My Two Sacks Of Vermiculite Arrive.

 

I purchased two 100L sacks of Sinclair Horticultural Grade Vermiculite, from Marshalls Gardens and the sack were delivered today  

Vermiculite is porous so it helps retain water nutrients in the soil for release to plants. Vermiculite is a natural, non-toxic mineral that is lightweight and has thermal insulation properties which makes it ideal for use as a pot topper.

It's going into the mix I'm using for the raised beds, However I will not be using a 1/3 of the volume required per bed as it too bloody expensive. £37.99 for a 100L sack. When I bought it for my first Square Foot Garden (SFG) Beds on the allotment is was somewhere between £21 - £24 a sack. 

Oakland Gardens - Baskets And Liners

This is a view of my back garden in the summer of 2013 taken from in front of the patio door from the kitchen, when we had finally removed the two swings that my girls when younger had used and I had installed textured paving slabs for the BBQ unit to stand upon, in the shade of the apple trees. 

A view of looking back at my wife showing the opposite fence to my neighbours property. 

Looking into Hanging Baskets all came about as I was sent an email about cheap strawberries and I have no where in the back garden to put them. So I thought I have all those Hanging Brackets around the patio, so I went to Oakland Gardens site to look into getting some baskets and Liners. 

Oakland Gardens sell 5 products in the Basket And Liners category shown above 

Oakland Gardens sent me the six 12" traditional wire hanging baskets - Heavy-Duty Weather-Resistant Steel baskets with six Coco Hanging Baskets Liners - Thick Coir / Coconut Fibre Liners for Hanging Baskets.

Lee Ward of Oakland Gardens also included two of the 12" Easy Fill Hanging Baskets for me to look and play with, and I am so glad that he did, its been a real eye opener for me. 

The Default web page when clicking on Baskets and Liners as for a Quantoty if 4 

I suggested to Lee that the product landing page should not be for a quantity of 4 as my brain just processed "They are bloody expensive" and discounted them as a option, because I didn't initially process the quantity and do the maths to work out the cost per unit. See Costs later in this article   

I noticed this typo when looking at the cost and how it changes with quantity. I let Lee know and he corrected it straight away, feedback in action. 

12" Easy Fill Hanging Basket 

The 12" Easy Fill Hanging Basket is designed for fuss-free planting and vibrant displays. The modular snap-in mesh panels allow front loading of plants, protecting roots from damage. An integrated water reservoir captures excess moisture, reducing watering frequency and promoting healthier growth. Perfect for patios, walls, balconies or gardens needing decorative vertical planting.

I like the way the slots to fix the bar at the end of each chain (a bit like the bar on a fob watch chain are exactly at 120 degrees around the rim of the basket and one knows the basket has to hang level. 

The Snap-in mesh panels are easy to get in place, even for me with my arthritic  hands.

There are four little feet or bearing pads to raise to pot up just enough to let any excess water drain away from under if you use it as a pot on a level surface. 

O like the strengthening webs in between the outer rim of the turn down and the main pot and the additional stiffener along the chain slots. To me as an ex R&D Designer and Structural Engineer tells me this has been developed by someone that knows his stuff.  

Features & Benefits:

• Snap-in mesh panels for easy front planting without disrupting roots

• Internal reservoir retains water, extending watering intervals

• Durable, weather-resistant construction built to last multiple seasons

• Modular design allows panels to be removed or replaced for maintenance

• Supplied with hanging hardware for immediate setup

Specifications:

• Basket diameter: 30.5 cm (12")

• Depth / height: approximately 23 cm

• Water reservoir section: built-in base chamber

• Made from 100% recycled plastic and are UV protected.

Why This Basket Works:

This 12" Easy Fill Hanging Basket combines convenience and performance. Its easy-access panels simplify planting, while the reservoir helps maintain consistent moisture. With rugged construction and built-in mounting hardware, it’s an elegant, durable solution for decorative hanging displays.

It can however equally be used as a floor/ surface mounted pot as the bottom is flat and there are even four little feet/ bearers to raise to pot enough to let any excess water drain away from under the pot. 

Costs from Oakland Gardens 

The cost per unit alters against the number you are going to purchase, on the basis that the more you buy the cheaper they get. Don't worry I have done the maths for you. 

 1 number £8.85 each 
 2 number £6.48 each 

 3 number £6.32 each 

 4 number £5.49 each 

 5 number £5.49 each 

 6 number £5.49 each

 8 number £4.99 each

10 number £4.90 each

Water reservoir section: built-in base chamber

The raised dimple in the middle of the pot with a drainage hole provides the ability for the pot to store water and that equates to approximately 500ml. However what one will actually be filling is the void air space in the material you fill the pot or basket with. 

There is no guidance but to me this screams to be filled with pea shingle of some kind to increase the air void area of the built in chamber with perhaps the used of some capillary matting wicks from the chamber up the pot between the planting windows, I would also cut the matting to separate the filling compost from the water reservoir chamber, to make it easy to clean out and refresh the compost annually. 

 

UPDATE 20/06/2026 

Having now since spoke to Christopher Haley of Plantopia on the phone and communicated via email the sage has said "There is no need to complicate things.. The water reservoir filled with the same compost when saturated provides a similar volume of water.  The compost itself becomes the perfect wick."

Typical me over complicating things, the KISS approach is often best Keep It Simple Stupid   

I could not find anything about how much material is required to fill the hanging basket and asked Lee of Oakland Gardens and he estimated It's approx. 10 Litre capacity and Plantopia don't tell you to put shingle in the reservoir chamber but he thinks, it would be a very good idea.

Fitting The Chains 

Could not be simpler, fundamentally it's bast on the T-Bar: The defining feature of an Albert chain. This metal crossbar slips horizontally through a waistcoat or vest buttonhole (typically the third or fourth button up) to securely anchor the chain. 

In this case it slips on the slot created for it on the top of the rim to the basket, Classic Victorian design principal that has been working for at least 125 to 189 years.

Hanging The Basket 

With the holes for the chains spaced where they should be the hanging basket has no option but to be level when hung. 

When filled with flowers, you don't get to see the clever engineering bit underneath, just like so much of my work as a structural engineer back in the day. 

I have been mugged by my sister who suggested that a nice kind brother would donate the two 12" Easy Fill Hanging Basket to his loving and caring sister, as they would look so nice on the two empty hanging brackets at the back if her house!

Once I have the new fencing panels fitted, hopefully in the next couple months. As there are hanging brackets in 3 posts either side if the garden, I will buy an additional 6 number 12" Easy Fill Hanging Baskets, and may well replace the 6 around the patio area so they all match.  

Finally Oakland Gardens always well pack and wrap their products for shipping, I have ended up with some nice large bubble wraps to use in the potting shed over winter and early spring to protect plants. The tape on the cardboard box will be stripped and the cardboard used to line one of the next six raised beds I have yet to construct in the Back Garden Allotment. 

So Who Are Plantopia ?

 

According to the bottom of the 12" Easy Fill Hanging Basket they are the designers and manufacturers. So I googled them and read their web site.  

Plantopia is a family company, founded by Chris Haley, a third generation nurseryman and Kim Haley. 

In this photo from their web site they look like the Gardening equivalent to David Gilmour and Polly Samson. You might have to be of a certain age to get the reference. 

Chris combining his knowledge of horticulture and engineering has designed a range of innovative products for the horticultural industry which are dedicated to improving plant growth quality and increasing efficiency for the professional grower.

All I have to say is well done Chris a well designed product there, I'm impressed. Their web site is well worth a visit and a surf lots to see. 

Greenfingers Charity News

 

Greenfingers Charity will run Trains in the Garden At BBC Gardeners’ World Live! Interactive working railway designed by Andrew Christie will take visitors on a real train journey at the annual garden exhibition Press Release 17 June 2026 Greenfingers Charity is delighted to once again participate in BBC Gardeners’ World Live (GWL), running from 18-21st June at the NEC, Birmingham.   The much-loved industry charity, which funds and creates magical therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices nationwide, has a real treat in stores for visitors to this year’s edition of the GWL: The spectacular ‘Trains in the Garden’ show piece, designed by driver and rail enthusiast, Andrew Christie, located at exhibition space SC6.   This wonderful show garden, which features a working model garden railway, was inspired by Andrew’s love of trains and the many years he’s spent driving the mainline and running model railways. Visitors can look forward to driving the train themselves and being transported on a journey that was inspired by Andrew’s local community and heritage.   Andrew’s live steam locomotive, the G Gauge, ‘Louise’, will be on display in all her glory, whilst the garden itself is the summit of Andrew’s colourful Fox Bank layout at his home. The train is named after Andy’s wife, Louise Christie, who is the keen gardener in the family and a great supporter of Andy in this project.   Speaking to BBC Gardeners’ World Live about his design, Andrew said: “This is my story of how I fell in love with steam engines and climbed the ladder to become an Engine Driver. Watching steam engines tackle the Lickey Incline behind my grandparents’ garden and playing with model railways my father built for me.”   Visitors over the age of 16 can drive the train for 30 minutes at a time, bookable on the day for £25. There will also be a plant and feature sell-off from 4.00pm on the Sunday, with the proceeds going to Greenfingers Charity.     Continuing to speak of his life as a committed rail enthusiast, Andrew said: “I started volunteering with the Severn Valley Railway when I was young, and hands-on jobs – plus the thrill of driving a small steam engine at 12 – set me on the path to becoming a driver. I’ve now spent 20 years driving on the mainline and 15 years with steam, and I work as a driver instructor, passing on what others taught me. My passion continues at home in Bournville, where my family and I enjoy our garden railway and support local community and heritage events”.   Long considered a must-attend events in the gardening calendar, BBC Gardeners' World Live will be buzzing with a series of beautiful show gardens, top gardening tips from celebrity experts and blooming good shopping opportunities for plant lovers, diehard gardening enthusiasts and budding green thumbs alike.   Greenfingers Charity Operations Director, Neil Sewell, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Andrew to bring Trains in the Garden to Gardeners’ World Live, an event that’s very special to us as it’s where our own journey as a charity began. While Andrew’s garden tells the story of his lifelong passion for railways and the memories that inspired it, we know from the gardens we create in children’s hospices just how powerful outdoor spaces can be in helping people connect with treasured moments, interests and experiences. We’ve never seen a garden quite like this and I think it will be a massive hit with visitors. In fact, I’m greatly looking forward to having a go at driving one of the trains myself!”   The event is open from 9.00am - 18.00pm on Thursday 18th June - Saturday 18th June and 9.00am - 17.00pm on Sunday 21st June. For more information and to buy tickets visit: https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/visit/   Alongside Greenfingers Charity, Trains in the Garden is supported by Blackcat Bridges, British Garden Centres, Brunel Models, CJS Heritage Engineering, Cross Country Trains, Footplate, Garden Rail Magazine, Garden Railway Specialist, Severn Valley Railway and Thrive. “Trains In The Garden is set to be a big display!” Andy concluded.   ENDS     About Greenfingers Charity Greenfingers is a national charity dedicated to supporting life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices around the UK.  The charity is committed to creating, beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation.  To date Greenfingers Charity has created over 70 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices around the country and has a further waiting list of hospices that need help. Keep an eye on Greenfingers Charity's social media channels (@Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on X) throughout the challenge for updates direct from the mountain, including photographs, videos and daily progress reports from the team.   MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GREENFINGERS CHARITY from Linda Petrons – linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk – Tel 07908 221240 or Kimberley Hornby George – kimberley@hornbygeorgepr.com – Tel 07851 610573.

Loss And Gain Of Plantable Area

 

As previously documented I'm giving up the Plot 1A end of "Averlon" The name I gave Plots 1 & 1A when I took on plot 1 in 2017. By giving this plot up I will be loosing:-

9 number 2.4m x 1.2m Beds = 25.92 m²

1 number 1.2m x 1.2m Bed   =  1.44 m²

1 number 1.2m x 1.2m Leaf Bin Bed = 1.44 m²

1 number 1.0m x 1.0m Comfrey Bed = 1.00 m²

Which equals a Total Amount of growing space of 29.80 m² 

A 1.8m x 1.2m (6ft x 4ft) greenhouse will also be lost as will the timber storage racking in the corner of plot 1A

At the moment I'm also in the process of building my Back Garden Allotment (BGA) as I can nip in and out during the day to work it, when different areas are in the shade.

I will basically be undertaking square foot type gardening in the 9 number 1.2m x 0.9m raised beds.

Thus the total square metres of space I have is 9 x (1.2m x 0.9m) = 9.72 m²

Thus I have lost a total of 29.80 m² - 9.72 m² = 20.08 m² of Growing Space. 

Calculating the volume of compost needed to fill the top half of a single raised bed as I'm filling the bottom half old decking tiles and woodchips, thus equates to 1.2m x 0.9m x 0.225m = 0.243m³ 

Thus 9 number beds equates to 9 x  0.243m³ = 2.187m³ 

As 1m³  = 1000 Litres then I require 2,187 Litres to fill just the top levels of my 9 raised beds.

“Mel’s Mix” was created by Mel Bartholomew, of Square Foot Gardening fame, and after much experimentation. Mel concluded that his formulation of 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir, 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 blended compost yielded superior results in only a 6 inches (15 cm) depth.

 
The benefits of the mix included keeping soil friable and virtually weed free with all the necessary nutrients. This mix eliminated the need for artificial fertilizer as compost is added each time you re-plant a square which provides enough nutrients naturally.

2.187 m³ required in total thus  2.187 m³ / 3 = 0.729 m³ which equates to 729 litres of Clover Irish Peat based compost, vermiculite and blended compost/Coir will be required.

Clearing The Brick Shed & Repairs

Add Text Here

 
Add Text Here

Add Text Here

Add Text Here

Beware Of Beehomie

Beehomie, an online retailer of garden and power tools, receives overwhelmingly negative reviews across consumer platforms. Customers cite severe issues with delivery delays, unresponsive customer support, and poor product quality. [1]

Key takeaways from verified consumer feedback:

• Customer Service & Shipping: Many users report paying for express delivery and waiting extended periods, with some items never arriving. Complaints frequently mention unresponsive emails and invalid or disconnected phone numbers. [1]
• Product Quality: Reviews for core products, such as their cordless trimmers and metal trimmer heads, are highly polarized. While a few praise the tools for being lightweight and useful for light garden tasks, several others complain that the items are made of thin, dangerous metal or fail to fit standard brush cutters. [1, 2, 3]
Company Location: Despite advertising in markets like the UK, buyers frequently note the company is actually based in Hong Kong, making returns incredibly difficult or prohibitively expensive.

Check out the overall TrustScore and read the latest scam or delivery complaints directly on the Trustpilot Beehomie Page. [1]