by GillianPolley | Mar 3, 2013 | Birds, Cornus, Edinburgh, Hedges, herbaceous perennials, Jobs to do in the garden, March, Plants, Polley Garden Design, Roses, shrubs, Spring, trees
March is the month when you really see Spring beginning to gear up in the garden, but winter can still have the last word. If the weather remains spring like, March can be the month to give you lawn a first cut. The first cut should be high and light, so lift your...
by GillianPolley | Feb 15, 2013 | Acer griseum, berries, bulbs, clematis, cyclamen, Edinburgh, February, garden design, Hamamelis, holly, Plants, scent, shrubs, Spring, trees, Viburnums, winter colour
I have been working this week on a planting plan for a driveway and front garden. The client has asked for evergreen structure with year round interest and colour and I have used a number of the shrubs and plants I have written about, starting with my first...
by GillianPolley | Dec 6, 2012 | bulbs, Christmas, Jobs to do in the garden, Plants, Ponds, Spring
This is the time of year to tackle the ‘dull’ but important maintanance jobs that need to be done on good weather days: – clean out gutters – treat fences and trellis-work with preservative – remove pumps from ponds and give them a clean...
by GillianPolley | Nov 5, 2012 | bulbs, Green house, herbaceous perennials, Jobs to do in the garden, Plants, Spring
On good days outside keep going on the autumn tidy up of the garden and cutting back of herbaceous plants. Leave ornamental grasses uncut until spring to give winter interest in the garden and at the same time provide over wintering insects with protection. November...
by GillianPolley | Oct 1, 2012 | bulbs, Green house, herbaceous perennials, Jobs to do in the garden, Plants, Ponds, shrubs, Spring, trees
Now is a good time to plant new trees, shrubs, climbers and turf. The soil is still warm enough to allow root growth and establishment – also in autumn to move existing trees and shrubs. Bare root plants will be available in November for hedging and larger...
by GillianPolley | Sep 17, 2012 | arts and crafts, Beth Chatto, Obelisks, Plants, Spring, Stipa gigantea
In the last year I have designed gardens for houses, both old and modern. Working with existing gardens is something I especially enjoy as there are so many elements to consider. Existing layout, planting – both beautiful and mature and old and ‘had...
