I found myself in the radio studio with Jon and Matt from Radio Woking yesterday talking about what to do with your garden in April. You can listen again here at Mixcloud. I’m on from 11 – 12!
It was fascinating to see them at work as we’ve only ever done interviews on the phone before now.
Let me know how you get on this month or if you have any questions by emailing me renee@thegirlwhogardens.co.uk
Renée
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains Amazon affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you)
Sharpening tool – if you look after your tools, your tools will look after you. Keeping your secateurs sharp is key to efficient pruning and to stop gardeners getting tennis elbow, from too much straining. A handheld sharpening tool is a practical, small and handy gift that would be perfect as a stocking filler. I like this one by Speak & Jackson which is easy to hold and use: https://amzn.to/3ZSuqaQ
From Plot to Plate Tea Towel – Sowing and Planting Guide on a tea towel!
Wilding by Isabella Tree – this book is astounding. It tells the story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex. Over the last decade they have let the farmland go – literally go – to see what it might return to. It is a fascinating read, and once you’ve finished it, you will want to go and visit it is not too far away from me in Surrey and it’s on the list to visit in 2024: https://amzn.to/46ul5sr
Hand cream – I love the gardener’s hand creams from O’Keefe’s or Crabtree & Evelyn. Completely different packaging on each, appealing to two varieties of gardener! And if you have some really sore hands I can recommend the Tamanu Balm from Tropic Skincare. I put it on before bed after wreathmaking and it does its magic overnight!
Wildlife camera trap – many a gardener and keen naturalist would love to see the nocturnal wildlife that lives in their garden. A camera trap records night footage you can review the next day, to discover what goes on in the dark in your garden.
Veg cookbook: Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall – the perfect cookbook for a veg grower: delicious dishes which are deceptively simple: https://amzn.to/3FaIV0f
Bird feeders and supplies – I’m always keen to encourage birds into the garden for me to watch, but also to help with pests. Practical or decorative, whatever you choose will be warmly received, I’m sure.
A really thick kneeling pad – I’m very much a kneeling gardener. Mainly for weeding, but also for planting, I find kneeling much easier on my back. A really thick kneeling pad makes this work much more comfy. This one is plain but does the job: https://amzn.to/46G2Dgc
A rose, named for someone or somewhere special – I’ve always fancied the job of being an imaginative plant-namer! Roses, in particular, have some beautiful names including place names. Browse the David Austin and Peter Beale websites for inspiration: you are bound to find a rose whose name has special meaning. Some of my favourites are Olivia Rose Austin, Hot Chocolate and Scarborough Fair.
Dear Friend & Gardener – letters between Christopher Lloyd and Beth Chatto show us their friendship and their trials and successes in their 2 very different gardens: https://amzn.to/46qvN31
Metal Bird decorative birds – I love these birds that are made in Britain and bought the Owl for my Dad. The metal prong makes it easy to attach the bird to a tree or wooden post. Have a look at the whole range but I particularly like the Wren: https://amzn.to/3RPEjo1
Can I also plug my Garden Hoedown? You can buy a voucher for someone who is stressed out by their garden .. someone once called it Garden Therapy!
I hope that gives you some ideas. (I’m also hoping my family might be reading this too!) Have a fantastic Christmas and here’s to a blooming good 2023!
I’ve had some discussions recently on whether Autumn is a good time to be planting or not so here’s my take on the subject:
Remember folks we’re planting for the F U T U R E!
