HOME + GARDEN
MEET THE GARDENER CONT .
Describe your typical day ?
Typically I work my way through the development , mowing , weeding and pruning as required . I try to always be thinking about what ’ s next , planning seasons ahead and staggering blooms to keep the gardens looking rich with colour year round . I spend my days looking for what ’ s next , and finding inspiration .
Do you have a favourite plant / tree ?
I like roses as they respond well to how you look after them , which means you get a real sense of achievement when they bloom so beautifully . My favourite tree is the cherry tree .
What ’ s the one plant / tree everyone should have in their garden ?
Fuschias suit most gardens due to them not growing very big and their stunning colour . Apple trees also work well , as you can keep them at whatever size you like and you can still get the fruit from them .
What ’ s your biggest achievement as a gardener ?
Gaining my British Association of Landscape Industries ( BALI ) accreditation .
What ’ s your favourite season in the garden ?
Autumn- there ’ s less mowing !
MATT ’ S HINTS & TIPS FOR CREATING AN OUTDOOR SPACE TO ENJOY YEAR ROUND IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND :
A space for all seasons
To create a garden you can enjoy year-round , consider a variety of plants that will stagger interest and colour throughout the year . Viburnum Opulus , for example , has white flowers in late spring / early summer , followed by clusters of red berries in autumn . Dogwoods and crab apple trees are also great year-round plants . Creating a garden planner can be a nice way to spend an afternoon pondering over plants to bring outdoor space to life and track your garden ’ s blooms throughout the year . I ’ d also always recommend taking before and after photographs of your garden makeover projects to show your hard work and progression and to remember your favourite plants .
Plant-led privacy
For many , gardens to the front or even the back of the house might have an open feel , that can leave you feeling overlooked by neighbours . No matter how much you may get along , sometimes privacy becomes a priority . Screens , hedging and trellis , available at most garden centres are an easy way to not only create separate zones to the garden , but also to provide seclusion . Decorative
Honeysuckle or Clematis create beautiful colour and perfume when climbing vertically , and serves as an attractive , artful addition to your space , freeing up valuable ground space without compromising on greenery .
Go Green ( er )
Using recycled materials or hazel sticks to make your own trellis is one way to make your garden more eco , whilst colourful and scented plants will encourage nature to thrive on your doorstep . Flowers including lavender and roses are both aesthetically pleasing and attract valuable pollinators , helping support the vital role bees play in our environment and keeping your garden flourishing .
TERLINGHAM GARDENS
Established in one of Kent ’ s most desirable locations , residents can enjoy stunning landscapes , stylish , modern living all within easy access to historic towns and the south coast .
Terlingham Gardens apartments are available from £ 320,000 , houses from £ 375,000 . For further sales information , contact Pentland Homes on 01303 370 129 or email terlingham @ pentlandhomes . co . uk .
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