Transform your space into a tranquil forest bathing haven​
Transform your space into a tranquil for...
Nov 05, 2021
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Transform your space into a tranquil forest bathing haven At this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, headline sponsor Lexus created a sensory forest experience, based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, meaning forest bathing.Immersing yourself amongst trees can provide multiple therapeutic benefits, improve overall wellbeing and lower stress levels. Over the past year, many people, experienced or new to gardening, have continued to find peace and calm from tending to houseplants and the garden.Inspired by the Lexus Forest at the Show, we’ve created a list of plants you can grow as well as some top tips and tricks to bring the tranquillity of forest bathing into your home and garden space. FernsFerns can be a fantastic touch of drama in your house or garden. The outstretched leaves are a great way to bring a little forest green into your space – with minimum effort.If you want to grow your ferns indoors, make sure you choose a tender type and check if your fern prefers shade or sunlight.Choose a hardy fern if you want to plant in the garden – a wonderful way of introducing greenery and texture into your outdoor space.Top tips:Check if your fern likes moist alkaline or acidic soil.Keep household ferns away from radiatorsPlant outdoor ferns between May and September timeFor ferns that like warm, humid environments, a steamy bathroom is idealAt BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, Alchemy Ferns provided a fantastic selection of ferns for the garden and for indoor spaces – take a look here. BegoniasBegonias are usually found in bedding, pot and hanging basket displays and can be a great way to transform balcony or outdoor spaces– plant these for lovely pops of colour and add foliage such as spider plants when potting for an exotic leafy forest feel.Plant your begonias in March and April for summer flowering – your plants will have a well-needed sleep in the winter, ready to emerge again in spring.Top tips:Use peat-free, multi-purpose compost to pot your begoniasAvoid direct sunlight and place in shady areasIf you want to plant your begonias indoors, choose foliage begonias for the best results.Check out Dibleys Nurseries who joined us at the Show for a brilliant selection of exotic and colourful varieties. Succulents and cactiSucculents and cacti are a fuss free, low maintenance way to bring greenery into your home. Be it a sunny windowsill or a shaded bookshelf for those plants that prefer indirect sunlight, there is always somewhere to make a happy home for a succulent inside your space.For a tranquil forest experience, we recommend a succulent euphorbias or cacti.Top tips:Don’t over water!Position in a dry, well-lit spot. Check if your succulent prefers full sun.Add mulch to pots to prevent rottingUse a specialist gritty mix to pot your succulentsExplore Fosters Exotic and & Unusual Plants for a wide variety of plants to choose from. BromeliadsOriginating from tropical rainforests, what better plant to create a forest feel than Bromeliads? Although they’re not long-lived house plants, you can expand your house plant collection by potting the new plants that will grow at the base.Top tips!Keep in a warm, bright roomWater via the central ‘vase’Bromeliads can be sensitive to the chemicals in tap water! Try using rainwater or leave tap water standing for 24 hours before wateringVisit Every Picture Tells a Story if you’re interested in adding one of these vibrant plants to your collection. SarraceniasLooking to make your forest at home exotic? Why not try growing sarracenias? Carnivorous plants hailing from North America, these plants have long tubular pitchers which break down prey to be absorbed by the plant.Top tips:Water from beneath – keep the plant pot in a tray of waterSarracenias will not grow in normal garden compost – use a mix of sphagnum moss mixed with perliteUse collected rainwaterThis plant needs a lot of light! Grow in full sunlight.Sarracenias prefer dead or alive insects to plant food – place in the pitchers for the plant to feed.Feeling inspired? Take a look at Shropshire Sarracenias who joined us at the Show for a fantastic variety of sarracenias. /*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 */ .elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:"";border-bottom:0;flex-grow:1;border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} The Lexus Forest was a fabulous transportation to a peaceful forest at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition. If you missed the Show, you can see what the forest environment looked like in the highlights below! /*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 */ .elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container{position:static}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container .swiper-slide figure,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper .swiper-slide figure{line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-slide{text-align:center}.elementor-image-carousel-wrapper:not(.swiper-container-initialized):not(.swiper-initialized) .swiper-slide{max-width:calc(100% / var(--e-image-carousel-slides-to-show, 3))} Previous image Next image Are you a garden designer interested in bringing a Show Garden to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022? Show Gardens are the editorial jewel in the crown and secure significant exposure within the event’s marketing campaign. Show Gardens can generate business or even a subliminal promotion, particularly important for a charity. We welcome gardens both small and large that encapsulate eye-catching designs with well-built construction and innovative planting.Find out more here.If you have any questions or queries about the application or Show Gardens in general, email Lucy or call her on 0207 150 5130 . Explore the Show Gardens, full of ideas and inspiration SHOW GARDENS Discover more on getting the most out of your space and relieving stress Read our blog
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National Stress Awareness Day
National Stress Awareness Day
Nov 03, 2021
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It's National Stress Awareness Day Today marks National Stress Awareness Day and we’d like to share with you the power of plants in combatting stress.Gardening can bring many benefits to both our mental and physical health. A great excuse to get outside, gardening helps us to connect with nature, enjoy the fresh air and soak in the sunlight. Getting outside in the garden where you can stretch those limbs and exercise while you dig, plant and pick, is an excellent form of stress relief from physical exercise. Start wrestling with the weeds instead of the frustrations or stresses from your busy week.From improving sleep, to breaking up a busy schedule, being outside in nature can bring peace, mindfulness, and calm in the face of stress. Taking the time to create a space where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings can be a great way to relieve stress. Growing and nurturing the space around you can be such a rewarding process, filling you with productivity and pride. With a Flower Power theme, many of the Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition 2021 had mental health and healing at their heart.Here, we’ll share the inspiration behind some of these designs, with a wealth of fantastic ideas that you can use to harness the power of gardening in your own space… Reflect and Bloom by Katie SmithKatie wanted to bring a garden of self-reflection and personal growth to shine the spotlight on the astonishing power of natural spaces and vibrant colours to mental wellbeing. When we look after ourselves mentally, we allow ourselves to bloom.Taking the time to reflect can be a great way to reduce stress. Whether you’re watering your houseplants or weeding in your garden, make sure you set aside this time to clear your mind, reset and reflect. Health and Relaxation Border by Chris SellarsThis border showcased the power of plants and how they can offer both physical and mental health benefits. Using a white flower theme, medicinal herb planters and a water feature, the aim of Chris’ design was to create a setting that encourages people to step into the border and relax on the bench.Relax in a quiet space in your garden – using seating can be a great way to frame garden features and create a tranquil environment to alleviate stress. Make Do and Mend by Andy WrightAndy Wright’s border was built with the help of a number of patients undergoing military rehabilitation. The sensory use of plants and the stimulation of the senses, such as touch, smell and sound can not be overstated in the process of healing and finding calm.Pause for a moment in your garden and think about what you can hear, smell and feel. The Earth Smiles with Flowers by Jessica NichollsAre we really looking after nature or is nature looking after us?Jessica’s garden was created as an inspired representation of a calming passage to mimic a wildlife friendly rustic cottage garden walkway. A reclaimed water trough provided peacefulness in a moment of reflection while the rich colour palette, scent and the sounds of wildlife, inspired visitors to take time to breathe and reset.Create your own haven at home to relax in by planting flowers in a colour palette that inspires you -now is a great time to plot bulbs to bloom in Spring. Use a bowl or upcycled water trough to encourage nature to your spot. Garden envy by Kate MasonGardening, plants, flowers and outdoor spaces proved to be a very valuable asset to each of us in the lockdowns of 2020. Taking the time to relax and enjoy the garden gave the opportunity to find peace in stressful times, gave people the power to heal, practice mindfulness, regain self-confidence, feed themselves and to succeed.At the Special Edition, Kate’s garden was all about making gardening and its power accessible to everyone, and with just one click away. You can read about Kate’s journey building her border and how you can recreate elements of it in your own space here. Blooming Apothecary by Christine MulinderApothecary began as an ancient form of dispensing medicines for ailments. In this border, apothecary was celebrated in a showcase of flowering garden plants that had the power to heal and support wellbeing.While plants have the ability to heal physically, gardening can also be healing mentally. Watching and waiting for your plants to grow and bloom can be rewarding and rejuvenating. Find out what you could be planting this November here. The Power of Plants is Everything by Lynn CordallAt BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, Lynn’s border aimed to show that even in small space, the power of flowers can enclose and provide an escape from the busy world while taking care of many species. Using a blue/purple colour palette and rustling grasses, Lynn’s border was a haven of calm, appealing to the senses and the bees!Wildlife in the garden is not only good for the environment, but good for the mind. Having a buzz of activity around your flowers can be a great way to stimulate your senses and add sound to your garden space. Creating a space to grow and relax can do wonders in helping to manage mental wellbeing and stress. We hope that the fantastic Beautiful Borders from the Special Edition have given you some ideas for your own space at home.Interested in bringing a Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022? This year’s theme is all about Wild Life! Be it garden ecosystems and habitats, the beauty of untamed natural planting, a garden space to let your hair down in, or a fierce colour palette – go wild with your inspiration and let your creativity flow! We want to know what Wild Life means to you. Find out more here.Get in touch with Lucy Tremlett at [email protected] or telephone the office on 0207 150 5130. Bring a Down Your Way Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners' World Live FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the Beautiful Borders, unique to the Show Beautiful borders
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National Stress Awareness Day
National Stress Awareness Day
Nov 03, 2021
0 comment
It's National Stress Awareness Day Today marks National Stress Awareness Day and we’d like to share with you the power of plants in combatting stress.Gardening can bring many benefits to both our mental and physical health. A great excuse to get outside, gardening helps us to connect with nature, enjoy the fresh air and soak in the sunlight. Getting outside in the garden where you can stretch those limbs and exercise while you dig, plant and pick, is an excellent form of stress relief from physical exercise. Start wrestling with the weeds instead of the frustrations or stresses from your busy week.From improving sleep, to breaking up a busy schedule, being outside in nature can bring peace, mindfulness, and calm in the face of stress. Taking the time to create a space where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings can be a great way to relieve stress. Growing and nurturing the space around you can be such a rewarding process, filling you with productivity and pride. With a Flower Power theme, many of the Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition 2021 had mental health and healing at their heart.Here, we’ll share the inspiration behind some of these designs, with a wealth of fantastic ideas that you can use to harness the power of gardening in your own space… Reflect and Bloom by Katie SmithKatie wanted to bring a garden of self-reflection and personal growth to shine the spotlight on the astonishing power of natural spaces and vibrant colours to mental wellbeing. When we look after ourselves mentally, we allow ourselves to bloom.Taking the time to reflect can be a great way to reduce stress. Whether you’re watering your houseplants or weeding in your garden, make sure you set aside this time to clear your mind, reset and reflect. Health and Relaxation Border by Chris SellarsThis border showcased the power of plants and how they can offer both physical and mental health benefits. Using a white flower theme, medicinal herb planters and a water feature, the aim of Chris’ design was to create a setting that encourages people to step into the border and relax on the bench.Relax in a quiet space in your garden – using seating can be a great way to frame garden features and create a tranquil environment to alleviate stress. Make Do and Mend by Andy WrightAndy Wright’s border was built with the help of a number of patients undergoing military rehabilitation. The sensory use of plants and the stimulation of the senses, such as touch, smell and sound can not be overstated in the process of healing and finding calm.Pause for a moment in your garden and think about what you can hear, smell and feel. The Earth Smiles with Flowers by Jessica NichollsAre we really looking after nature or is nature looking after us?Jessica’s garden was created as an inspired representation of a calming passage to mimic a wildlife friendly rustic cottage garden walkway. A reclaimed water trough provided peacefulness in a moment of reflection while the rich colour palette, scent and the sounds of wildlife, inspired visitors to take time to breathe and reset.Create your own haven at home to relax in by planting flowers in a colour palette that inspires you -now is a great time to plot bulbs to bloom in Spring. Use a bowl or upcycled water trough to encourage nature to your spot. Garden envy by Kate MasonGardening, plants, flowers and outdoor spaces proved to be a very valuable asset to each of us in the lockdowns of 2020. Taking the time to relax and enjoy the garden gave the opportunity to find peace in stressful times, gave people the power to heal, practice mindfulness, regain self-confidence, feed themselves and to succeed.At the Special Edition, Kate’s garden was all about making gardening and its power accessible to everyone, and with just one click away. You can read about Kate’s journey building her border and how you can recreate elements of it in your own space here. Blooming Apothecary by Christine MulinderApothecary began as an ancient form of dispensing medicines for ailments. In this border, apothecary was celebrated in a showcase of flowering garden plants that had the power to heal and support wellbeing.While plants have the ability to heal physically, gardening can also be healing mentally. Watching and waiting for your plants to grow and bloom can be rewarding and rejuvenating. Find out what you could be planting this November here. The Power of Plants is Everything by Lynn CordallAt BBC Gardeners’ World Live Special Edition, Lynn’s border aimed to show that even in small space, the power of flowers can enclose and provide an escape from the busy world while taking care of many species. Using a blue/purple colour palette and rustling grasses, Lynn’s border was a haven of calm, appealing to the senses and the bees!Wildlife in the garden is not only good for the environment, but good for the mind. Having a buzz of activity around your flowers can be a great way to stimulate your senses and add sound to your garden space. Creating a space to grow and relax can do wonders in helping to manage mental wellbeing and stress. We hope that the fantastic Beautiful Borders from the Special Edition have given you some ideas for your own space at home.Interested in bringing a Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022? This year’s theme is all about Wild Life! Be it garden ecosystems and habitats, the beauty of untamed natural planting, a garden space to let your hair down in, or a fierce colour palette – go wild with your inspiration and let your creativity flow! We want to know what Wild Life means to you. Find out more here.Get in touch with Lucy Tremlett at [email protected] or telephone the office on 0207 150 5130. Apply now to bring a Wild Life Beautiful Border to BBC Gardeners' World Live FIND OUT MORE Find out more about the Beautiful Borders, unique to the Show Beautiful borders
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