DESCRIBE YOUR GARDEN

The garden is at the front of the house and is of medium size. There are three rose trees in the middle and one is called Margaret, I don’t know the names of the other ones.

There is a border outside of the lawn and flowers include begonias. We have five hanging baskets with trailing petunias that are full. Then there is ivy and clematis growing on the wall.

There are several pots scattered around with colourful geraniums planted inside of them. We have solar lights in the middle that are a nice touch.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR YOUR GARDEN?

There are no dramatic plans for the garden. The plans are seasonal, and in the winter I will plant some pansies and some crocus bulbs. I put the bulbs in during the winter and spring the spring. The drive is located just next to the garden, so I often take the weeds out of the paving stones.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO GARDENING?

I am not really a gardener. I was born on a farm in West Lancashire, so I am quite into nature. I think it must be in my blood. My wife entered us into the Trawden Garden Festival and it was her idea to enter. I have always maintained it well, so I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE AND WHY?

The pots and tubs are looking quite well. I like those. This year there is a lot of colour in them.

HOW MUCH IS SPENT ON THE GARDEN?

I buy the plants as plug plants from Jersey Plants. this year I ordered 650. I put them into the green house, to bring them on before planting them. I probably spend about £60 to £70 a season.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY GARDENING?

I am retired and I enjoy the garden as much as I can. I find it very relaxing and it keeps me busy. I like to see the wildlife and the birds that are attracted to the garden. The planting keeps me reasonably fit and I am always busy with it.

You should enjoy what you do and don’t make it a chore.

Depending on the weather, I can water the hanging baskets two or three times a day and the pots twice a day.

HAVE YOU SUFFERED ANY GARDENING CATASTROPHES?

I haven’t had any catastrophes. I always put the plants out when the local council plant theirs. The weather can be unpredictable so you have to be careful when you plant.

TOP GARDENING TIPS

Watering and feeding is the main job. Looking after the hanging baskets is important, because once they die, it’s hard to get them back to recover. If you are busy, use an automatic sprinkler.