Spring gardening

COVID-19 I have updated this post since it was first published on March 12th to take into account the current situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and government advice about social distancing. Our April meeting on 7th April is now cancelled. We hope to bring you Annie Chipchase later in the year and will advise on …

Sustainable gardening tips

On 2nd February Cordwainers Grow ran a trip to Seedy Sunday in Brighton which was open to Hackney Union of Garden members – and that includes DBG members. I went along with my neighbour Pat and had a great day, coming away with far too many seeds! The event included a talk by Dave Goulson, …

The leopard slug – a gardener’s friend

Irene Slegt, DBG committee member and journalist, has written a piece about gardening for us which will appear in the next DBA newsletter. In her column she mentions the Leopard slug – her secret ally – which preys on its herbivorous cousins. A slug that will do our killing for us! We had to share …

Berry christmas…

I couldn’t resist sharing this lovely picture of a Robin surrounded by ivy berries. I’m fascinated by the bumper crop of berries this year – Rowan, Hawthorn and holly bushes laden with fat juicy christmas jewels. Nature is providing in abundance. We now know that there is much that we, as gardeners can do to …

Flowers, fruit, veg, dogs… and next up birds!

We were blessed with fabulous weather for the this year’s Flower and Produce show. All the worry about buying in too many ice-lollies was for nothing. We sold them all along with enough cake to feed several armies. If you came along we hope you enjoyed yourselves and if you missed it there are some …

Summer round-up

Dear Gardeners – it’s our picnic at St. Mary’s Secret Garden next Tuesday and the weather forecast is good so we hope to see lots of you there. It’s a month earlier than usual so we can enjoy longer daylight hours in the glorious garden. Please bring a dish to share, there will be wine …

June Walkabout

Our much loved June walkabout felt more like winter last night. It was very inspiring despite the damp and the cold. Its always wonderful to get a glimpse into real gardens. Cec came up with a great tour which included quintessential front and back de Beauvoir gardens - each one an oasis of green in …

Middle Temple Garden

Last Wednesday we braved the showers to visit the gardens at Middle Temple. Kate Jenrick, the head gardener, gave us a very interesting tour and described how she maintains the gardens and chooses her plants. For those of you who couldn’t make it here are some pictures kindly taken by Stephen King. Plant Sale A …

May events and date changes

Dear Gardeners, there have been a few date changes recently (and a mistake in the DBA newsletter) – so this is  post to keep your diary up-to-date. Wednesday 8th May 2019 Visit to Middle Temple Garden off Fleet Street, London EC4 9BT This is open to members of De Beauvoir and Islington Gardeners only. You …

London In Bloom 2018 – prize winning gardens by our members

Gillian Daniell writes: ‘It’s exactly a year ago now since we entered our three gardens for the LONDON IN BLOOM competition and went on to win THE GOLD MEDAL 2018. The competition was initiated by London in Bloom and Britain in Bloom in order to encourage people who are lucky enough to have a front …