This time of year brings out the budding gardeners in all of us.

Kathryn working hard on the borders at Alveston House Hotel

Gardener and landscaper, Kathryn  Mahon, picutured right, has kindly given us some tips for an eco-friendly garden so we thought we would share them with you.

1. Deter slugs and snails from tender plants by placing bulbs of garlic or crushed egg shells around the base of the plants.

2. Try to buy plants and shrubs that attract bees and butterflies. Not only is this creating a lovely habitat for these creatures, but they will eat aphids and other insect pests as well.

3. Try to encourage birds into your garden. Not only are they beautiful to watch they will also help control caterpillars and other bugs that can destroy plants.

4. Try to compost as much garden material as possible.  If you have treated lawns with a mixture of weed/feed, do not use grass clippings to compost heap.  Most manufacturers  recommend to dispose of seperately for the first 4 grass cuts.  Always follow instructions on the box.