Featured Gardener: Kate Smith

Smiling gardener holding an armful of pastel snapdragons against a brick wall and green door.

Image courtesy of Kate Smith

When Kate Smith from @homegrown_blooms experimented with a few Halloween pumpkin seeds, she had no idea that it would snowball into a thriving veg patch filled with tomatoes, potatoes, sprouts and lettuce. But it was when she started sowing flower seeds that something really clicked – the colours, the movement, the way they cheer you up in a matter of minutes… Find out why growing flowers is where the magic happens for Kate. 

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Featured Gardener: Sammy Stringer

Close up of Samantha Stringer holding a pink dahlia

Image courtesy of Sammy Stringer

When Sammy (@insammysgarden_) bought her first home in 2019, she had zero gardening experience. Fast forward a few years and she’s transformed her corner-plot garden into a cottage-style haven filled with dahlias, foxgloves, and pollinator-friendly plants – and even picked up medals at RHS and BBC Gardeners’ World Live shows. Discover how she went from beginner to award winner, and why her next challenge is creating a 100% pink paradise at home…

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7 plants to brighten up your balcony this winter

Pink heathers growing in containers

Winter heathers add splashes of colour to containers over winter
Image: Shutterstock

What better way to brighten up the dark and gloomy months of winter than by planting a balcony full of colourful winter-flowering shrubs and bedding plants? 

Here are seven of our favourites, all of which are suitable for planting in patio pots and containers. Winter may be upon us but, with this little collection, your balcony will be a beacon of loveliness to brighten even the gloomiest of grey days. For more ideas on bringing a splash of colour into your home and garden, browse the information and advice over at our winter flowers hub page.

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Featured Gardener: Christina Carpenter

woman kneeling next to a planter of flowering bulbs

Image courtesy of Christina Carpenter

When Christina Carpenter moved into her Devonshire home two years ago, the garden was a complete blank canvas. Since then, Christina (also known as @lady_green_fingers) has transformed it into a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space bursting with flowers, homegrown veg, and unique upcycled projects. Discover how she created a tranquil haven for herself and the occasional hedgehog…

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Gardening Grant Helps Community Garden Thrive

MindSpace Stamford Wellbeing Garden

Image courtesy of MindSpace Stamford

To celebrate our 170th birthday, we created the Grow Your Garden Grant – a £250 voucher to support a UK charity, community group, school or gardening club with their growing goals. This year’s winner, MindSpace Stamford, used the grant to support their Wellbeing Garden – a peaceful space where gardening helps nurture community connection and mental wellbeing.

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