Do You Enjoy Your Garden?

But so often the opposite seems to be true and stepping out of your back door leads to feelings of dissatisfaction and stress rather than pleasure.

Like us, you probably have all sorts of commitments that mean you just don't have huge amounts of free time to spend working in your backyard. And what time you do have, you'd probably rather spend actually relaxing and enjoying yourself.

When we got our first garden we were full of enthusiasm and read all the 'how to' books we could lay our hands on. But whilst they were full of good advice, they didn't really help because they gave the impression that gardening is just a long, hard slog.

In fact, we became completely exhausted just reading the lists of what to do, not to mention suffering pangs of guilt when we realized that we'd forgotten to prune our roses and sow our runner beans at exactly the right time... sometimes we'd go outside and all we could see was one big to do list...

Is this starting to sound familiar? Of course if hard work is your thing that's fine, but it's more likely that you are looking for a way to have the best garden you can for the least amount of effort so you can spend less time doing and more time enjoying.

So how is this site going to help you? Well, changes don't have to be time consuming, expensive or difficult. Quite often it's the little things that make the difference. Start by reading our Top Tips and then use the main menu to the left to find the information you want and that is relevant to you and your garden.

Our top tips for a garden you can enjoy

Be realistic about what you want
Lawns are a case in point. For example, do you really need a bowling green lawn or would a safe grassy area that the kids can happily play on be more appropriate for you? In fact, do you need a lawn at all? Perhaps a low maintenance gravel or paved area would suit you better?

Use specialist advice wisely
The advice may be excellent but is it appropriate for you? After all, do you want to grow giant exhibition quality leeks and carrots or would you just like some delicious homegrown vegetables for your family?

Be open to new techniques
A good example is the method of 'no dig' or 'no till' gardening. Don't feel you have to double dig your vegetable plot just because 'that's the way it's always been done'. The no dig method works well and is in fact less damaging to your soil.

Above all, relax!
The outdoor space you've always wanted is right outside your door...

Where do you want to go next?