Simply Grow by Charlotte Ryan
Hello everyone! I’m Charlotte Ryan, the new writer of the monthly gardening column ‘ Simply Grow ‘ in the Syston Town News, and I’m delighted to be joining you.
A little bit about me – I’ve been happily getting muddy for years! I run my own gardening business, recently rebranded as Leaf It With Me Gardens and Design (yes, I do enjoy a good plant pun). I’m RHS Level 2 qualified in Practical Horticulture and am currently studying Advanced Level 3 Landscape and Garden Design at Broomfield College, in Derbyshire. As part of the course I’ve just presented my first show garden design to a panel of judges – slightly terrifying but very exciting! The grand finale will be designing and building a show garden at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC. Fingers crossed it’s my plan that gets chosen!
Through this column I hope to bring a bit of encouragement, inspiration and practical know-how to help you enjoy your outdoor spaces more. Gardening really is for everyone – whether you have a large garden, a tiny yard, a balcony or just a sunny windowsill. If you’ve got children, even better – getting them involved in growing something from seed is one of life’s simplest joys (and a great way to distract them from screens!).
For me, gardening is far more than a hobby. After losing my dad at a difficult time in my life, being outdoors and working with plants helped me heal and rebuild. In the garden my stresses disappear, time slows down, and I’m happily absorbed in whatever task is in front of me – usually with birds singing and a robin keeping me company. I truly believe that growing your own food or flowers is wonderful for both body and soul.
So, what should we be doing in February? It may still be chilly, but this is when gardeners start twitching with excitement.
Here are my six essential jobs for the month:
- Give your tools some TLC. Clean, sharpen and organise them – your secateurs will thank you.
- Cut back perennials and grasses before new growth appears.
- Refresh winter pots with cheerful primroses or early bulbs.
- Prune dormant trees and shrubs such as apples, pears, wisteria and buddleja.
- Prepare vegetable beds and start seeds indoors – tomatoes, chillies and peppers love a warm windowsill.
- Chit early potatoes by setting them sprout-side up in a bright, frost-free spot.
February is also perfect for planning – sketching new borders, dreaming up raised beds, fixing fences or even adding a little wildlife pond.
No garden? No problem! You can grow plenty indoors. Herbs like basil and parsley thrive on a sunny windowsill, and even tomatoes and chillies can be grown inside with good light. Just remember: peat-free compost, decent drainage, gentle watering and plenty of patience.
Above all, enjoy it. Gardening doesn’t need to be perfect – a bit of dirt under the nails is part of the fun!
Next month I’ll share more essential spring jobs to help your garden thrive, whatever its size. No garden? I’ll explain how to join community projects or apply for an allotment and enjoy growing with others. We’ll also explore fun, simple ways to get children involved – from speedy seeds to bug hunts and tasty crops. Gardening is for everyone!
You can find me on Facebook
Leaf It With Me Gardens and Design https://www.facebook.com/share/16qSTch6M1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
or on Instagram @leaf_It_with_me_gardens_design
Happy growing,
Charlotte
