Search Results for 'Anne Tip'

When discussing trees with clients there’s one that often comes up as being particularly admired – the Japanese Maple, or Acer palmatum. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular – the leaves are pretty and often change colour more than once from spring to summer and on into autumn. If your garden’s exposed and windy, there are other trees that can work very well for you, but if you have a sheltered site, even if it’s very small, the Acer palmatum is well worth a try.

I often think paint colour is one of the most underused elements in a garden and it’s something I always address when I’m producing garden plans for my clients. Paint can make such a difference to the feel of a space, making it feel bigger, smarter and pulled together, but can also be used to great effect on individual features like furniture to transform it.

I love all of the signs of spring, but one of my absolute favourites is the new growth of climbing plants. The early shoots of clematis, honeysuckle and climbing roses have a way of gladdening the heart – I want to cheer them on as they climb, outwards and upwards, to embrace the new season. Climbers that flower in spring are especially valuable as they distract the eye from still-bare borders and from the messy brown foliage of bulbs that have just finished flowering.

If word on the grapevine is anything to go by, garden furniture has been eagerly sought after since the Christmas decorations were packed away. Last year taught us that we definitely need outdoor spaces to meet family and friends in, and since that’s likely to continue, everyone’s looking to make them more comfortable.