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<p>Enjoy a Meet and Greet with Rapunzel!</p>

<p>Meet Rapunzel for a covid safe magical personal experience at Swarkestone Nursery. Have your photo taken and receive a digital photo download from our photographer (included in the price).</p>

<p>BOOKING IS MANDATORY!</p>

<p>Click the link to book your ticket now</p>

<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-rapunzel/e-lxrzgb">https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derby/swarkestone-nursery/meet-rapunzel/e-lxrzgb</a></p>

<p><img alt="" height="720" src="https://www.swarkestonenursery.co.uk/files/images/IMG-20201109-WA0000(1).jpg" style="width: 720px; height: 720px;" width="720" /></p>

Meet and Greet Rapunzel

Do you want a relaxing garden, try designing with Fen Shui in mind: %link%

<div>To <strong>design a Feng Shui garden,</strong> you will need to understand the principles of Feng Shui. We explain&nbsp;Feng Shui&#39;s principles and show you how to apply a layout, plants and consider every area of your garden to ensure it becomes a haven of tranquillity and relaxation. Think of smooth flowing pathways, no straight edges and lots of natural materials and vibes. A Feng Shui garden will fill your senses with uplifting and a delightful feeling of calm. Here are some tips to get started.&nbsp;</div>

<h2>Design a Feng Shui garden with curves&nbsp;</h2>

<div>In the natural world, it is scarce to find any straight or formal lines and patterns. So to feel the flow of nature and make your garden as natural as possible, start with curved borders and winding paths. Straight edges will obstruct the flow of a Feng Shui designed space so stick to curves and the natural approach.&nbsp;</div>

<h2>Colours are important when you design a Feng Shui garden</h2>

<div>Colour in a Feng Shui is all about the theory of the elements which provoke a certain feeling of being in nature. For example, the element &#39;fire&#39; would be shown with plants full of red, orange and yellow colours. THe element &#39;earth&#39; would be green, white and light yellow. Similar to &lsquo;hot&rsquo; and &lsquo;cold&rsquo; garden planting designs, the colours represent the elements of nature and should be placed in the garden&#39;s right areas, so do your research.&nbsp;</div>

<h2>Design a Feng Shui garden with a lovely lawn&nbsp;</h2>

<div>When you absorb yourself in the garden designed with the Feng Shui principles in mind, don&rsquo;t forget the lush green lawn to relax on. The lawn can be a place to practice yoga, meditation or Tai Chi to really bring your body in balance and enjoy your relaxing space. Remember straight lines are not usually used in a Feng Shui so design a curved or round lawn to fit in.&nbsp;</div>

<h2>Harmony with nature is needed to design a Feng Shui garden</h2>

<div>One of the most important aspects to remember is how the design is all about harmony and working with nature, never against it. Always consider what you already have grown:</div>

<ul>
	<li>your soil,</li>
	<li>the climate,</li>
	<li>your wildlife,</li>
	<li>how all of this can help you create your harmonious design.</li>
</ul>

<p>Ultimately, knowing you are working with the earth for everyone&#39;s benefit is the holistic view to take when designing your garden.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Design a Feng Shui garden with wildlife in mind</h2>

<div>When you work with nature and create a biodiverse space to support your local wildlife, you will find a great deal of harmony as you watch birds nesting, hedgehogs hibernating and bees pollinating. Consider planting with wildlife in mind with plants for pollinators, trees for nesting and shrubs for berries that the birds will love.&nbsp;</div>

<p>There are many elements to consider, why not visit us for some inspiration and chat with our team. We look forward to welcoming you to our centre in %locations%</p>

Design a Feng Shui garden

Help your garden birds to get through the winter months by putting out the right sort of food for them. Read more about the best winter foods for birds. %link%

<p>Life can be tough for <strong>birds in winter</strong>. There&rsquo;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&#39;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;</p>

<h2>Feeding birds in winter</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>Good winter bird foods</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<ul>
	<li>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;</li>
	<li>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.</li>
	<li>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;</li>
	<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&rsquo;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>
</ul>

<h2>Tips for feeding birds</h2>

<p>If you follow these tips for feeding garden birds, you will enjoy flying creatures in your back yard continuously,&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Place feeders in the open, so that birds can see cats approaching and escape in plenty of time.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>It can take a while for birds to find your feeder, so don&rsquo;t worry if you have no visitors for a few weeks after you put up a new feeder.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Clean feeders regularly to avoid transmitting diseases.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Keep feeders topped up, especially in winter, so birds don&rsquo;t waste energy visiting an empty feeder.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Don&rsquo;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.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>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.</p>

Tips on feeding garden birds in winter

Make your home office a productive space with these plants: %link%

<p>Find our <strong>top 5 plants for the home office</strong> 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;</p>
<h2>1. Sansevieria (Snake plant/Mother in law's tongue)</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>2. Monstera (Swiss cheese plant)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>3. Zamioculcas (ZZ plant)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>4. Spathiphyllum (peace lily)&nbsp;</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<h2>5. Cacti (any type)</h2>
<p>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;</p>
<p>We have a range of houseplants in store, and our team are here to give you advice on which to choose.&nbsp;</p>


Top 5 plants for the home office

Make your home office a productive space with these plants: %linkfortwitter%

Use this time of year to clean your garden tools: %link%

<p>It’s time to start <strong>cleaning up your garden tools</strong> so they are just like brand new to start off the new year of gardening again. It is important to keep your tools and other garden accessories clean to ensure they don’t spread any pests or diseases in your garden. It is easy to do and can even fill some time up over the winter months until the weather warms up and it’s time to sow more seeds.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Seed trays should be included when cleaning up your garden tools&nbsp;</h2>
<p>When you gather all of your gardening tools ready to clean them, don’t forget any unused pots and empty seed trays. Everything can be cleaned up ready to go for spring. Grab a bucket or bowl, or even the kitchen sink and soak the trays in warm soapy water. Make sure they are well-scrubbed and dry them off ready to store and sow seeds in when you are ready.</p>
<h2>When cleaning up your garden tools don’t forget hand tools&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Hand tools are some of the most used of all of the gardening tools so they should be top of the list for cleaning. Any time of the year is good for brushing off dirt and storing well but at least once a year a good wash and clean up helps to prevent the spread of disease and pests. When you clean your tools, make sure you check out they are in good working order and do any repairs if needed.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Cleaning up your garden tools such as forks, spades and hoes</h2>
<p>All of your bigger gardening tools also need to be kept in good condition so keeping them clean means they will be in good condition for many years to come. Soaking them in soapy water is the easiest and quickest way to give them a clean but if you have worked with them around any diseased plants make sure you clean them straightaway before using them around another plant.</p>
<h2>Plant labels included when cleaning up your garden tools</h2>
<p>Another gardeners accessory that is used frequently in and around the garden is the plant label. Labels are constantly used in soil and around plants, often switched from one plant to another and they will need to be cleaned as well. Wipe off any plant names if you can soak them in soapy water and scrub.</p>
<p>Allow everything to dry off before you store them again which will help to ensure there is no rust development. Your tools can last very many years with good care and repairs on an annual basis at least.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you do need some new tools, we have many in store for you to choose from.&nbsp;</p>


Cleaning up your garden tools

Use this time of year to clean your garden tools: %linkfortwitter%