MyGreen Fingers

Don't despair, there's still time for planting!

growing The unseasonable weather this year will have escaped nobody’s attention. This month has seen the country experiencing the coldest March in 50 years.

But as the weather starts to get warmer, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) would like to reassure gardeners that they still have time to plant to achieve the perfect garden.

Carbon Gold gets the seal of approval from the Soil Association

Carbon Gold’s Soil Association approved GroChar is a concentrated biochar based soil improver. Biochar is a form of porous charcoal produced by heating woody plant matter using a clean technology. When mixed with the soil it acts as a host to a multitude of beneficial micro organisms which naturally boost soil health and fertility. The biochar is enhanced with mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed and wormcast. This combination of ingredients encourages healthy living soil and fertility.

Recycled materials and D.I.Y bring economies of style to this eco- friendly garden.

Trevor Thomas is a retired graphic designer/copywriter who lives in Stone, Staffordshire. Like many retired pensioners he is fit and has all the time in the world, which he has put to good use with seven weeks of hard graft in this simple but effective transformation of his small town garden.

The previous layout consisted of a tired uneven patio with a path to the left under the bay window.

These are the slabs which, when overturned reveal a subtle terracotta underside which when re-laid with half inch spacing, adds a linear effect and a perspective which also adds an illusion of width and length to what is, a small garden.

Donkeys gives gardens a boost with Donkey Doo.

the donkey sanctuary Newly launched Donkey Doo combines donkey manure with charcoal to produce an additive and chemical free soil improver to make gardens bloom this summer.

Made on-site from donkey manure and charcoal processed from The Donkey Sanctuary’s willow beds, Donkey Doo does not contain any chemicals or additives, helps off set carbon footprints and promises great results for gardeners! Available from The Donkey Sanctuary’s Visitors’ Centre, a large bag of Donkey Doo costs £7.99 with a percentage of all sales being donated to help the charity’s work with donkeys and mules worldwide.

FOR A LAWN YOU’RE ROYALLY PROUD OF,

Green Velvet Jubilee Lawn With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee fast approaching, many of us will be celebrating our quintessential Britishness this summer with garden parties for family and friends galore. But is your lawn ready for the regal festivities?

If you do one thing to perk up your garden this spring, make sure you overseed with Barenbrug’s Green Velvet grass seed. Professional grass seed breeder Barenbrug is the grass seed of choice among elite golf, sports and landscape users – the Green Velvet range condenses all its expertise into mixtures especially formulated for keen gardeners and house-proud homeowners.