Creating an Artist’s Garden

A garden can obviously be highly aesthetically pleasing and still be useful and productive. I always work to make sure that I consider aesthetics in all my designs. But in one recent project (which I will share as a case study tomorrow), aesthetics were particularly important. This project was a garden for an artist –Continue reading “Creating an Artist’s Garden”

Important Sustainability No-Nos For New Gardeners

New gardeners should set out on the right foot, and make sure that their gardening practices are as sustainable as possible from the outset. To make sure you are not making one of the common mistakes, here are things you should not do if you want to garden in a sustainable way: Don’t use syntheticContinue reading “Important Sustainability No-Nos For New Gardeners”

The Parts of Common Vegetable Garden Crops People Don’t Know They Can Eat

Are you accidentally composting parts of common vegetable crops from your garden that you could be eating? There are many plants which offer secondary yields – and other parts of a plant beyond the main harvested parts can often also become a part of your home grown diet. Some parts of common vegetable garden cropsContinue reading “The Parts of Common Vegetable Garden Crops People Don’t Know They Can Eat”

How Much Do You Need to Prune in a Garden?

Many new gardeners feel a little overwhelmed with all the garden jobs on their lists. As a new gardener, working out what you have to do, and what you do not have to do can be a challenge. Many common questions revolve around pruning. How often do you need to prune trees, shrubs etc…? PruningContinue reading “How Much Do You Need to Prune in a Garden?”

Low Maintenance Garden Design

Many people are worried about starting a food producing garden because they worry that they do not have the time. But even when you don’t have much time to tend a garden, it is still important to remember that you can still grow plenty of food. Low maintenance gardens can certainly still be both beautifulContinue reading “Low Maintenance Garden Design”

A Garden For Outdoors Recreation

If you have a larger garden, it is worthwhile thinking, when creating a design, not just about all the food you can grow but also how you and your family and friends will use the space. Being able to spend some time in your garden and have some fun can be just as important forContinue reading “A Garden For Outdoors Recreation”

Case Study: Front Yard Farm

This group of seven front yards in Illinois will soon become a front yard farm, growing a range of produce for the seven households (of 15 people). Seven front yard ‘fields’ will be tended by the farmer, living at lot 3 on the above plan. And his garage will become a hub for the farm’sContinue reading “Case Study: Front Yard Farm”

Could You Farm Your Neighbours’ Front Yards?

Tomorrow I will share a very interesting case study which shows that it can be a great idea to talk to your neighbours. One enterprising gardener decided to speak with his neighbours about using their grass front yards to grow food. Though this gardener does have his own garden, he was frustrated by lack ofContinue reading “Could You Farm Your Neighbours’ Front Yards?”

World National Bee Day

Bee kind. Think about bees and the crucial role they play in pollination and our ecosystems, and take steps to attract and protect native bees in your garden. Large or small, you can make your garden into a haven for bees. Make sure that you garden organically and don’t use any polluting chemicals that harmContinue reading “World National Bee Day”

How To Break Away From Supermarket Shopping

Many people wish that they could break their reliance on supermarket shopping, but don’t feel that they can afford to do so. We’ve all become so used to the ease, convenience and affordability of supermarket food that it can be difficult to see how we can do without them. But with a little work, itContinue reading “How To Break Away From Supermarket Shopping”