Deborah Lewis 
August is traditionally a period of harvest and routine deadheading in the English garden, but during a drought, the focus becomes preservation. The main goal this month is moisture retention, protecting soil structure, and ensuring resilient perennials survive into autumn.
As summers grow hotter and less predictable, our relationship with our gardens is shifting. The old rules no longer apply; watering schedules and planting windows are changing as heatwaves stretch longer and rainfall is less certain. Gardening in a climate-changed summer isn’t about giving up, it’s about outsmarting the heat. 1. Upgrade Your Soil’s Armour … Read more
May in an English garden is the sweet spot of the horticultural calendar. The frost has finally gone, the soil is warming, and the greenery is growing with such vigour you can almost hear it. It is a month of frantic energy balanced by moments of pure, fragrant stillness. There are plenty of things to … Read more
Easter is the garden’s grand opening. The clocks have finally turned forward, and the evening light is lingering. This weekend marks the transition from “preparing” to “inhabiting.” While there is always a mile-long list of chores, the English garden at Easter should be about getting out there and having fun in your outdoor space. Pottering … Read more
For gardeners in the South East of England, March is the pivotal month. As the clay soils of the Weald begin to warm and the chalky downs drain away the last of the winter wet, the garden shifts from dormancy to a frantic race for growth. There is plenty of preparation to do in an … Read more
To the uninitiated, an English garden in January appears to be in a state of deep sleep. The soil is often iron-hard or sodden, and the skeletal remains of last year’s perennials stand brittle against the frost. However, for those of us who live by the seasons, January isn’t the dead of winter—it is the … Read more
December marks the true arrival of winter, bringing the shortest day and often the harshest weather to the English garden. This is not a time for the gardener to hibernate; there are plenty of garden tasks for December. It’s an opportunity to carry out maintenance and plan for the vibrant year ahead, all while enjoying … Read more
October is a crucial month in the English garden because Autumn is here. For the gardener, this is the final push of tidying and planting before winter dormancy sets in. It’s a busy time, focusing on preparation, protection, and planting for the following spring. Preparation and Protection The most urgent task is to protect tender … Read more
Drought used to be a very infrequent issue for gardeners, but not any more. Summer droughts are happening every few years and 2025 is very much, one of those years. So here are some thoughts on managing the garden in a drought Gardeners now need to start planning for the next drought as well as … Read more
The garden in June, what could be better? The weather is warm and the days are long. Time for al fresco dinners and long, cold drinks. There are even a few gardening jobs to do. Watering is top of the list. If you have tended plants all spring, or longer, don’t let them die in … Read more