Potpourri Magazine

Cut flower corner - dried seedheads and foliage
Dried foliage and seedheads used to have a dusty image, but a new breed of florists is using them to create bouquets with a fresh contemporary feel.   Using ornamental grasses...
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Garden trends - multi-stem trees
Planting more trees is invaluable for the environment and helps complete a garden by adding height, shade and an extra layer of beauty and year round interest.  Multi-stem trees in...
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Body, soul and gardening - New Year's resolutions
There’s nothing like making plans to give you a sense of purpose and positivity.  So, put the kettle on and start a list of your good gardening intentions for the...
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Grow your own festive foliage
As well as making wreaths, Christmas is a great time to adorn your staircases, mantelpieces and tables with ivy and other evergreen foliage.  And going out on a bright winter’s...
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Seasonal produce - Brussels sprouts
Not much is left in the veg patch at this time of year, but we can always rely on harvesting Brussels sprouts for Christmas.  Here are three ways to cook them...
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Body, soul and gardening - the benefits of rituals
Whether it’s making a morning coffee with fresh beans, or having a G&T by the fire whilst counting your blessings, rituals are part of our lives.  Research reveals these little...
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Garden trends - outdoor rooms
With more of us spending time at home, garden rooms are increasingly in demand as another place to work or exercise in, or simply to escape to.  But there’s lots...
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The secret gardener - Kate Humble
The wildlife TV presenter has always been passionate about nature, but seems to be becoming increasingly keen on gardening.  One of her latest passions is growing dahlias.  “When I hit...
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Technology in the garden - outdoor Christmas lights
Decorating your garden with twinkly lights creates a welcoming and fun festive atmosphere – something we need this year more than ever.  Here are a few things to bear in...
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Vlog - Pots & Trowels
If you’re missing your weekly fix of Monty Don in his garden while Gardeners’ World has its winter break, this could fill the gap.  In his weekly Youtube vlog, Martin...
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Garden Masterclasses
Whether you’re an amateur or professional, there’s always so much to learn in the world of horticulture and garden design.  This is something garden designer Annie Guilfoyle is passionate about,...
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Technology in the garden - bulb planting tools
Bulbs are a must for early spring colour, and if you haven’t yet planted yours, there’s still time.  It can be a labour-intensive job, but having the right tools saves...
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Book review - Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Kiftsgate Court Gardens; Three Generations of Women Gardeners by Vanessa Berridge is published by Merrell   Situated high up on a north Cotswold hillside, right next to the more famous...
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Seasonal produce - parsnips and parsnip soup
Parsnips are fabulous winter root vegetables that can be harvested up until January, once the foliage dies back.  But their flavour is improved if you wait until after the first...
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Garden trends - low maintenance gardens
Low maintenance gardens are ever popular in our busy world.  A design that includes good structure with plants and materials that don’t need much upkeep will avoid the garden looking...
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Body, soul and gardening - plants to brighten the gloomier months
The days are getting shorter and temperatures dropping, but don’t let it get you down - embrace winter’s beauty with cheerful berries, bark and blooms. Berries and hips: As well...
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Technology in the garden - bird feeders
Winter and early spring is the best time to feed birds, especially during cold snaps, when their natural food supplies are low.  Like us, different species eat different things, so...
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Podcast - Growing Wild
Charlotte Petts presents a thought-provoking show about nature in both the countryside and urban spaces.  She talks to a wide range of gardeners, designers and environmentalists covering everything from healthy soil...
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Jessica Evans- Head Gardener at Knightshayes
We interviewed Jessica Evans, head gardener at Knightshayes Court, a National Trust garden in Tiverton. What do you love about the garden at Knightshayes? I was drawn by the plant...
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The secret gardener - Julie Walters
Julie Walters is one of our best-loved actresses, but she is just as happy pottering about in the garden as treading the boards these days.  She even celebrated being made...
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Gardening tip - saving seed
Autumn is a good time save seed.  Leave a few flowerheads on your favourite plants after they've finished blooming to allow the seeds to ripen – aster seeds are attached...
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