All Seasons Garden Service - Garden Maintenance & Handyman Service

30/10/2026

FREE PLANTS!
Want to grow more plants without spending money? Hardwood cuttings are an easy and reliable way to make new plants from ones you already have.
The best time to take hardwood cuttings is mid-autumn through to late winter, using healthy, vigorous growth from this year.
They work well for many shrubs, climbers, trees and fruit trees, as well as some evergreens such as holly.
🌱 HOW TO TAKE HARDWOOD CUTTINGS
1Choose your stem
Look for healthy new growth that's woody but still slightly pliable. Choose stems around 20cm long and roughly pencil-thick.
2Make your cuts
Remove the soft tip. Cut just above a bud at the top and just below a bud at the bottom. Make the top cut at an angle so you can easily remember which end is which.
3Plant them up
Use a suitable cutting compost or free-draining growing mix. Push the cutting into the compost so that around two-thirds is below the surface, leaving a few buds above ground.
4Label and leave them outside
Hardwood cuttings generally don't need much attention over winter. Place them somewhere suitable outdoors and let nature do its work.
5Watch for new growth in spring
As the weather warms, look for new leaves and shoots. Keep the cuttings watered during dry spells and, by autumn, they should be ready to pot on or plant into the garden.
One healthy plant could give you several new plants for FREE!
Save this post for later so you have the instructions ready when you're taking your cuttings.

21/10/2026

20/10/2026

Why buy more herbs when you can make new plants from the ones already growing in your garden?

With a little time and a few simple techniques, one established herb plant can give you several new plants to grow on, fill gaps in the garden or share with friends and family.

Here are a few herbs worth trying:

Chives

Established clumps of chives can be lifted and divided into several smaller clumps. Gently pull the clump apart, making sure each section has roots attached, then replant straight away in the ground or in pots.

The RHS recommends dividing established chive clumps in spring or autumn, and doing this every three or four years can help prevent them becoming overcrowded.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is another herb that is very easy to divide. Lift an established clump and separate it into smaller sections, then pot them up or plant them elsewhere in the garden.

It can be particularly useful if your existing plant has become a large clump. The RHS notes that lemon balm can be divided in spring or autumn and that new plants can be shared with friends.

Marjoram

Hardy marjoram can also be propagated by division. If you have an established plant, carefully divide it into smaller pieces with healthy roots attached and pot them up to grow on.

Rosemary and thyme

These woody herbs can be propagated from cuttings. The RHS recommends semi-ripe cuttings for rosemary and thyme from summer into early autumn.
Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots from this year's growth. Take your cuttings with clean, sharp secateurs and remove the lower leaves before putting them into a suitable free-draining growing medium.

Keep the young cuttings protected while they develop roots, then grow them on until they are large and strong enough to plant out.

A useful RHS tip when taking cuttings is to choose healthy material, use clean tools and take cuttings early in the day when the stems are well hydrated.

The best thing about propagating herbs is that you're not just saving money — you're making use of plants you already have and creating more for next season.
And if you end up with more plants than you need, why not share them with a neighbour or friend?

If you enjoy practical gardening tips and seasonal advice, follow All Seasons Garden Service for more ideas throughout the year.

And if your garden needs a little attention this autumn, get in touch — we'd be happy to help.

www.allseasonsgs.co.uk

Have you ever propagated herbs from your own garden? Which ones have you had the most success with?

15/10/2026

We're a Nextdoor Fave Awards 2026 winner!

Thank you to our neighbours / customers for your support and votes.

13/10/2026

Give Your Garden a Little Wildlife Welcome This Autumn!

Your garden can be a home for more than just plants!

As autumn arrives, birds, hedgehogs, frogs, insects and other garden visitors need food, water and somewhere safe to shelter as the weather gets colder.

Here are 7 simple ways to give them a helping hand:

Food and water: Put out bird food and fresh water, with a few large pebbles to give insects a place to land.

Help hedgehogs: Offer a little meat-based cat or dog food and fresh water to support them as they prepare for hibernation.

Leave the leaves: Fallen leaves and dead perennial stems provide valuable shelter for insects and other small creatures.

Create a wildlife corner: A small log pile or quiet, undisturbed spot can become a cosy refuge for garden wildlife.

Think about frogs and toads: Leave sheltered areas where they can spend the winter undisturbed.

Keep flowers blooming: Late-flowering plants can provide much-needed food for bees and butterflies on warmer days.

Give birds a home: Clean out existing bird boxes or put up new ones ready for the next nesting season.

The best bit? A wildlife-friendly garden doesn't have to look untidy! With a little planning, you can enjoy a beautiful garden that gives nature a helping hand, too.

Need a hand getting your garden ready for autumn?

At All Seasons Garden Service, we're happy to help with your seasonal garden jobs. Get in touch for a friendly chat and a free quote!

Call us on 01268 211112 or send us a message.

06/10/2026

Conkers aren't just for playing conkers!

As autumn arrives, horse chestnuts are falling from the trees and children (and quite a few adults!) are busy collecting them.

But did you know these shiny brown seeds have had a few other uses over the years?
First, the important bit — conkers are NOT edible.

Horse chestnuts contain naturally occurring chemicals that can make people ill if eaten, and they can also be harmful to dogs. So although they look rather like sweet chestnuts, they are very different. Never eat conkers or give them to pets.

The traditional game:

The most familiar use is, of course, the game of conkers. The first recorded game dates back to 1848 on the Isle of Wight, although the tradition has continued for generations. The World Conker Championships are held this year on Sunday 11th October in Northamptonshire.

And what about washing?

Conkers contain natural compounds called saponins. These have soap-like properties and have traditionally been used in cleaning and washing products. You may have heard of people making their own conker laundry liquid or "washing powder" as a natural alternative.

It's a fascinating example of how plants can provide useful materials beyond the garden.

And there are other historical uses too. . .

The Woodland Trust notes that horse chestnuts have been used in shampoos and as a starch substitute, while conkers have also featured in traditional remedies.
So next time you're clearing up conkers from the garden, perhaps don't throw them all away straight away.

Keep a few for a traditional game, learn a little about their unusual properties — and, most importantly, keep them away from children who might mistake them for edible chestnuts and away from pets.

What were your best tips for a creating a winning conker?

Follow All Seasons Garden Service for more seasonal gardening tips, interesting garden facts and ideas throughout the year. Here’s a link to our October Newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/acb3c4d41735/your_garden_in_october-13348334

22/09/2026

After a long summer, gardens can start to look a little worn out — borders overgrown, lawns losing their shape, and everything just feeling a bit messy. September is the moment when it all becomes noticeable.
A proper reset now makes a huge difference. We prune, mow, edge and tidy to bring everything back under control and get your garden ready for the autumn season.
If your garden could do with a fresh start, give Dean or Jacqui a call on 01268 211112 or send us a message on 07847 720961.

22/09/2026

Based at the Tyrells Centre in Benfleet and Established 2008 - Our Gardeners and Handymen are caring & helpful and for your safety hold enhanced DBS certificates, are fully insured and our work is guaranteed. Free quotes, no job too small. Flexible appointments - one off or regular service
If you're looking for a gardener or handyman, do give Dean or Jacqui a call 01268 211112 or send us a message on 07847 720961.

17/09/2026

👉 Read our latest newsletter for September's garden tips.

https://mailchi.mp/08d652436ac9/your_garden_in_september-13348217

In our latest newsletter, we share some seasonal tips for looking after your garden — and the wildlife that visits it. 🐦🦔

If you need a hand with the garden or those handyman jobs you've been putting off we have appointments available — let us do it for you!