sustainable gardening

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis), also known as crosne, knotroot or Japanese artichoke, is a fascinating and often overlooked vegetable that deserves greater attention in Scottish gardens. Grown for its small, crisp, spiralled tubers, Chinese artichoke offers a delicate flavour often described as somewhere between Jerusalem artichoke, water chestnut and nutty potato. Although still relatively…

By Emily Willox Gardeners have historically judged their gardens based on their ability to grow produce, or on their tidiness and vibrancy. Modern gardening, however, looks a little different.    Gardens are no longer judged on appearance alone, but instead on how alive they are.   A beautiful, bustling backyard is a tell-tale sign of a thriving garden, but one that…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a hardy and versatile plant that suits Scotland’s cool, often unpredictable climate remarkably well. Known for its delicate yellow flowers that open in the evening, this plant brings both visual interest and practical value to the garden. As an edible flower, evening primrose offers a mild flavour and a…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Borage (Borago officinalis) this is herb noted primarily for its sky blue flowers, and is a wonderful edible flower to grow in Scottish gardens. With its striking star shaped flowers, soft textured leaves and long flowering period, it brings both beauty and function to beds, borders and food forests. Known for attracting pollinators and…

By Emily Willox I’d like to start this blog post off, with a quick disclaimer. Although this entry focuses on the evolution of gardening practices between three different generations, it is by no means intended to diminish the work of previous ones.   My grandfather worked with the resources and information available to him at the time. It was because…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are often dismissed as common weeds, yet they are one of the most useful, resilient and nutritious herb you can grow in a Scottish garden. You probably already have some growing in your garden that you find nuisance. Perfectly adapted to cool, damp climates, dandelions thrive with very little intervention and…

Guest post by Katrina & Clayton Mangelwurzel (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), often simply called mangel, is a traditional root crop that has been grown in Britain for centuries, related to sugar beet, beetroot AND chard, producing a huge root with chard like leaves. Historically used as livestock feed, it is increasingly appreciated by gardeners for its productivity, versatility and suitability…

By Emily Willox While sustainability has been a hot topic for a couple of years now, many may not be aware of just how simple some practices can be in helping to push our world closer towards meeting the UN’s global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although not legally binding, the beauty behind the SDGs lies in their interconnectedness. This means…

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…