Time to stop, imagine and enjoy! …

August always feels like it should be a time for stopping and enjoying the summer but this year, perhaps even more so.

Gardens everywhere are proudly displaying the vibrant colours – and some of the delicious fruits – of gardeners’ labours. So we hope you can stop, relax and get outside.

This time of year also presents a great opportunity to reflect on how you would like your outside space to be going forward.

Imagine changing it and adding some exotic features like a Japanese water garden for example – see our ideas below! If you would like to chat through some thoughts, do get in touch. We can help you turn your imaginings into reality!

Chris & all the Bushy team

Dabble with daisies

If you’re looking for something that will continue to brighten up your garden into the autumn, the Michaelmas daisy is perfect. They can be grown in containers and make lovely cut flowers. Part of the aster family, these delightful blooms also provide a good source of nectar and pollen for insects. Why not have a dabble?

Big in Japan

While we’ve been enjoying the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, focus has been on everything Japanese. How about applying some Japanese touches to your garden? It will differentiate it from others and give it impact. For example, a water garden with lanterns, a serene waterfall trickling over cobbles and a dipping bowl provides an exotic look. Country Living has some other ideas for water features in your garden.

Of course, the Japanese are also known for the art of growing miniature trees in containers – bonsai. Most trees and shrubs can be grown as outdoor bonsai and you can also buy indoor varieties. Have a chat to us about how to do it. Did you know there is a Bonsai Walk to enjoy at Wisley Gardens? Their evergreen, deciduous and flowering trees will give you inspiration.

Pleasure at Petworth

We all love a change of scene and a visit to the Pleasure Garden at Petworth House is an easy trip if you live in the Guildford area. Designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century, you can stroll along the ‘serpentine paths’ and enjoy delights like fragrant roses, bright dahlias and meadows of white oxeye daisies. Now that’s the kind of summer I like!

It’s sunny – quick! Get the BBQ party going!

With the summer weather being a bit ‘hit and miss’ it’s good to have a few recipes up your sleeve for throwing a ‘last minute’ BBQ. I’m loving these tips from BBC Good Food, including how to make Spatchcock piri-piri chicken …

Bushy Beverage

The apples are starting to ripen and fall from the trees, ready for some serious cider-making. But if you want the taste without the fuss, Inch’s Cider – a new one to me – is made with 100% British apples and it’s sweet and refreshing. It’s also available online and in most supermarkets.

Until next time!

We’d love to hear from you if we can help you with any aspect of your garden. In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about us you can read more on our website here.