Undercover Garden designer Kirsty McLean offers some ideas for sheltered seating… Our outdoor space has become one of the most desirable attributes for homes in recent years and 2022 is warming up to be no different. One of the best ways to really enjoy the summer months and extend the season beyond, is to create…

Beautiful bulbs and spring colour Kirsty McLean offers some easy easy to bring colour to the garden this spring Early-flowering bulbs are a joy to behold because they signal the end of winter and the coming of spring, bringing with them the hope of light and warmth.  They are easy to grow and incredibly versatile,…

Give gardening a go Kirsty McLean is keen to encourage everyone to start gardening… Getting started needn’t be complicated or expensive. It can help your physical and mental health and be an activity you can enjoy with others or alone. It can put fresh food on the table, provide a splash of colour or create…

The holly and the ivy and the mistletoe Kirsty McLean on her favourite festive greenery.. In ancient times, plants and trees that remained green all year long brought special meaning for people in winter. In many places, they were thought to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. Our door wreaths were originally evergreen…

The comfort of cottage gardens words by Kirtsy McLean Cottage gardens conjure up a romantic vision of warm summers, heady scents wafting through a wild and wonderful mix of colourful blooms, arranged in a jumbled-up, random fashion. Traditionally, cottage gardens mixed flowers with herbs, fruits and vegetables – it was the original notion of companion…