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Life can be tough for birds in winter. There’s less food around, and at the same time, they need to eat more, to keep warm. To maintain their energy level, you can support your garden birds. Don't let garden birds suffer in winter, but make your garden their favourite spot to stop by for dinner. We can help our garden birds get through the cold months by putting out the right sort of food. We show you what kind of food different garden birds need.&nbsp;

Life can be tough for birds in winter. There’s less food around, and at the same time, they need to eat more, to keep warm. To maintain their energy level, you can support your garden birds. Don't let garden birds suffer in winter, but make your garden their favourite spot to stop by for dinner. We can help our garden birds get through the cold months by putting out the right sort of food. We show you what kind of food different garden birds need.&nbsp;
<h2>Feeding birds in winter</h2>
In winter, birds need high calories, giving them the fuel they need to keep warm and healthy. A supply of clean water is also vital for birds in winter, when puddles and other natural water sources may be frozen over. Birds need water both for drinking and for washing so that their feathers can provide effective insulation against the cold.
<h2>Good winter bird foods</h2>
In our garden centre, we offer different types of food to offer your garden birds. Different types of birds like different kinds of food. If you want to attract various garden birds, you should combine several winter bird foods.
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Suet balls are packed with high-energy fats and are popular winter food for many garden birds. Remove any netting or mesh bags before hanging them up, to avoid birds getting their feet caught in the netting.&nbsp;
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Mealworms can be spread on bird tables or scattered on the ground. If you are using dried mealworms, soak them in warm water for up to an hour before putting them out, to provide an added hydration source for birds. &nbsp; Mealworms are popular with robins, blue tits and blackbirds.
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Sunflower hearts are high in fat and can be used in feeders, tables, or scattered for ground-feeding birds. They are good for attracting tits, greenfinches and chaffinches, among other birds.&nbsp;
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<li>Nyjer seeds are tiny black seeds packed with high-energy oils. Because they are so small, you will need a special feeder for them. Goldfinches and siskins love nyjer seeds.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fruit such as bananas, apples and pears placed on bird tables will attract thrushes, tits, starlings, and blackbirds.</li>
<li>Pieces of uncooked, unsalted fat from meat make good winter bird food.&nbsp; Hang them up so that small birds such as tits can take morsels, but make sure they are securely attached so that bigger birds don’t steal the whole piece. And never put out cooked fat, as it is likely to have absorbed salts during the cooking process that are toxic to birds.</li>
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<h2>Tips for feeding birds</h2>
If you follow these tips for feeding garden birds, you will enjoy flying creatures in your back yard continuously,&nbsp;
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Place feeders in the open, so that birds can see cats approaching and escape in plenty of time.
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It can take a while for birds to find your feeder, so don’t worry if you have no visitors for a few weeks after you put up a new feeder.
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Clean feeders regularly to avoid transmitting diseases.
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Keep feeders topped up, especially in winter, so birds don’t waste energy visiting an empty feeder.
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Don’t leave uneaten food sitting on trays, as it is likely to attract rats. Adjust the amount you provide so that you only put out what will be eaten.
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We have everything you need to take care of your garden birds this winter, including feeders, tables and a wide range of bird foods. Visit us to stock up on all your gardening essentials.

Tips on feeding garden birds in winter

If you’re thinking of planting a hedge, it’s well worth considering deciduous shrubs. Deciduous shrubs are easy to grow and need an occasional trim. Deciduous hedging plants often have beautiful flowers and berries that attract wildlife to the garden, contributing to biodiversity. Many shrubs have fabulous autumn foliage, too. So, what are you waiting for, here are six of our favourite deciduous hedging plants.

If you’re thinking of planting a hedge, it’s well worth considering deciduous shrubs. Deciduous shrubs are easy to grow and need an occasional trim. Deciduous hedging plants often have beautiful flowers and berries that attract wildlife to the garden, contributing to biodiversity. Many shrubs have fabulous autumn foliage, too. So, what are you waiting for, here are six of our favourite deciduous hedging plants.
<h2>Top 6 deciduous hedging plants</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. Beech</h3>
One of the most popular traditional hedging plants, beech (Fagus sylvatica) grows well in most free-draining soils, in sun or light shade. The new leaves are vivid green in spring, darkening slightly in summer and then turning gold in autumn. For real impact, choose copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’) with deep purple-bronze leaves that turn copper-coloured in autumn.&nbsp;
Beech grows about 30-60cm (1-2ft) per year and should be trimmed in late summer, giving it time to put on new leaves before winter. These leaves will turn brown but will stay on the plant until new leaves appear in spring, providing screening.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Hornbeam</h3>
If you like the look of a beech hedge, but your soil is heavy clay, hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is the answer. It looks very similar to beech, but copes better with wet soils, although it doesn’t hold its leaves for as long through winter as beech does. Hornbeam grows faster than beech, so prune it twice a year, in June and September.
<h3 dir="ltr">3. Forsythia</h3>
For a fabulous splash of early colour, it’s hard to beat a forsythia hedge. In spring, before the new leaves appear, the bare branches are smothered in a blaze of golden yellow flowers. This reliable shrub will grow in most soils, in sun or light shade. Cut it back immediately after flowering, and trim it again lightly in late summer to shape.
<h3 dir="ltr">4. Rugosa rose</h3>
Rugosa roses (Rosa x rugosa) make a lovely informal hedge, with large colourful flowers all through summer followed by spectacular red hips in winter. Birds and bees will love it, and the very thorny stems provide good security. Trim in spring, wearing gloves! Rugosa roses are ideal for coastal gardens, grow well in sandy soil and like a sunny position.&nbsp;
<h3>5. Hawthorn</h3>
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is another excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens, with flowers in spring for bees, followed by berries for birds. The thorny branches also provide good security for nesting birds. Colourful autumn leaves and berries keep it looking good into winter. Trim in early summer after flowering is finished, and try to leave a few berries for the birds.&nbsp; For a more formal look, trim again in late summer.&nbsp;
<h3>6. Hardy fuchsia</h3>
In areas with mild winters, hardy Fuchsia magellanica makes a spectacular informal hedging choice, with vivid lipstick-pink flowers for months from summer well into autumn. It does best in a sheltered spot in partial shade. Trim it in early spring.&nbsp;
Winter and early spring is an ideal time to plant deciduous shrubs, while they are still dormant. Visit our centre to choose from our wide range of hedging shrubs for your garden.

Planting a deciduous hedge

Find our top 5 plants for the home office to make your room the ideal place to be motivated, productive and efficient. Houseplants bring so much to a room, not just aesthetically but also as they clear the air of common toxins and give you something to feel responsible for as you nurture it, so your plant thrives. There are many to choose from, but specifically for the home office here are our top picks.&nbsp;

Find our top 5 plants for the home office to make your room the ideal place to be motivated, productive and efficient. Houseplants bring so much to a room, not just aesthetically but also as they clear the air of common toxins and give you something to feel responsible for as you nurture it, so your plant thrives. There are many to choose from, but specifically for the home office here are our top picks.&nbsp;
<h2>1. Sansevieria (Snake plant/Mother in law's tongue)</h2>
The Sansevieria was used in NASA's first experiment to see if plants cleared toxins from the air. It turned out they do! Sansevieria is one of the best at doing so and not only does it work day and night, it is one of the easiest of all houseplants to look after. Needing little water, little light and generally pest-free, this looks stunning in a pot on its own or grouped together for a special architectural look.&nbsp;
<h2>2. Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)&nbsp;</h2>
Your office will be seriously on-trend with a Monstera in the corner. Bright, indirect light and water when the soil is dry your Monstera will definitely get some comments when you are on your next zoom call! Popular in the 1970s, this stunning plant has made a big comeback with its big glossy green leaves and easy to care for style.&nbsp;
<h2>3. Zamioculcas (ZZ plant)&nbsp;</h2>
The upright stems with foliage that provides a zigzag effect, this is another easy to care for, a quick-growing houseplant that tolerates many conditions including a shady corner. Its glossy green foliage is interesting and great to look at. Stand it on the corner of your desk and water when the soil is dry.&nbsp;
<h2>4. Spathiphyllum (peace lily)&nbsp;</h2>
When you need some peace from your work, take a look at the peace lily in a medium-light position. The white pretty bract cups the yellow flowers and only needs to be watered when the soil is dry. As you admire your peace lily, know it is cleaning the air of toxins as well as making your room look pretty.&nbsp;
<h2>5. Cacti (any type)</h2>
When the going gets tough at work, and you are feeling prickly, taking a look at a Cactus sitting on your desk will make you feel you are not alone! There are many different types available to suit your mood and personality. Plus, they need barely any water, just some bright light and well-drained soil.&nbsp;
We have a range of houseplants in store, and our team are here to give you advice on which to choose.&nbsp;

Top 5 plants for the home office

Here are 7 ways to style your home office.&nbsp;Working from home is here to stay, and we all work better when we’re in pleasant surroundings. Turn your home office into a welcoming, inspiring place with these top tips.&nbsp;

Here are 7 ways to style your home office.&nbsp;Working from home is here to stay, and we all work better when we’re in pleasant surroundings. Turn your home office into a welcoming, inspiring place with these top tips.&nbsp;
<h2>Tips&nbsp;to style your home office</h2>
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Research shows that spending time around plants and nature improves our mental health and boosts creativity. If you’re lucky enough to have a view from your home office window, take time every day to appreciate the changing seasons. If your office has no windows, put a beautiful houseplant on your desk to keep you in touch with nature while you work.&nbsp;
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You spend a lot of time in your home office, so it needs to suit your own personal style. Whether your choice is minimalist furniture with simple lines, a traditional leather-topped oak desk, walls lined with books or inspirational art, take the chance to express your own style in your home office.&nbsp;
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Good light is vital for any office. Get as much natural light into your office as you can – this helps to keep you connected to the world outside. A smart new task lamp lets you work without straining your eyes, and it’s also a quick and easy way to give your office a fresh new look.&nbsp;
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If your home doesn’t have an extra room that can be used as an office, turn a corner into a dedicated workspace by creating an accent wall where your desk is, painted or papered in the design of your choice to make it feel visually separate from the rest of your home. A decorative folding screen can hide your desk when you’re not at work so that you don’t feel you’re living in your office.
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Stop your office spreading out into your home. It’s worth investing some time and money in setting up a good filing system that will allow you to stay organised and in control.
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Choose your colours carefully. Pale, neutral colours help to make a space feel larger and lighter, and you can liven things up by adding touches of brighter colours that speak to you. Paint a shelf in your favourite colour, hang a print on your wall, or buy matching accessories for your desk.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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For those times when you need a bit of extra motivation, keep something on your desk that speaks to you, as a reminder of things you love about your life. Pebbles picked up on the beach, your children’s artwork, a fresh-picked flower from your garden – place them where you can see them and be inspired by them.&nbsp;
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You’ll find plenty to inspire you in our exciting indoor plants and homeware ranges, so visit our centre to get your home office off to a great start.