5 Tips For Gardening Week from The Garden of Oxford

The Garden of Oxford was set up by Paul Birtles in 1984 at the centre of The Oxford Covered Market, and has built up a devoted following from Oxford colleges to loyal locals. They have a particular passion for English-grown fresh flowers and I have always loved that you can choose blooms by where they have been grown.

Alongside fresh cut flowers, they also have a fantastic selection of plants for the garden, and have very quickly adapted their online shop to keep us stocked in plants, seeds and even compost, great if you’ve fully embraced your green fingers since the beginning of the lockdown!

The Garden of Oxford manager Ellie is a keen gardener herself, and has been busy in her own garden since the lockdown began. So, to celebrate national gardening week from 27th April to 3rd May, Ellie is sharing 5 ideas to inspire you to get gardening whether you have a window sill, balcony, or space for a bed or two.  >>

Gardening is not just for the garden!

Lots of edibles can be grown on the window sill. Not only do they look wonderful, but they are on hand to add to recipes whenever you need. Try Pea Shoots on your Avocado Toast, like Kelvedon Wonder Peas. or micro herbs such as Parsley or Mint in your salad.

Plant dual purpose plants

Try adding some vegetables to your garden border. Chard Bright Lights are a great example. They can be picked young for vibrant salads, the older leaves and stalks can be sauteed as a wonderful addition to your Sunday roast, AND they look beautiful.

Pick your time wisely

When the sun is shining it may be tempting to give everything a good water, but this is not good for them. When the weather is hot, avoid watering during midday heat, this can scorch the leaves and end up doing more harm than good. Instead wait till the cooler hours, in the morning or evening. Your plants will thank you.

Get the kids involved

Getting out in the garden is a great way to learn about nature. Sowing wildflower seeds, picking fruit from strawberry plants and learning about germination is fun. Try our Beebombs for fail safe child friendly planting, and you’ll be helping our bees too ?

Try something different

Why not grow vegetables you cannot buy in the shops. The RHS has a collection of Heirloom Vegetables that are sure to make your neighbours jealous!

If you’re inspired to get growing, The Garden shop has a fantastic range of seeds to get you started, and even just having some fresh herbs to hand will make you feel like your living the good life, however much space you have to spare.