yardz

PEA SHOOTS - THE NEW LEAF GREENS

 
Growing salad greens in small spaces is easy today. There are many selections of easy to grow salad greens available as seeds or as small plants from garden centres. But for a change try growing pea shoots.

Plant 3-4 pea seeds in a small pot and germinate on a windowsill or in a growhouse. Once germinated and they have grown about an inch, plant outside into large containers - Potato Bags are perfect. After about three weeks you are ready to start picking the top shoots which have the crunchiness of lettuce and the sweet flavour.

Try using Pea Alderman or any Mangetout or Sugar Snap varieties

 

  

MINI CLEMATIS FOR INSIDE OR OUT

These mini Clematis Flora are available from www.dobies.co.uk. They are great for pots inside or out. Use them as houseplants then once flowered cut them back and grow them outside where they will flower all summer. They are available in a choice of three colours. 

BUMBLE BEE SUMMER

The Beepol Garden Hive from www.dragonfli.co.uk houses a live colony of bumble bees in a maintenance free hive. These native disease free bees will help polinate your flowers fruit and veg including tomatoes, peppers and aubergines. Though they only last till winter new queen eggs laid will help build the native bumble bee population. 
 

TWO TONE GRAPE HYACINTHS

Grape Hyacinths, Muscari, are great bulbs for containers and hanging baskets. These are Muscari latifolium, the two-colour Muscari, that flower in March and April. Growing to about 20cm high they are perfect to mix with bedding plants though being non-invasive they are great for borders. 

SOPHIES CHOICE

Sophie Conran, in conjuction with the innovative tool supplier, www.burgonandball.com , has designed these ergonomic garden tools especially for women and those with small hands. They are beautifully made and include some clever items such as the compost scoop and potting seive.From £14.99 each.

DISTRESSED HOMESTEAD STYLE

 
I just love this Homestead suite from www.showpiecedesign.co.uk , it has a rough simple design but is full of style. It is manufactured from slow growing pine, that is ditressed and treated before being finished in old white.

SEED PACKETS GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

These seed packets are from www.thebalconygardener.com The range includes vegetables suitable for growing in small spaces and cost £3.25 a packet.

The packets are stunning, well worth buying just to frame. 

MARMALADE'S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST

Primrose Marmalade just shines in the Spring sunshine. Great for containers with their dark coloured leaves and flowers that last from late winter into early Spring. Prefers a moist soil or compost but is happy in sun or shade. 

SEEDS IN A SPIN

Inside this retro record sleeve are two sheets of plantable paper filled with mixed herb seeds. Contains a mixture basil, thyme, chives, parsley and oregano.

Makes a great gift. £8.50 from www.thebalconygardener.com 

Also available Petal Records for those that would prefer wild flowers.

 

FINDING A HOME FOR YOUR WHEELIE BIN

 
Though designed for front gardens, these docks are perfect for keeping wheelie bins and recycling boxes tidy in yards. Made from European Oak ,they are available from www.frontyardcompany.co.uk and are designed to fit a range of recycling boxes and both small and large wheelie bins (120 & 240litres).

Bindock/Boxdock set from £145.00