Media talk of Ash dieback has seemed quieter in the past twelve months, but the problem hasn’t slipped away. On the ground, Ash Dieback (now identified as the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is moving. It has specific concentrations in Kent and East Anglia, but 2015 saw a significant increase in positive identifications across England, Scotland & Read more »
Prunus Pink Perfection: This is such a gorgeous flowering cherry. Profuse deep-pink buds opening to candyfloss-pink frilly, double flowers in drooping clusters in spring. It’s a perfect tree for a small garden and has the added bonus of having excellent autumn foliage as well, with foliage turning vibrant red and orange. It you like a Read more »
It seems that in nearly every garden we work in, the client needs some sort of screening somewhere in the garden. Whether it’s an urban garden needing privacy from neighbours, a country garden that needs to hide an oil tank, or even if a secluded area in the garden is required to house the hot-tub, Read more »
In 2015, Nicholsons were given the opportunity to design and build the show gardens at a local David Wilson site – Adderbury Fields. Read more »
The Woodland Creation Grant application window is now open, with the deadline for submissions being the 31st of March 2016. Targeting water quality concerns, flood mitigation and biodiversity benefits, the grant is the most generous we have seen, with a maximum level of support on offer of £6800 per hectare. Applications tackling the water issues Read more »
In early November Nicholsons was approached by the staff of Rose Hill primary school to build a forest school on their grounds. Read more »
Smaller garden spaces offer a greater design challenge but the owner will surely reap the rewards as the space can be maximised to give all year round colour and interest. Views are contained, detail can be appreciated and construction is relatively affordable allowing some additional bespoke touches. A tranquil courtyard garden Jon, one of our Read more »
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’: This is one of my favourite shrubs. There is nothing more magical than seeing a mass of these fiery, spindly little flowers in the dead of winter, lighting up a naked, twiggy patch of shrubbery in the garden. Another of its beautiful features is its stunning autumn colour - the leaves Read more »
I read a few sad cases in the press last year of horses dying following ingestion of Sycamore seeds, which led to an understandable run of enquiries from concerned clients. With a life threatening condition such as this, you need to know and understand the causes, symptoms and means of prevention, to keep the risk Read more »
The use of sculpture in the garden can add exciting drama to the landscape. Placement is everything, no matter the piece and thought should be given to the following: The piece should sit well in location taking account of other local features Sculpture should be introduced to the garden in a sympathetic setting Plant to Read more »
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’: At the moment, my absolute favourite tree is Cercis Forest Pansy. This small tree is beautiful throughout spring, summer and autumn. It has delicate pink flowers that emerge on bare branches in the spring, just before the leaves start to appear. The leaves themselves open as tiny red hearts that transform Read more »
