Indoor Plant Theatre

I've made this indoor plant theatre using a vintage frame and making a simple shadow.  This is great way to showcase a special plant or plant collection.   

Allotment Pond

Installing a pond on your allotment is relatively easy, looks good, encourages wildlife and can be completed within a day.

I used a preformed 140-litre plastic pond liner for my allotment.

Find a shelterd spot away from heavily used paths and in a sunny position
Place gravel and stones in the bottom of the pond.
Add water plants to help oxygenate the water and provide shade.   Placing a waterlily in the pond will help keep the water clear.
Always make sure that smaller animals who may fall into the pond have an escape route.  Provide stepping stones, a beach area, branches or small ramp.

For more information here's a link to the RHS page regarding wildelife ponds

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=622
 

Straw Bale Gardening

Using straw bales to make raised planting beds.  I first heard of this many years ago and thought this year I'd give it a go.  There's a bit of prep to do before planting as the bales need to be "seasoned" for a couple of weeks before you do.  The bales will break down over time and can then be used to mulch other planting areas.

Place the bales cut side up.  Soak the bales with water over several days.  Add a layer of compost and some vegan/organic fertiliser.

Add plants!

Any type of straw can be used but Wheat and Barley are preferred.

I purchased my bales from a local farm here in Hastings, East Sussex

Recycled Oak Planters

Small and medium planters I’ve made from weathered oak planks.

Recycled oak flower holder

Made of recycled weathered oak planks and repurposed bottles.  This is perfect for displaying singles blooms or groups of different flowers and stems.

The flowers are Hesperus matronalis ‘Alba’. Lovely night scented flowers.  Perfect for pollinators, self seeds, hardy.

Vegan friendly/Peat Free Growing media

Veganic gardening is becoming much more popular.  I've been gardening veganically for many years.

Homemade compost is the best but not always available when you need it.  This company actually lists that it is 'Suitable for Vegans'






https://www.melcourt.co.uk/products/gardener/peat-free-composts

MULTI-PURPOSE COMPOST WITH ADDED JOHN INNES

• Superb quality, 100% peat-free compost as used by professionals
• With added sterilised loam
• Suitable for a wide range of garden applications including potting-on, planting out and as a growing bag
• Available in 50L bags and 15L carry packs
• Suitable for vegans
• RHS Endorsed

New purpose for vintage galvanised poultry feeders

I've made hanging planters using old galvanised poultry feeders and waterers.  This is very simple to do.  Some sturdy chain, a few S hooks and a drill.  These can be used indoors or outside.  If using them outside its best to add some drainage holes.