Garden Tasks for January

January is unpredictable and so work in the garden is generally opportunistic. If the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, then planting shrubs, trees and last-minute bulbs is possible but of course the weather conditions can change quickly, so be wise in your planting decisions.  Sowing and Planting Plant Azaleas and Rhododendrons and Camellias. These…

Visit to Le Jardin Champêtre

I have been visiting Le Garden Champêtre in Caunes-Minervois over the last two years. It has been lovingly created by Imogen Checketts and Kate Dumbleton on a normally very dry site near to the river L’Argent Double and specialises in perennials, ornamental grasses, bulbs, ground covers and herbs. These drought-resistant plants form a demonstration garden and…

Berry Time

July and August are wonderful months when real harvesting starts from your allotment or your productive garden. I really look forward to my Blackcurrants and Redcurrants, which are the first of my fruits to be ready. I have an abundant quantity and each year I have to decide what to do with them. This year…