UK Ecology

Articles posted in 2008.

Although perennials can be grown in traditional pots, they require a great deal of work and the results are uncertain. Traditional pots are not insulated and the roots of perennials suffer from cold in winter and from heat in summer. The Lindesberg Pot works via a system that allows plant roots to breath and at the same time offers insulation to provide the perfect environment for perennials, in both summer and winter months.

It is lightweight, frost proof and virtually indestructible. The base of the Pot features raised spikes for drainage and the saucer is manufactured from the same material as the container to provide extra insulation from the ground temperature. The Pot is made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) which is recyclable - and this site likes stuff that is properly recyclable. Another benefit is that you do not need to refill pots with annuals every year.

Fagerdala Por-Pac is part of Fagerdala World Foams, an international group that operates in over 16 countries. You can find details on them here: www.madebyfagerdala.com

Here's a top idea for city dwellers looking to keep their gardening skills alive and enjoy the opportunity to nurture and taste home grown produce. Designed with sustainability as paramount, the City Vegetable Garden (distributed in the UK by ECOutlet) is a rack system for growing herbs and smaller vegetables (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, onions and radishes) all year round, within the limited confines of a city flat or apartment.

The aluminium frame is 100% recyclable and there is a drainage system to prevent the harm excess watering can do to plants. You will need substrate or compost and a couple of bags of soil, which you can pick up at any garden centre.

Timely advice from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service at the Morpeth Herald, where they warn that each year at this time the Fire Service attend an increased number of deliberate fires in outbuildings and sheds, which are often set for no other reason other than to cause damage but also to cover up the theft of gardening equipment.

We're big fans of making our own compost at BGS, not only is it cheaper than buying it, if done properly it can often be of better quality. One excellent way of achieving this is a wormery. That's right, your very own worm farm. Left over fruit and veg can be tossed into your alternative bin and out the other end (eventually) you get high grade of fertiliser. If you're interested in this very eco-friendly way to gain great growing media for your garden and cut down on waste check out the options at wigglywigglers.com, where you can buy several varieties of wormery and, most importantly, the worms themselves, which are actually sent through in the post! A most cunning plan indeed.

Read an interview with the founder of Wiggly Wigglers Heather Gorringe

Although we may not have a perfect climate in the UK this does not stop us enjoying our gardens. People of all ages really seem to enjoy designing and creating their perfect garden space. If you are currently working on designing a new garden then your first job will be to look at the garden itself with a view to planning how it will look when you are done. You may well find that sketching rough layouts on paper will give you some help here.

Suburban gardens are all different and really can be designed to reflect their owner`s likes and personality. Some people like to have a very structured garden layout, some prefer a wilder more natural look and others like to pave their garden over and turn it into a large patio.

The fact is that there are plenty of options you can use when designing your suburban garden. Some people, for example, like to keep things relatively simple and may simply have a lawn layout with flowerbeds. Others may want to add extra touches such as water features, paths, rock gardens, ponds and sculptures.

The actual size of your garden will play a part in its design to a certain extent. One of the best tips you can think about is the size of the space on offer. In general terms, small gardens may need some creative organisation and are best suited to small plants and shrubs to give the impression of a larger space. A larger garden, however, may benefit from larger shrubs and trees.

Ask virtually any gardener what the most important thing is in their garden and many of them will say their garden shed. Keen gardeners accumulate a lot of tools and other garden related items and it is important to have somewhere safe and dry to keep them in good condition. You can also use the shed to do work on seeds and plants that you are looking to cultivate into the bargain.

Many people nowadays are turning to garden suppliers to help them design and set up their garden. It is important to make sure that you choose the right supplier here but it can be hard to know which company to choose. It may be a good idea to try talking to other people who have used this kind of service before, see Essex garden design - suburban for some excellent recommendations.

For the start of this year we thought we would put together our 'Top 10 Tips' for greener gardening. The following pieces advice should prove to be simple measures for those of you who want to do better by the environment but still keep your garden in good shape. And hopefully, they'll save you money as well! The list is in no particular order