
April in Bloom
Hi ,
April is bursting into bloom, so there’s no better time to get outdoors and enjoy your garden’s beauty. From fresh planting projects to the gentle hum of pollinators, this month is all about new beginnings and floral flair.
For a stunning, standout showstopper for your garden, look no further than the elegant flowering cherry tree. These trees bring a burst of spring magic, with clouds of pink and white blossom. Check out my guide on choosing and growing the right cherry tree for your garden, so you can enjoy their enchanting blooms each year.
I’m thrilled to say that Plants with Superpowers is out now! This book has been a great project, celebrating the extraordinary things plants can do, from boosting our health to helping the planet thrive.
I’m so proud of the finished product and can’t for you to dive in. I’d love to hear which plants surprise or inspire you most, and which ones you’re keen to grow yourself.
Keep an eye on my YouTube channel for something special I have filmed at Bridgemere Show Gardens. Expect expert tips, seasonal advice, and a spotlight on spectacular camellias. Find out how you can subscribe to my channel below.
I’ll also be taking part in some great segments on This Morning this month, including another Front Garden Facelift for a deserving This Morning viewer. Keep your eyes peeled, as it might be me knocking on your front door. To catch the most recent Mother’s Day makeover, watch it here.
My columns in the Daily Mirror and Daily Express are available every Saturday and are packed with handy advice that makes gardening even more of a joy. You can read the most recent edition here.
I have some brilliant public appearances coming up in the next few monthse. Follow the links below to find out more:
- Garden Show Ireland
- National Gardening & Outdoor Living Show
- Belvoir Castle Flower Show
- Southport Flower Show
I’m so excited to get gardening more this year.
Help me grow my YouTube Channel
It’s FREE to subscribe and you can use your existing email address to set up a Google account; follow this simple step-by-step guide. If you already have a Google account, you can subscribe straight away.
There have been many exciting developments in my garden this year so far. I even have a new series launched this week, the beginning of a Year in My Garden. I’d love it if you joined me on this year-long journey of gardening and growing.
Once you have your brand new Google account, head to my channel to subscribe.
Gardening tip of the month
Grow Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are stunning and fragrant, a sensory delight for the garden. Start growing them this month up supports, perhaps even grow a ‘sweet pea teepee.’

Prepare the soil
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden where there is well-draining soil. Sweet peas love rich soil, so dig in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure to give them the best start.
Loosen the soil to a fine tilth so seeds can settle easily and roots can develop without resistance.

Sow seeds outdoors
April is a great time to sow sweet peas straight outdoors. Plant the seeds 2cm deep and space them 7-10cm apart in rows or around your chosen support.
For the best results, soak the seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination. Position them close to a teepee, obelisk, or netting so they can climb as they grow.

Protect young seedlings
Keep an eye on the weather – late frosts are still possible in April. Cover your seedbed with fleece or a cloche if chilly nights are forecast.
Water gently and consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. As shoots appear, look out for slugs and snails, which love tender seedlings.

Supporting and training
As your sweet peas grow, gently tie the stems to your support to keep them upright and encourage strong, straight growth.
Once they begin to flower, the more you pick, the more they’ll bloom, as cut-and-come-again plants. So gather bunches regularly for indoor vases to keep the show going long into the summer.
A Year in My Garden – Episode 3
Make sure you catch up with the latest installment of ‘A Year in My Garden’ for my seasonal gardening tips.
The best plants for a north-facing window
In this video, I share my top picks for brightening up a north-facing windowsill – perfect or adding greenery to shadier spots.
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Congratulations to the winners!
Keep your eyes peeled for more blogs, videos, competitions and winner announcements throughout April.
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