Week One of isolation has been challenging – I’ve found at times that I have the attention span of a flea, jumping from one idea to another. But I am lucky to be healthy and I have a garden – and a shed – to escape to.
Here is a list of tips and links which hopefully will give everyone – from the windowsill grower to the reluctant gardener and all between – some hope and ideas of things to do in these difficult times.
Ideas for kids:
Catherine’s blog has lots of ideas for things to do in the garden as well as craft ideas and interior design tips: https://growingfamily.co.uk/gardening-with-children/50-fun-kids-gardening-ideas/ and https://growingfamily.co.uk/gardening-with-children/60-fun-garden-activities-for-when-stuck-at-home-with-the-kids/
Tamsin Westhorpe has recently released in conjunction with Orphan Publishing the following free download which will help fill the 30 days of April: https://www.orphanspublishing.co.uk/30-days-of-fun-in-the-garden-this-april/
Blogs on gardening during Coronavirus and more:
Lots of ideas and advice about gardening as well as wonderful tours of Karen’s garden. Karen is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio Leicester: https://bramblegarden.com
Alison Levey writes a blog about her ‘garden, my inspiration to garden and things about gardening that make me happy’. https://www.blackberrygarden.co.uk Alison is also raising money to support the National Garden Scheme by opening her garden to the public online: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blackberrygarden
Mr Plant Geek’s blog has articles on growing houseplants, flat lay flower art, windowsill growing, gardening on a plate and much more https://mrplantgeek.com/2020/03/26/gardening-during-isolation/
Plews Garden Design: Lots of tips on growing vegetables and flowers from seed using anything from loo roll tubes to empty egg boxes along with advice on pruning, garden design and links to other articles https://plewsgardendesign.co.uk/gardening-in-a-lockdown
The 3 Grow Bags: Lots of ideas on how to grow salad, tomatoes, dwarf runner beans, peas, carrots and so much more: https://the3growbags.com/
Life on Pig Row (and no, the Oldhams don’t keep pigs) has tips on growing tomatoes and digging up your lawn as well as cooking tips: https://lifeonpigrow.blogspot.com/2020/03/digging-up-lawn.html and https://lifeonpigrow.blogspot.com/2020/03/how-to-sow-tomatoes.html
A blog written by the dedicated gardener, garden writer and garden designer, Mike Palmer including a diary, video tours and his new tv channel on Instagram: https://mike-palmer.com
Other Online Activities:
Although the National Trust has closed all of its properties, we can still feel part of a community by taking part in blossom watch
Candide: is a free app and website for the gardening community. They are listing all UK nurseries so that we can continue to buy plants from them
Where to Buy Seeds:
Some of these suppliers are experiencing delays – check their websites for details:
DT Brown: https://www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk/
Dobies Seeds: https://www.dobies.co.uk/
Thomas Etty: http://www.thomasetty.co.uk/
Mr Fothergills: https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/
Jekka: https://www.jekkas.com/
Kings Seeds: https://www.kingsseeds.com/
Marshalls: https://marshallsgarden.com/
Nicky’s Nursery: https://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/
Tamar Organics: https://tamarorganics.co.uk/
Thompson & Morgan: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/
Where to Buy Fresh Flowers:
And if you are looking for some English Grown Flowers to cheer you up, fill in details of where you live and you will find a list of flower growers in your area – I haven’t used this website but I love the idea
Comment
Hello Camilla. Thanks for promoting my blog. I hope everyone finds it an interesting read.
Thanks again.
Mike