Back to School - Outside!

Recent research commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed that children attending schools that encouraged gardening became more resilient, confident and lived healthier lives.  The study which involved 1300 teachers and 10 schools demonstrates the power of a school garden as an effective teaching tool (rather than viewing it merely as an extra curricular activity).

Researchers at the National Foundation for Educational Research found that teachers who used gardening as part of learning said it helped improve children’s readiness to learn.  The report also revealed that the outdoor classroom encouraged children to become more active in solving problems as well as boosting literacy and numeracy skills.  So if your child’s school doesn’t yet have a garden, perhaps it’s time to lobby for an outdoor classroom facility?

Style Counsel for the Garden

Having your own personal wardrobe or colour consultant - – even your own personal interiors consultant have all become part and parcel of day to day living for our generation.  Less familiar perhaps is the realisation that now you can apply that all important ‘professional styling expertise’ to your home’s exterior living space – the garden!

Speaking to a ‘garden stylist’ or garden designer will not only help to deliver the outdoor room of your dreams, it can also represent excellent value for money.  For most people, the definition of a garden designer is someone who creates a detailed plan complete with planting recommendations, which will result in a total garden make-over.  But whilst this is clearly a worthwhile investment, to many it is simply not an option, for a variety of reasons ranging from the overall cost of such a project, the imminent likelihood of a move or a feeling that you are merely improving a rented property for the landlord’s benefit. That said, the desire to spend time in a sleek and immaculately styled outdoor room dictates that even if you are not in the market for  a complete re-design of the garden, you may still a need access to some immediate measures which can enhance your enjoyment of  the unrivalled advantages of garden living.

A professional garden stylist can offer a fresh new perspective on your outdoor living zone, bringing a host of inspirational styling ideas all designed to offer designer kudos and most important of all - instant gratification! Delivering a splash of bold colour to a wall, adding a selection of super chic garden accessories, updating  your garden furniture, creating a strong focal point with a smart water feature – these are just some of the suggestions that can transform a dull outside space into an inviting outdoor haven!

For more details of Lime Orchard’s Garden Stylist services:

Call us on 0845 5391467 or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk

Star Sign Style...

Expert astrologer Russell Grant has used his unique powers to reveal what your garden says about you. The famous TV horoscoper has given his insight into what garden style is best suited to your individual star sign.

So for a full low down on the most harmonious choice of outdoor space according to your birth date read on …

Aries – You might put a lot of thought into the creation of your garden but you won’t want to feel committed to having to put constant and regular effort into looking after it

Taurus – You love nature and your garden is likely to be a wildlife haven, designed especially to attract a range of wildlife visitors

Gemini – Young at heart, the Gemini will have gnomes and leprechauns hiding behind bushes and animal statues in the most unexpected places

Cancer – There’s something homely and ancient about the Cancerian’s garden. It will feel as if it has been established for years, even if it was designed fairly recently

Leo – The Leo’s garden is likely to be full of colour and creativity. In the Spring, they will introduce new plants, enjoying the anticipation of what they might sprout into

Virgo – This is one of the earth signs and these people love nature but there is also a perfectionist side to their nature that suggests they prefer to see things tidy and in control

Libra – Libra loves beauty in all forms and there will be nothing ugly or overgrown here but there will be features that will provide year-round interest

Scorpio – The Scorpio loves perfection and that’s why there’s always something tidy and picture-perfect about their garden

Sagittarius – Just as the Sagittarian hates to be tamed or subdued, their gardens will be spacious and informal

Capricorn – There is likely to be a strong sense of traditional landscaping in the Capricorn’s garden

Aquarius – Rather than going for anything traditionalist or formal, Aquarius will delight in deconstructing old garden designs and ideas to experiment with new ones

Pisces – The Pisces garden will reflect their love of peace and tranquility. It will be a serene place where people will feel comfortable and at ease

Personally, we think you might be better off talking to the garden professionals to find out what type of garden is best suited to you and your family!