7 ways to set November alight as the clocks go back!

November brings its own share of challenges to the garden-lover. You might have to arouse your passion in order to overcome dreary surroundings. Drizzle, mist, frost and dark hours at both ends of the day contrive to banish garden activity to memory – apart from weekends and non-working days of course. Here's seven ideas to brighten up your life at this time of year!
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Don't let the light bulbs effect pass you by. Here's your Eureka moment to help stave off depression. 

Why is this particular week said to be one of the busiest of the gardening year? It’s all about bulbs! Now that autumn has officially arrived, (it's the equinox on Friday 22 September) you can plant your little spheres of energy and be not only comforted, but positively enthused because you are planting the concept of JOY! This might not seem such a big deal but you will be amazed at the difference it makes to your inner soul, particularly if you suffer from depression. Which, incidentally, affects around one in six people at any given time.
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A tree for every garden. 10 small trees

It’s almost November and the perfect time for planting trees and shrubs. Even those with small gardens can find plenty of choice, in fact there’s a tree to fit just about every space imaginable. Of course it’s important to choose a tree that’s going to offer you lots of positive benefits. If you are worried about size and structural problems such as subsidence, you will need to ensure that your tree doesn't have invasive roots.  Select a suitable variety and you need not be concerned about cracking foundations or wobbly patios. You'll want some sort of seasonal interest, perhaps flowers, fruit or leaf colour. it's all about choosing the right tree.

Here’s 10 trees which are suitable for small gardens:
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Visit a garden in August. That's where you can go today!

Where can you go today? Did you know that 2016 is Visit England’s Year of the English Garden? August is in full swing and there’s a garden open every day of the week. Come rain or shine, there’s always something to see. From gardens that swing open their gates as part of the ever popular National Gardens Scheme (NGS), through to charity event openings. Then of course there's the RHS, historic houses and National Trust gardens too. Having a day out has never been such fun! Here's some suggestions for places you can go today, tomorrow and for the rest of the summer!
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Six garden pleasures to enjoy and drought problems to avoid this spring and summer

From May through to at least September we can bask in the hope and even the reality that the garden is ready to be enjoyed. The suggestion of a drought feels like a welcome change after the chilly start to the spring! Evenings, weekends and daytime too. This is the time of year that anything seems possible. Dining outdoors; swinging in a hammock; entertaining friends; barbecues; garden games; and relaxing. Take some time out to sit in the sun when it appears, then save your gardening tasks for the cloudier times when you’ll be glad of the shade.
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Colour can actually change your mood. Here's six effects you might notice.

Who would have thought that colour could change the way we think and feel? Why should we even want to bring colour into our lives? Did you know that we have a natural, subliminal reaction to the colours that we see? Colour is all part of a visual language that is processed without consciousness. It can create a mood without anyone being aware of it.

Here are six reactions to different colours and colour combinations - providing reasons to become ‘colour smart’ this spring.
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There's nothing like a gloomy winter's day to make you aware of what looks cheerful and uplifting in the garden. If you want flowers, there's a limitation on the number and variety of what might be available right now. But let's take heart and look a little closer.
What can you see outside? Above all else, it’s SHAPE that catches the eye. Those beautiful trees without leaves have the most appealing outline. Have you noticed how different they all are?
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Ode to the Christmas Tree. 

There’s nothing quite like a real tree for the ultimate Christmas atmosphere. The sight; the scent; the effect. Real trees seem to cast better shadows; they hold the lights and decorations with rather more individual charm; they fill the house with aroma and they arouse the senses. But which variety might you buy; how should you look after it; and what about the dangers?

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Warm your winter with some radiant plants!

One of the things that we all need during winter is warmth. Most of us are fortunate to have centrally heated homes – or at least a heater of some sort around which to huddle when skies are grey. But warmth and cheer don’t always go together. There’s nothing visually soothing about a radiator.

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The flowers are fading in the garden. Leaves are falling. But the autumn fruits; interesting stems and stunning foliage are taking centre stage. In fact there is always excitement to be found outside, if you care to seek it out.

Here's 8 of the best for autumn glory (in our opinion):

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