JANINE CRIMMINS

GARDEN DESIGN

The Making of a Meadow

The Making of a Meadow

A natural English wildflower meadow is such a beautiful sight but sadly due to intensive farming there are very few remaining. Where I live in Cheshire 99% of the wildflower meadows have been lost so every little piece of meadow that can be restored or newly created...

Foxgloves

Foxgloves

I absolutely love foxgloves, they have a magical fairy tale quality and they enhance almost any planting design. I also love the way they pop up all over the place and I am happy to leave them in their chosen spot. Our native foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is a welcome...

Bulbs

Bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs lift the spirits after the dark winter days and bring hope that summer is just around the corner. I am lucky enough to live on a beautiful country lane lined with colourful bulbs. These start early in the year with clumps of delicate snowdrops...

Garden Birds

Garden Birds

Our gardens are a haven for wildlife and particularly birds. If we keep our gardens filled with a diverse range of plants the birds will visit. It is very restful to sit quietly and watch the birds pottering about, it can also become a bit addictive trying to spot as...

Pots & Containers

Pots & Containers

Pots and Containers in Garden Design Pots and containers used in garden design are the decorative details that give the garden individuality and personality. They can be used as focal points, to frame an entrance or view, to introduce height, colour, texture and form....

Winter Planting

Winter Planting

January and February are particularly miserable months with the enjoyment of Christmas a dim and distant memory and the summer months seeming so far away; this is when some thoughtful winter planting can lift the spirits. The weather and the short days don't help but...

Plants for Clay Soil

Plants for Clay Soil

As I am currently working on a garden with clay soil, I thought it would be good to discuss some suitable plants for clay soil. Clay soil can cause a sharp in take of breath, but I would much prefer a clay soil to a sandy one. The garden I have designed is typically...

Garden Worthy Trees

Garden Worthy Trees

Garden Worthy Trees Now that spring has finally decided to arrive in May, the sight of all the blossom is a wonderful thing. Equally as lovely are the new fresh leaves unfurling on the trees making everywhere look sparkly and new. I am not happy unless I am surrounded...

October Flowers

October Flowers

October Flowers I was mulling over what to write in my October blog whilst walking the over excitable Jack Russell aka Midge and noticed along my route the amount of things still in flower. So I made a mental note; it is amazing what is still showing colour at the end...