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 […]
Hedges to Cut in August
A Guide as Bird Nesting Season Ends With bird nesting season drawing to a close at the end of July, August marks an ideal time to pick up your hedge trimmers and tackle hedge cutting. Between March and July, it’s advised to avoid major hedge work to protect nesting birds, many of whom use even […]
Garden Jobs for July
As we step into July, summer is well underway—and what a mixed start we’ve had! We’ve just passed the longest day of the year, and while we’ve seen bursts of warm sunshine, ☀️ we’ve also had more than our fair share of heavy showers. 🌧️ The weather can’t seem to make its mind up! But […]
Jobs for the Garden in June
Hello friends and fellow garden lovers, We hope you’ve all got some fantastic plans lined up for the upcoming bank holiday weekend — maybe a BBQ, a garden party, or just a well-earned rest in your favourite deckchair. As June rolls in and everything bursts into life (including those weeds!), it’s the perfect time to take stock […]
Jobs for the Garden – March
It’s that time of year when the days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and we’re starting to enjoy some lovely sunny days. With spring just around the corner, your garden is beginning to wake up from its winter dormancy, and lawns and plants are bursting back into life. To help you get […]
How to Prevent Cats From Doing Their Business in Your Garden
Cats are charming, independent creatures, but not everyone enjoys their uninvited visits to the garden. One of the most common complaints among gardeners is when cats decide to use their carefully maintained flower beds or lawn as their personal litter tray. Cat waste can damage plants, create a mess, and even spread disease. Fortunately, there […]
Cultivating Rhubarb in Your UK Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
Rhubarb, with its vibrant red stalks and tart flavor, is a quintessential British garden plant. Not only does it herald the arrival of spring, but it also offers a versatile ingredient for numerous culinary delights. Growing rhubarb in the UK is both rewarding and straightforward, provided you adhere to some essential guidelines. 1. Selecting the […]