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<p>During winter, <strong>brighten up your home with Orchids</strong> to add a splash of colour from the tropics on a&nbsp; grey day. Orchids are great plants to grow indoors all year round and are available in so many different colours, sizes, pots and shapes; it means there is one for everyone to enjoy. There are various types of Orchids, and with a little care and patience, you may even be able to nurture them to flower again after they have finished. Here’s some Orchid growing information to get you started.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During winter, <strong>brighten up your home with Orchids</strong> to add a splash of colour from the tropics on a&nbsp; grey day. Orchids are great plants to grow indoors all year round and are available in so many different colours, sizes, pots and shapes; it means there is one for everyone to enjoy. There are various types of Orchids, and with a little care and patience, you may even be able to nurture them to flower again after they have finished. Here’s some Orchid growing information to get you started.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>A bathroom is a great place to brighten up your home wit Orchids</h2>
<p>Orchids love to stand tall on the perfect bathroom shelf or even hang from the shower curtain. Orchids love the humidity meaning you won’t need to water it very often at all, and it won’t need much room on the shelf. Plant it in a pot to your bathroom style, and colour scheme then place it in between your toiletries on a shelf. As you shower, imagine being somewhere tropical.</p>
<h2>Brighten up your home with Orchids and know the varieties&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The most popular Orchids you will find in the shops are Phalaenopsis or 'Moth Orchid’ and the Dendrobium Orchid. This is large because they are easy to put through production and the most stunning and easy for you to grow at home. Phalaenopsis especially is available in many beautiful colours from pink to white and look stunning on any worktop or windowsill.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Know how to look after them to brighten up your home with Orchids&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>Orchids like humidity and would be happy to enjoy a moisty kind of environment, but in modern homes, this isn’t always the ideal.</li>
<li>Overwatering is one of the main reasons Orchids don’t last as long as they should, and it is better to water once a month than little and often.</li>
<li>If the container is heavy or you can see moisture, don’t water it. If it is light and dry, give it a drink.</li>
<li>Never let it sit in water either.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Brighten up your home with Orchids in the right level of light&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Orchids do not like direct sunlight, so only place them where they will get indirect light. The plant will get scorched if the sun shines directly onto the leaves and flowers. Find a place where both the light and temperature is consistent throughout the day, without any drafts.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking excellent care of your Orchid will mean it can flower for up to 12 weeks and you will even be able to prune it back afterwards to allow it to grow new shoots and reflower again in a few months.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have a selection of Orchids to choose from in store, and our team are happy to give you advice.&nbsp;</p>

Brighten up your home with Orchids

<p>It is time to <strong>plant Skimmia for winter interest</strong> and keep your garden looking full of colour and berries in the cold months of the year. Skimmia is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, bright winter berries and then white flowers in late spring. They give a great deal to each season in the garden and also look good in pots and containers plus they can be planted at any time of the year as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged.</p>

<p>It is time to <strong>plant Skimmia for winter interest</strong> and keep your garden looking full of colour and berries in the cold months of the year. Skimmia is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, bright winter berries and then white flowers in late spring. They give a great deal to each season in the garden and also look good in pots and containers plus they can be planted at any time of the year as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged.</p>
<h2>Find out how to plant Skimmia for winter interest</h2>
<p>Skimmia is available as a male, female or self-fertile plant. To ensure the female grows big beautiful berries in winter you will need to plant both a male and female plant together or make sure the variety you are planting is self-fertile and then it can grow on its own. If you are unsure, we can advise you in the store.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Another beneficial side to growing Skimmia is that they grow well in full shade, so if you have an area in your garden that you are unsure what will grow in, Skimmia can be a good choice. They can tolerate part shade but not full sun.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Plant into neutral to acidic soils so if you are planting into containers, use some ericaceous compost and although they do grow in alkaline soils make sure it is also full of plenty of organic matter.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plant Skimmia for winter interest and take care of them</h2>
<p>Skimmia needs very little care, it really is an all-round easy plant to grow. If you are planting in pots, make sure that the soil doesn't completely dry out as it is growing and during spring and summer, make sure it is given some plant food. If you are growing it outside, give it a mulch and ensure it is watered well when you plant it, as it is establishing and in dry weather.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Plant skimmia for winter interest with other plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Skimmia grows well in a woodland style garden due to it enjoying the shade so much. Still, in a pot or container, it is striking planted along with some brightly coloured lime Heucheras, vibrant pink Cyclamen and a variety of Heather. The combination makes a true winter style container.</p>
<h2>Please keep it in shape when you plant Skimmia for winter interest&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Skimmia requires very little pruning but if you do want to keep it in shape, lightly prune it during winter when it is dormant and use the sprigs to decorate your home for Christmas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please pick up your Skimmia in store and ask any of our staff for advice.&nbsp;</p>

Plant Skimmia for Winter Interest

<p>Whether you’re harvesting the last of your summer vegetables, tidying up your borders or planting spring bulbs, there’s plenty to do in the garden in November. Make the most of those clear autumn days with our <strong>top 15 November garden jobs</strong>.</p>

<p>Whether you’re harvesting the last of your summer vegetables, tidying up your borders or planting spring bulbs, there’s plenty to do in the garden in November. Make the most of those clear autumn days with our <strong>top 15 November garden jobs</strong>.</p>
<h2>15 garden tips for November</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>November is the best month to plant tulip bulbs in pots and borders. There’s still time to plant other spring bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, irises and fritillaries too.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Sow broad beans in the ground or pots, and sow salad leaves on sunny windowsills for winter picking.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Carrots, cabbage and celeriac can all be harvested now. Harvest parsnips after the first frosts, when they will have a sweeter flavour.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Net brassicas like cabbage against pigeons, and stake Brussels sprouts to keep them standing securely, ready for harvesting at Christmas.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Lift dahlias after the first frosts have blackened the foliage. Leave them somewhere cool to dry, then store them in trays, covered with a layer of newspaper or dry compost to stop the tubers drying out.&nbsp; You can do the same for cannas and tuberous begonias.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Clear fallen leaves from lawns and beds.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mulch beds with compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to improve the soil structure. Put down planks to work off, to avoid compacting the soil.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Put pots on pot feet to stop them getting waterlogged. In cold areas, wrap pots with fleece or bubble wrap to insulate them against frost damage.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prune roses by a third to prevent wind rock.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep cutting back faded perennials, but leave some seed heads for the birds and to provide winter interest in the borders.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cut old hellebore leaves off at ground level. This reduces the spread of hellebore leaf spot and also makes the winter flowers easier to see.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>November’s a good time to prune apple and pear trees (but leave plum trees alone until midsummer). Prune blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants and gooseberries now too, removing deadwood and thinning out congested branches to achieve an open goblet shape. Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries, cutting all the old canes to ground level.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Leave ivy over winter, as the flowers and berries are a valuable food source for both birds and bees. It also provides shelter for overwintering ladybirds and butterflies. Don’t worry about it getting out of control, as you can cut it back in spring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Clean your bird feeders and fill them up. Oil-rich, high energy foods like suet balls, peanuts and sunflower hearts will help birds get through the winter. Keep birdbaths topped up too.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Aerate your lawn by spiking it with a garden fork or a hollow tine aerator. Cut the lawn on a high setting to see it through winter.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you’re pruning trees, planting spring bulbs or planning next year’s vegetable garden, you’ll find everything you need in our centre, so come and visit us soon.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

15 garden tips for November

<p>A new month means a new <strong>houseplant of the month: Sansevieria</strong>. It’s a fact that indoor plants can help reduce feelings of stress. So it makes sense to choose one that’s easy to grow. If you’re new to growing indoor plants and looking for a houseplant that’s hard to kill, Sansevieria is the plant for you.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A new month means a new <strong>houseplant of the month: Sansevieria</strong>. It’s a fact that indoor plants can help reduce feelings of stress. So it makes sense to choose one that’s easy to grow. If you’re new to growing indoor plants and looking for a houseplant that’s hard to kill, Sansevieria is the plant for you.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>About Sansevieria</h2>
<p>This striking evergreen succulent goes by a variety of different names, including mother-in-law’s tongue, African spear plant, and snake plant, thanks to the snakeskin-like patterns on the leaves. With its dramatic upright shape, it’s ideal for small spaces and fits in well with contemporary décor. Trivia fans will be delighted to know that Sansevieria is from the same plant family as asparagus. It’s not edible, though; in fact, it’s toxic, so keep it out of reach of pets and toddlers.</p>
<p>In the 1980s, an often-quoted NASA study identified Sansevieria as one of the best indoor plants for removing toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. It’s since been established that you’d need an awful lot of indoor plants to replicate NASA’s results. Nevertheless, with its bold architectural shape, Sansevieria brings an atmosphere of elegance to any home, and it certainly does its bit towards keeping the air clean.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Sansevieria varieties</h2>
<p>There are more than 70 different varieties of Sansevieria, but here are the ones you’re most likely to come across.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Variegated snake plant</strong> (Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii) has long, flat, upright leaves, attractively variegated in dark and light green and edged with creamy yellow. It can get to over 1m (3.5ft) tall, so makes a great focal point in a large pot.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Sansevieria zeylanica</strong> is tall and upright, with snakeskin-mottled dark and light green leaves. Like the variegated snake plant, it can reach over 1m (3.5ft) tall.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Sansevieria cylindrica</strong> has long, upright tubular leaves, and can grow to around 60-70cm (2-2.5ft) tall.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to grow Sansevieria indoors</h2>
<p>As well as coping well with a bit of neglect, Sansevierias are generally pest- and disease-free, making them the ideal plant for new indoor gardeners or those with not much time on their hands. Here are a few tips to keep your Sansevieria looking good.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Sansevieria plants prefer bright but indirect light, although they will cope with most conditions, including low light levels. They will grow faster in strong light, but hot afternoon sun will scorch the leaves.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The golden rule of growing Sansevieria is to avoid overwatering. During the plant’s growing period, between spring and autumn, allow at least two weeks between waterings, and only water once the compost has almost dried out. In the winter, the plants need even less water – once every 4-6 weeks should be fine.&nbsp; Water the soil only, taking care not to get any water into the centre of the leaf cluster, as this is likely to cause the plant to rot.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Keep the room temperature above 10ºC (50ºF) in winter.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Our great range of indoor plants looks good all year round, so visit us soon and pick out the perfect plant for your home.</p>

Houseplant of the month: Sansevieria

<p>Lighting adds something extra-special to every garden. Whether it’s making long summer evenings even longer or adding festive cheer to dark winter nights, with a few well-placed garden lights, it’s easy to create the mood you want. With so many different types of <strong>garden lighting</strong> available, we’ve put together a few ideas on how to use them.</p>

<p>Lighting adds something extra-special to every garden. Whether it’s making long summer evenings even longer or adding festive cheer to dark winter nights, with a few well-placed garden lights, it’s easy to create the mood you want. With so many different types of <strong>garden lighting</strong> available, we’ve put together a few ideas on how to use them.</p>
<h2>All about solar lighting</h2>
<p>The days when your solar garden lights would work for a few months and then give up are over. Solar lighting technology has come on by leaps and bounds in recent years. Most solar garden lights use LED bulbs, which need little power to produce a very respectable amount of light. The bulbs last a long time, and with modern photovoltaic technology, batteries charge well even on cloudy days. Solar lighting systems are flexible and easy to install, letting you redesign your garden lighting to your heart’s content.</p>
<h2>How to create effects with garden lighting</h2>
<p>There’s no end to the effects you can create with your garden lighting. Here are our top 5 tips to get you started.</p>
<h2>1. Highlight structures with fairy lights</h2>
<p>Strings of fairy lights are perfect for highlighting a pergola or archway or wrapping around tree branches to create a sparkling night-time silhouette. A patio or seating area strung with fairy lights has an instant party atmosphere.</p>
<h2>2. Create atmosphere with bare light bulbs&nbsp;</h2>
<p>These are light bulbs with a twist - solar lights in the shape of bare light bulbs, but with a sparkling string of LEDs in place of an element. They’re available with individual solar panels, making them easy to clip or hook on to branches or structures, with no cabling to get in the way. You can also buy strings of bulbs, perfect for recreating the feel of a rustic taverna or beach cottage, evoking memories of special holidays.</p>
<h2>3. Light the way with path lights</h2>
<p>Path lights have beams that focus downwards, lighting the ground around them. Space individual spike-mounted path lights along a path to light your way, or to guide your guests to where the party is happening!&nbsp;</p>
<h2>4. Highlight features with spotlights</h2>
<p>Spotlights have a narrow beam, ideal for highlighting a special feature in your garden. For a dramatic effect, use them to light a statue, sculpture or decorative pot from below, or cross-light a feature with a spotlight on either side.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. Add a gentle glow with accent lights</h2>
<p>Accent lights have a wider beam than spotlights, making them good for spreading a glow of light over an area. They’re not as bright as spotlights, but this means they can stay on for longer. Place a few accent lights around a patio or seating area for a warm, welcoming effect, then add a few strings of fairy lights for some extra sparkle.</p>
<p>We have a great range of garden lighting systems in our centre, so visit us soon and light up your garden this year.</p>

5 ways to light up your garden

<p>Wondering how to <strong>help your garden birds</strong> during the colder months? As the weather changes and many trees become bare, gardens get tidied up, and berries start to disappear. It is more important than ever to make sure your outside space is home to wildlife. Birds will need to store fat to get through the winter, and there are many things you can do to help your feathered garden friends. Here are some tips for a bird-friendly garden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wondering how to <strong>help your garden birds</strong> during the colder months? As the weather changes and many trees become bare, gardens get tidied up, and berries start to disappear. It is more important than ever to make sure your outside space is home to wildlife. Birds will need to store fat to get through the winter, and there are many things you can do to help your feathered garden friends. Here are some tips for a bird-friendly garden.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Make a birdhouse to help your garden birds&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Get creative and have some fun making a birdhouse. Reuse old teapots, books, or wood to build a place of shelter and for nesting in the seasons to come. If you haven’t got materials to recycle, why not try a DIY bird box kit or find one ready-made. Either way, your birds will thank you for it, and you will enjoy watching them check out their potential new home in the garden. Make sure it is placed away from where predators such as cats can get to it.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Help your garden birds with supplementary bird food</h2>
<p>While the key to a thriving garden is plenty of diversity, planting for year-round interest and thinking about natural food sources for birds is the most important thing to do, supplementary feeding is still essential, and it is advised to try and help out. If you are in an urban or rural setting, feeding the birds is much needed and will help to keep their energy levels up. There are many types of food available from seed to fat balls and various size and style feeders as well. Keep them away from predators and enjoy watching the birds come in for a feed.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Provide natural shelter to help your garden birds&nbsp;</h2>
<p>One of the best ways to help birds through the winter, along with food, is to provide plenty of shelters.</p>
<ul>
<li>Plant evergreen shrubs and native evergreen trees so they have plenty of warmth and protection as the weather gets colder.</li>
<li>Deciduous trees and shrubs are still important, so a mix if ideal.</li>
<li>Even leave an area in your garden untouched.</li>
<li>Allow the grass to grow, and leaves to pile up.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Help your garden birds with diversity in the garden&nbsp;</h2>
<p>For all garden wildlife, it is imperative to create a garden full of life to create a biodiverse space. This means different plants for all year interest, homes for hedgehogs and birds, ponds for amphibians and water for drinking and bathing as well—the more diverse the garden, the more insects and the more wildlife. Creating a thriving space will also give you so much interest to enjoy in the garden.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visit our pet department for everything you need to help your garden birds this year.&nbsp;</p>

Help your garden birds

<p>Why not <strong>build your own Christmas village</strong> in your home for a great display of festive fun. There are so many options to create a wonderful scene which you can personalise and make your own. From mini houses to cotton wool snow, our tips will help you get started to create your own snowy village scene at home to admire and get you in the festive spirit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why not <strong>build your own Christmas village</strong> in your home for a great display of festive fun. There are so many options to create a wonderful scene which you can personalise and make your own. From mini houses to cotton wool snow, our tips will help you get started to create your own snowy village scene at home to admire and get you in the festive spirit.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Start to build your own Christmas village with the right surface</h2>
<p>The most important decision to start with is <em>where</em> will you place your Christmas village. Once you have built it, it will need to stay in its position over the festive season, so make sure the space you have suits your plans. It could be a level surface or a cupboard underneath the shelves where you can build your village on numerous levels.</p>
<h2>Houses and structures are needed to build your own Christmas village</h2>
<p>Use books to build different heights for your houses to sit on.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Think about alpine houses up snowy mountains and how they are all situated at various levels.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Also, decide on your theme and if you would like other bigger structures in your Christmas village.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Perhaps you have a seaside vision and will need a lighthouse, but whatever theme you choose, you’ll need a Christmas tree!</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Build your own Christmas village and light it up&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you have set out your scene with houses, accessories and lights and you are happy with the levels and where everything is placed, it is time to add some lights. Use Christmas lights to light up the homes and streets in your scene.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Don’t forget the snow when you build your own Christmas village&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Setting the scene is all about the snow. Now you have your houses and lights the village should be coming together nicely and giving you a fun, festive vibe. You can use many different materials to give the appearance of snow from cotton wool, to cotton drapes and blanket rolls.</p>
<h2>People are essential to building your own Christmas village&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you have everything ready, the finishing touches will include mini people who will simply bring the whole scene to life. People going about their Christmas shopping, ice skating, being with family. Pop them around your houses and walking in the snow and you will have your very own perfect Christmas village to enjoy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Pop in some foliage from our perfect winter plants and pick some up in store.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Build your own Christmas village

<p>You can never have too many spring bulbs. With their fabulous flowers turning spring into a riot of colour, the only problem is finding space to plant them all. The solution? <strong>Lasagne bulb planting</strong>.</p>

<p>You can never have too many spring bulbs. With their fabulous flowers turning spring into a riot of colour, the only problem is finding space to plant them all. The solution? <strong>Lasagne bulb planting</strong>.</p>
<p>Lasagne planting involves planting layers of bulbs in pots, just like making lasagne. The latest-flowering bulbs are planted at the bottom of the pot, with layers of earlier-flowering bulbs above them. The result is a pot crammed with wave after wave of spring flowers, giving you colour right through spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Choosing bulbs for lasagne planting</h2>
<p>When planting a bulb lasagne, it’s important to choose bulbs with different flowering times for each layer. This will give you a long-lasting display of flowers as the layers bloom and fade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For example, your lasagne bulb pot could use Iris reticulata or crocuses for the earliest wave of flowers. The next wave could include daffodils or early-flowering tulips, followed by late-flowering bulbs such as lilies or late tulips.</p>
<h2>How to plant a bulb lasagne</h2>
<p>Planting a bulb lasagne pot is very straightforward. Here’s how it’s done:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>First, pick your pot. For two layers of bulbs, you’ll need a pot that’s at least 15cm (6in) deep and ideally a bit deeper, to give your bulbs space to grow.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Put a few crocks at the bottom of the pot to stop the drainage holes clogging up with compost, as bulbs rot easily in cold, wet soil.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Put a 5cm (2in) layer of compost in the pot, then place the biggest, latest-flowering bulbs (e.g. late tulips) in a layer on top of the compost. Space the bulbs about 2.5cm (1in) apart.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cover the bulbs with a 5cm (2in) layer of compost.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Add another layer of smaller, earlier-flowering bulbs (e.g. daffodils) on top of this compost, spaced about 2.5cm (1in) apart so that the bulbs below can find their way past them.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cover these bulbs with another layer of compost.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you have a deep enough pot, you could put in the third layer of early flowering bulbs, such as Iris reticulata, and cover them with a final layer of compost.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>If you don’t want your pots to look bare through winter, you could plant winter bedding in the top layer of compost. Violas are ideal for this, as it’s easy for the bulbs to grow through them in spring.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Aftercare</h2>
<ul>
<li>Water the pots after planting and in the first few weeks, while the bulbs are putting out roots.</li>
<li>Put pots on pot feet to improve drainage and, in cold areas, wrap the pots in fleece to protect them from frost.</li>
<li>Once each layer of bulbs has flowered, deadhead and cut the foliage back to stop it looking untidy.</li>
</ul>
<p>Autumn is the perfect time to plant spring bulbs, and we have a fantastic range for you to choose from. Visit our centre and start creating your own spectacular displays for spring.</p>

How to plant a bulb lasagne pot

<p>As Christmas is approaching, it is time to start decorating, present buying and card writing. Close the curtains, relax on the sofa and write your list for Santa! Let the festivities begin with these <strong>top 7 Christmas items that can’t be missed</strong>.</p>

<p>As Christmas is approaching, it is time to start decorating, present buying and card writing. Close the curtains, relax on the sofa and write your list for Santa! Let the festivities begin with these <strong>top 7 Christmas items that can’t be missed</strong>.</p>
<h2>1. A Christmas Tree&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Of course, it seems obvious, but what would Christmas be without a tree!? With so many to choose from, the perfect one is waiting for you. From trees with built-in lights to the traditional pick your own, your home can be the perfect place for Christmas as soon as you place your tree and pop the baubles on. Get yourself a stunning Christmas tree to start the real Christmas feeling. We sell:</p>
<ul>
<li>real Christmas trees</li>
<li>artificial Christmas trees</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. A Christmas Spice Candle&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Fill your home with the fragrance of Christmas with a candle full of spices. Allspice, cinnamon, cloves can all mix to give that wintery, warm feeling of December. If it’s cold outside, a candle inside can be comforting and relaxing at Christmas time.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3. Santas Sack&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Where will all the presents go without a sack hanging up on the fireplace?&nbsp;Make sure Father Christmas knows where to put your gifts with a sack&nbsp;hanging up on your fireplace. Did you know it is fun to personalise your own sack? Kids love to do some craftwork to make sure Santa finds their sack on the fireplace. In our garden centre, we sell lovely decorations and crafting to get started.</p>
<h2>4. Advent calendar</h2>
<p>Don’t miss a day in the run-up to Christmas, by opening up a little window each morning to a surprise treat and a reminder that it’s almost Christmas. Choose from advent calendars full of chocolate or fun toys. There are even beauty calendars and ones filled with beer. Need to say more?</p>
<h2>5. Poinsettia (Christmas star)</h2>
<p>After a Christmas tree, it has to be the Poinsettia that steals the show. The stunning red bracts are a classic sign; it is the festive month. Now there are various colours available from pink to cream and even variegated. There is even a new variety named&nbsp;Princettia which can be planted outside tolerating lower temperatures. It probably won't last a snowy Christmas time, but it will look great in a pot until then.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>6. A cosy throw</h2>
<p>Is there anything more comfortable than putting on your PJ’s and sitting by the fire wrapped in a warm and cosy throw?&nbsp;With the festive light on, a fun Christmas movie and a mug filled with hot chocolate and marshmallows on top, you’ll feel relaxed and completely ready for the festive fun.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>7. The tree topper&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When your tree is up and decorated, the moment to top them all is placing the star or fairy on top of the tree. After that moment, it feels like Christmas has really begun! Why not go big, with a sparkly star or even try something different like a belt bird or just a huge big bauble. You find all kinds of Christmas ornaments in our garden centre. Please go check it out!</p>
<p>Pick up our top 7 Christmas items from the store and enjoy Christmas and the holiday season.&nbsp;</p>

Top 7 Christmas items that can't be missed

<p>If you’re lucky enough to have your own apple trees, autumn is a busy time of year. Delicious crisp, juicy apples are just waiting to be picked and eaten now or made into tasty pies and desserts. Here’s <strong>how to make the most of your apple harvest</strong>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If you’re lucky enough to have your own apple trees, autumn is a busy time of year. Delicious crisp, juicy apples are just waiting to be picked and eaten now or made into tasty pies and desserts. Here’s <strong>how to make the most of your apple harvest</strong>.</p>
<h2>When are apples ready to harvest?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">If you know what variety your apple tree is, in other words, whether it’s a Granny Smith, a Golden Delicious or some other named type, you can look it up and find out roughly when it is supposed to be ripe. Remember though that local weather and microclimates will affect how fast fruit ripens in different areas. If you’re unsure, try to pick one or two apples. If they come away easily in your hand, then they’re ripe. And if windfalls are dropping from the trees, then it’s definitely time to start picking.</p>
<h2>How to harvest apples</h2>
<p dir="ltr">To pick an apple, cup it in the palm of your hand, lift and twist gently. The fruit should come away quickly – if not, leave it for a few more days. Even on a single tree, apples will ripen at different times. Apples exposed to more sunlight will ripen faster, so those at the top of the tree, and on the sun-facing side, will be ready first. Keep picking as the fruit ripens. Use a ladder to reach the higher fruits.</p>
<p>If you’re picking apples for storing, take great care not to bruise them, as one bruised apple can spoil a whole batch. If you’re planning on using them straight after picking, however, the odd bruise here or there won’t matter.</p>
<h2>How to store apples</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The best apples for storing are the mid- and late-season varieties like Braeburn, Bramley’s Seedling, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious. Early-season varieties like Discovery and Ellison’s Orange don’t store well, so use these soon after picking.&nbsp;</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To store apples, wrap each apple in tissue paper or newspaper and place them in low-sided boxes or trays so that air can circulate. You can also store apples unwrapped, but if you do this, it’s vital to ensure that they don’t touch each other.&nbsp;</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Store your apples somewhere cool, dark and well ventilated. Apples give off ethylene gas, which encourages fruit to ripen and then spoil, so adequate ventilation is essential to stop this gas building up.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Check stored apples regularly and remove any spoiled fruit.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Store different varieties separately, so that you can use up the ones with shorter storage life first.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">We have a great range of apple and other fruit trees in our centre, and autumn is the ideal time for tree planting. Visit us soon to choose the perfect fruit tree for your garden.</p>

How to harvest and store apples

<p>Exciting for the newest <strong>Autumn and Winter home trends</strong> of 2020? We introduce you some trendy highlights for the darker, cosier, and colder months to come. In our centre, you'll find everything you need to make your home cosy and ready for Autumn and Winter.</p>

<p>Exciting for the newest <strong>Autumn and Winter home trends</strong> of 2020? We introduce you some trendy highlights for the darker, cosier, and colder months to come. In our centre, you'll find everything you need to make your home cosy and ready for Autumn and Winter.</p>
<h2>Travel is one of the autumn and winter home trends this year</h2>
<p>As staycations have been the trip of choice this year, you may be longing for far offshore, blue seas and golden sands. Perhaps you are craving a tropical paradise with exotic plants. These coming seasons will see many more tropical fabrics, colours and art prints so you can bring in a holiday to your own home. If you have always wanted to go on a safari, bring the animal prints to your sofa with cushions and throws plus find different textures and fabrics that make you feel like you are in Africa. The options for a travel-themed home are endless and exciting.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Autumn and Winter home&nbsp;trends include plants&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Over recent years houseplants have made a massive comeback to our homes. From large leaf Monsteras to prickly Cacti, barely any home is now without a plant or two. Stylise your home with plants in mind, not least because they help to clear the air of toxins but also because they soften interiors and make you feel happy. There is a plant for every home plus why not add florals to your rooms with flowery bedsheets, plant themed curtains and soft flower print rugs.</p>
<h2>Rich Colours is top of the autumn and winter home trends list&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A different home trend which can look incredible, especially in a modern home, is rich, bold, block colour. The tones will provide a luxury feel as you sink back into your blue velvet sofa surrounded by dark walls, ornate picture frames and bright textured cushions. This trend is one for the daring amongst you and will give you a special place to hide away over the colder months.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Autumn and winter homes trends to keep you cosy&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Cosy and country-themed rooms are full of deep green, small floral patterns and wooden accessories. Feel comfortable in bed during a Sunday lay-in with your soft pillow patterned with florals and a tactile throw on the bed. Perhaps a lampshade with tassels and pictures of the countryside on the walls.</p>
<h2>Colours are everything in this years autumn and winter trends</h2>
<p>Forget white. Get colourful! Bold colours and patterns are the ideas here. No need for plain white kitchen cupboards anymore, go blue, pink or grey. Even bright bathrooms are back. White walls are no more as dark blues and light greens take centre stage.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whatever you would like to do to spruce up your home and be on-trend for this season, think colour, patterns and comfort to help get through the cold months in a home you love to be.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Accessorise your home with our homewares and plants by visiting us in store.&nbsp;</p>

Autumn and Winter Home Trends

<p>The night’s drawing in, and there’s a chill in the air. <strong>Halloween</strong> is here! This year, use your creativity to <strong>make your own Halloween decorations</strong> and turn your house into a thrilling, chilling experience for the whole family.</p>

<p>The night’s drawing in, and there’s a chill in the air. <strong>Halloween</strong> is here! This year, use your creativity to <strong>make your own Halloween decorations</strong> and turn your house into a thrilling, chilling experience for the whole family.</p>
<h2>1. Pumpkin lanterns</h2>
<p>They’re the classic Halloween decorations. To make hollowed-out pumpkin lanterns, cut off the tops of your pumpkins and scoop out the flesh inside, then use a sharp knife to cut holes in the skins for eyes and mouths. Or keep the pumpkins intact and use a linoleum cutter to etch faces or patterns in the outer layer of pumpkin skin.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2. Ghosts and ghouls</h2>
<ul>
<li>Paint a butternut squash or a pumpkin white, then draw or paint on some scary black eyes.</li>
<li>Empty tin cans also make very good ghosts.</li>
<li>Paint the cans white, turn them upside down and draw on some ghostly black eyes.</li>
<li>Attach lengths of white wool or string so that they dangle from the bottoms of the cans to make floating ghostly bodies, then hang the cans from tree branches to scare your neighbours.</li>
<li>For a final touch, make up some ghost lollipops to hand out to visitors by wrapping white tissue paper over the lollipop heads and drawing or painting on a pair of spooky eyes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. Spooky lanterns&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Fill empty jam jars with black sand, then push a battery-operated candle into each pot so that it stands up securely in the sand. Please put them in your windows or dot them around the garden for some creepy chills.</p>
<h2>4. Bat branches&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Collect bare twigs or branches from your garden. Next, cut out bat-shaped silhouettes from black card and attach them all over the branches. Arrange the components in a vase to make a striking spooky table centrepiece or decoration.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>5. Scary spiders</h2>
<p>Gather a pile of conkers and add some googly eyes and pipe cleaner legs to turn them into spiders. Hide them around the house to frighten your family, or hang them from window frames.</p>
<h2>6. Pumpkin party bags</h2>
<p>Take a few sheets of orange tissue paper and cut into squares around 30cm x 30cm (12in x 12in). Scrunch up some newspaper into a ball and mould your tissue paper squares around this to make a round pumpkin shape. Use a couple of layers of tissue paper to give your bag some strength. Remove the newspaper ball and fill the tissue paper bag with M&amp;Ms or other small sweets. And finally, twist the top of the bag and wrap it in green tape to make a stem for your pumpkin.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>7. Pine cone decorations&nbsp;</h2>
<p>For a break from the scary stuff, paint pine cones in the colours of autumn – glowing orange, golden yellow and vivid red – and use them to decorate wreaths or fill bowls.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>If you’re looking for some extra inspiration to add to your Halloween festivities this year, come and visit us. You’ll be amazed at what you can find in our centre!</p>

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