elcome to Garden Gossip. This is the pilot issue of a new mini-magazine we are looking at running here at English Garden Arches.
IN THIS EDITION
We discover that you can grow exotic Kiwi fruit in the UK! As vigorous growers they make great climbers for your arch and bear pretty and fragrant flowers. We've found some Instagram friendly hosepipes - seriously, you can now even get them in gold or pink!
We also take a look at the latest developments in artificial grass and there's some advice on keeping slugs and snails away from your precious veggie patch. Please do let us know what you think of this first issue - there is a feedback form at the bottom of the page!
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NEWS
FOR PEATS SAKE
PEAT compost is still as popular as even among gardeners, despite dire warnings from environmentalists about the damage this is doing to peat bogs - vital in the fight against climate change (peat absorbs more carbon dioxide than trees).
There are many alternative peat-free composts available that are just as effective such as 6X Natural Fertiliser (15kg for £12.99 from Greenfingers ). The National Trust has managed to be peat-free for many years, so if you’re planning to stock up on compost this spring, make it a peat alternative.
SPRING INTO MORRISONS
MORRISONS, recently crowned supermarket of the year, are celebrating the arrival of spring with a range of gardening accessories, compost and seeds now available at your local store.
There are also bird boxes and insect houses which are an easy and low cost way to attract wildlife into your garden, while a range of solar lights are offered in a variety of options such as jam jars, lightbulbs and posts.
Kids can join in too with grow-your-own plant kits from £2 and a bright green metal watering can for £4.
Find your local Morrisons store
BRITAIN ON A PLATE
NATIONAL Gardening Week is the country’s biggest celebration of gardening and returns for its eighth year from Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May 2019.
The theme this year is Edible Britain and the Royal Horticultural Society is encouraging gardeners to share their love of home-grown produce.
The RHS will aim to demonstrate that everyone has space to grow something delicious to eat, whether it’s just a single pot of herbs on the window sill or an allotment overflowing with vegetables.
There is a special website , and you are encouraged to upload your local events and activities, and discover hints and tips for taking part. You can also find ideas and advice on what to grow and how to grow it.
DOBBIES DOUBLES STORES
DOBBIES Garden Centres has agreed to buy 31 garden centres from rival Wyevale, more than doubling their store count and making them the largest garden centre operator in the country.
There are over 2000 garden centres nationwide so their tally of just 69 shows how many smaller and independent operators make up the bulk of the market.
VOUCHER CODES
Here are some voucher codes that may be of use to you this month. When using a code at the online checkout, ensure the price adjustment has been made before clicking confirm purchase.
Note: you can usually only use one code at a time.
SELECTIONS
Use code MORTIM10 to save 10% on all products (expires 31 Dec 2021)
Gardening gloves fit for a superstar
If Sir Elton John should want to take up gardening (and it’s well known he has a penchant for flowers!) then these sparkling synthetic leather gloves from trendy Swedish designers Garden Glory would suit the flamboyant musician to a tee!
Available in 3 sizes and two colour schemes – ‘silver bullet’ and naturally, ‘gold digger’. The stretchy material and adjustable wrist tab ensure a comfy fit, and a brass button completes the look.
Despite appearances, they’re dirt and water repellent so they’ll always be ready for any superstar gardening diva.
€55 from Garden Glory