Four ways to let your gardening skills bloom

With the warmer months approaching, avid gardeners have likely already dusted off their tools and trusty wheelbarrow in preparation for the peak season of growing and planting.

For those who are a little less practiced in the art of gardening, the idea of maintaining and growing their garden can be daunting.

In light of this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Show theme, ‘Gardening for All’, we’ve pulled together four pointers to let your gardening skills bloom. So – whether you’re a flower thespian or a beginner with the brush cutter – here are some tips for you!

1. Get to know your greenery

Remember, your garden is your friend, not just foliage. Before picking up any tools – get to know the area you’re growing. Every garden is unique, so start by identifying which areas are most likely to be hit by the sun – is your garden north or south facing?

Once you’ve established your garden’s shadier and sunnier areas, you can begin to look at what type of soil you have. In general, soil with more organic growth is likely to be acidic, whereas empty areas might indicate the soil is more alkaline.

2. Planning is key

Planning your desired garden will help you achieve the colour, structure, and design you are aiming for. A useful form of planning would be to draw a detailed scale plan. Not only does this give you a better idea of how your space will look, but it can also prove to be cost-effective by making sure you don’t purchase more gardening equipment or plants than you need.

3. Get inspiration

All gardens serve a purpose – whether it be to serve as an area to have relaxing drinks with friends or as a patch to home-grow vegetables and herbs. According to the RHS, there are five crucial questions you should ask yourself when planning your perfect garden:

•          Who’s the garden for?

•          What do you want from your garden?

•          What type of garden have you got?

•          What style or styles do you like?

•          How much time can you devote to your garden?

By gathering all these answers together, you should be able to determine the needs and requirements of your garden. Whether this be for a greenery of grandeur or a few simple plant pots on a terrace, visiting a local nursery or garden centre is a great way of gathering inspiration for the garden of your dreams.

4. Gardening without a garden

For those without a conventional garden space, designing a garden may be easier said than done.

Just like the RHS, My Pension Expert prioritizes inclusivity – we aim to make financial advice accessible to all, so we believe gardening can be embraced even by those who do not have a garden.

If your back garden is a terrace or balcony, why not try thinking vertically? Vertical plants such as climbing wisteria are a great way to make the most out of your space while still allowing you to practice your gardening skills.

No outdoor space at all? House plants come in a plethora of varieties and can be a great way to bring the outdoors in – you may even find inspiration in your local supermarket! Alternatively, take a look for a local community garden or allotment.

A community garden is a great place to source inspiration. For more ways in which a public garden could benefit your garden, visit our blog here: