Autumn – turn over a new leaf?

AUTUMN

Don’t you just love this time of year – the colours, the fallen leaves, putting the garden to bed (that usually takes me all winter!). Surely it’s the best season of the year although by the time spring comes around I will probably say the same having endured long cold days unable to get out. Well there’s no pleasing a gardener is there – it’s either too wet, too hot, too cold, too windy but that really is the joy and challenge of it all – the working with nature, not against it, to get the best from your garden.

Now the days are getting shorter, the leaves are tumbling but the colours in the garden are still glorious.   It’s time to get out whenever you can – rake up the leaves, tidy the greenhouse or go for a walk in the countryside.

If like me you are having a sort out and popping into the garden whenever the weather or timing is right I suggest you try these fabulous garden shoes in a fun Leaf design – perfect for Autumn mornings – just make sure your feet don’t disappear amongst the leaves.

To jazz up a jumper how about our brand NEW Leaf jewellery – these are REAL gold plated leaves – choose from Oak, Aspen, Fern or we even have an acorn. They are really lightweight and add a touch of sparkle to your darker winter clothes.

Maybe your gardening gloves are a bit tatty after working outside all year – treat yourself to a new pair – we have loads to choose from. Or invest in a pair of Gold Leaf Gardening Gloves – described as probably the BEST leather gardening gloves around. The leather is soft and supple – so good in fact the gloves are extremely popular with the gardeners at Buckingham Palace! Maybe put them on your Christmas wish list.

One last thing before I leave you (excuse the pun) – apologies for no blog during September – it was an extra busy time as the lovely Horse Diva herself got married and an amazing day was had by all. We wish Katie & Simon every happiness.

Plus I’m pleased to say that the love of colour is hereditary as you can see by the glorious colours of her wedding flowers.

Now my thoughts must turn to Christmas!!!

Mother’s Day Gardeners!

With Mother’s Day fast approaching I think it’s time to really put on our gardening shoes (if you haven’t already done so) and get out into the garden – there are loads of jobs to be done now and even if it doesn’t feel like it today, Spring is definitely in the air!.

Pruned your roses yet?? I’ve done some of mine but now is a good time to tidy them up, cut out the dead wood and prune back by about a third of their size. You’ll need some good secateurs and we have some great examples to choose from, such as these V&A Roses secateurs, or Orla Kiely secateurs in a handy decorative pouch or, if you prefer something plainer, try The Thoughtful Gardener sturdy secateurs or  Sophie Conran’s stainless steel ones which come in a branded gift box too, a perfect present for Mothering Sunday.

I read this morning that Spring is about 2 weeks later than last year and I must say that winter seems to have gone on and on. It would be great to see a host of daffodils to brighten things up. They are trying so I am hoping with a warm weekend forecast that the garden will take on a whole new look in the next few days. A few of you may know that I am replanting some of my borders this year and giving them a good tidy up – I still have much to do and hopefully if I am allowed a few hours off on Mother’s Day most of that will be spent in the garden.  Now is a good time to divide perennials creating loads of lovely new plants for the garden, something that’s proved helpful in my front border.

The mid-handled spade from Burgon & Ball is an excellent tool for this – great for chopping through perennial geraniums etc plus it has a 10 year guarantee and is endorsed by the RHS too so you know it’s good.

I also need to clean out the bird feeders and maybe add one or two new ones – the favourite at the moment is the Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder as my garden is inundated with squirrels – black ones at that! I think a couple of those strategically placed should help my feathered friends get their fair share.

That first sortie back into the garden for any length of time can result in a few aches and pains so a long soak in a relaxing bubble bath at the end of the day could help. The Gardener’s Therapy ( I think the clue is in the name) Muscle Soak  by the Somerset Toiletry Company smells divine and certainly does the trick – I can vouch for that!!   And don’t forget to look after your hands at the start of the season = they’re probably the best tool you will ever have!   It’s always a good idea to chuck out any moth eaten looking gloves and treat yourself to a new pair – we have loads of garden gloves suitable for all tasks from pruning to weeding and potting on.

And remember if your Mum loves her garden too why not treat her to any of the items I have talked about or just view our selection of lovely garden gifts handpicked by our team – which includes Mums!

Enjoy your gardens

Gilly x