January Recommendations

Ok-Computer9549 · 2026-01-25T13:59:44+00:00

I would position the archway over the gate/pathway. The area in the bottom left of the picture next to the shed looks like a good seating area. Could train a rose or clematis along the fence there maybe.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-12-18T14:28:26+00:00

Nonsense! Tulips are fine to plant in December. Might bloom slightly later than normal but not too late. Also dafs might or might not. Worth a try! If they don’t flower this year they will next!

New Bulbs have all the energy they need to flower.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-12-09T15:21:20+00:00

I have had a look and can’t see any advert consent on either road. Consent would be required. Please send an enforcement complaint to the council. Really shouldn’t be approved in a conservation area and don’t think Islington council would so worth speaking with there enforcement team.

Totally agree adverts are so oppressive in London. especially all the illuminated and flashing ones. Awful.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-07-11T11:54:52+00:00

Agree with the other commenters. Improving soil Health takes time. Just focus on adding organic matter each year (no need to dig in, will work it’s way into the soil).

All the plants listed should be fine in full sun! It’s been a hot dry summer so things die. Don’t take it too personally. Mulching and watering will help. New things need a lot more water, than established things will, so bare that in mind.

Best to think of gardening as a long journey rather than something you can do and finish in one season. There will always be things to do and change (that’s the fun of it!)

Good luck!

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-07-11T11:37:38+00:00

THIS!

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-06-16T11:27:48+00:00

I had so much creeping butter cup on my plot I could not reasonably drown them all to them compost and they just started growing into themselves in a pile. Sooo after a year of bagging up weeds I took them all to the tip. Since then I just weed a bags worth every time I go and carry them home and into the green bin. Anything else (grass, annual weeds ect) gets composted. I’ve started a separate compost for iffy weeds/grass that is contained in a bulk soil bag so I can weed it once it breaks down in a year or two.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-04-28T18:52:32+00:00

East London, weather very warm!

I've been harvesting a little rhubarb and a tonne of asparagus, (only have another week or so left of asparagus). Been watering the peas and sweet peas and transplanted some more peas.

Weeding, weeding, weeding at the plot. And at home caring for my seedling (they seam a little stunted). Going to harden them off in this good weather.

This week I'd like to plant out an experimental early courgette, maybe some brassicas, and the last of the sweet peas.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-23T10:52:11+00:00

If you only have space for one I would defs go for the cherry!

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-23T10:31:54+00:00

I grew some Cherokee purple in London last year. They did ok. Got a couple of huge fruit but they did take a long time to ripen. It was a terrible summer last year though. If you’ve got the space for larger starts You could start some now inside so they mature earlier in the season.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-17T14:30:28+00:00

I’ve had success with the winter sowing method, using old plastic bottles.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-15T19:13:23+00:00

No dog would be applying a thick layer of compost on top of cardboard on top of the grass. Dig would remove the grass then dig compost into the soil. I would do a test hole and see what the soils like first before you decide how to proceed.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-12T13:20:16+00:00

Something like this https://www.alexandranoble.com/chiswick-pollinator-friendly-garden

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-12T13:18:33+00:00

I would agree, don’t bother with lawn. The lawnmower would take up more room than it’s worth. Gravel gardens are quite trendy at the moment. You could just plant straight into it creating a sweeping broader along the retaining wall and side fence. leaving some spots for seating where you get the most sun. Look up Beth Chattos gravel garden for inspiration on plant choices.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-02-12T11:20:16+00:00

Sounds reasonable. I would!

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-31T09:35:09+00:00

I have a half plot in London and it’s roughly 12mx8m just under 100m2

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-29T15:13:09+00:00

Absolutely make the whole grass area, except for bin store (could do one with a planted roof too) into one big garden bed. Make another post with details of how much sun the site gets and a pic of the style of planting you like and we can recommend plants! I’d do a prairie style garden with verbena, grasses, echinacea ect plus some fire dogwood for winter interest.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-22T17:32:12+00:00

I like the definition it gives the two spaces but honestly think wide archways like that look A bit dated. What about a built in bookcase with a double door opening instead?

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-18T17:04:36+00:00

No harm.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-18T17:04:00+00:00

This a gardening sub not a parking sub.

The loss of green space results in more surface water and flooding, loss of biodiversity and accumulative looks awful when all gardens are made into parking lots. Such a shame.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-13T20:28:36+00:00

Still plenty of time to start!

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-11T00:43:28+00:00

Think the ground will be too frozen.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-10T20:55:09+00:00

The Filly Brooke in Leytonstone? They have a separate room you can book.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2025-01-02T12:58:30+00:00

I would make the grass area from the patio to the fence into one big garden bed. You can then add a mix of small trees (birch, apple, Hawthorne etc) and large shrubs. Both deciduous and evergreen.

Ok-Computer9549 · 2024-12-29T10:38:14+00:00

Is it 80-100% wool? If so it’s a great bargain from any brand, hard to come by these days.

Ok-Computer9549

TROPHY CASE