Tom Butterworth Gardening Services

07/10/2026

At the bottom is a spring onion from the supermarket. Above is a spring onion grown using organic methods from the discarded root of a shop-bought one - about 5 times the size and tastier too! And after we've used it, I'll just regrow it again from the root - infinite spring onions!

I want to create a network of wildlife-friendly, food-growing gardens - if you'd like your garden to be a part of this, get in touch!

04/10/2026

Just sharpened my secateurs!
Sharp, clean secateurs are essential when pruning to ensure clean cuts and prevent damage or disease. Now is the ideal time to prune many shrubs before winter - get in touch for help with your autumn pruning needs!

04/10/2026

I've had these secateurs for over 10 years, since I started gardening, and with regular maintenance like this, hopefully they'll last me another 10!
Sharp, clean secateurs are essential when pruning, to ensure clean cuts and prevent damage or disease. Now is the ideal time to prune many shrubs before winter - get in touch for help with your autumn pruning needs!

30/09/2026

This Friday, 1pm at St Margaret's Centre we'll be having another go at making plantain salve for anyone who missed the first session. Plantain is a common w**d (unrelated to the banana!) which is often used like a dock leaf for nettle stings and similar issues. In each session we discuss the folklore and history associated with the plant, and the modern science related to the plant's continued use.

Tickets £15: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/b21hf
Concession £8: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/he4h7

29/09/2026

Transplanted this rhododendron for a client in Whalley Range. The plant hadn't been doing too well, which, after digging it up, I could see was due to the "pot bound" root ball. It hadn't been able to grow properly even after years in the ground. After addressing this and planting into it's new spot, it should thrive and do much better next year!
Now is a good time of year to prune, plant or transplant shrubs, while the plants are becoming dormant but before winter frosts.
Get in touch if I can help to give your garden some TLC!

23/09/2026

This Friday, 1pm, at St Margaret's Centre we'll be discovering the history of chilli/capsicum, how it was used traditionally, and the modern research that has been done on the spice. Plus we will have a go at separating or "pricking out" seedlings to grow in pots.

Book now: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/b21hf
Concession: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/he4h7

17/09/2026

Tomorrow at 1pm, we'll be learning the history and uses of cloves, making pomanders and infused tea. We'll also practice sowing seeds which you can take home afterwards!

Join the session for £15 or £8 concession.
Tickets here: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/b21hf
Concession: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/he4h7

05/09/2026

03/09/2026

This is rosemary. It's a herb with a long history of culinary, medicinal and ritual use dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. 1pm tomorrow at St Margaret's Centre we'll be looking at some of its uses, and learning how to grow plants from cuttings! This rosemary in my garden was grown from a cutting made about 7 years ago!

Join the session for £15 or £8 concession.
Tickets here: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/b21hf
Concession: https://tb-education.tix.chobble.net/ticket/he4h7

19/08/2026

Cleared the w**ds from this garden path and bed in Chorlton, and planted some flowers once the w**ding was done. No nasty chemicals, just hard work and years of practice!
Get in touch if your garden needs some TLC!