Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design

This is a small portion of my design for the larger Mediterranean site, for which I earlier shared the overall concept plan. This is the concept for the renovation of the existing (but dilapidated) walled garden on the property. (just under 1 acre in size) The goal is to turn the overgrown and neglected spaceContinue reading “Case Study: Walled Garden Forest Garden Design”

The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden

In a garden, it is important to experiment. While other gardeners, books, and other media can teach you a lot, learning second-hand is never enough to create a truly great garden. Even the very best gardens are a work in progress. All gardeners have to observe, experiment, and respond to change over time. It isContinue reading “The Importance of Experimentation in a Garden”

Dealing With Heat in Your Garden

We’ve had some lovely warm weather here recently. Since we are in Scotland, the relatively mild summer heat is usually something to enjoy and not something to fear. I am a typical Scot and anything over around 20 degrees C. (68F) feels very warm to me! I don’t fare well in the sun and searchContinue reading “Dealing With Heat in Your Garden”

A Few Photos From the Forest Garden

It is a beautiful and very warm day today, and I thought that I would take the opportunity to take a few photos in the forest garden. Without much comment then, here are some images of my wild little food-filled ‘paradise’: Yes, it is wild and very overgrown at this time of year. Yes, thereContinue reading “A Few Photos From the Forest Garden”

Choosing Roses For Your Garden

As I was walking in my garden today, I was struck by a number of beautiful roses that are in bloom at the moment. These were planted before we arrived at the property, and so sadly I do not know which varieties we have. I love roses, however, for a range of reasons. And onceContinue reading “Choosing Roses For Your Garden”

Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year

While I would never advise hastiness when starting a new garden, it is not too late to get growing this summer. You can still think about sowing a range of quick crops for the rest of summer and autumn/fall. And if you put some protection in place (or live in a climate without freezing winters)Continue reading “Not Too Late To Get Growing This Year”

Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden

Yesterday, on the last day of my mother-in-law’s visit, we decided to visit Kellie Castle Gardens, close to us here in Fife. As you can see from these pictures, which speak for themselves, we picked the perfect time to visit. I not only enjoyed the roses and other flowers, and the delightful smells at everyContinue reading “Garden Visit – Beautiful Arts and Crafts Garden”

Case Study: Belgium Permaculture Garden

This is my concept plan for a garden in Belgium (USDA. Hardiness Zone 8a). Details were given to the client for each of the main planting zones, with plant suggestions and an implementation plan. This design aims to suggest a planting plan for the garden which will make the space as attractive and abundant asContinue reading “Case Study: Belgium Permaculture Garden”

Stocking the Pantry – The Redcurrant and Raspberry Harvests are Here

I recently wrote an article on preserves in my pantry for Treehugger, and I am now anticipating another busy weekend picking and preserving. While the raspberries outside are not quite ready yet, there are still lots of wild raspberries to pick in the polytunnel, I’ve picked the first few red currants and will be pickingContinue reading “Stocking the Pantry – The Redcurrant and Raspberry Harvests are Here”

Producing Food in Deeper Shade

Today I thought I would share with you some of my favourite plants which can produce food in shade that is more than just light, dappled shade below fruit trees. The first example is one I have in my own forest garden: mahonia. Also known as Oregon Grape, I realise that this may not beContinue reading “Producing Food in Deeper Shade”