveals how to create a successful ‘no dig’ garden, as well as the history of this time-saving and highly productive method of gardening, in his new book ‘Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardening – From Weeds to Vegetables Easily and Quickly’.

Charles is a world authority on no dig vegetable gardening which involves simply mulching soil with compost, rather than laboriously digging it. With millions of views of his YouTube videos over lockdown alone, Charles’s no-frills methods resonate with novice and experienced gardeners alike.

In this highly detailed resource, which is based on the written content of his successful online course, Charles explains the concept of no dig vegetable gardening, the art of making good compost for your garden and the differences between soil and compost. He explores the history of no dig over the last 100 years, how it often challenges the gardening ‘norm’ and why only in recent years the method has become popular and valued.

Although the book is not a manual of vegetable growing, it has two chapters with detailed planting plans for small spaces based on what Charles has grown and how no dig helped to achieve these outcomes. He uses the results of growing trials at his Homeacres market garden in Somerset to show how no dig works, and questions the need, or not, to grow vegetables in a different place each year.

There is a chapter on site evaluation and planning your layout, and a section on clearing weeds by mulching, with all the associated details. Readers will also learn how to:

  • Use no dig on different soil types
  • Ask questions and recognise gardening myths, to save time and unnecessary effort
  • Create and look after beds and paths, with a whole section on paths and their value
  • Recognise and reduce different types of weeds
  • Understand and use different types of mulch or soil cover
  • Know the differences between soil, compost and various types of compost
  • Make their own compost
  • Grow an abundance of vegetables using the no dig method. There are growing plans for one bed and for a small garden, with photos and tables to illustrate the results.

The book has 19 chapters, 85,000 words and 900 photographs. Each ‘lesson’ is comprehensively illustrated with sequences of before, during and after photographs from Homeacres. Lessons finish with a multiple-choice quiz to consolidate learning. This is the ideal book for anyone wishing to learn and garden with the no dig method.

Charles Dowding’s Vegetable Garden 2021 Calendar

Monthly calendar A4 opening to A3 – £10 inc VAT 

Available nationwide in stores and via www.charlesdowding.co.uk

Illustrated calendar with photos from Charles’s garden and handy vegetable growing tips. Charles gives a vegetable growing summary for every month, plus his favourite sowing dates for each vegetable at their best times of year, based on decades of fine tuning. Use these dates to help you enjoy a regular supply of fresh produce through all four seasons.

Enjoy the seasonal beauty of his famous vegetable garden, as seen on You Tube and BBC TV Gardeners’ World, in magazines and newspapers. 32 pages printed on 200gsm Premium Gloss Paper, with 350gsm cover. Hole-punched, for hanging on a wall.

ENDS

For further information contact Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433.

Charles Dowding has made no dig popular and is a world authority on the subject. His productive and weed-free garden illustrates the benefits simply of mulching soil to feed its microorganisms. They “turn on the tap” of making food and moisture available to our plants, as well as improving soil structure.

  • Drainage and aeration improve, in an easy and long-lasting way
  • The method is simple and requires less work
  • The result is fewer weeds and healthier, more resilient plants
  • Carbon is retained in the soil

Since 1982 he has created and cropped four no dig market gardens on different soils, from stone to silt to clay. In the 1980s he cropped 7.5 acres (3ha) of no dig beds. In the 1990s he farmed in France.

Currently he grows vegetables on 0.25 acres/1000 square metres in Somerset, SW England zone 8. He sells £20,000 of harvests locally, mainly salad leaves, and vegetables are served on courses at Homeacres.

There are two crops a year from beds which are cheap to establish and quick to maintain. Charles’s methods are easy to understand and work on small areas as well as large ones. No dig scales up and down easily.

He has written nine books and an annual calendar of sowing dates, runs a You Tube channel with 21 million views, writes for national gardening magazines, and gives talks and courses at home and abroad. He has created online courses in no dig gardening and on vegetable growing.

More information can be found at charlesdowding.co.uk

Twitter @charlesdowding 

Instagram charles_dowding

You Tube Charles Dowding

Facebook Charles Dowding No Dig Gardening

 

 

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