Most expensive Halloween pumpkin ever!
The most expensive Halloween pumpkin in history has weighed in at a record-breaking 1,333.8lb (605kg) – the heaviest pumpkin ever grown outdoors in the UK. A Pricey Pumpkin The pumpkin scooped first prize for biggest outside grown pumpkin and second prize overall at the 2016 Jubilee Sailing Trust Autumn Pumpkin Festival in Southampton. The pumpkin was grown from the world’s [...]
Britain in Bloom’s 2016 Champion
A small town in Northern Ireland has been crowned Britain in Bloom’s 2016 Champion of Champions. Ahoghill in County Antrim was one of only six areas from across the UK chosen to compete in the category. Britain In Bloom Another competitor in Northern Ireland, Castlecaulfield in Ulster, was a joint winner of the Best Village award with Elswick, Tyne and [...]
It’s Wild about Gardens Week
It’s Wild about Gardens Week this week – your chance to do your bit for the wild creatures which share your outside space with you. Wild About Gardens Week The week-long celebration of wildlife-friendly gardening is led by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Wildlife Trusts, who set it up four years ago after research showed about two-thirds of Britain’s [...]
Two elm trees have been discovered
Two elm trees thought extinct in Britain have been discovered growing at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s residence in Scotland. Extinct Elm Trees Discovered! The majestic 100ft tall Wentworth elms (Ulmus ‘Wentworthii Pendula’) have a weeping growth habit and large glossy leaves, and had been growing in the garden at Holyroodhouse for decades without anyone realising their importance. All specimens of the [...]
Dry tomatoes and other fruits
Dry tomatoes and other fruits to keep them in perfect condition for deliciously nutritious snacks right through winter. Dry Tomatoes Dried tomatoes are a classic of Italian cuisine and for sheer tastiness there are few better ways to preserve your surplus tomato crop. You can also dry apples, pears and apricots; and you can wow the kids by drying berry [...]
Clear away plant supports
Clear away plant supports as part of your end-of- season clear up and store them carefully for next year. Clear Away Those Plant Supports Whether they’re bamboo canes, hazel rods, or metal plant grids and obelisks they’ll do sterling service for years to come if you treat them well now. Untwine old plant stems and cart them off to the [...]