Gardening & All Things Wild

What the quiet leaf-fall of an old hornbeam taught me about composting in rhythm with the seasons

What the quiet leaf-fall of an old hornbeam tau...

Eleanor Ashford

The article reflects on an old hornbeam’s autumn leaf-fall, highlighting how observing nature’s rhythms can guide patient, seasonal composting for richer soil and deeper connection.

What the quiet leaf-fall of an old hornbeam tau...

Eleanor Ashford

The article reflects on an old hornbeam’s autumn leaf-fall, highlighting how observing nature’s rhythms can guide patient, seasonal composting for richer soil and deeper connection.

Meet Chionanthus retusus: The Small Tree with Clouds of White Fringe

Meet Chionanthus retusus: The Small Tree with C...

Eleanor Ashford

Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese Fringe Tree, is a charming, low-maintenance small tree offering delicate white spring flowers, year-round interest, and valuable ecological benefits for UK gardens.

Meet Chionanthus retusus: The Small Tree with C...

Eleanor Ashford

Chionanthus retusus, the Chinese Fringe Tree, is a charming, low-maintenance small tree offering delicate white spring flowers, year-round interest, and valuable ecological benefits for UK gardens.

When a single oak sapling sprouted beneath the bird feeder I was reminded that nature often sows what we most need to grow

When a single oak sapling sprouted beneath the ...

Eleanor Ashford

The article reflects on the unexpected joy and lessons from a spontaneously sprouted oak sapling, highlighting nature’s role in fostering resilience, growth, and humility beyond human planning.

When a single oak sapling sprouted beneath the ...

Eleanor Ashford

The article reflects on the unexpected joy and lessons from a spontaneously sprouted oak sapling, highlighting nature’s role in fostering resilience, growth, and humility beyond human planning.

How heritage beans like 'Scarlet Emperor' connect my allotment to stories passed down through generations

How heritage beans like 'Scarlet Emperor' conne...

Eleanor Ashford

Growing heritage beans like the ‘Scarlet Emperor’ connects gardeners to history, biodiversity, and tradition, nurturing both soil and stories across generations with care and sustainability.

How heritage beans like 'Scarlet Emperor' conne...

Eleanor Ashford

Growing heritage beans like the ‘Scarlet Emperor’ connects gardeners to history, biodiversity, and tradition, nurturing both soil and stories across generations with care and sustainability.

Why swapping seed trays for soil blocks helped me cut plastic and boost my seedlings’ roots

Why swapping seed trays for soil blocks helped ...

Eleanor Ashford

This article explores switching from plastic seed trays to soil blocks, highlighting environmental benefits, healthier seedlings with stronger roots, reduced transplant shock, and mindful gardening practices.

Why swapping seed trays for soil blocks helped ...

Eleanor Ashford

This article explores switching from plastic seed trays to soil blocks, highlighting environmental benefits, healthier seedlings with stronger roots, reduced transplant shock, and mindful gardening practices.

When nettles grow in the margins and I brew tea from their tips I remember that wild plants often care for us in quiet ways

When nettles grow in the margins and I brew tea...

Eleanor Ashford

The article celebrates nettles, often overlooked garden margins, highlighting their healing properties, sustainable gardening role, and connection to nature’s resilience and tradition.

When nettles grow in the margins and I brew tea...

Eleanor Ashford

The article celebrates nettles, often overlooked garden margins, highlighting their healing properties, sustainable gardening role, and connection to nature’s resilience and tradition.