Roses have been in cultivation since 500BC in the Mediterranean, Persia and China though the first appeared on earth about 50 million years ago. In China they symbolise eternal Spring and longevity, in Persia beauty and perfection and in the West they have been associated more with the Goddess Aphrodite and love. There are over 300 species and today there are tens of thousands of cultivars- so when you design your rose garden this Winter you are adding to this great tradition. Today’s species roses mainly originate from 18th Century China.   Type of Roses A typical Rose garden will [...]

Native flowers are indigenous to the UK, meaning they have evolved to be perfectly suited to our soil, climate, and local wildlife. When we create gardens we make sure to include native flowers which will benefit the local wildlife as well as creating a gorgeous display. October is a really good time to assess the spaces you have in your garden and plant these perennials. One tip: plant in bunches of 5-7 plants. This way you will be able to see how effective one species is, rather than have hundreds of different species dotted about.   Wildlife and flowers: Wildlife [...]

Rose gardens have been around for thousands of years, with mention of them in the gardens of Babylon and illustrations of rose gardens found in 14th Century BC pyramids. The main rose we use today is Rosa chinensis which was cultivated in China for display and for medicinal purposes for millennia. It wasn’t until the 18th Century that the Chinese rose cultivars came to Europe. By 1840, thousands of cultivars were available for sale. Today there are tens of thousands of cultivates from over 300 rose species. So this your chance to add to this fragrant tradition- make your own [...]

A prairie style garden provides a striking and naturalistic look to an outdoor space. Whether incorporating the style to the whole garden design or just a smaller section you can bring the joy of the wild meadow in to your garden.  The prairie style is characterised by ornamental grasses and sturdy perennials. Providing your garden has good drainage and can offer an open sunny spot, you can consider this style when landscaping a garden, regardless of the size of the plot. With the right planting conditions maintenance is fairly straightforward, allowing for an easier gardening experience. Staples of a Prairie [...]