Whats happening at Matt James Gardening
WE WON GOLD! It's been a busy few weeks for us ... as some of you may be aware we built a show garden for Freddie Strickland at RHS Tatton Park. Not only did the garden win Gold, Freddie has been awarded RHS Young Designer of the Year 2021, after two years of planning we [...]
For superior home-grown veg simple wooden raised beds are well worth considering. They’re good for drainage and easier to access for those with mobility concerns. Importantly, raised beds minimise problems associated with soil compaction as you needn’t walk over the soil. Plus, filled with fresh compost it’s possible to grow tasty crops with success, no [...]
Recent events have meant many of us are revisiting how and where we work. If you’re thinking of working at home longer term, here’s a little help. On sunny days a parasol, sturdy table and comfortable chair make a delightful impromptu workstation. But, for year-round use you’ll need something more permanent. First port of call [...]
Here are 12 simple tips and projects to help grow the next generation of green fingers (and hopefully relieve any boredom!) 1. Go speedy! Little children (and big kids alike) are impatient so grow quick crops to keep them interested. Radish, baby lettuce, calendula and forget-me-nots germinate in days and should crop or flower in [...]
Here’s our do’s and don’ts to making quality compost. It’s good for the environment, great for your garden, plus you can save a fortune on the bagged stuff. Do... add veggie peelings, rotten fruit, tea, coffee grounds, grass, spent bedding plants, pruning’s, sawdust, eggshells, wood ash (a little at a time), hair, shredded newspaper and [...]
For spring and summer this year, we’ll be regularly posting tips and advice on everything from grow your own to garden projects that will occupy youngsters. In these unprecedented and stressful times, hopefully it helps in some small way. Whilst local nurseries and garden centres need our support, it’s possible to buy everything you need [...]
Pruning roses is a prickly subject for some but it’s not that tricky, as long as you identify which particular species you’ve got, as this is the key. Pruning should take place over the coming weeks but in northern or colder spots wait until the beginning of March. First, there are five golden rules: Sharp, [...]
Spring’s just around the corner – the snowdrops are about to bloom. There are many different varieties of these beautiful little flowers available. Some varieties are so rare they can go for £50 pounds a bulb! Snowdrop fanciers - or galanthophiles as they’re known - will hate us for saying so, but we’re not that [...]
With use in mind flexibility and adaptability are key in the family friendly garden. Creating a garden with a specific age group in mind is expensive. One year the children are playing with Thomas & Friends, the next it’s Spiderman. Before you know it, they’re off to the park with football kit tucked under [...]
Matt's latest book for The Royal Horticultural Society: 'RHS How to Plant a Garden' is being republished. The new look book will be on the shelves on 14th November 2019. You can pre-order your copy from Amazon here!
