Office Department's blog

The RHS define sustainable gardening as 'the concept of using practices to maintain a garden so that natural resources are not exhausted and without causing ecological damage'. We wonder how the average gardener can achieve these aims.

It doesn't take too much effort. You just have to learn to garden with nature rather than against it. By avoiding artificial fertilizers and pesticides you will maximise bio-diversity, creating an environment that is a thriving eco-system in which compost and manure replace chemicals.

Native to India and Pakistan, these colourful community fish have now been widely distributed outside their usual waters and, although usually living up to four years, they can live longer with the proper care and good varied diet. 

Planted Tanks and Hiding Places

You will usually find these beautiful fish in slow moving water so, if you pick them as new tank mates, be sure that there isn’t too strong a current. The Gourami is happiest when in a well planted tank with lots of small caves and other hiding spots.

Summer bulbs are very versatile, colourful and flamboyant additions to the border, great for filling space or planting in containers. There is quite a choice and David Hall says you can achieve magnificent colour all summer long.

Oriental Lilies are very dramatic and combine marvellous colour with a superb fragrance. Ideal for cut flowers, there's a large range of different sizes and colours to choose from including the pollen free 'China Girl'.