James Thompson

May is one of the best months in the UK gardening calendar — the soil’s warm, the risk of frost is finally behind us, and plants take off fast with just a bit of care. Whether you’re refreshing a tired bed or starting from scratch, what you plant now will shape your garden’s colour, character, […]

If you’ve ever planted something in sandy soil only to watch it wilt within weeks, you’re not alone. Coastal gardens, like those here in Formby, come with their own set of challenges: dry, fast-draining soil, salty winds, and often brutal sun. After a few seasons of trial and error — and more than a few

Whether you’re buying for a birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, or just as a thank you, gardening gifts are a brilliant choice. But let’s face it — most gardeners already have a trowel or two! So what do you get the green-fingered friend or family member who seems to have it all? As a professional gardener,

If you’re looking for a simple way to instantly improve the look of your garden, lawn edging is one of the most effective and affordable upgrades you can make. As a professional gardener, I’ve used several edging types across UK gardens and some work a lot better than others. This guide breaks down the best

If you want a beautiful, full garden without spending your weekends pruning, watering and deadheading, this guide is for you. As a professional gardener, I’m often asked for low maintenance plants that still look good. The good news? There are loads of great options that thrive in UK gardens with minimal effort. Here’s my go-to

Dog urine spots can be one of the most frustrating problems for lawn-proud homeowners. You’ve spent time and effort building a lush green lawn — then suddenly you’ve got yellow patches, bare spots, and dead grass where your dog goes to the toilet. As a professional gardener working across UK gardens year-round, I’ve dealt with

Your February garden can be transformed into a vibrant oasis, even in the midst of winter chill. As a dedicated gardener serving the community of Formby, we understand the importance of garden maintenance and landscaping, especially during the colder months. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five resilient plants that will not only survive

Many of us might think that winter is a time when our gardens go into hibernation, but that’s not entirely true. Winter can also be a magical time for your garden if you know how to prepare it right and create a sanctuary for local wildlife. Today, I want to share with you some tips

One of the most crucial jobs during the autumn period is keeping those pesky pests at bay to protect your garden. I’ve spent many an autumn battling these little invaders, so I thought I’d share some of my best tips with you. Firstly, let’s understand why pest control is important in autumn. Many insects lay