I’m an award-winning gardening guru & my 10 hacks will get your outdoor space spring-ready – and some are totally FREE
AN AWARD-WINNING gardening expert has listed ten easy tips and tricks to zhuzh up your outdoor space.
The sunny BBQ parties are right around the corner and here to help Brits get their gardens ready for spring and summer is the award-winning landscape designer and author of RHS Resilient Garden, Tom Massey.
“Let nature guide your urban oasis” said Massey, echoing the sentiment of his gardening philosophy.
“Even a small window box can spark joy and connection with nature.
”Begin with a single plant and watch your garden grow.”
From choosing the right plants to celebrating imperfection, Massey’s tips are sure to encourage individuals to nurture a connection with nature, no matter their surroundings.
“Gardening isn’t bound by boundaries; it’s a universal language spoken by all who seek solace and inspiration,” he emphasised.
Tom’s top ten tips to show you how to bring a slice of nature into your home
Start Small, Dream Big
“Growing plants can be joyful and provides a connection with nature. If you don’t have a garden consider houseplants to bring that piece of nature indoors, utilise a windowsill to get growing.”
Dedicate a small area, whether a windowsill or balcony and plant your favourite herb or flower to kickstart your urban garden journey.
Embrace Container Potting
“Many people don’t have traditional garden space, pots and containers can allow you to grow anywhere; get creative and experiment with different plant combinations to expand your urban oasis.”
Gather pots or containers of various sizes and fill them with herbs, flowers, or vegetables suited to your space and taste.
Choose the Right Plants
“Select plants that thrive in your space’s conditions, whether it’s a sunny windowsill or a shady balcony. Choose wisely, and your garden will flourish.”
Research plants suitable for your available light and space, ensuring they’ll thrive in your urban garden environment.
The RHS has lots of great free advice available online.
Vertical Growing
“Reach new heights with vertical gardening; let climbing plants add a touch of greenery to walls, trellises or balustrades.”
Install trellises or climbing wires to maximise vertical space and grow climbers like tomatoes or beans for a lush, space-saving kitchen garden.
It’s not just a garden; it’s a functioning ecosystem
Tom Mussey
Repurpose and Upcycle
“Reuse and repurpose everyday items into unique planters. Get creative and reduce waste while adding character to your garden.”
Look around your home for items like old buckets, tin cans, old bottles, perfect for propagating cuttings, or wooden crates that can be transformed into quirky plant containers.
Water Wisely
“Save water and harvest rainfall where possible – for example by installing a water butt.
”Harvesting rainwater saves money, and stops our sewer systems being overwhelmed preventing discharges of raw sewage into our waterways.”
Invest in water-saving solutions like self-watering pots, bottle feeders or water butts to ensure your plants receive adequate hydration without waste.
Invite Pollinators
“Welcome bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators to your urban garden by planting nectar-rich flowers.
”Try to extend the flowering season for as long as possible by planting plants that bloom at different times of year.
”It’s not just a garden; it’s a functioning ecosystem.”
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers such as lavender or cosmos to attract bees and butterflies, essential for pollinating crops and promoting biodiversity, bringing nature to your doorstep.
The RHS has a really useful plants for pollinators list which is a great resource.
Seasonal Rotation
“Keep your garden dynamic and ever-changing by rotating plants with the seasons.
”Embrace the beauty of each season and adapt your garden accordingly.”
Plan seasonal rotations for your garden space, replacing spring blooms with summer favourites and autumn harvests to keep your urban garden vibrant and lets you experience the fruits of nature all year-round.
Grow Your Garnishes
“Elevate your cocktails with homegrown botanicals such as mojito mint, cinnamon basil, orange thyme, rose geranium or lemon verbena; a garnish from your own garden adds a personal touch and a burst of freshness to every drink.”
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Plant herbs like rosemary or mint in your urban garden for fresh garnishes to enhance your culinary creations and cocktails.
Celebrate Imperfection
“Embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies of your garden; imperfection is a sign of life and vitality.
”Each leaf, each bloom, tells a unique story. We don’t need to strive for perfection to have a beautiful garden that provides for the human inhabitants, and local wildlife too.”
Embrace the beauty of imperfection in your urban garden, recognising that every plant contributes to the rich tapestry of nature.