Gardenproud Blog

Archive for February, 2011

Chelsea Flower Show 2011 – Will you be there?

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

My wife and I have been treating ourselves to the delights of Chelsea for the last 4 years.

If you can find the time and want to be inspired it’s a must do.

It’s on 24th – 28th May at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

For me it’s always a great opportunity to see the work of some of the top UK garden designers and see what’s in fashion and what’s not. The grand marquee puts on a splendid display of flowers and plants from literally thousands of varieties. I always come away with fresh ideas – a few of which might find their way to a garden in Tunbridge Wells this year!

For my wife it’s also an opportunity to chill out for a day, away from the busy routine of running her own business.

If you do decide to go, treat yourself to a champagne picnic by the bandstand. If it’s sunny you won’t be disappointed. You won’t be allowed to take your own champagne in to the grounds but there are champagne bars and you can take your own picnic in. Or even pop into M&S on the way!

For more information or to buy Chelsea Flower Show tickets call 0844 338 7505

or go to  Chelsea Flower Show Tickets

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Know Your Gardener – Brett Ketteringham

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Brett sights the outdoor lifestyle and closeness to nature among the key attributes of his job.

He started his gardening career in 1995 training at Brooksby Melton College where he gained a National Certificate and
Diploma in Horticulture.

He went onto work as a Field Trials Assistant with what is now known as Garden Organic (the foremost organic society in Europe), before embarking on a more focused gardening career. This led to a spell working with a landscape company, where he was involved with garden projects for commercial enterprises.

Brett then became Solo Gardener in Charge at a 40 acre estate in Tenterton and Head Gardener at a Manor House in Brenchley.

He now helps Gardenproud care for a number of the larger properties in their portfolio. His wealth of experience also involves him in specialist activities including spraying, lawn care, flower meadow creation and maintenance, and small tree felling.

Brett is married to a primary school teacher and lives in Battle, East Sussex.

Outside of gardening his key interest is biking, having just restored an Aprilia RS250 which he plans to take to Track Days.

Favourite flowers:    Dahlias

Gardening dislikes:  Bindweed and Ground Elder

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Will 2011 be the year to invest in your garden?

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Well if 2010 was anything to go by the answer is yes.

Whilst house prices remained depressed in 2010 latest trends point towards improving access to mortgages and loans, particularly for home owners with or buying properties valued in excess of £500,000.

This could help stimulate sales at the top end of the market.

Apart from the enjoyment you can gain from a beautiful garden, a nicely designed and maintained one can help create a great first impression to potential buyers.  And research consistently shows that house price values or the marketability of a property can be increased significantly when you have an attractive garden.

If you are contemplating a project for 2011 then talk to us first, and from as little as £500 we can help you develop design concepts from which a project can be progressed.

We also have ground working teams who can carry out any hard landscaping and plants men on tap who can help with the soft landscaping.

Whether it’s a new space for the barbecue, a patio, a decking area, a water feature or a children’s play area you are looking for, or a complete garden re-design, call Tim Sykes on 07725 173820, or contact us at info@reallygardenproud.com

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Special offer to Gardenproud Customers – Botanical Print collections from Russell Rare Prints

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

F.E. Hulme – Cactus, published c 1879, image size 10.5″ x 8.25″. £9 + delivery

Russell Rare Prints have been dealing in fine and rare original antique prints for over twenty years. Based in Bath they have exhibited at many antique and book fairs in the UK and San Francisco. They have regularly exhibited their vast stock of botanical prints at flower shows including Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show, and at Courson, Paris.
The Botantical Collection is now available to Gardenproud customers at an exclusive discount of 10%.
See more about the collections at www.russellrareprints.com

and click on the “Botanical” button.

To redeem your 10% discount contact Russell Rare Prints at bathprint@aol.com

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Recycling in Action

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

If you’ve got a medium – large garden the recycling bins alone are unlikely to cope.

If you are keen on recycling garden waste then there is an opportunity to create your own compost.

We can put our garden and kitchen waste to great effect with a composting system. This isn’t a new idea it’s been around for decades. I remember my parents being strong advocates. (more…)

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Know Your Gardener – Andy Knight

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Andy Knight

Andy has a great eye for gardening!

He is also one of those lucky people who has led a really interesting life.

(more…)

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