Lifestyle – Gardens Illustrated https://www.gardensillustrated.com Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:16:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Gardening gifts 2023: 60 top gift ideas for gardeners https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/best-gardening-gifts/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:09 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=22939

Finding that perfect gift for the gardener in your life can be hard work. Unless they’re a complete gardening novice, your gardening friend or loved one probably has quite a lot of the tools, clothes and seeds that they need. But shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, when it comes to finding the perfect gardening gifts we’ve done a significant amount of the work for you.

We’ve put together the below list of unusual, innovative, unique gifts for gardeners who have everything. But there should be gardening gift ideas to suit every level of garden knowledge, from people who you want to encourage into gardening, to those who are starting their journey, to those who are experts.

Behind the scenes at our gardening gift guide shoot

Our list is also a round up of gifts for garden lovers – they don’t have to be into digging and mulching, they can just love the outdoors, appreciate an excellent planting plan and be enthused by the wonders of botany.

These gardening gifts are a real mixture of things we’ve spotted from our favourite brands, but also gifts that surprised us and charmed us too. Some are for entertaining in the garden, some are for the nitty gritty garden tasks, some just have a gardening theme. We’re certain you’ll find the gifts you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for garden furniture, we’ve rounded up the best.

Jump to:

You may also like

A vase of flowers in front of a cardboard box in front of a window.

Gardening gift ideas

Best gardening gifts for flower lovers

Fresh flower subscription

A flower subscription makes a wonderful gift and the regular deliveries bring joy again and again as the months go on. So, it’s a great choice if you know someone who loves to have a steady supply of fresh blooms in their home.

Bloom & Wild is one of the UK’s most popular flower subscription providers, delivering fresh bouquets in fully recyclable, letterbox-friendly packaging. Delivery prices vary between £19.58 and £26.66 per month, and you can choose a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, or an ongoing monthly order.

To browse alternative packages, check out our list of the UK’s top flower subscription services. Or, if your intended recipient is more of a plant-lover, why not take a look at our favourite plant delivery boxes?

Seed Tin

 

 

This seed tin is sure to help out a messy gardener who is in need of some organisation. 

The team here at Gardens Illustrated love the simple yet fun design of this seed tin from Suttons. There are internal compartments to help create a neat system so seeds are easy to find. It is made with powder-coated steel and we think it would look super perched on any window sill or greenhouse ledge. The handles also make it easy to carry when on the move. 

It is also available in dark grey and cream if you fancy selecting a different colour. 

Don’t miss our list of favourite seed boxes to buy. 

Gardening gifts for indoor gardeners

 

Plantsmith Houseplant gift set

Most of us have built up a healthy house plant obsession in recent years, and succulents, which were absolutely in vogue before 2020 hit, are still high on the houseplant list for many people. Even if your loved one is a seasoned gardener, we’d wager they probably don’t have something as stylish as this  house plant care set, which will help keep your plants looking and feeling healthy.

The set is designed to offer everything you need to keep your house plants alive, with all the essential nutrients they might need.  It’s a lovely and thoughtful gift from for the gardener who has everything.

 

Jute Rope Flowerpot

The perfect way to add a touch of style to large house plants in plastic pots, this jute pot is both flexible and sturdy. 

We love the rustic appearance of this handmade item and feel it would look gorgeous in a bright, sunny porch or even a corridor to help create a relaxing feel to the space. 

When it’s not filled with beautiful plants, it can be used as a storage basket – perhaps for vegetables or plant ties, twine and your bits and pieces –  so this is a handy gift any gardener could make use of. The handles mean it can be easily carried and moved from room to room. 

It is 28cm in width and height and best fits a 25cm flower pot. 

If you want a good list of eco plant pots, don’t miss our round up. 

Take a look at more great pot cover ideas here.

 

Indoor Herb Growing Kit

One of the best gifts for gardeners, especially those who don’t actually have much space outside. This zesty herb kit from Plant Theory comes with everything you need in order to grow your own herbs. The seeds and compost are organic and vegan and the kit is 100 per cent plastic free.

There are five classic cooking herbs in the kit, basil, chives, oregano, parsley and thyme, alongside biodegradable bamboo pots, wooden plant labels, vegan, peat free compost, a pencil, tweezer, jute bag and instructions. A whole series of gardening gifts in one, and even those gardeners who have everything will likely put these to good use.

Haws Copper Indoor and Seedling Watering Can

As attractive as it is useful, the Haws copper watering can would make a great gift for those who take great pride in caring for their beloved indoor plants. 

It is particularly suited for greenhouse use too, so it is a solid option for a friend who has lots of greenhouse seedlings to look after. The watering can can be polished to retain the sleek finish or if left alone, it will eventually turn green, giving it a more rustic look.  

It is 16cm in height and 36cm in length and can hold 1 litre of water.  

Check out our selection of the best watering cans for gardeners.

 

Terrarium Bottle and Extending Tool Set

Terrariums may be all the rage, but there’s a reason for that: they’re beautiful and easy to maintain too. If you know someone who’d be great at experimenting with growing their own this 5 litre glass bottle terrarium is an excellent place to start.

There’s a telescopic shovel and rake for you to help adjust your curated ecosystem, but note: this gardening gift doesn’t come with the soil, pebbles or plants themselves. Those will need to be sourced separately. For tips on how to plant a terrarium, head to our guide.

Gold mister plant set

A stylish and functional mister made from stainless steel and complete with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to look after your plants. The mister holds 300 ml of water and is 15 cm high. This bundle comes with a nifty plant and pot that will make the entire set look very fetching on your windowsill.

Find more cleverly designed gear in our guide to the best ergonomic garden tools you can buy online.

 

 

Best gardening gifts for young gardeners and families

Bee Brick

If you’re stumped for gardening gift ideas, this Bee Brick would make a fail-safe choice. Designed by Green and Blue in Cornwall, the Bee Brick is an innovative concrete block, created to support the declining bee population. The concrete brick can be left as a freestanding bee home in the garden or it can be built into a wall for an integrated look.

The bee bricks contain cavities for solitary bees to lay their eggs in safety; their offspring emerge the following spring and the cycle begins again. It’s an eco-friendly gift that would be perfect for a sustainable gardener or a bee-lover.

The bee brick comes with high praise too; it won the Soil Association’s 2014 Innovation Award, sponsored by the Duchy Future Farming Programme.

Looking for bee hives? We’d recommend these.

Tree Vision: Know Your Trees in 30 Cards by Tony Kirkham and Holly Exley

 

If you’re looking for gifts for young gardeners or just gardeners wanting to know more about trees, look no further. Both a gardening gift and an educational gift, the card game format will help players learn about a tree’s leaves, seeds, flowers and more in an accessible and fun way. Ash, beech, birch, cedar, hornbeam, juniper, lime, maple, oak, pine, spruce, sycamore, yew are just a few examples of trees that players will soon be able to recognise in a flash!

Each card is beautifully illustrated by Holly Exley and the text is written by Tony Kirkham, former Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticulture Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, so you can rest assured that you’ll be learning from an expert.

Here’s our guide on how to identify oaks.

The Botanist’s Sticker Anthology

Gardening is one of the most mindful activities you can do, but over the winter we have to find other activities to keep us busy. If you’re looking for a gift for a busy gardener, a young gardener, or just an arty, nature lover, this sticker anthology should tick your box. Mindful and pleasing on the eye, this sticker anthology is packed full of vintage, intricate botanical drawings; including flowers, ferns, exotic plants and fungi.

Perfect for scrapbook lovers, or gardeners in need of some plant escapism during the colder months, this is a gardening gift that brings nearly as much joy and mindfulness from the act of gardening itself.

Find more outdoor-inspired presents in our edit of the best gardening gifts for kids.

Beeswax Wrap DIY Kits

 

These DIY Beeswax wraps are a great, eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps for food that will keep your produce fresh in a natural way.

A great feature of these wraps is that they are reusable. This would make a fantastic gift for an eco-conscious friend who is actively trying to reduce their plastic consumption.

The kit contains a set of detailed instructions, three organic cotton fabric squares, two pieces of baking paper, three beeswax blend bars – made with pine resin and organic jojoba oil – and a fairtrade canvas tea towel. To make the wraps, you’ll need an iron.

Looking to make them literally from scratch? Here’s our guide on how to make beeswax wraps. 

A Bee Grow Bar

No, this isn’t something to help your grow bees, instead it’s the gardening gift for people who care about wildlife but aren’t expert gardeners. Grow Bars makes planting extra easy and curates a series of seeds around themes. This one is catered for making bees happy – and who doesn’t like doing that?

All you do is put the bar in a container, keep it watered and place in a sunny position and eventually the seeds should start to germinate. Once they’ve grown up a bit, you can plant them around the garden. Easy.

The seeds include hyssop, verbena and lavender. A perfect gift for garden lovers and an unusual gardening gift too.

We also love these seed bombs. 

Gardening gifts for fruit and vegetable gardeners

Garden Bag

For those who prefer not to use a traditional garden trug to carry their garden goods, this altogether more rugged canvas bag is a perfect alternative. 

Whatever needs to be carried from the garden into the house – vegetables, fruit, bulbs or even a leftover coffee cup –  this handy khaki bag is sure to help. It would also make a nifty storage bag that could live in a shed or a greenhouse. 

The khaki bag is made with waterproof canvas and has a capacity of 15 litres. 

 

RHS Flora and Fauna Kneelo Kneeler

You can help your loved ones have a more comfortable time in the garden with this delightful kneeler from Burgon and Ball’s RHS Flora & Fauna collection.  

Spending hours at a time weeding and planting can be tough on knees, so this kneeling pad – which is made with memory foam technology – would be a perfect gift for those looking for a bit of extra support. 

It also prevents gardeners from ruining their favourite jeans so it’s a pretty useful item to have.  

Thanks to the cut-out handle, the pad is easy to carry and after a long day’s work, it can hang up in the shed for easy storage.  

You’ll find more garden kneeler recommendations in our list of the best garden kneelers.

Rob Smith Heritage Veg Selection

Begone plastic novelty gifts, here’s a gardening gift that connects your loved one directly with the earth. The perfect gardening gift for either a person new to gardening or a pro, this veg collection offers a host of seeds for planting in the coming year, something lovely and very, very tasty, to look forward to.

This gardening gift includes bean seeds, cucumber seeds, pea seeds and squash seeds, the heritage veg harks back to more traditional garden growing times: don’t expect any of these newfangled cucamelons. As such, the selection is bound to excite the gardener or garden lover in your life and what’s more, they aren’t difficult to grow either.

Here’s more on where to buy seeds online.

Apple Tree

© Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images

Give the gardening gift of a lifetime this season, with this apple bramleys seedling – the ultimate English cooking apple. This particular version Is on dwarf rootstock, which means it’s the perfect gardening gift for smaller gardens.

Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to plant a tree, something that we should all be doing much, much more of in order to support the wildlife and local eco system. These apples can be harvested from October, and ideally you’d grow this tree near another apple tree, as it isn’t a self pollinator.

We’d class this as one of the of garden gifts which is good for the gardener in your life, but also nature, birds and bees too. Plus you could also be on the receiving end of some very tasty apple pie. This apple tree needs to be planted in a sunny border in well drained soil. For more on how to plant a tree, head to our guide.

Sussex Garden Trug

This handcrafted trug is perfect for those of your gardening friends who enjoy spending an afternoon picking delicious fruit and vegetables. 

It is made with naturally rot-resistant birch aircraft ply wood in a gorgeous colour and is durable enough to guarantee long lifespan and years of good looks. 

It measures 53cm long, by 28cm wide so it’s ideal for longer produce such as leeks and asparagus… Or anything that want to look great in your new garden trug.

 

Ceramic Plant Labels Set of five

For gardeners who are well into their herb growing, these little labels are a thoughtful and handy present. 

These ceramic plant labels allow herb growers to organise their produce so they know exactly what they have planted and where. 

There are five sticks in the pack and you can either get them pre marked or ask for your own. 

Looking for more plant labels? We love these. 

And take a look at our favourite seed suppliers.

Gardening days out and subscription gifts

Gardens Illustrated Magazine Subscription

An absolutely necessary gift for the intrepid gardener, a year’s subscription to Gardens Illustrated will be absolutely worth you while. Yes, we’re biased, but we are confident that gardener in your life will love the mixture of beautiful photography, inspiring gardens, practical advice and plant expertise. Make sure they never miss a copy by getting it delivered direct to their door each month.

What’s more there’s always a fabulous offer or two available and you can save up to 50% on a subscription in our Christmas offer.

 

National Trust Membership

© Chris Lacey

2020 was, to put it mildly, a tumultuous year. But one of the key things many people took away from the last few month was a greater appreciation of nature, open spaces, trees and greenery. What better way to continue the connection than by investing in a membership for the National Trust, which does vital nature management work up and down the country and conserves historic, fascinating buildings and gardens for the country.

The charity, as with many charities, suffered during lockdown, having to content with decreased visitor numbers, so supporting the organisation goes some way to helping with that.

 

Become an RHS Member

 

The vital work the Royal Horticultural Society does throughout the UK is a huge part of the country’s world-beating reputation in horticulture and gardens. There are four RHS gardens, soon to be a fifth, alongside 218 RHS partner gardens, all of which have something unique and exciting to offer.As the world continues to change and understanding about nature, wildlife, the earth and growing becomes vital to all of us, the RHS stands as a place for experimentation, research and education.

If you buy a gift membership before the 24th December, you will receive a £15 voucher to spend at RHS Garden Centres.

Looking for more garden subscriptions? 

Best garden clothing gifts

 

Canvas Garden Apron, Khaki

 

 

If your friend spends most of their time in the garden, often with damp soil on their jeans and hand wipe marks on their top, this khaki canvas apron from Garden Trading is the perfect gift for them.

Designed to ensure that their clothes will stay clean underneath, ready for a full day of gardening, the apron is a practical piece of kit. The waist strap is long enough to tie at the front of the apron for an even better and closer fit. In addition to this, there is a handy front pocket for keeping gardening tools close to hand. 

Our list of the best garden aprons will also provide you with more potential options.

Birkenstock Schuhe Super-Birki Clog

Available in a range of colours and sizes, the versatile Super-Birki can be worn by anyone and everyone. Made from dirt-resistant polyurethane, with a fabric footbed lining and non-slip sole, these are both practical and durable. The super-resilient shoe can actually be washed at up to 60C.

Plus, the removable, cork-latex footbed can be removed and popped in the washing machine. A practical addition to keep by your door or in your allotment or greenhouse for sliding on and off.

Take a look at the best boot scrapers for clean hallways and wellies!

For more garden footwear recommendations see our list of the best gardening shoes.

Evercreatures Raspnavy Tall Wellies

A top pair of wellies are an essential piece of garden gear. 

The unembellished yet attractive design makes these boots from Evercreatures easy to wear with a range of different items, whether it’s a mucky pair of overalls or a nice pair of jeans. As well as running along the bottom of the boot, the red raspberry stripe can be found at the back too. 

For a very reasonable price, these reliable wellington boots are a practical gift that your outdoor loving friend is likely to make great use of. 

Here’s our list of the best wellies to buy.

Burgon & Ball Tweed Gardening Gloves, Medium Grey

Great for protecting every gardener’s most valuable tools, these stylish gloves will not only keep busy hands safe when working in the garden but also warm during the colder months. The gloves have an adjustable strap allowing for maximum comfort and are recommended for people with medium-sized hands. The strap itself is a rip-tape fastener so the wearer will be able to tighten or loosen the gloves with ease.

They feature some padded protection with a soft felt liner in the palms and fingers which won’t stiffen when the gloves are dried. There is also a breathable mesh that will ensure that fingers are kept cool with improved mobility.

For more stylish handwear visit our list of the best gardening gloves.

Boot Socks

These stylish Merino wool boot socks from HJ Hall are the perfect gift when paired with walking boots for countryside strolls and dog walks for any nature lover.

With 135 years in the industry you know that you’re in good hands (or socks!) with HJ Hall’s products. Merino wool is known for its ability to help regulate body temperature making these fashionable socks an appealing choice that should keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry. The socks also come with a six month guarantee.

 

Belstaff jacket

Made for adventurers, Belstaff products are designed to stand the test of time. Although they were originally intended for use with motorsports when the brand launched in 1924, they’ve since found fans across the world. Che Guevara, Amelia Earhart and David Beckham have all owned Belstaff jackets. And Steve McQueen wore one in The Great Escape. 

The Trialmaster has been around since 1948 and is Belstaff’s ‘definitive’ jacket. With its waxed navy cotton, checked twill lining and brushed corduroy linings at the collar, cuffs and hem, it’s a smart choice. 

Don’t miss our round up of the best garden jackets for women and the best jackets for men.

Statement Donegal Jumper, oatmeal

 

 

An 100 per cent wool jacket will keep you warm when you’re working in the cold outside and make you feel 100 per cent better about yourself. This chic, traditional style jumper is like a lovely, warm cup of cocoa and you’ll love it every time you put it on. We’d recommend for days in or for working in the garden too.

 

Rab down jacket

Warm yet lightweight, down jackets are becoming more and more popular, and a Rab version is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly higher-end option. Founded by climber Rab Carrington, who started out making technical sleeping bags designed to withstand the icy conditions on mountains, the brand specialises in cold-weather gear.

This lightweight Rab jacket is the one to buy for easy storage as it comes with a convenient stuff sack, which you can clip to a larger bag. It’s filled with recycled, hydrophobic down and has three pockets and a stiffened peak on the hood. 

For more great men’s gardening jackets take a look here.

Gardening tool gifts

Fallen Fruits copper plated trowel

A garden trowel that’s brilliantly stylish as well as being very high quality. This copper plated trowel includes a leather loop for storage and measurements on the blade to make sure you’re planting at the right depth. You can use it for removing weeds as well as planting and if you want, you can get it engraved with your loved one’s name to make it an extra special present.

The perfect gift for a gardener that’s also lovely to look at.

Here is our round up of the best trowels for the garden. 

Copper plated dibber

A dibber is a must for any dedicated gardener. Essentially a little stick that you push into the ground to make a hole, a dibber is perfect for planting seeds, seedlings and also small bulbs. This smart, copper-plated version has a lovely look to it and a handy leather strap from which to hang it. It also goes very well with the copper plated trowel, seen above.

Copper plated row marker

Complete the set with this lovely copper plated row marker. If you’re planning any kind of garden, be it vegetable or flower patch, knowing you’re planting in a straight line can be very helpful. That’s where this row marker comes in. Use natural twine to mark out the space between planting on your seed beds so you’re giving your plants enough space and everything grows in the right spot.

Niwaki 4′ Tripod Ladder

Tripod ladders are a garden essential, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subject for pruning, sculpting, crop picking and more. The third – front – leg negates the need to prop the ladder against anything so you can place them anywhere without requiring something firm (and bruiseable) to lean against. Niwaki have been bringing their Japanese gardening know-how to bear globally since 1997 – the tripod ladder being their first product to market, so they’re truly kings in this court!

Available in nine sizes from 4 feet to 15 feet high, there’s something for every purpose, being built-to-last from tough and sturdy (yet light and portable) aluminium.

Here’s our round up of the best garden ladders.

 

Niwaki Tool Roll

Niwaki tools are some of the best in the business and we’d recommend this as a gardening gift for the gardener who has everything. It’s a handy tool roll, with five lined pockets for all your essential tools. Made from weatherproof canvas, you could fit anything in it from pruners to cutlery for picnics. The linings are for the sharp items, so you won’t cut through to your clothes and it wraps easily and neatly round the waist for ease of transportation. A perfect gardening gift.

Garden scissors

 

These stainless steel gardening scissors look beautiful and are perfectly sized for simple jobs. Use them to cut flowers, prune, snip off dead stalks: have them near when you’re in the garden at all times.

These snips take their inspiration from Japanese bonsai scissors, which have precise cuts. These come in stainless steel and have a polished brass finish and come in a handwoven bamboo bag. They could be the perfect quirky garden gift for your loved one.

Here are a few more ideas for great pruners. 

Niwaki Rattan Kiridashi Knife

 

This is a hand forged blue carbon steel blade, that has a handle hand wrapped in wisteria rattan. Niwaki are the best in the business when it comes to specialist garden tools, and their designs are a pleasure to use.

This is a comfortable knife, that comes complete with a leather pocket sheath. It’s the sort of knife you can use for the kitchen, garden, craft jobs and more. It is an incredibly sharp knife, but also, because of the nature of the way it is forged and the material it is made from, quite brittle. So not for use on heavy handed jobs.

Don’t miss our round up of the best pocket knives for the garden. 

Shuro brush

This small but very very fetching hand broom is a perfect addition to a carefully thought through cleaning cupboard. The brush is made from palm fibres of Trachycarpus fortunei and bound together with copper wire. It’s the perfect tool for delicate jobs such as sweeping up around a bonsai or in corners of terraces and patios.

Unusual gardening gifts

Sprout Pencils

If you’re looking for an unusual gardening gift that they won’t expect, these plantable graphite pencils from Sprout are a great gift idea.

Once the pencils are worn and too short to use, you plant them upside down in soil and wait for them to grow. The pencils can grow into luscious flowers, fragrant herbs and even fresh vegetables.

They are made from sustainable and certified wood and are 100 per cent natural and non-toxic. This packet of eight pencils features a range of seeds, with each pencil indicating what plant it will grow. A brilliant and unusual gift for the gardener who has everything.

The Urban Forager: Find and Cook Wild Food in the City by Wross Lawrence

Another cool title from Hoxton Mini Press who publish great little books packed with class and style. The Urban Forager tackles the intriguing and enlightening subject of city foraging. If you know any urban gardeners who love nothing more than a day on the veg patch, this would make the perfect garden gift for them. Writer Wross Lawrence, a professional forager, supplies 32 vegetarian recipes, all using ingredients sourced from the city streets and green spaces. Cherry blossom shortbread or nettle ravioli anyone?

With more and more people turning to vegetarian and vegan diets due to the worries surrounding climate change, this is a timely book that would interest many an eco-savvy gardener, or help to reconnect an urban dweller to nature. Don’t forget our list of the best gardening books for more great reads.

For a practical gift, take a look at the best boot scrapers.

Emma Bridgewater Ladybird Mug

If you know of someone in need of a new favourite garden mug, this cute option from Emma Bridgewater could be a winner.

 It is made from earthenware so it’s suitable for everyday use and it is also dishwasher safe. Holding half a pint, it’s a great option for when you want a big cuppa to take outside. 

The sweet and delicate ladybird paintings make this mug a top choice when having a spot of tea and cake in the sunshine. 

Looking for more mug inspiration? Don’t miss our garden cup round up. 

Great Trees of London Map by Blue Crow Media

We are slowly understanding more and more about the wonders of trees; Judi Dench’s documentary My Passion for Trees and Richard Powers’s book The Overstory are just two recent examples which have contributed to society’s rediscovered fascination for them. If you know a tree-lover, this specialist tree map would make a fab gift choice for them. It focuses on 50 trees throughout our nation’s capital, from magnificent English oaks to delicate cherry trees.

Each tree has a description from Paul Wood, the founder of the Urban Tree Festival and Tree Talk. The map is printed on recycled paper and comes with a protective band, helpful for when you are carrying it out and about.

Don’t miss our round up of the best books about gardening. 

An Opinionated Guide to London Green Spaces by Harry Ades and Marco Kesseler

Did you know that half of the area of London is made up of green spaces? With a staggering 3,000 parks, London is one of the greenest cities on the planet. In this beautifully photographed book, Harry Ades breaks down the city’s top 50 hot spots when it comes to natural, green areas. Urban parks, canals, woodlands and stately gardens are just a few examples of what London has to offer.

This aesthetically pleasing and informative book would make a fab gift for style-savvy urban gardeners or for those wanting to discover more about city gardens and beneficial public green spaces.

The Almanac: a Seasonal Guide to 2023

Now in its fifth edition Lia Leendertz’ annual Almanac is a must-have for anyone who spends their time out in the open working through the seasons.  We’d absolutely recommend Lia Leendertz’ Almanac, which compiles all sorts of interesting lore and tales of the natural world, as well as the moon’s phases, tide timetables, sun rises, seasonal recipes and gardening tips. A perfect Christmas gift for the thoughtful, discerning, smart gardener.

Behind the scenes at our gardening gift guide shoot

Kikkerland Shovel Bottle Opener

Perhaps a gift for the gardener in your life who likes to round off a hard day’s work outside with a refreshing drink. A subtly themed and beautifully designed item which could also be classed as an essential tool.

With a copper plated finish, this is 17.4 cm in length and is part of John Lewis’ smart copper’ series. A great novelty gift for a gardener.

Gardener’s leather journal

This beautiful brown leather covered journal is the perfect garden journal for the gardener in your life. Protected from the weather and muddy feet and paws by its lovely brown cover, inside are 60 pages of plain white craft paper that can be used as you might wish. Sketches? Weather recording? Planting plans? This journal offers everything you might need from a garden journal.

It’s the perfect garden gift for those sorts of gardeners who like to think and plan and will be a cherished item for years to come. Who doesn’t enjoy looking back over their journals at what they had been up to in the past?

There is chestnut and walnut browns available in the series, plus there’s a journal size which is w15cm x h19cm and a sketchbook size, which is w19.5cm x h23cm.

Want more garden journals? Here is our list. 

Botanical gardening gifts

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

We tasted this gin as part of our quest to discover the best gin with botanicals (the results of which you can see here). It’s called Monkey 47 because there are a whopping 47 botanicals listed, including lingonberries, locally sourced near the distillery in the Black Forest.

It has a gorgeous nose and a bottle that we love – think apothecary aesthetic and there’s a great story behind the company, which was originally started by British RAF officer Montgomery Collins who was posted to Germany after the second world war and stayed for good.

Seedlip Drinks

Seedlip has been busy in the garden developing a new range of non-alcoholic spirits inspired by botanicals. The spirit garden option is infused with the taste of hand picked peas and homegrown hay and will likely transport you to the countryside at first sip. Other flavours include citrus grove, spice and the drinks are sugar and sweeteners free, calorie free, without allergens, artificial colours or flavours.

These could be a tasty, refreshing gift for a thirsty gardener who wants a drink but doesn’t want to be distracted from the job in hand. Perfect for serving while entertaining in the garden.

Looking for more botanical drinks? Here’s our list of the best botanical gins. 

Epicurean Herb Melamine Picnic Rectangular Serving Platter

This serving platter does a grand job of holding tasty treats for hardworking gardeners in need of a break.

You’ll find dill, parsley and thyme printed on this rectangular tray so it’s another item on our list for the herb growers in your life. It is made with shatter-resistant melamine so it’s appropriate for outdoor use and it’s also dishwasher safe. 

Whether it’s for a picnic or a party platter, this is a gardening gift that is sure to be used. 

Garden lifestyle gifts

Kilburn and Scott Wool throw

To prevent an outdoor party from being cut short, it’s always a good idea to have a cosy blanket close by. 

This woven throw from John Lewis is a beautiful addition and although it can’t be put in the washing machine, its natural fibres will make it a robust addition to your picnic plans.  Whatever the deco, this pink number would look fabulous in any garden. 

Drape it over an outdoor sofa or day bed for extra cosiness or take it inside to add a fun splash of mustard and brighten up a room. 

Here are lots more blankets we love. 

Lion wall mounted feature

This neo-classical eye-catcher is a great addition to anyone’s garden, whether it be big or small. A water feature is always a must, with the sound and motion of the fountain guaranteed to set of beautiful corners of your space and make them feel bigger and calmer. We love this lion-design, which harks to grandeur but can be presented with chic style and subtlety. There’s also LED lights atop the lion’s head so this is a perfect feature for night or day.

 

Gardener Man Illustration

A beautiful and unique illustration, hand drawn digitally using an iPad Pro by artist Emily Lou Holmes, her print ‘Gardener Man’ is a wonderful piece of art that will make a brilliant gift for a gardener who already has everything.

The illustration print is available in sizes A2 and A3, but also as a greeting card and can be gift wrapped if desired.

It is part of a series of illustrations by the artist where she found inspiration from British gardeners and lovers of the outdoors. We think that it’s a lovely piece or art that would make a brilliant gift for any passionate gardener. There is also a female version of the print called ‘Gardener Woman’ available to shop on Etsy.

 

Barrington Fire Pit

The Barrington Fire Pit from Garden Trading is formed in raw metal and is available in two sizes. Intended for use with logs only, the Barrington’s exterior is curved, creating an attractive and contemporary design. Similar to other fire pits left exposed to the elements, this model will naturally age and become rusted over time.

Dome Gozney oven and stand

 

A beautifully designed professional grade outdoor wood-fired oven, the Dome works for beginners for open air cooking and for professional chefs. You can roast, stem or bake with this oven and although wood fuel is recommended for taste, there is the option of a built in gas burner. It comes complete with a digital thermometer, excellent heat retention and a weather resistant outdoor shield that will protect it from whatever mother nature throws at it.

Trancoso beach bat set

 

One of the things we love best about this bat set – perfect for beach or garden games – is that for every bat sold, a tree will be planted. This bat is made from five pieces of sustainably sourced Brazilian wood offcuts and heat stamped. It is coated in natural waterproof and sand-resistant resin and comes with balls to boot. This is a bat set that will last you a lifetime and beyond.

 

Lexon Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

A wireless Bluetooth speaker may not seem like an obvious choice when it comes to gifts for gardeners, but these handy gadgets are a joy for those working outside for long periods, wanting to listen to music or a podcast hands free and without the faff of earphones or headphones.

When the weather is warmer, they’re also a great accessory for garden parties and entertaining in the garden. This particular Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of three hours, and takes only an hour to charge. Simply stream your music, podcast, audiobook or radio station via your smartphone or tablet.

Find more fun tech in our guide to the best smart garden products and the best garden gadgets for a quick upgrade.

Check out our handy gift guide for outdoor entertaining too.

St Ives Harbour Outdoor Pendant Light

 

An outdoor light is a much needed item when your garden dinner party continues late into the night. 

This pendant is weatherproof but can also be used inside. There is a 2.5m cable which can be adjusted so you can hang the light at the height of your choice, making it suitable for a variety of spaces. It could be used as a reading light over a comfortable chair, or it could hang over a table for al-fresco entertainment. 

It is worth noting that the light needs to be wired in and it is recommended that you use the help of a qualified electrician.

Here’s our list of the best outdoor lights.

Picnic, garden party and decorating gifts

Corkcicle X Rifle Paper Co Canteen

 

Flasks are an essential item for gardeners; they keep us cool and hydrated in the summer and warm in the winter. This water bottle is a great gift for gardeners as it does two jobs in one: it keeps cold drinks cold for up to 25 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. 

Better yet, it has been beautifully designed by American stationery company Rifle Paper Co., known for its striking floral designs, and Corkcicle, a clever brand creating innovative barware and sustainable drinking vessels.

A practical and pretty gift, this would be a welcome addition to a gardener’s essential kit.

Each stainless steel bottle takes up to 16 oz. 

Looking for more picnic ideas?

 

Matchbox Seat Pads

Garden seating doesn’t have to be dull. And thanks to these bright, retro-inspired cushions, you can really liven up dark or outdated garden furniture. If you know a gardener who loves to entertain, these would be an ideal gift for them.

Taking inspiration from retro matchboxes, these handmade cushions come in a range of quirky designs including lovebirds, parrots and cockerels – a great gift for gardeners and for nature lovers alike. The pads can be used both indoor and out too, making them a great transitional item.

Each seat pad measures 5cm in height, 40cm in width and 40cm in depth.

And take a look at our favourite selection of garden seating here.

 

Eucalyptus & Laurel Wreath

Bring the outdoors in with this stunning fabric work of art from decoration experts Lights4Fun. The soft fabric leaves are amazingly life-like, giving the appearance of freshly picked Eucalyptus and Laurel, while the delicate linen bow adds a stylish decorative finish. Give your guests a festive welcome by hanging the wreath on your door, or it could be hung on your wall, or even lain flat on the dinner table as a striking centrepiece.

This botanical wreath would also make a wonderful garden-themed gift which loved ones can bring out year after year, without having to worry about any unhappy, crispy leaves!

The wreath measures 50cm in diameter.

And learn how to make your own garden wreath here.

 

Kikkerland Ivy String Lights

A great addition to brighten up any outdoor or indoor area, these remote controlled ivy-inspired string lights by Kikkerland will add a gorgeous level of comforting light to any room or outdoors area at home. Guaranteed to make rooms feel cosier in the evenings and less up-keep than real ivy!

The lights are 10 feet long and features eight different animation settings that you’re able to toggle between using the remote control provided. Batteries are also included for the remote control when you buy the string lights and all is required is a USB port to plug the lights into.

Don’t miss our picks of the best string lights for gardens. 

 

Don’t miss our Christmas hub page for gift and decoration ideas.

]]> The best gardening hampers https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/lifestyle/best-gardening-gift-hampers/ Sat, 04 Mar 2023 08:00:43 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=62716

If you’d like to show the keen gardener in your life how much you care, you can treat them to a range of gardening hampers designed to give them a rest from all their hard work, or provide some added inspiration for their green space.

Whether you’re looking to spur them on in their growing journey with a hamper containing tools and seeds, or if you’d rather provide them with the luxuries to relax after a long day working in the garden, we have a gardening hamper to suit.

For more gift inspiration take a look at our list of the best gardening gifts ideas and – of course – treat them to a Gardens Illustrated magazine subscription here.

Gardening hampers

Gardener’s Gift Hamper

 

This gardening hamper would make the perfect gift for someone starting out on their gardening journey. It contains lots of the essentials to get started in the garden, including:

  • 2 x 10cm (4″) metal pots
  • 2 x wooden clip-on labels
  • 30g raffia tie
  • 1 x pair of garden snips
  • 1 x wooden dibber with jute twine
  • 1 x wooden crate

The green crate makes this an attractive gift too, and it could be put to good use organising the shed year after year. The product is sold by Thompson & Morgan, so you can be sure it’s perfect for gardeners.

Best for: beginners, small gardens.

 

 

Deluxe Garden Hamper

This gardening hamper includes fun growing kits such as a red hot chilli starter pack, as well as a bonsai tree introductory pack, which can help them grow a variety of small trees. It comes with 10 pots, 10 soil pellets, 10 plant markers and even a pruning kit.

Additional treats include gardening tools and gloves, and a selection of biscuits and tea (with a mug to go with it) so they can take a well earned break after they’ve spent time on their greenery.

Best for: greenhouse gardeners, outdoor gardeners and big gardens.

 

The Complete Story of Gardening

This gardening hamper from The Newt would make the perfect luxury gift. Not only does it include Penelope Hobhouse‘s book The Story of Gardening, it also comes with a hand trowel, weeding fork, slate markers, twine and seeds. On top of all of these, the hamper includes a 12-month membership to the gardens at The Newt. With this gift hamper your loved one will feel truly special, and they’ll have a whole year of enjoying the beautiful gardens at The Newt to draw inspiration for their own garden.

Best for: garden visits and book worms.

Garden Tea Break Hamper

This is a gardening hamper with a twist! Rather than including gardening products, this hamper is perfect for people looking to unwind after spending time in their garden. It is packed full of British products; once they’ve spent a day in the outdoors they’ll love settling down to afternoon tea with baked apple and custard biscuits with a slice of Dundee cake. The handmade soap and hand cream are also perfect for hard-working hands that have spent a day in the garden, and the scented candle is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Best for: afternoon tea, gardening breaks.

Gardening Hamper

This gardening hamper from Petersham Nurseries would make an excellent luxury gift for any gardener. Including a terracotta pot, fork and trowel, plant markers and a hand care set, it has everything your loved one will need for the next gardening season.

Best for: luxury gifts.

The Gift Box

This gardening hamper from The Gift Box Store would make a great gift for any gardener. It would be especially great for Mother’s Day or Christmas. The set includes a garden fork, a trowel, gardening gloves and two scented candles in a decorative gift box. The floral pattern on the tools makes them really distinctive, so they’re less likely to get lost amongst the flower beds. This is the perfect gardening hamper for someone who will be spending long days in the garden and then wants to come indoors to unwind.

Best for: Mother’s Day.

Garden Gift Hamper

This gardening hamper from BRHampersCo on Etsy would make the ideal gift for any keen gardener. Not only does it come with garden products like bulbs, seeds and pots, it also contains a few treats like chocolate and coffee. You can customise the box too, by adding a travel mug if you’d like to make it extra special.

Best for: allotments, veg gardening.

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, you can take a look at our recommendations of gifts for plant lovers.

]]> Best bokashi bins for composting your waste https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/lifestyle/best-bokashi-bins/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:57:58 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=91893

Bokashi bins are quickly becoming one of the most efficient ways to deal with food waste in the home. The bins use a fermenting process to turn your throwaway food into nutrient-rich compost for your plants and garden.

The process involves combining your organic waste with specially-designed bran – after letting it ferment, the resulting mixture can be used as compost, and any excess liquid can work well as a fertiliser.

All bokashi bins work in a similar way, so choosing the right one for you can come down to how often you’ll be using them. As the process can take over a week, having two bins can be a massive help, allowing you to fill one while the other is composting. This can also be achieved with a separate food waste bin.

Read on for our favourite bokashi bins available.

For a closer look at the process of bokashi composting, head gardener Joshua Sparkes gave us some insight on how to compost.

Best bokashi bins to buy in 2023

Gardening-Naturally Bokashi Bins with 1kg Baskashi Bran

As it can take over a week for bokashi waste to decompose, this set of two bins can really come in handy. Each bin has a capacity of 15L, which should be large enough for you to fill one up while the other finishes its process.

The bokashi bins have taps for you to release any excess liquid and, the more frequently this is done, the quicker the process will be complete. An airtight lid helps to keep the bokashi buckets from radiating bad odour, and the set also includes 1kg of bran, as well as a scoop and a bran tamper.

Skaza Bokashi Organko 2

For a choice that’ll blend into your kitchen’s interior more easily, the Skaza Bokashi Organko 2 has a soft cappuccino colour. The bin has a built-in drain tap to release excess liquid that can be a good fertiliser for plants – and can also work well as an activator of micro-organisms in septic tanks!

Blackwall Twin Pack Bokashi Bin

The bokashi bins included in this twin pack have 18L capacities, offering plenty of space to fill one up while the other is fermenting. The bins have airtight lids to keep the room free from odours and insects, as well as carry handles to easily take your waste outside.

The twin pack also comes with 1kg of bran, two drain trays, a push tool, and a scoop that doubles up as a liquid drain cup.

30L Deluxe Stainless Steel Bokashi Composter

The 30L capacity of this bokashi bin makes it a perfect choice for large households, where there’s often a great deal of organic waste. The steel composter is also suited to commercial use, and it comes with 2kg of bran to get you started. The bokashi bin and its drainage tap will need assembling.

Biolan Bokashi Bucket Starter Set

The set from Biolan is a great way to get started with bokashi composting, including everything needed to get the process started. Slightly more compact than others, the bin itself has a capacity of 10L and is designed in a sleek, white colour that can blend nicely with the style of your kitchen.

Included in the set is the 10L bokashi bin, a perforated midsole, a sealing plate, and 1kg of bokashi bran. The sealing plate helps to trap the odours within the bin while keeping the container airtight to streamline the fermenting process.

Skaza Bokashi Organko Set

A handy set of two bokashi bins with 16L capacities, carry handles, drainage taps and 2kg of bran – this package has everything covered for bringing bokashi composting into your home.

 

]]> 9 of the best bird feeders https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/tools/best-bird-feeders/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:00:16 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=2279

So long as they’re not after any seeds you’ve planted, it’s always a delight to watch birds visit your garden. And between October and April, when food in the wild is much more scarce, a predictable source of food will be highly appreciated by your feathered visitors. 

Feeders come in all shapes and sizes, to cater for all shapes, sizes, species and feeding habits of birds, but to be sure of attracting the widest range and leaving no bird out an all-in-one feeding station is your guarantee of maximum delivery.

So if they want to peck at peanuts, nibble at seed or feast on a fat ball these one-stop solutions have something for every bird.

And should you want to offer your visitors somewhere to drink and bathe, take a look at our list of the best bird baths. And for more information on which berries and plants your winged guests will appreciate for food, read our article on plants for birds.

Want some tips on how to attract birds into your garden?

Where is the best place to put bird feeders?

You’ll want to put your feeder in a sheltered place that is difficult for cats, squirrels, rats and other pests to access. Birds will avoid your feeder if they see any predators near it. Hanging feeders can be attached to tree branches clear of the ground, but you should still make sure there aren’t any nearby branches that might allow pests to bother your birds. Bird tables are best erected on a tall post that keeps them well clear of the ground

Best bird feeders to buy in the UK 2023

Large Bempton Bird Table

Best table design

This quaint, wood and copper bird table is perfect if you’re lacking sturdy trees in your garden to hang a bird feeder from, or if you’re looking to adorn a fence or section of latticework. Painted in a verdant green, and with a real copper Verdigris roof, as well as enclosed sides for protection, this bird table provides a safe and easily accessible area for feeding.

RSPB Signpost wooden feeding station

Best alternative bird feeder

If you’re after something a little different, we love this sturdy, yet stylish feeding station from the RSPB. Designed to replicate a traditional signpost, this feeding station offers four hooks for bird feeders to hang from. It’s a durable option, made in the UK from FSC certified timber and held together by strong bolts.

One up, one down bird feeder

Best contemporary bird feeder

On split levels, this small but multi-use feeder allows room for a birds large and small to graze your winter spread, and the aluminium roof will keep the birds and their food dry.

Simple in design and easy to clean, this feeder would suit an urban garden with less space: a balcony or roof terrace perhaps. Just remember to hang it away from any windows so the birds don’t run the risk of flying into them. 

 

Tom Chambers Elegance Bird Feeding Station

Best multi bird feeder

Sporting an attractive copper finish, this elegant and shapely feeder is both eye-catching and practical. There are 10 hooks in total to hang feeders, as well as a heavy duty seed tray – ideal for suet balls – and water tray for the birds to enjoy a drink and a wash. 

This is a very sturdy option and it looks smart. Plus all the feeding stations are situated a good distance from the ground to give more protection to the birds. If you have the space and love to welcome lots of feathery friends into the garden, this multi-armed feeding station will attract species large and small and you can spend many a relaxing moment watching them come and go.

 

Premium Bird Feeding Station

Best traditional bird feeder

This wooden bird feeding station has four platforms for your garden birds to feed from. It’s suitable for any feed of your choice, and there’s room to add more hooks for hanging feeders if you find you need extra. 

Made from FSC certified timer and slate, this design is more traditional in appearance and would lovely in a cottage-style or country garden. The solid base will help prevent the table from toppling over easily and the whole frame has been protected with a weatherproof finish to ensure it’s long-lasting.

Kingfisher Bronze Copper Effect Solar Powered Bird Hotel

Best designer bird feeder

A ‘hotel’ is a great way to describe this rather grand feeding station. It has a bird bath, bird feeder, garden light and built in planter, so you can add a plantsman’s touch. 

It is quite lightweight so you will need to find a way of holding it in place in winter, but the copper finish is resistant to all extremes of weather and temperatures. It looks the part for a fraction of the price.

 

Wild Wings Feeding Station

Best elegant bird feeder

One assured way of bringing lots of birds into your garden is by setting up a bird table on your lawn, with several points of access. This shapely feeding station, which will certainly be hard for cats or foxes to climb, stands at 2.4 metres tall and has five feeder arms, a water tray and a seed tray.

In a slate grey, it’ll look good in any style of garden and we love the small details, such as the cut out robin perched on the top and the elegant curls of the hooks. A very attractive piece for the birds to dine out on.

Garden Selections Wild Bird Feeding Station

Best practical bird feeder

Buy now from Garden Selections (£19.99)

This steel, bronze-finished bird station from Garden Selections will turn your garden into a bustling hangout for your local birds. It features a water tray, four separate feeders and, what the manufacturers delightfully describe as ‘bathing facilities’. Seriously, you might want to start charging admission.

 

Finches Friend Cleaner Feeder

Best bird feeder for cleaning

Buy now from Finches Friend (£44.99)

Finches Friend bird feeders have been specifically created to make cleaning easy, which is vital to stop the spread of disease in garden birds. With greenfinches on the Red List and chaffinches in dramatic decline, improving hygiene in wild bird feeding is hugely important.

The Finches Friend Cleaner Feeder 1 features a single chamber and holds up to 1.79 litres of bird food (sunflower hearts are recommended) – more than the capacity of a standard feeder. It weighs 1.2kg empty and 2.4kg full.

The clever design separates the feed store from where the birds perch to eat. It features a unique, removable, enclosed feed station which minimises wastage and enables easier cleaning. The innovative design also protects the feed from the elements and ensures that it always stays clean, dry and safe, thanks to a water drainage system. A 360-degree feeding station allows multiple birds to feed at once, whilst a narrowed feeding tray make it inaccessible to larger birds such as crows.

Made in Britain, Finches Friend Feeders are a sustainable choice that are built to last. Using components and packaging that are fully recyclable, they are made from durable, UV-stabilised polycarbonate that won’t weaken or discolour in the sun.

Remember, different styles of bird feeder require different types of food, from peanuts, to fat balls, to seeds. If you’ve got your eye on a particular bird feeder, why not check out the best bird feed to fill it with?

Remember to keep your bird feeders clean. Here’s how to avoid diseases and keep good bird feeder hygiene. 

]]> 7 meadow seed mix packs to create a wildlife haven https://www.gardensillustrated.com/plants/summer/meadow-seed-mix/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:55:27 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=75552

Dedicating a portion of your garden to meadow-style plants is one of the best ways to support local wildlife. By using a meadow seed mix, you can grow a variety of flowers and grasses to emulate the plants found in natural pastures and create rich habitats. 

Achieving a perfect wildflower area can be tricky, so it’s worth taking a look at our expert tips for designing a meadow and brush up on the best plants to use before you get started.

How to choose between wild meadow seeds and wildflower seeds

The main difference between wildflower and meadow mixes is the type of seeds included. Meadow packs come with a range of flowers and grasses, while other blends like those found in wildflower seed bombs focus just on flowers. 

So, why should you plant a meadow? Well, you’ll be developing habitats for wildlife in the local area, and you can enjoy a blanket of colour throughout the summer. 

Daunting by sowing seeds? Read our expert guide to planting seeds.

Do meadow seeds come back every year?

Packs of meadow seed mix can potentially contain grasses, as well as annuals that’ll flower for just one summer, and perennials, which should come back year after year. As some packs have a large proportion of short-lived annuals (particularly if they’re predominantly flower blends), it’s important to check the details on the box before you buy. 

See our rundown of the best places to buy seeds online. 

Best meadow seed mix packs for a colourful display

Classic meadow mix

Thompson & Morgan is one of the best brands to browse when you’re in need of a meadow seed mix. The Suffolk-based business has been selling seeds since 1855, so it has over 150 years of expertise behind it. 

This pack blends annuals and perennials for a diverse display of different plants. In fact, this box alone contains enough seeds for 12,000 flowers. 

Rather than sell the wild meadow seeds as compact ‘bombs’, which you scatter on the ground, Thompson & Morgan has combined them with vermiculite to allow for even distribution. 

Johnsons country meadow seeds

If establishing grasses as well as flowers is important to you, this pack is a safe bet. 

Like all the best meadow seed mixes, it tells you exactly what you can expect to grow. You’ll get flowers like birdsfoot trefoil, black knapweed and yarrow, as well as grasses including browntop bent, crested dogstail and Yorkshire fog.

This pack contains enough seeds to cover 40 square metres of ground.

Mini meadow

This meadow seed mix comes with added ingredients to support the plants as they grow. There’s Super Seaweed, made from sustainably harvested kelp, which contains nutrients, vitamins and amino acids to boost growth. Meanwhile, the added Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi should support the seedlings in their early days. 

In this pack, you’ll get enough wild meadow seeds to cover 10 square metres of ground, and you should see varieties like cornflowers, poppies and oxeye daisies.

Meadow garden seeds

For a simple, affordable meadow seed mix, try this box from B&Q. Thanks to its selection of colourful plants, including sunflowers, daisies and poppies, it should create a vibrant display. 

Sow the seeds in April or May and you should enjoy a colourful flower patch between July and September. 

Meadowland mixture

Another great option from Thompson & Morgan, this meadow mix comes with more than 30 different flower varieties, so you should end up with a diverse and visually interesting display. 

As with many meadow-style seed kits, the plants will start to bloom over their first couple of years. While you can expect some of the plants to bloom in the first summer, other varieties will take a little longer and should spring into life the following year. 

Once established, the plants should grow to heights of between 20cm and 150cm. 

British seed mix

Etsy is a great place to find wild meadow seeds like this British plant mix. The pack contains fast-growing flowers and supporting grasses, and isn’t bulked out with sand. 

Grasses make up roughly half of the plants in this blend, 5% of which will be wheatgrass to help support long stems. Other species include meadow fescue, cocksfoot and timothy. 

As for colourful blooms, you’re likely to see corn chamomile, corn marigolds, cornflowers and crimson clover, which each make up about 10% of the mix.

Meadow-style seed mix

With its blend of seeds for perennial meadow and garden plants, this pack should create an impressive display. It includes 21 different flower species and eight grass varieties, but you’ll get a 50/50 mix of the two categories. 

Once established, this seed mix should create a colourful display of blue lupins, foxgloves, field poppies and zinnias. 

If you sow seeds every year, why not invest in a practical and stylish storage tin? We’ve collected our favourite seed boxes, many of which have handy calendar divisions to keep you on track. 

]]> Best dried flowers https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/lifestyle/best-dried-flowers/ Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:58:26 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=100752

While there are lots of easy ways of drying flowers, from the traditional hanging method as explained by floral artist Bex Partridge, or pressing flowers, sometimes it’s easier to get the experts to do it.

If you want a long-lasting flower arrangement then looking to dried flowers could be the perfect option. Most dried flowers will last a very long time, if cared for properly and not left too close to direct sunlight (as their colour will fade). While these blooms mostly don’t smell (although they definitely can!), they can bring all the joy of a just grown rose and, arguably, could be better for the environment: if you’re only buying one bunch to last a while, then there’s no need to rely on lots of cheaper, unethical bunches from dubious sources.

There are certain flowers that are better for drying, and we explain which those are here. But if you’re looking for pre-dried flowers – for a wedding, perhaps, or just for a table top – then there are lots of options out there. We’d always recommend buying from a reputable seller, who uses flowers from a sustainable source.

How long do dried flowers last?

Dried flowers, if properly dried and cared for, should last at least a year and could last up to three. A top tip to keeping your dried flowers happy is to place them away from sunlight – so their colour doesn’t fade – and try to keep them away from water or anywhere humid. Dried flowers that have been preserved in glycerin or dyed can last for much longer, but we’d recommend keeping things natural and avoiding these artificial ways of prolonging your dried flowers.

Looking for vases to put your dried flowers into? Here’s our pick of bud flower vases. 

The best dried flowers to buy

Pampass Grass

As we wrote recently, pampas grass is back in fashion, but it’s not just outside in your front gardens that it’s catching people’s eyes. Pampass grass can make the best dried flowers, as part of an overall arrangement, or just in a vase on its own – as seen here.

This selection of white pampas grass comes as 40 stems and measures at about 45cm in height. Though the grass is quite fluffy and feathery, if cared for properly, it shouldn’t moult too much. It’s advised that when you get it you should let it stand in a sunny and ventilated place so that any lingering odours dissipate.

Here’s more on growing ornamental grasses in your own garden.

 

Lavender

The sight of a beautiful, purple, twine-bound bunch of lavender can prompt a lovely sense of the south of France, or other equally hot places. We love the traditional aesthetic and one of the great things about lavender is that often once dried it retains its absolutely gorgeous smell. These bunches are naturally wind dried and should still have its original scent. Included in the bundle is 140g of dried lavender, which comes at about 40 cm high. Lavender is great for sleeping but also good for putting off bugs. 

Here’s how to grow your own lavender.

 

Wheatgrass

Wheat stalks talk to us of the countryside in days gone by and corn dollies.  Wheat is a great option to use in a bigger display and the texture and length will add lots of interest to a bunch in a vase in your home. This pack comes with 100 natural wheat stems that are around 40 cm heigh. What’s nice about the length is that if you’re using them for a celebration – a wedding table display for example – you can chop the stalks to whatever length you’d like.

Craspedia

Here’s a great example of how to use wheat stalks alongside billy button flowers, or craspedia. Craspedia are a particularly interesting flower, which are native to Australia and New Zealand and when dried, can be enjoyed anywhere in the world. Their little round heads have a very uplifting feel to them and, as you can see, they will work very well in a natural floral bunch all together.

Gypsophilia

Baby’s breath or gypsophilia is a beautiful plant when in a garden, but it also works brilliantly well when dried. These ivory flowers would be perfect for a wedding bouquet or simply popped into a vibrantly-coloured vase. The length of these are 17 inches and filled with tiny little blooms so be careful when you unwrap: they do quite easily fall off. But the number of flowers on a stem means you can afford to lose one or two.

 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great option for dried flowers because of its vibrant colouring and it’s interesting textures. Here you can buy either green or red and they come as 8-10 stems. These are Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue and are 50-65 cm high. They will look perfect either on their own or as part of a carefully curated bunch.

 

 

Dried flower bouquets

Small

Delight your guests at a dinner party with these small dried flower bunches or pop them in tiny bud vases all around the house: however you display these small dried flower bunches they will bring lots of joy. Included are bunny tails lavender, flax and more in three different styles – white, pink and lavender. These are very small – great for button holes or hat pins too – stems are around 15 cm.

 

With pink clove

A lovely dried flower bouquet which would make a perfect present for someone special, or a perfect arrangement around the house. The arrangements include pink clover flowers, lavender, bunny tails and lots of others. This seller also can supply this in a bridal bouquet or combs on request. They use British dried flowers which should last and last.

Dusty blue

We love this dusty blue dried flower arrangement, which uses lots of great layers, textures and colours. There are several different sizes, from 4-5 inches overall to 9-10 inches overall. A beautiful arrangement that will look stunning in a vase on your dining or bedside table.

 

Dried flowers and pottery sculpting kit

We love this idea from Bloom and Wild: why not make dried flowers into a big gift by combining it with pottery? The company have teamed up with Sculpd, a pottery company, so you can make lovely bud vases from air-dry pottery. There’s an online tutorial that will show you exactly how to make the vases and the flowers come as part of the package, so as soon as you have your vases – they have something lovely to put inside them!

Here’s more on 100 beautiful flowers for your garden.

]]> Garden furniture: the best garden seats https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/outdoor-living/garden-furniture-best-seats-chairs/ Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:36:50 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=18787

As summer arrives, make sure you have all your garden seating areas sorted. Here are a selection of the best garden chairs and seats to add to your garden furniture collection.

Here’s our round up of the best garden furniture

1

The classic ‘steam’ lounger

Inspired by the classic design first used on the decks of the legendary steam liners, this modern take is super-comfy with support for the legs and arms with brass details. It’s perfect for reclining on with a choice of 5 positions from the perfect reading angle right through to catching a few rays while you snooze. It comes with the added bonus of being easy to fold and store away.

Buy KETTLER RHS Chelsea Garden Steamer Chair from John Lewis

2

Scooped and stylish

A practical and comfortable chair suitable for use both indoor and outdoors. Safe to leave outside in the inevitable occasional rain, it shrugs off bad weather as much as it embraces the sun, while its flexible strand construction is as comfortable as it is striking to the eye. It’s made from metal and easy to assemble. This chic chair will add an exotic touch to any garden.

Buy Bay Isle Home Swarthmore Garden Chair from Wayfair

3

Retro hanging chair

Right on trend for 2021 – relax and enjoy a good book while safely cocooned in this ultra-chic retro-styled hanging egg chair. Made from woven poly rattan it comes complete with a comfy cushion and with its single chain support from above will gently rock you to relaxation as it is caught by the breeze. All this and it looks amazing too.

Buy Lyra hanging chair from Made.com

4

The modern winged back

This Scandinavian-style chair will look stunning in your garden, fusing inside and outside styles for a little of that ‘bringing the inside – out’ magic. Blur the line between your living or family room and your patio and your ground floor just got a whole lot bigger! It’s made from a combination of steel and wrapped with PE bamboo – meaning it’s a stylish and sustainable choice.

5

Stylish for indoors or out

Go on. Treat yourself. While clearly in need of a little shelter over the chillier moments its fabulous design is crafted with weather-resistant material so if you do get caught in a downpour there’s no need to panic. The stainless steel-capped teak frame is complemented by plush comfy cushions making it the perfect option for a covered seating area, magically turning your garden into a new living room. And with a quality build it’ll last and last past your old deckchairs and be the centrepiece for many garden occasions to come.

6

Two for one

Stock up on new furniture fast and get two matching chairs in one simple package. Furnish a single low table for drinks or create your own outdoor banquet with as many of these matching chairs as you require. Keep it formal for dining or add your own plush outdoor cushions and transform the design into a stylish sun chair.

7

Colourful and tropical

The dramatic curve shape and eclectic mix of bright blue shades will add a tropical touch to your garden seating area. Use as a single centrepiece, as an offset to more angular or formal seating, or create an informal idyl with a pair placed face to face around a low bistro table.

Buy Yuri garden lounge chair from Made.com

8

Pop-up

Simple and stylish. This star-print pop-up chair is a practical solution for extra seating for garden parties and dining, with its clever metal frame not only appearing to defy gravity but folding almost completely flat when not in use. Plus, its strong cover is easy to maintain by simply wiping clean with a damp cloth.

Buy Star Print Pop-Up Deck Chair from Graham & Green

9

Timeless style

Get serious in your garden and go for this winged chair that oozes class. It’s that little bit comfier and more than a bit plusher than your garden may be used to. This luxe armchair is an optimal choice for bringing family and friends together for entertaining. An open weave frame is complemented by gorgeous, soft cushions – perfect for sinking and hard to resist all summer long.

Find more high-quality furniture pieces for the garden in our guides to the best day beds and outdoor sofas.

]]> Best flower subscription services for 2023 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/plants/flowers/best-flower-subscriptions/ Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:00:29 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=52832

If you want to show someone you care, forget the stereotypical red roses. Buy a flower subscription and shower your loved one with seasonal, sustainable blooms all year long. 

Fresh flowers can make all the difference to a room. They bring life, colour and fragrance into your home, and some studies have shown they even have the power to reduce blood pressure, pain and anxiety in those around them. Sending a joy-filled bouquet to a loved one on a monthly basis is a thoughtful way to show your heart-felt appreciation for everything they do – and a flower subscription takes care of that for you.

More and more businesses are offering convenient fresh flower deliveries as monthly subscriptions. And most champion seasonal British flowers and sustainable practices by sourcing stems ethically or locally and sending them in recyclable packaging. Whether you want flowers you can send through the letterbox or pre-arranged displays, simply choose a style and subscription that suits your budget. 

We’ve already already listed our favourite plant subscription services, so here we’re focussing on the UK’s best flower subscription services. Whether you want to treat a loved one or give yourself the gift of filling your home with a regular supply of fresh blooms, take a look at the fantastic options below. 

Here’s more on why roses are not the best to buy on Valentine’s Day.

Best flower subscription services in the UK

Appleyard London

Best for additional gifts

Price: From £25 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6, 12 months or ongoing

Four bouquet options make up Appleyard London’s flower subscription packages: ‘Home’, ‘Birthday’, ‘Seasonal’ and ‘Romance’. All the stems come from Fairtrade farms dedicated to supporting the local community, so you can rest easy knowing your bouquets are ethically produced. 

The longer the subscription you choose, the less you pay per month. Bouquets start at £30 per delivery for a three-month purchase, drop down to £27.50 for six-month orders and then to £25 for 12-month or ongoing subscriptions. 

You’ll also find food hampers and gifts on Appleyard London’s website, so it’s a great place to look if you want to treat a loved one to flowers and foodie gifts.  

Buy a flower subscription from Appleyard London

Arena Flowers

Best ethical option

Price: From £20 | Rate: Weekly, fortnightly or monthly | Subscription Length: 3 months

For an affordable, flexible flower subscription, try Arena Flowers. You’ll pay £20 per delivery and you can skip, pause or change your preferences any time in your online account. 

In fact, there’s a great deal of freedom when it comes to setting up your subscription. Choose whether to receive your blooms weekly, fortnightly or monthly, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. You can also opt for an ‘ethical’ or ‘pet-friendly’ arrangement. 

Thanks to Arena Flowers’ focus on sustainability, the brand has been voted the UK’s top ethical flower company for six years running. It uses seasonal, British plants whenever possible, champions Fairtrade and avoids single-use plastics.

Buy a flower subscription from Arena Flowers

Bloom & Wild

Popular pick

Price: From £20 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6, 12 months or ongoing

Bloom & Wild is one of the most well-known and popular flower subscription services in the UK, distributing letterbox-friendly parcels in 100% recyclable packaging. You can choose a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, or set up an ongoing monthly order. 

Delivery prices vary between £19.58 and £26.66 per month, and you’ll pay less per bouquet the longer your subscription lasts. For an ongoing order, ‘Classic’ blooms come in at £20 per month, while the brand’s special ‘Seasonal’ option has a £25 price tag. 

There’s plenty of customisation on offer with Bloom & Wild. You can choose which bouquet you receive next and select your preferred delivery date. You’ll even get the chance to add a different gift card with each bouquet. So each month they receive blooms from you, they’ll receive a different personalised note too. 

Buy a flower subscription from Bloom & Wild

Get 15% off your Bloom & Wild order right now! Just use the code GARDENSILLUSTRATED15 at the checkout.

Looking for a standout plant for your home? Check out the most unusual houseplants.

 

Blossoming Gifts

Best for seasonal blooms

Price: From £25 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6 or 12 months, or ongoing

Rather than providing a selection of pre-set bouquets for customers to consider, Blossoming Gifts sends an arrangement of whichever flowers are in season at the time. So, you’ll always get fresh, beautiful blooms to keep in your home.

On Blossoming Gifts’ price plan, you’ll pay less per bouquet the longer your subscription length. Opt for a three-month plan and it’s £30 per delivery, but extend to a 12-month or ongoing contract for £25 bouquets.

Conveniently, you can skip deliveries if you’re out of the house, making this a convenient flower subscription service.

Buy a flower subscription from Blossoming Gifts

Bunches

Best price range

Price: From £22 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6 or 12 months

Head to Bunches if you want more control over the number of stems you receive and the amount you spend. Blooms cost between £20 and £30 per delivery, but you can customise your order by choosing 10-12 stems (£22), 14-16 stems (£26), 16-18 stems (£28), 18-20 stems (£30). 

Set up your subscription for three, six or 12 months, and Bunches will deliver your blooms in plastic-free, fully-recyclable packaging. There’s even a letterbox-friendly option, which is ideal if you know you’ll be out of the house on delivery days. 

Buy a flower subscription from Bunches

By Bloom

Best single-variety bouquets

Price: From £35 | Rate: Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly| Subscription Length: Flexible

In contrast to the many varied floral arrangements available to buy through subscription, By Bloom offers bunches of just one type of flower. Not only does this approach reduce waste, it also gives you a less fussy and more informal look, as if you’d just gathered the blooms from your garden. 

The flowers come from growers across the UK and Europe, and they’re selected by the famous London-based florist Larry Walshe. 

By Bloom is another brand to consider if you prioritise sustainability. It sends out all its arrangements in 100% recyclable packaging and aims to plant enough trees to offset its carbon footprint from production processes, packaging, deliveries and office operations.

Buy a flower subscription from By Bloom

Clare Florist

Best long-running online florist

Price: From £79.99 (£26.66 per delivery) | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3 or 6 months

Having started out in 1978, Clare Florist has over four decades of industry experience. In fact, it’s been sending out deliveries for online orders since 1996, so it’s fair to say the brand knows a thing or two about keeping customers happy. 

Clare Florist has developed a simple subscription model with four different options. Choose the standard or luxury bouquet, which arrives with a box of chocolates as a special gift, in either a three- or six-month subscription. 

Whichever model you select, you’ll get a fresh seasonal bouquet every month – each one different from the last. Plus, they all come with a seven-day freshness guarantee.

Buy a flower subscription from Clare Florist 

Interflora

Best for specific occasions

Price: From £35 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6, 9 or 12 months

Interflora has been supplying beautiful blooms for almost 100 years now, and it’s developed a flexible subscription service priced at £35 for each monthly delivery. Packages range in length from three months (£105) to a year (£420), but always include fresh, seasonal flowers. 

After your first order, which has a £7 courier fee, every delivery is free of charge. 

Like many flower subscription providers, Interflora also sells one-off bouquets and house plants, but its easy-to-navigate website makes it particularly convenient to use. The brand categorises its blooms by occasion, so, if you want to surprise a loved one, you’ll be able to find an appropriate bouquet in no time. 

Buy a flower subscription from Interflora

For more gifting inspiration, here’s our favourite botanical themed items.

FlowerBe

Most unique flower selection

Price: From £18.20 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6 or 12 months

If you want to enjoy fresh flowers in your home without paying the large price tag associated with many subscription services, FlowerBe could be the perfect option for you. The small business sends out mini posies at £18.20 per monthly delivery and posts them through your letterbox. You can choose a three, six or 12-month subscription of ‘natural’ or ‘colourful’ posies starting at £54.60. 

In your package, you’ll get a bunch of seasonal flowers and herbs, including some rare varieties left out of bouquets from other retailers. You’ll also receive an A6, hand-illustrated card with instructions and advice on arranging and caring for your flowers.

Buy a flower subscription from FlowerBe

Flowerbx

Best high-end option

Price: From £40 | Rate: Weekly, fortnightly or monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6, 12 months or ongoing

Flowerbx sits at the premium end of the scale when it comes to flower subscriptions. It offers high-end bouquets, as well as standalone plants, vases and home fragrances. So if you’re looking for something extra special – perhaps for an anniversary – it’s one to consider. 

Subscription packages are split into several categories. There’s the ‘Classic’ (£40 per delivery) and the ‘Premium’ (£75). And the brand has also created a special ‘Rose’ subscription for anyone with a particular fondness for the variety (£55 per delivery). You can even upgrade your bouquets to a larger version. 

Choose between weekly, fortnightly or monthly deliveries, and enjoy a complimentary vase with a ‘Classic’, ‘Premium’ or ‘Rose’ subscription order. 

Buy a flower subscription from Flowerbx

Flowers & Plants Co.

Best choice of delivery frequencies

Price: From £25.99 | Rate: Various rates from daily to every six months | Subscription Length: Ongoing

The impressive choice of delivery frequencies is what sets this brand apart from the rest. You can choose the rate to suit you, from every six months, all the way up to daily for a real treat.

There’s also a huge variety of seasonal bouquets available within a wide price spectrum, starting with the ‘essential’ at £25.99, and rising to the ‘aficionado’ at £125.99. You can either choose to have a slightly different set of blooms every week or lock in your favourites.

Buy a flower subscription from Flowers & Plants Co.

Flying Flowers

Best for beautiful packaging

Price: From £20 | Rate: Monthly | Subscription Length: 3, 6 or 12 months

With 12 million deliveries already logged, this Jersey-born flower retailer offers a popular subscription service. It sells monthly packages, which can be posted through your letterbox. 

The longer your subscription, the less you spend per delivery. Three-month packages start at £60, but you’ll pay £115 for six-month orders and £225 for year-long subscriptions. 

As an added bonus, Flying Flowers only sells sustainably sourced blooms and makes sure all its packaging is environmentally friendly. 

Buy a flower subscription from Flying Flowers

Freddie’s Flowers

Best for flexible deliveries

Price: From £25 | Rate: Weekly | Subscription Length: Flexible

Despite being a relatively small business, Freddie’s Flowers has already accepted more than three million orders. The brand’s story began when Freddie started preparing flowers in a tent in his parents’ garden and delivering them locally in a yellow milk float. 

If you sign up for a subscription, you’ll pay £25 per delivery and get some of the rarer flower varieties you don’t see in other branded boxes. You can also choose how frequently you receive your blooms and opt for an arrangement without lilies if you have pets or allergies. 

Plus, Freddie’s Flowers bouquets are sent with sustainability in mind. They come in biodegradable packaging through carbon neutral deliveries. And you can recycle your box by leaving it out for the delivery driver to pick up when they drop off your next bunch. 

Buy a flower subscription from Freddie’s Flowers

Moyses Stevens

Best themed bouquets

Price: From £40 | Rate: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or bi-monthly| Subscription Length: Flexible

Having created a selection of carefully considered bouquets, Moyses Stevens is on the premium end of the spectrum when it comes to flower subscriptions. The brand has been crafting its beautiful arrangements for almost 150 years and now arranges plants from all over the world in its London studio. 

On the Moyses Stevens website, you’ll find different ranges for different types of homes: there are the English Garden and Modern Home lines (both shown above), as well as Scandinavian and English Foliage selections. You can also choose the seasonal option if you want to experience the flowers currently thriving. 

Buy a flower subscription from Moyses Stevens Flowers

Prestige Flowers

Best quick and simple option

Price: From £64.99 (£21.66 per delivery) | Rate: Monthly| Subscription Length: 3, 6 or 12 months

If you’re after eye-catching displays with minimum input, try Prestige Flowers. You just choose one of three different bouquet styles for a three-, six- or 12-month subscription period. Then, you’ll get a different variety of blooms each month. 

At the lower end of the price scale is the Seasonal range, full of timely flowers. From £69.99 you can get the Classic subscription, which includes some of the brand’s most popular arrangements. Then there’s the premium Haute line from £109.99, which makes a perfect gift for special occasions. 

Buy a flower subscription from Prestige Flowers

Serenata Flowers

Best welcome gift

Price: From £29.99 | Rate: Weekly, fortnightly or monthly | Subscription Length: Flexible

Serenata Flowers sells three different subscription packages: the ‘Happiness’ for £29.99 per delivery, the ‘Delight’ for £39.99 and the ‘Euphoria’ for £49.99. The ‘happier’ your pack, the more impressive your blooms will be. 

When you set up a subscription plan with Serenata Flowers, you can opt to receive bouquets weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and you’ll get a free vase with your first order. Every delivery comes with flower food, a greetings card and instructions on how to look after your blooms. 

Buy a flower subscription from Serenata Flowers

Take a look at the best gardening gift hampers and growing kits and treat your green-fingered friends.

]]> Plant stands: the best stands for your plants https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/outdoor-living/plant-stands-best/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:01:06 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=98906

When used inside or out a plant stand, or plant theatre, can be a brilliant way of using space and making a dynamic display to some of your pot-grown plants.

Plant stands vary in height and levels and go from the Scandi-style to the out-and-out frilly. Whatever your design preference, always think about what plants your planning to place on your stand before you make your purchase. There’s no point in going for a stand based solely on its good looks: it needs to look right with whatever you want to place on it. Are the plants tall? Are they wide? Do they trail?

A plant stand display from Jenny Barnes
© Richard Bloom

Plant theatres are often used as the term when referring to auriculas, which has come from the fact that auricula growers have traditionally displayed auriculas on tiered plant stands, in beautiful terracotta pots.

Of course, plant stands don’t need to just be for auriculas and these days many people choose to display their plants with the help of theatres, or plant stands.

Below are our selection of some of the best plant stands out there.

Metal six tier plant stand

Think of this plant stand as a harking back to the classic Victorian house plant displays, where the bigger and more ostentatious the better. This plant stand has the option of spots on six different areas, at varying levels. It’s durable, is made from metal can be used inside or out. It’s tall, at 29 inches, so this is a plant stand for impact. You need a special area for this stand to really stand out, if you can excuse the pun. Great for use on balconies as well as patios and each layer can hold up to 10 kg in weight. There is an element of self-assembly, but it doesn’t need extra tools and so shouldn’t be complicated to put up.

 

Como tiered plant stand

This lovely metal plant stand has a straightforward, utilitarian aesthetic, but as such, will look really great in a country cottage, abutting a brick wall. It has a slightly distressed finish and should make a perfect stand for your pots, whether big or small. Each shelf can hold up to 20kgs and the height is 153 cm.

 

Green plant stand

We love this green step plant stand which can put put against a wall to offer a great use of space. Perfect as a mini herb garden, inside or out, this plant stand is easy to clean and easy to assemble. Measuring at 48 cm high, it is 61 cm in length and 43.5 cm in width.

 

 

Metal plant stand

A classic aesthetic which would look brilliant housing your collection of auriculas. Or any other plant for that matter. If you use these outside they have a charming book shelf feel to them, which will give any little corner a lift. This plant stand is made from powder coated steel, which means it should withstand the weather. You can fold this plant stand too, so it should be easy to transport and it has a guarantee of 12 months. The dimensions are 98 cm height by 30 cm width and 56.5 cm length.

Indoor plant stand with plant pot tray

Here’s a great option for that one plant in your life that needs a boost. This indoor plant stand is for one only, but it is a great option for bringing a lost, forlorn green friend back to life. The bamboo tray is 7 inches in diameter and so would be suitable for several different sizes of plant. It will support up to 25 kg, and it is very easy to adjust its height. You will need to put this plant stand together, but it’s not too much of a fiddly process.

 

 

 

Plant rack square black

A square plant stand with patterns and four shelves that measures at 153 cm high. Made from steel, this plant rack should be rust-proof and again, offers a nice bookshelf aesthetic which can look great in a conservatory, garden patio or inside the house too.

 

Corner plant stand with four levels

Fill your annoying corner with this beautiful black corner plant stand from Mano Mano. Great for balcony gardening, or gardening in a smaller space, this plant stand has four tiers for little plants, or, if you want bigger plants, you can remove some of the tiers so that you have more space for larger plants. It’s a very unassuming option for a little corner of a room, and a great way of displaying your plants inside or out.

Wire plant stand

This wire rack basket plant stand from Sarah Raven has a lovely cottage garden aesthetic and the size of the baskets tapers as you get higher. You can cluster pots around the base to make more of a display, or have this standing alone in a little spot. It measures as 1.2 metres, with the bottom layer measuring as 50cm diameter.

3 tier folding plant stand

A great Scandi-inspired plant stand, made from planks of acacia wood in a foldable design. The plant stand is weather-resistant, and is suitable for indoors or outdoors. We can just see this in a living room, with plants, books and ornaments side by side. Or what about a bathroom? It’s a way of being useful and beautiful. It’s 63 cm high with a width of 40 cm.

Rowlinson garden creations plant stand

A natural tinber finish plant stand that is ready for your heaviest plants. The shelves are all at different depths, so you would pick the size most suitable for each platform. If you have a few climbers, or climbing plants, then this could be a great option, as the back screen offers great support for plants that need it. This plant stand is a tall option, coming in at 1.8 metres high and 900mm wide.

 

Multi-tiered rubberwood plant stand

A great standalone plant stand option, which will make a feature of any nook or cranny with the help of your plants. This stand has five tiers in total, and is made from recycled materials. It can be used inside or out and measures at 70 cm high, with a length of 70 cm. We love its versatility and its straight talking aesthetic.

Barrington plant stand

A classic in the canon from Garden Trading, the Barrington range are a great, versatile design collection. With their metal balls on top of metal poles, and their steel veneer, they are great as a feature, or just something to disappear into the background to let your plants come through. This plant stand has three shelves, the bottom rung jutting out much further and offering more space. You can use this stand inside or out and it measures at 73 cm high.

 

Nkuku Jara Terracotta planter stand

A riff on the usual plant stand, this iron plant stand offers a great way of displaying herbs or whatever plants you fancy in terracotta pots. The stand comes with the pots, so all you need to do is fill them with seeds. It measures at 65 cm high and weighs 3.7kg.

]]> Flower press: the best flower press to buy and how to press flowers https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/tools/flower-press-best-buy/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:56:21 +0000 https://www.gardensillustrated.com/?p=98904

Flower pressing can be one of the most wonderful ways of getting creative and extending the enjoyment of the plants in your garden, and beyond.

An age-old tradition, which was likely brought over to these shores from Japan in the 1800s, but pressed flowers can be traced way back to ancient Egypt.

Flowers pressed by Jam Jar Flowers
© Andrew Montgomery

Different to drying flowers, pressing flowers is a way of preserving a flower or plant. Flower presses have not really changed much, and essentially work by flattening the plant between sheaths of cardboard and paper. Using a flower press is probably the easiest, least messy way of pressing flowers, but you can, of course, press them between almost anything flat and porous (books?).

How to press flowers

Read our piece from Jam Jar Flowers for more on pressing flowers. But below is a step-by-step guide.

  • Find the flowers you wish to press. This is a little more complicated than it sounds, and it is important that you have permission to take the flowers, and also that whatever you are taking is not doing damage to the plant, the surrounding eco-system, or is a rare specimen. Your choice of flower is also worth thinking of in terms of which flowers might press best: some flowers work better in presses than others. Delicate flowers, such as fennel, cosmos, poppies, geums and everlasting sweet peas are ideal.
  • Press fresh: flowers for pressing should be as fresh as possible and dry (not dewy).
  • Place and arrange on your flower press paper. Use tweezers, or something pointed to arrange them. Don’t forget that once the second piece of paper is on, it’s hard to open it up and rearrange. You want to try to arrange the bloom so it will flatten in the way you want it to look on the paper.
  • Place the second piece of paper over the top, putting pressure over it. Put the lid onto your flower press and screw down hard.
  • The less moisture the better. Leaving space around the flower helps the paper to draw out moisture.
  •  Press for weeks. The flowers should be left inside the press for four to six weeks until the paper and the flowers are perfectly dry.

 

Flower press: the best to buy

Suziko Flower Press, Flower Press Kit

Let’s start with a full blown flower pressing kit. This Suziko flower press kit offers pretty much everything you might need to press flowers. Included in the flower press kit are all the tools such as wooden pressing plates, 30 pieces of lining paper, a pair of scissors, ziplock bags, tweezers, a craft knife, sponges and more. You can have up to six layers of flowers being pressed at the same time and the press is fairly compact, meaning you can quite easily take it outdoors. The press itself is made from hardwood and works without bolts, which can sometimes make your pressing uneven.

 

Suziko Large Flower Press with Photo Frame

This very stylish flower press is a traditional method press, using bolts and nuts. It’s 30 cm by 22 cm which is a fairly large space to press your flowers. This is also a kit, which contains 30 lining papers, 6 drying plates, sponges, ziplock bags, envelope bags, tweezers and more. You should find everything you need for your flower pressing adventure and we particularly like the chic dark design on the front.

 

Microfleur 9″ microwave flower press

 

While this doesn’t really make the grade in terms of the traditional flower aesthetic, the Microfleur flower press may yet be an investment. With this flower press you can press flowers on the same day you pick them, by using the microwave. Coming in at 81 square inches, the flowers are pressed between cotton liners, two wool pads and two vented platens, held together by clips. It works by putting it in short bursts into the microwave and the cotton liners are washable, which means you can use them again and again.

Flower press wooden

A great option that’s not too hard on the wallet, this wooden flower press measures at 25cm at its widest part and includes plywood and 16 pieces of card inbetween for the pressing. This simple press is great for children to get started and has an attractive laser cut design. It’s large enough for some fairly big blooms, too.

 

Heirloom wooden flower press

This beautiful botanical flower press is something to be passed down between generations. A hand crafted press with a meadow flower illustration on the top, each press is handmade in the UK made from sustainable oak and painted in eco-friendly water based paint. There are six layers of 100 per cent recycled acid-free blotting paper and recycled card as well as instructions on how to get the best out of your flower press. It measures at 22.2 cm wide, 31.5cm long.

 

Personalised wooden flower press

One of the nice things about this flower press is that it can be personalised. This little one is 15 cm square and could be the perfect gift for a botanical enthusiast. Made from sustainable wood and recycled boxes, it is the perfect tiny edition to someone’s craft making box. Plus its small enough to be easy to carry on expeditions! Press in the field!

 

Seaweed flower press

We love this alternative to flower pressing: the seaweed press is a great discovery which was inspired by a trip to the Isle of Arran in Scotland. The difference with this press is that it has waxed paper, which means the extra moisture from the seaweed shouldn’t damage the corrugated card. There’s instructions on how to press seaweed, as opposed to flowers, and we love the simple designs on the front. This measures 15 x 15cm.

 

 

 

Flower Press

A simple, traditional flower press from Toast, created in conjunction with a flower studio in Frome. The flower press is sturdy and has stainless steel nuts. It’s made in Scotland from FSC certified wood board and comes in a fetching drawstring pouch. This long flower press works for longer plants, and measures at 28 cm x 18 cms.

Compact flower press

This simple and cheap option is a great one for  tiny hands and small projects. It’s also at the very affordable end of the flower pressing spectrum, so would be a great way of introducing a little one to the joys of pressing flowers. It measures at 18cm x 18cm x 18cm.

 

 

 

]]>