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Check out our new blog series, Ask Dr. J. In this column, our CEO John McFadden is answering all your gardening and tree questions. Dr. J's latest post focuses on the news that Bradford Pear Trees are an invasive species and what you need to know about them. Our mission is to plant native species to establish and sustain natural systems for healthier communities, thriving economies, and higher quality of life. https://lnkd.in/eYtx-htT

Making Friends with Molluscs. 🐌 Slugs and snails, often seen as the arch-nemesis of green thumbs everywhere, actually deserve a second look. 👀 With around 150 species in the UK, only a handful of these slimy critters are garden party crashers. The rest? They're your backyard's unsung heroes! Instead of waging war, why not embrace these little garden helpers? You'll not only be greener, but also join the ranks of those who see the sluggish side of life in a whole new light. Think of them as nature's tidy-up team. 🧹 These molluscs munch on decaying plants, fungi and dung, recycling nutrients back into the soil. They're also known for their window cleaning skills, scrubbing algae off greenhouse glass and leaving their signature shiny trails! Plus, they're a top menu item for favourite garden guests like frogs, song thrushes, ground beetles, and hedgehogs. 🦔 By being slug and snail supporters, gardeners become champions of a diverse wildlife community. 🐸 And let's not forget those territorial leopard slugs, playing bouncer to other slugs, keeping your plants nibble-free. It's time to give slugs and snails the credit they deserve! 👏 Go Wild about Gardens this spring and apply for our Wildlife Gardening Award. Gardening for wildlife doesn’t need to be complicated and there are many simple ways of inviting wildlife in. Visit the webpage for more ideas and to apply for your award. 👇 https://lnkd.in/efYpWYVj #wildlifegardening #wildaboutgardens #slugsandsnails

Early spring is a peaceful time until all the unwelcome garden visitors are on the move. The Red Lily Beetle is one that lily and fritillary grower’s dread. Now that chemicals to kill Red Lily Beetle have been taken off the market, a new approach is required. Grazers can provide an answer, if gardeners take early action to make lilies unattractive to these pests. With a unique combination of calcium solution and plant extracts, the Grazers G4 product upgrades the lily plant’s own natural defence mechanisms, when sprayed in advance on emerging shoots and leaves. Easy to apply and safe for everything in our environment, the Grazers G4 will dissuade rampaging Red Lily Beetles from landing on lilies and laying their eggs. Grazers G4 kills nothing and follows the Grazers philosophy of ‘Gardening for Wildlife’. Recommended and used by several professional lily growers. So, why not be prepared and get ahead of these predators now. Find Grazers G4 at your local garden centre or at www.grazers.co.uk

Last week’s National Garden Wildlife Week 🐝 celebrated getting outdoors and enjoying nature 🌸 while raising awareness of declining animal and plant diversity. With the weather warming up, many of us might be spending more time in our gardens 🏡 or outdoor spaces; however, it is important to remember these spaces are not only for human enjoyment but are crucial habitats for many plants, insects and animals! 🐞 Swipe 👉 below for our top tips on how to improve the biodiversity of your beloved green spaces. #nationalgardenwildlifeweek #gardening #wildlife #biodiversity 

Are you working on tending your garden this month? Consider opting for flowers and other plants that attract pollinators to your yard. This could help your outdoor space thrive this season. #AgentAdvice #YardMaintenance #GardeningTips #HomeownerTips

First day of my favorite season. Let's talk fall feeding! I happen to be preparing to eat hot soups in my nice warm house until I explode, but what's up outside? One of the most rewarding things about native gardening is knowing you're helping out your local wildlife by creating an oasis where they can stop and eat (and show off for you, right?). We all know the spring and summer staples for our critters; the bright cheerful flowers for our pollinating insects and hummingbirds, the host plants for our leaf-munching caterpillars...but did you know there is also a plethora of plants you can add to your garden to feed the animals into the fall months? Don't deadhead those echinacea, helianthus, rudbeckia, vernonia, and all our native aster family members (not an exhaustive list!) as summer is ending; once the flowers are done feeding the butterflies and bees and friends, the ripened seedheads will feed the birds! Do you know how delightful it is to see the little goldfinches hopping about on swaying echinacea stalks? Hint: VERY cute. Many highly decorative native grasses also seed at this time. Aside from seed, there are plants that wait to put out their fruit until fall. Examples include pawpaw, persimmon, and black walnut, all very pretty trees, as well as useful late season food sources for animals AND humans. The photo here is of the Virginia creeper that I have gladly let fight the English ivy off my house. It has just come into fruit and is a favorite of my backyard cardinals. The leaves will soon be as red as the cardinals as well; this is a truly stunning native climbing vine, and doesn't get its due as an ornamental. So what fall features do YOU have in your landscape? #FallPlants #PlantNative #FeedingWildlife #BestTimeOfYear #IReallyDoLoveSoup

Adding signs to your garden can offer a multitude of benefits beyond just aesthetics. Not only do they serve as informative markers for showcasing different plant and animal life, but they also create a sense of organization and structure in your outdoor space. By labeling specific plants or highlighting different species of animals that visit your garden, you can educate yourself and others about the biodiversity and beauty of nature. Additionally, signs can help attract wildlife to your garden by providing information about the plants that serve as food sources or habitats for them. Overall, using signs can enhance your gardening experience, promote environmental awareness, and create a welcoming space for both plants and animals to thrive AlphaGraphics Hoover | Greater Birmingham

Here's something you probably didn't know about me! I'm not just your average LinkedIn user. I'm also a passionate advocate for home gardening! You heard it right, folks. There's something incredibly empowering about growing your own food, right in your backyard. I've been on this journey for a while now, and I've finally made the decision to start advocating for it full-time. Why, you ask? Well, because it's so much more than just a hobby. It's a lifestyle, an act of defiance against the commercialized food industry. It's a silent revolution, one plant at a time. So, here's my call to action: join the green revolution! Start small, start today. Let's make the world a greener place, one garden at a time. You can engage us at Agric Learners for your garden training and setup. I remain my humble self #farmeroluwatosin #thelearningfarmer

Join me on this green journey 🌱 Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's something special about nurturing plants together. -Let's cultivate not just our gardens but also our connections. -Share your planting tips or favorite plants in the comments below. #GardeningCommunity #GreenThumb #PlantLovers #GardenTips #NurtureNature"

Are you searching for a way to create a stunning garden that not only looks beautiful but also benefits our planet's health? Look no further! In this comprehensive article, we delve into the significance of pollinator gardens and share valuable tips and guidance to help you kickstart your very own. 🪴 Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, and more play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and by establishing a pollinator garden, you can actively contribute to their preservation. https://lnkd.in/gJPAmVXV #PollinatorGardens #NatureLovers #SustainableLiving #GardeningTips #SaveTheBees #ButterflyGarden #BirdFriendlyGarden #OurPlanetMatters #Blogger #NewBlogPost #LinkedinExpert