Many people visit us because they have a problem in their garden that needs addressing. Sometimes they know what they need but more often than not they don’t. These are the most common things we are asked about, and of course, our solution to the problem.
Plants growing too slowly
We are renowned for our range of large plants, specimen trees and instant screening solutions. Why wait years for something to grow when you could be enjoying it right now.
A lack of privacy, feeling overlooked by neighbours
With a clear stem, pleached tree heads are trained on a trellis to help maintain a more formal rectangular shape. Shorter stems are sometimes available too.
Traditionally used to create avenue walks and divide space in larger gardens, pleached trees can also provide an instant ‘hedge on stilts’ when planted in a row. Perfect for creating privacy along boundaries in smaller gardens, leaving space for attractive planting underneath. More more information about instant screening solutions we offer <click here>
Too much shade
We sell a wide range of shade dwelling plants. The unsung heroes of the garden, who keep the darker corners of our garden green and lush. For more information <click here>
The garden looks bare in winter
In recent years there has been a big shift in winter garden design. A reimagination of a wilder winter where wildlife, birds especially, are taken into account. There’s certainly nothing dull about the garden at this time of year, there are so many shapes to draw the eye; cones, spheres, spires and frosty plumage! For more information <click here>
As the warmth of Autumn colour fades and perennials retreat underground winter can feel a bit flat and bleak in the garden but it really doesn’t have to. Ornamental grasses are the glue that holds many gardens together, adding texture and movement through summer, then body, drama and colour from late August through to December. Ornamental grasses are also great at filling out beds and borders when they become sparser during the winter months. Generally happy in pots but definitely provide more impact as part of a border planting scheme. For more information <click here>
No space – go up
Architectural plants in a garden add height, structure, and drama and are particularly effective in smaller gardens for creating atmosphere, reminiscent of holidays abroad. They are equally as effective when used in larger gardens to create a focal point, impact, and style. Find out more <click here>
In a recent fact-finding survey, we carried out, 29% of our customers said they had a small garden. This got us thinking about the different needs of a small garden compared to those of a mid-sized or large space. The benefits of a small garden are of course that they require less maintenance and therefore more time to spend relaxing or entertaining. To find out more <click here>
No purpose – think of your garden as an extra room in your house
Urban gardens can be found in both towns and cities. Usually much smaller than a rural garden, they are often enclosed by walls or fences and as such can become ‘external’ rooms that complement the owner’s individual property and lifestyle. Find more <click here>
No time – low maintenance plants OR use our maintenance service
Low maintenance, high impact! Using drought-tolerant plants is one way to enjoy a beautiful and stylish garden in our changing climate and still be ‘waterwise’. You may have heard of Xeriscaping, the practice of landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce garden waste. To find out more <click here>
Natural and fresh with that ‘homegrown’ vibe. A prairie style garden is great for attracting those all-important pollinators and satisfies our urge as humans to be closer to nature and the simple life. A garden that evolves, Prairie style planting has taken off globally over the lasty few years. Outside the US, it is particularly popular in Australia, Scandinavia and here in the UK due to its drought resistant nature. To find out more <click here>
Need ideas and advice for your garden project? The first step is a visit to The Big Plant Nursery for inspiration where our plant experts are on hand to help 7 days a week.
Alternatively, ask about our ‘At home’ Advice and Consultancy service