If you’re looking for a book that marries glam with gardening, look no further than “Start Growing” by Daisy Payne. The resident gardening expert on ITV’s This Morning captivates viewers with her seasonal growing tips and infectious enthusiasm, and now she’s bringing that same energy to her debut book—a must-have for anyone eager to start their own gardening journey.
Known on Instagram by her 24.1K followers as @gardentogarnish, Daisy first caught the attention of TV producers with her passion for plants. Now, she shares her green-fingered knowledge with a guide to a year of joyful gardening. The book covers all the basics for every season with 40 easy, budget-friendly projects.
If you have ever experienced gardening overwhelm this book is for you. It motivates and inspires readers to view each season as brimming with growing possibilities. With a handy “What to Do When” year planner and space for keeping notes at the back, planning for the year ahead and tracking your progress is easy.
Daisy discovered gardening after buying her first home and is completely self-taught. Like many beginners, she struggled with gardening books that assumed too much knowledge and required deep pockets. That’s why Start Growing is designed for absolute beginners.
The book is a visual treat, packed with Insta-worthy garden lifestyle photography featuring Daisy, her signature floral fashion and cute furry companion, Ernie. Whether you want to jazz up your patio for parties or need tips on keeping on top of weeds, this guide allows you to dip in and out for ideas.
Recently, Daisy invested in a Malvern Garden Buildings Victorian Greenhouse. We asked Daisy to put together a bonus section in the same format as her book to share the joys of greenhouse gardening to share exclusively with Garden Escape readers.
Extend the Growing Season with a Greenhouse
Why You Should Give It a Try
A greenhouse can transform your gardening experience. It allows you to grow a wider variety of plants, extend your growing season, and provides a cosy retreat where you can potter around no matter the weather.
What You Need
Potting bench
Seeds or seedlings
Seed trays
Lightweight watering can
Trowel
Scoop for compost
Shelving
Time Commitment
A few hours a week. Greenhouse gardening is perfect for those who like to tinker and tend regularly, but it doesn’t demand too much of your time.
The Joy It Brings
Watching your seedlings sprout in the middle of winter or nurturing delicate plants that would struggle outdoors is hard to beat. There’s a special joy in stepping into your greenhouse on a chilly day, cup of tea in hand, knowing you’re getting a head start on a garden filled with colour in the months ahead. Growing from seed is so much more rewarding than buying fully grown from a garden centre.
