Christmas is an extremely chaotic period for many. Why not turn your attention and love on your garden project? Perhaps even set some goals you’d like to achieve. Are you struggling for inspiration or maybe your garden needs sprucing up after Christmas. Here are some great ideas of activities you can do in your garden.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]School Garden…[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Kids love being creative! Why not combine arts and crafts with your school garden. Try using natural resources found in your garden to create artwork. There are lots of different varieties, for example leaf portraits or twig animals.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]
Activities can be very simple as well as fun! Give your garden a splash of colour, and try stone painting. This can be fantastic fun for any age! Be imaginative, what animals can you make? Attempt to paint animals that you have found in your garden. Hide and place them around where they may live.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Bring science into your school garden. An alternative way to teaching in the classroom. Are you learning about bugs and insects? As a class create an insect hotel for your garden to encourage wildlife. You can record the sightings, not only fun but also rewarding.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”center” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Community Garden…[/fusion_title][fusion_text]What could be a better way to expand your green spaces with literally no cost? Organise or participate in seed or plant swaps to share with your fellow green thumb gardeners. It may even give you the opportunity to try growing something new!
Using the produce you’ve home grown, create a recipe and share a meal with your neighbours or community members. A lovely way to socialise and share ideas with friends and likeminded individuals.[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text]
A great community activity. Get together and start composting, the results can be great! There are many benefits of composting. When organic material is broken down in a compost pile, the decomposition process produces the best fertiliser you’ll ever find, it is also proven to hold moisture for longer.
It is fantastic to attract wildlife into your garden. Why not attempt to make Fat Balls for birds, sometimes they need a little extra help. It’s really simple and an activity to get the kids involved.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Fat Balls can be made in three easy steps, all you need is:
Lard
Bird seed or Muesli
A mixing bowl
Empty yogurt pots
String
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]Using two parts seed to one part lard, mix it all together in the bowl. Poke a hole in the bottom of the yogurt pot, thread the string through and tie a knot. Push the mix into the pot and place in the fridge for a few hours until they harden. Hang your fat ball in your front garden and enjoy sitting by the window admiring the birds.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Small Space…[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]
Challenge! Create planters from recycling old items. You would be surprised what some objects can turn into. Colanders can become gorgeous hanging baskets with perfect drainage or an old shoe organiser can be a great hanging planter for herbs, ferns and small grasses.
Saving space but still want fantastic looking containers. Pile pots, cluster containers or even try climbing a wall. Use a sun seeking climber to brighten up your space. Check out David Domoney’s Blog on transforming small spaces for ideas, hints and tips.
Cultivation Street is Britain’s national gardening campaign backed by the horticultural industry which promotes community and school gardening. Working alongside National Garden Gift Vouchers, the Cultivation Street campaign aims to reward passionate and dedicated community gardeners and tell the stories of successes to inspire others into their own gardening projects.
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There are lots of different garden designs and spaces. Maybe your struggling with designing your garden. Here are five great stories taken from a range of different 2016 entries.
[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Meet Paul Doogan, he looks after a large piece of land outside his house which is far bigger than his own garden.
Mr Doogan’s mission was to rejuvenate the area into a beautiful garden full of colour, personality and to provide a haven for wildlife. He wanted to create an area for all to enjoy.
In 2015 I was granted permission from Birmingham City council to garden a piece of their land outside my house. Its 80 square meters! Which is far bigger than my own garden. I wanted to do something positive to the land. I noticed when walking around my city it’s very depressing how so many front gardens are being paved over.
This is my way of fighting back and reversing the trend. All of the work is done by myself and I also fund the project. People who pass by think it’s beautiful and this gives me a sense of satisfaction. This spring I built a pergola for climbing roses and clematis. All my spare time is taken up by the garden and it has become a real hobby and has turned into a big part of my life. All my hard work is definitely worth it when I look at the stunning results!
Starting in 2014, our 30-strong community volunteer group has turned a disused and overgrown area into a “pocket park” right in the heart of our burgh. To fit with our coastal location the theme of the garden is the Voyage of Life.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]We have a feature fitting-out basin which is a sunken circular lawn and acts as a social gathering area for our voyagers. The voyagers navigate past waves of grasses breaking onto a shingle beach planted with alpines to reach a peaceful haven. Their voyage ends by being guided by the lighthouse sitting on a grassy hill.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]This year, now that the plants have become established, the garden can at last be appreciated as it was intended. Our volunteers are kept busy tending to the plants, showing visitors around, and arranging events in the garden, just like our first birthday party.[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”center” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]3. Smelly Garden, Kidderminster[/fusion_title][fusion_text]A group of pupils wanted to leave a legacy to the school and came up with the idea a garden that would be a place for children to chill out. They made a great start but ran out of time. Fast forward to September 2015. The head teacher of the school wanted the garden to continue. With successful funding and a class of 30 Year 4 children have almost finished our Smelly Garden.[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” sep_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”3_5″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]We have researched various herbs, planted vegetables and have done a lot of hard landscaping. We have attracted more children to support the completion of the garden. The head teacher now runs a lunchtime club and special curriculum time is given to learn in the garden. We have now added onions, strawberries, beans, peas, leeks, garlic, potatoes, carrots and a lot of tomatoes to our garden.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]
Next year we want to grow plants from seed, harvest some of our seeds, create a green house, learn more about composting and hopefully eat out crops. Our biggest achievement has been constructing our garden from scratch, and using 30 children to do it, with funding we’ve raised ourselves with no previous gardening experience.
Meet Neil Moy (holding the newspaper) he’s the Garden Club Leader who has lots of gardening experience. Mr Moy is surrounded by some of the Holiday Home Owners who attend his gardening club at Caister Holiday Park. They were very excited to inject some colour around their homes using inventive planting ideas.
[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” sep_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Caister Holiday Park has its very own Garden Club, where our Holiday Home Owners come along and help with various projects around the park helping to create beautiful displays for everyone to see. They start by helping to plant seeds in March when the season starts and continue to support Neil (our amazing gardener) and his wonderful grounds team right through till November. We started this club back in 2012 with just a handful of members and over the years it has grown into a lovely community club where many come along and love getting involved.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]Caister Owners are really proud of their work and we are proud of them and feel they deserve credit for all they do. Neil has also helped provide our local villages with beautiful floral displays.
Caister Holiday Park were joint winners in the ‘Small Space’ category for 2016!
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”center” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]5. That Secret Garden, Birmingham[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]That Secret Garden is a Small Space communal garden. 12 flats have access to the garden and it is located in Bournville Birmingham. Our project started in April 2016 and it is still in its early stages. We are mainly doing container gardening as it is a yard. We are utilising the space that we have by creating vertical planters out of recycled pallets and using the surface of the bin sheds to house our plant pots. This not only saves space but also pretties up an otherwise ugly element of the back yard area.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_imageframe lightbox=”no” lightbox_image=”” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordercolor=”#ffffff” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”no” class=”” id=””] [/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]We are developing the idea of painting our shed bins inspired by beach huts. This will enhance the outdoor space and add an element of fun and interest. What we want to achieve is a safe and practical space for all for to enjoy. We want to create an environment where people are happy to spend their time and be able to enjoy the outdoors on our doorstep. Before we started, it was not a space that children could have safely played in.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”10px” sep_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=”” /][fusion_button link=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/cultivation-street/” title=”” target=”_blank” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”darkgreen” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”3d” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”” stretch=”yes” shape=”pill” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1.0″ animation_offset=””]Enter Cultivation Street now!![/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
In a garden, it’s fun and useful to plant everywhere you can. I like to use lots of different surfaces, and planting on walls and creating green walls is a great way to add an extra dimension to the garden.
Planting on walls is also a great way for those with small gardens to make the most use of the space.
Benefits of planting on walls
Saving space
Providing habitats for insects and wildlife
Look great
Improve air quality
Provides extra layer of insulation on your house
There are so many different types of climbers and shrubs to choose from, in this article I’ll explain what you need to consider and which plant is best suited to your surface.
[/fusion_title][fusion_text]When choosing a climber, you have a few factors to consider
Aspect – is your wall facing the sun, or is it in the shade? You need to choose climbers that will thrive in the location
Size – consider how large the plants will grow relevant to how much space you have on the wall, you don’t want to have a large climber that will grow so big you’ll have to continually trim it back
Habit – how do you want the climbers to climb? You may need supports or trellises to help some of them, while others will cling to the wall completely
[/fusion_title][fusion_text]Different plants need different aspects, some are more suited to shady walls, while others deal really well in full sun. Listed below are climbers suitable for a sun-facing walls.
Jasminum officinale
Jasminum officinale can grow to between 4-8m high and spread 1.5-2.5m wide so make sure you have loads of space for this one! The beautifully scented white flowers bring some wonderful fragrance to the garden.
Campsis
Otherwise known as a trumpet vine or creeper, campsis is a self-clinging climber that requires no support. It has beautiful bright orange trumpet like flowers and deals with frost very well too!
Rose
There are lots of different types of climbing roses. Try a Shropshire Lass or Altissimo. I’m a big fan of Paul’s Scarlet Climber which grows some gorgeous deep red flowers and purple fruits. It grows to around 3m tall and is very good with full exposure to sun.
If you want to grow climbers on north or east facing walls, you need to choose plants that deal with little, or no sun very well. The following wall shrubs and climbers are great in the shade, but they’ll need moist, woodland-type soil to thrive fully.
There are lots of different types of Clematis, and they are a very robust, spring-flowering climbers that require little pruning. The Frances Rivis is one of my favourites, the violet-blue flowers bring some fantastic colour! It grows very well in partial shade too.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is one of my favourite climbers for shade and will twist itself around a support as it grows up the wall. A Lonicera provides a lovely pink and yellow flower that will certainly add a fantastic splash of colour to a shady part of the garden.
Hydrangea petiolaris
Otherwise known as a climbing hydrangea, this plant grows very well in the shade and shelter. It is self-clinging so won’t need much support and the flowers offer great colours throughout autumn.
Green walls, or living walls, are self-sufficient vertical gardens. If you live in the middle of a city with a small garden or balcony, or have an apartment with a roof garden, take advantage of the walls outside your property by creating a green wall. The plants on a living wall receive water and nutrients from within the vertical support as opposed to from the ground.
Green walls are used across walls in lots of urban districts. There are living walls across London, such as in Westminster against the City Hall’s wall, and M&S’s across the country have created green walls in urban centres too. They also have benefits within office buildings
While a green wall requires a lot of work, you can create something similar at home by developing a vertical garden.
Use a fence, trellis, garden arch or obelisk to grow climbing plants and vines on. There are other alternatives to this such as using plant pots attached to a wall with wire or using pallets to grow. Check out my Pinterest for more inspiration.
[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”10px” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=”” /][fusion_text]
[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=”” min_height=””][fusion_text]Kids love being creative! Why not combine arts and crafts with your school garden. Try using natural resources found in your garden to create artwork. There are lots of different varieties, for example leaf portraits or twig animals.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text]
[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”center” style_type=”default” sep_color=”#ffffff” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Community Garden…[/fusion_title][fusion_text]What could be a better way to expand your green spaces with literally no cost? Organise or participate in seed or plant swaps to share with your fellow green thumb gardeners. It may even give you the opportunity to try growing something new!
