gardening tips

By Emily Willox Valued for their unique biodiversity and the vital ecosystem services they provide, Peatlands are rare, carbon-rich wetlands that have accumulated large amounts of peat and are home to key flora and fauna. They provide a natural habitat to an array of birds, mammals, insects and plants, and have even been referred to as the ‘rainforests of the UK’ due to the…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Perennial spinach is particularly well suited to Scottish gardens, providing a consistent supply of fresh, nutrient rich leaves year after year with considerably less maintenance than annual spinach. Gardeners most often grow types such as spinach beet or leaf beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. cicla), commonly known as perpetual spinach. As the name…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Asturian tree cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), sometimes known as simply tree cabbage, is a perennial brassica that thrives in cool, damp climates. Originating from northern Spain, it is particularly well suited to Scottish growing conditions, where mild Summers and relatively cool Winters allow it to remain productive for much of the year. Unlike…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Egyptian walking onions (Allium × proliferum) are one of the most reliable and intriguing perennial vegetables you can grow in a Scottish garden. Known for producing small bulbils at the top of their stems rather than seeds, these onions appear to “walk” across the garden as the stems bend and re-root. Exceptionally hardy, low…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are iconic cottage garden plants, loved for their tall flower spikes, rich colours and traditional charm. Less widely known is that hollyhocks are also edible flowers, valued for their mild flavour, soothing properties and visual appeal in both sweet and savoury dishes. For Scottish gardeners, hollyhocks are particularly well suited: they…