Field & Fern

13/06/2026

Nature brings the complexity. Your setup can be simple.

Bringing water into a garden doesn't have to be a massive excavation effort. Here I've repurposed two old bath tubs which are fed using rainwater directly off the shed roof. Surrounded with planting the tubs are hidden and wildlife has plenty of cover to come and go.

It isn't a breeding ground for mosquitos or a stanky pit. By providing plenty of surface cover with plants, crevices for insects to hide, ways for wildlife to climb in and out and perches for hunting, nature keeps the balance. The water is clear, the ecosystem is thriving. This pond isn't managed. It's left to nature and enjoyed. Not a chore, but a delight.

Yes the water levels fluctuate, but they're deep enough to never dry out completely. This is what happens in nature and supports the ecosystem.

Sometimes nature does need a helping hand, but the hardest part is sitting on your hands and trusting the process.

However tempting it might be, never top up a wildlife pond with tap water! Rain is the only gain!

13/06/2026

It's the simple things. Two bath tubs fed with rain from the shed roof, left to nature. Nothing better than a sunny morning to see who's emerging from the pond.

Having watched damsel and dragonflies hunt over this pond and lay their eggs last year, it's so rewarding to find the nymphs climbing the vegetation and emerging this year.

Proof that a small urban garden can be wild.

26/05/2026

PSA for your thirsty gardens!

💦 newly planted gardens need more water than established gardens.

🌖water in the evening, as late as you can manage. SOAK the base of the plant. A less frequent soak is far better than a frequent sprinkle. WHY? we want the water to go deep beneath the roots to encourage the roots to grow to an area that dries out less easily. Sprinkling water can encourage roots to grow upwards creating less drought tolerant plants.

🥀 If your plants are wilting don't be tempted to water during the day, hold your breath and wait for the evening.

💧Consider hosepipe ban compliant soaker hose systems.

Top tip ✅ Grab a refreshing glass of wine and enjoy checking in on your plants and the quiet time and sprinkle your toes as you go!

18/05/2026

Come with me BTS at RHS Chelsea Flower Show build week!

18/05/2026

Delighted to have been involved in the build of Sparsholt College Chelsea Flower Show garden again this year!

Having had my head in amongst this beautiful new rose from Thompson & Morgan UK during the build - Rosa 'Caroline Quentin', I can confirm it's utterly beautiful and the fragrance is sensational!

18/05/2026

This week in the studio, I’m designing a courtyard planting scheme focused on creating a calm, shaded sanctuary where my client can escape the heat of the midday sun.

To bring this secluded space to life, we are using a beautifully layered mix of shrubs and trees:

Sorbus 'Pink Charm': Offers creamy white spring flowers and fabulous bright pink berries that hold long into the winter (a favorite for local birds!).

Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin': Fills the corner with delicate foliage, spring nectar, and striking dark blue autumn berries.

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum': Trained on wires against the fence, it will produce masses of elegant "snowball" flowers from May to June.

Rosa x odorata 'Mutabilis': Planted behind the Sorbus, this incredibly long-flowering, pollinator-friendly rose blooms from April until the first frost, with open-centered flowers that shift beautifully from yellow to crimson.

Beneath the shrubs, an underplanting mix including Geum riv. 'Marmalade', Bergenia 'Eroica', Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White', and Sesleria autumnalis will provide gorgeous, year-round interest.

Whether you have a single area that needs a rethink or require inspiration for your whole garden, I’d love to help. I currently have a few spaces available for June and July. Pricing and details can be found on my website: www.fieldandfern.co.uk

Landscaping by Henwick Fencing And Landscaping

09/05/2026

Very humbled to receive such a lovely testimonial from a client this week 💚

"I have had the pleasure of working with Lou in our garden for a couple of years now.

She is passionate about gardens, biodiversity, supporting the pollinators and wildlife. Most of all she listens to what I would like to see and experience in the garden and very much takes that on board. I have always found her extremely patient and helpful and she is happy to teach and show me how best to look after the garden (which for me is minimal maintenance). She is a hard worker who turns up when she says she’s going to turn up and gets on with the job. To be honest, our garden has never looked better and I know that with Lou’s help it will continue to do so." - KL, Mortimer

If you're thinking about improving your garden, now is the best time to reach out so we can start planning!

Taking enquiries now for garden development, design and maintenance across Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire - [email protected]

www.fieldandfern.co.uk

04/05/2026

Have you thought about growing in sand? It's no secret that I'm a for experimenting with creating the most robust, climate resilient and insect beneficial plants that I can.

Would you like to know more about WHY these plants will be superior long term?

Comment 'sand!' and I'll create another video with the info 🌿

P.s. sorry for the weird filter - I'm only just getting my head around filming and turns out an auto filter was applied 🫠

18/01/2026