Danny Clarke has given some advice for gardeners (Image: theblackgardener/Instagram)
A member of ITV’s Love Your Garden team has spoken about what they believe is one of the biggest mistakes people make in their gardens.
Throughout the year, people with gardens are constantly making tweaks, changes or overhauls to their outdoor spaces. Sometimes they add patios, sometimes they remove them, sometimes they prune, and sometimes they don’t.
Change is OK – it’s a natural part of life – but gardener Danny Clarke says changing a garden too quickly is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Instead, he recommends taking a completely different, slower approach.
Danny Clarke (Image: Getty)
Speaking on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast in response to a question about the biggest mistake people make, Danny explained what he believes that mistake is.
He said: “The biggest mistake people make is they shoot down to the garden centre and buy up all the plants, stick them in a garden, buy furniture and just stick it in the garden without planning.”
Instead, Danny recommended taking time to plan before making any major changes, even if that process takes months or years.
He explained: “I would always suggest, before you do anything in your garden, just relax. Just take your time. It’s no rush to redesign your garden. Do it over a period of months, years, if necessary, but always have a plan and let the garden come to you.”
For gardeners who still feel unsure where to start, Danny offered another piece of advice.
He said: “If you feel lost at what to do just go and sit in your garden, enjoy the space, sit there with a cup of coffee.
“Just drink it all in, the feel of the wind on your skin, the warmth of the sun on your face. Listen to the birds chattering, feel the soil crumble out in your fingers. Just let it come to you.”
Danny also shared another key factor he believes gardeners should consider when planning an outdoor space, explaining how it can help people make the most of their gardens.
Danny recommended sitting in your garden as part of the design process (stock) (Image: Getty)
Danny said: “I always say it’s very important in a garden to have lots of places where you can sit. So think about where you’re going to sit.
“Even prior to that I would suggest you get a pen and paper and plan it. Just plan it over a period of time, but keep revisiting that space. Sit in the garden, in different areas, and find out where your favourite spot is.”
Danny’s advice comes at a difficult time for gardeners, who are facing several challenges, including the cost of living crisis, which has restricted many people’s ability to spend money on their gardens, as well as ongoing hot, dry weather.
In recent weeks, hosepipe bans and a lack of rainfall have left gardens across the country increasingly dry, making it more difficult for plants to thrive.
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