Gardening tips: plant a Hydrangea for summer-long colour

Beautiful colourful Hydrangea flowers in kent

   Hydrangea ‘Kardinal Violet’ is compact enough for most gardens. Photograph: Alamy Blooming in spring and summer, the hydrangea is considered a shrub. But despite their ability to be rather large showstoppers in your yard, how to grow hydrangeas isn’t a question even the novice gardener will need to ask – these beauties all but […]

25 Questions to ask your landscaper

how to hire a contractor

If you are considering hiring a professional landscape gardener, you may find some of these tips and questions helpful. Before reaching out, consider creating a list of your wants and needs. Decide on a budget, determine your priorities and If you’re trying to save money, consider which parts of the process you will need outside […]

Buxus, a beautiful plant with a rich and interesting history.

cutting hedges buxus sculpting topiary cowen Landscapes in Kent

“If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now, it’s just a spring clean for the May queen” Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven. You’ve probably seen the beautiful sculpted hedges and bushes displayed in many British gardens. It’s a staple of topiary and garden landscaping. Many times what you’re looking at is Buxus, […]

Rose gardening tips for growing healthy roses: Dig a big hole

Beautiful rose garden in Kent.jpg

When digging a hole for your roses, size matters and is a key factor in giving them a great start. Whether you’re planting container roses or bare-root roses,  you will need to dig a hole that is both wide enough to accomodate the root structure. Having your hole deep enough is paramount to good drainage. […]

10 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening

cowen landscaping in kent

Research has shown that spending time outside is good for our bodies and our minds. I’m sure you’ve experienced these benefits: After feeling stressed out or bored indoors, you step outside and your spirits lift. This article was written by Seth J. Gillihan Ph.D. for Psychology Today. One great way to spend time outdoors is to garden. […]

Can compost be used as mulch? What is the purpose of compost?

Can I use compost as mulch what is the purpose of mulch

Here’s a question about mulch asked by Dexter Roona. Can compost be used as mulch? What is the purpose of compost? Mulch reduces moisture evaporation, moderates the temperature of the soil, reduces compaction of the soil, suppresses weeds and should eventually break down and become part of the soil. So, in answer to your question […]

Nicotiana Paniculata: An ornamental plant with many uses.

Nicotiana Paniculata: An ornamental plant with many uses. Tobacco has been used by humans for thousands of years. It’s been used for medicine, rituals, gifts and pleasure; just to name a few of its many uses. In 1492, when Columbus landed his ships on the North American continent, he was greeted by Native American tribes […]

List of some herbs to grow inside the home.

indoor herb garden

Between the convenience of having flavourful herbs on hand whenever you need, and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you grew them yourself, there are lots of reasons to consider starting an indoor herb garden. Imagine seasoning your fresh tomato sauce with a few leaves of freshly picked basil, sprinkling a pinch of cilantro in […]