Organic Ginger & Turmeric Growing Guide (North West England)

Can You Grow Ginger & Turmeric in the North West UK? Yes—you absolutely can grow organic ginger and turmeric in the North West of England, even with its cooler temperatures and variable weather. While both plants are tropical by nature, with the right setup—think warmth, moisture, and patience—you can successfully cultivate these powerful, health-boosting rhizomes […]

What Is the Legal Height for Fences and Pleached Trees in UK Gardens?

When designing a private garden, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How high can my garden fence or privacy screen legally be?” Understanding UK planning rules is essential before installing fencing, boundary walls, or pleached trees. Exceeding the permitted height could lead to planning enforcement notices, disputes with neighbours, or even fines. In this […]

The best Blueberry for Growing in the North West of England

Bluecrop Blueberry – Size and Yield Information Plant Size (Height and Spread) The Bluecrop blueberry is a vigorous and upright growing bush. Typical mature size: • Height: 1.5–2 metres (5–6.5 feet) • Spread: 1–1.5 metres wide If grown in the ground, plants can reach close to 2 metres tall. If grown in large containers, they […]

Pleached Tree Problems in the Ribble Valley Explained

Key Reasons Pleached Tree Leaves Turn Yellow (Ribble Valley Conditions) Excess Water & Poor Drainage (Very Common Locally) The Ribble Valley is known for clay-heavy and moisture-retentive soils, which can cause problems for pleached trees. Prolonged wet ground restricts oxygen to the roots Roots become stressed or begin to rot Leaves gradually lose colour and […]

Storm Damage in January: Another Reminder to Protect Your Garden

We’re not even a full month into 2026 yet, and already January has delivered its third named storm. This time, the culprit is Storm Chandra — bringing with it high winds, heavy rain, and the kind of disruption that can leave gardens and outdoor spaces looking worse for wear. Repeated storms in such a short […]

Lawn Care in January: What Not to Do With Your Lawn

January 2026 Lawn Care

January is one of the most important months for lawn care — not because of what you should be doing, but because of what you shouldn’t be doing. With cold temperatures, frosts, heavy rain, and low grass growth, your lawn is in a vulnerable state. Making the wrong decisions now can lead to compaction, disease, […]

Pleached Trees: The Smart Privacy Solution for Modern, Smaller Gardens

As modern housing developments continue to grow, one thing is becoming increasingly common: smaller garden plots. Many new-build homes and even renovated prestige properties now sit closer together than ever before. With reduced outdoor space and neighbouring windows overlooking from every angle, privacy has become one of the biggest concerns for homeowners today. Fortunately, there […]

Red and Far-Red Light for Plants: How They Influence Growth, Flowering, and Shape

Light Spectrum Basics Light is one of the most powerful environmental signals for plants. While we see light as colour, plants perceive it as information. Two critical wavelengths — red light (600–700 nm) and far-red light (700–800 nm) — play vital roles in how plants grow, flower, and adapt to their surroundings. Understanding how these […]

Autumn Newsletter

As summer draws to a close and autumn takes hold, the garden enters one of its busiest times of the year. This is the season for clearing, tidying, and preparing your outdoor space so it’s ready to flourish again in spring. At Clive’s Gardening Services, we’re here to help you tackle the essential jobs that […]

When to Trim Portuguese Laurel for a Healthy, Neat Hedge

Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is one of the most popular choices for hedging in the UK. Its dark, glossy green leaves, attractive red stems, and small fragrant flowers give it year-round interest. It’s hardy, reliable, and grows quickly, which is why so many gardeners and landscapers use it to create privacy screens or smart, formal […]