It’s true that many garden have tricky spots whether it’s a slope, areas where neighbours can see in, or sections with bad soil where plants struggle to survive. Perhaps you’ve got odd-shaped corners that are difficult to use and have become wasted space, or areas that are always either too wet or too dry, or shaded areas that never see proper sunlight. I’ve worked on all sorts of different gardens and I know that it’s possible to work with what you’ve got, and to find a solution for each problem.
Task of the month
As our gardens spring to life, there will be lots of new growth on the way, some of it quicker than you might expect. So one important thing to remember to help it all grow beautifully is to support plants as they grow. As we know, Guernsey gales can be very strong so a little support can go a long way to help plants establish strong stems to avoid falling over or even snapping. You can use bamboo canes or obelisks for plants with thin stems and large blooms such as peonies, or by tying climbing plants like jasmine and honeysuckle to pergolas and trellises, you will help them to spread healthily and thoroughly. Try to use string or raffia rather than metal ties which can cut into fragile stems.
Outdoor plant spotlight
Heading into summer, you can’t beat a display of cosmos in your garden. These fast-growing, sun-loving plants are low-maintenance which can thrive in poor soil and prefer light watering which is a bonus for busy people. They have a long flowering season, filling borders with a profusion of flowers ranging in colour from white through to pink, red and orange with masses of feathery foliage. Shorter varieties look good in containers and all cosmos make fantastic cut flowers. Their simple open flowers are guaranteed to brighten up any garden well into autumn - and pollinators like them just as much as gardeners do. With names such as ‘Sea Shells’ and ‘Fizzy Pink’ you can image how pretty they are, and look out for Cosmos atrosanguineus with its dark red, chocolate-scented flowers.
Indoor plant spotlight
For a truly low maintenance plant, cacti are a great option which need watering only once or twice a month, just enough that they won’t shrivel. As you’d expect, position them in bright light on a south-facing window sill if possible. Ensure soil is free-draining by adding some grit or vermiculite to compost, or invest in some special cactus compost. One of the joys of growing cacti is that they don’t need a large container to thrive so can be grown in the smallest of spaces. With a large variety of shapes and sizes, they can make a stunning display with minimal effort, and some will bloom beautifully too.
Eco and wildlife tip
Some effective but simple ways to look after birds are to provide daily fresh water for drinking and bathing, keep feeders hygienic to prevent disease, avoid pesticides, and leave hedges untrimmed to protect nesting birds. Set up shallow bird baths in shady areas, as birds cannot sweat and need to cool down. Clean feeders and tables weekly with hot, soapy water to stop the spread of infection, which increases in warm weather. Offer high-energy foods in small quantities to prevent rotting and avoid large nuts that can cause chicks to choke and try not to use chemical sprays that will kill garden insects and caterpillars as they are essential for parent birds to feed their chicks.
Design and wellness idea
Imagine this scenario. After a busy day, you want to get away from it all and relax but you’re too tired to go out. Sounds familiar? So why not turn your garden into a ‘micro-retreat’ where you can unwind in a covered seating area complete with soft cushions and a cosy throw blanket for cooler evenings?
Picture yourself warming your hands around a firepit as the sun sets, whilst listening to the soft tinkling sound of your water feature. As evening falls, subtle lighting transforms your space, creating that special atmosphere you’ve experienced on holidays and weekends away, where every moment feels magical and time seems to slow down. These elements give you a garden that delivers the psychological benefits of a getaway without the travel time or hassle. Sometimes we feel the need to go away to escape our daily lives when the peace we’re looking for is right outside the door in a space that works for all the family.
Make it a goal to create your own garden retreat to check into at your leisure, to give you the mental reset of a weekend away, even if you only get to spend a few hours there.
Zoe is the founder of Botanica Garden Design offering garden makeovers and creative planting concepts for offices and homes, as well as sauna suites and garden kitchens for outdoor living and wellness opportunities. www.botanica.gg
