Do You Suffer From 'Scope Creep' in Your Garden?

One of the most important things to know about making your own compost is what you can and cannot put in it. For example, meat and dairy shouldn’t go in because they get very stinky and attract pests. What about eggshells, though? When composting eggshells, salmonella might concern a conscientious gardener, but it’s really nothing to worry about.

Q: You mentioned a while back that you were creating a flowering hedge. I would love to know what plants you picked? MF, Co Leitrim

It’s fair to say that landscape architects and garden designers like to talk an awful lot about the bone structure of a garden. Not that they literally mean high cheekbones, the perfectly tip-tilted nose, or a sculpted jawline. Instead, they’re referring to those qualities of a garden’s design that help it to look good no matter what the time of year. For example, beautiful, expertly constructed pathways. A well-groomed hedge. Handsome walls. A perfectly positioned, well-chosen specimen tree. Timeless paving. Plus an attention to scale and proportion, and an understanding of space that includes a nod to the notion of the golden mean or golden ratio, sometimes also known as the theory of divine proportion.

The humble apple tree is one of the highlights of autumn in the garden. Twisting a ripe fruit away from a branch on a misty morning, surrounded by the faded glory of the summer flowers in your garden still gamely hanging on, is a beautiful moment. Apples are perhaps the most complex of garden fruits, with a mouthwatering array of flavours and textures that can be enjoyed if you grow your own.

From the elegance of sedge to the intricate patterns of mondo, these plants offer a luxurious green touch to any interior. Curious to transform your home into an indoor oasis complete with grass-like textures and vibrant hues? Keep scrolling to discover the best Indoor Grass Plants!

Discovering a frog in your garden or home isn’t just a sign of a healthy ecosystem; it’s often steeped in symbolism and cultural beliefs that span across various traditions. Whether you consider the frog’s appearance as a simple quirk of nature or a message from the universe, the event certainly piques curiosity. So, What Does it Mean When a Frog Visits You? Read on and find out!

Carefully planned and designed outdoor spaces can increase the square footage of the home. Developing a cozy outdoor space is key to opening up the home and enjoying the finer weather with style. Whether it’s a cozy patio or an intimate deck setting, outdoor living ideas can get you started on the garden space of your dreams.

Q: A honeysuckle and an elder tree in the garden have been ravaged by aphids. I was hoping natural predators might have a feast but there’s no let up so far. Is it a seasonal occurrence due to spring weather conditions or should I get pruning? JMcK, Co Dublin

Fertilizer can help any of your landscape trees, but it is absolutely necessary for fruit trees. You might enjoy a fruit tree’s blossoms and the shade it offers, but the primary purpose for fruit trees in the garden is the fruit. In order to produce abundant and juicy fruit, a fruit tree has to be healthy.

Collaborative post

We are huge fans of great laundry hacks at The Spruce, and we especially love reusing household items as easy, effective additions to your machine. This is especially true if they can replace harsh chemicals, or lessen the amount of product needed to get a load of laundry smelling great and feeling fresh.

Q: I don’t know the name of these trees but they seem to be dying, with casting of leaves getting worse and worse. Can you help? BMcW, Co Donegal