November in the Garden - Lilybud Gardens by Design: Brighton Garden Designer

I'm happy to say that some of you were inspired by my suggestion last month of a Fiveways plant swap and / or gardening group. Local resident, Sam Hart, has offered to try to organise a meeting of any likeminded gardening folk out there who might want to meet up and natter about possibilities. Either ring Sam on 07740 531250 or email samhart2@btinternet.com . I think an article's been posted on the Fiveways website too, so keep an eye out, and hopefully I'll be meeting up with some of you soon.

As I write, there's talk of and indeed, evidence of fantastic autumn colour. Of course, it's possible that by the time you're reading this, strong winds have stripped the leaves off trees, but hopefully not. As well as Sheffield Park, Nymans and other large National Trust type gardens, why not experience this beautiful phenomenon for free by going for a mooch in Stanmer Park or in some of the more sheltered parts of our local country side? If you've still got any money, and are intent on spending it, and want something really special, I suggest a trip to Kew Gardens. I was at a garden design and landscaping conference there a few weeks ago (it's a glamorous life) and experienced the new treetop walk. At first it takes you under ground and the importance of a good healthy root structure and all those micro-organisms and creepy crawlies is graphically displayed - with educating children very much in mind. Then for those of you with the nerve, you can ascend 18m or 59 ft into the air and walk among the treetops. How cool is that?!

The best way to get there from Brighton is to change trains at Clapham Junction for Kew Bridge then it's a 10 minute walk.

If all that sounds a bit adventurous, there are all sorts of things to be getting on with in our own gardens. With deciduous plants shedding their leaves we have access to walls, fences and sheds that might need maintaining or even replacing. I've been sorting through a load of old gardening magazines and brochures lately and was reminded of the wide range of trellis, fencing and storage solutions that are now available, in all sorts of different materials and designs.

The winter is also a good time for renovating or renewing tired or damaged shrubs, trees and perennials. We tend to forget that as living things, plants have a limited life span too. Many so-called problem plants that people point out to me in their gardens are simply plants that are past their best. To my way of thinking, life's just too short to look at sickly diseased or damaged plants that could readily be replaced with something superb.

Finally a reminder to check bonfires for wildlife, like hibernating hedgehogs, frogs and toads before lighting them.

Best wishes,

Lisa

For an initial consultation call Lisa on 01273 500407 or 07957 751218 or email her at info@lilybud.co.uk