Top 10 Garden Birds in the UK (and How to Spot Them)

Step outside, take a deep breath and listen. That chirping, trilling and tweeting you hear? It’s the joyful soundtrack of garden birds bringing colour, life and melody to your back garden. Grab your binoculars and your favourite brew because we’re about to explore 10 of the UK’s favourite garden birds—their characteristics, fascinating facts and tips on how to identify them.

Framed Image of Garden Birds, Two Robins and a House Sparrow

1. Robin

With its distinctive bright red breast, the robin is undoubtedly an icon of British gardens—and a staple on our Christmas cards. These bold little birds are known for their curious nature and it’s not uncommon to find one perched nearby as you garden.

How to Spot:

  • Size: About 14cm long, with a small, round body.
  • Colours: Bright red breast, brown back and a white belly.
  • Fun Fact: Robins are fiercely territorial and will defend their patch year-round.

Tip to Attract Robins:

They adore mealworms and suet pellets. Place these on a bird table or the ground where they feel safe to feed.


2. Blue Tit

A vibrant splash of blue and yellow, the blue tit is a cheerful addition to any garden. Agile and acrobatic, they’re often seen hanging upside down from feeders as they search for snacks!

How to Spot:

  • Size: Tiny, around 12cm long.
  • Colours: Blue cap, yellow underparts and greenish back.
  • Fun Fact: A single blue tit can feed its chicks up to 1,000 caterpillars a day!

Tip to Attract Blue Tits:

Offer peanuts, sunflower seeds and fat balls. They also love nesting boxes in spring.


3. Great Tit

Larger than its cousin the blue tit, great tits are equally colourful and energetic. Their two-syllable call, often likened to the phrase “teacher-teacher,” is a familiar sound in gardens.

How to Spot:

  • Size: Around 14cm long, noticeably larger than the blue tit.
  • Colours: Black head, white cheeks, green back and vibrant yellow belly with a black stripe.
  • Fun Fact: Great tits are highly adaptable and have learned to open milk bottle tops for cream!

Tip to Attract Great Tits:

Fill your feeders with mixed seeds, and ensure nesting sites are available.


4. House Sparrow

Once a common sight everywhere, house sparrow numbers have sadly declined, making their appearance even more precious. These sociable, chirpy birds often flutter in groups.

How to Spot:

  • Size: About 16cm, with a stocky build.
  • Colours: Males have a grey cap, brown back and a black bib; females are more uniformly brown.
  • Fun Fact: House sparrows are communal birds and love company—they’ll even bathe together!

Tip to Attract House Sparrows:

Provide seeds and grains in a ground feeder and leave a bird bath for them to splash in.


5. Blackbird

The rich, melodic song of the blackbird is unmistakable. While males sport jet-black feathers and bright yellow beaks, females are brown and speckled.

How to Spot:

  • Size: Approximately 25cm.
  • Colours: Males are black with yellow beaks; females are brown with speckles.
  • Fun Fact: Blackbirds are early risers; they’re often the first to sing in the morning!

Tip to Attract Blackbirds:

Offer fruits like apples and raisins. They also love earthworms on the lawn.


6. Goldfinch

With its striking red face and vibrant yellow wing bars, the goldfinch is a true garden gem. Their tinkling, melodic song matches their colourful appearance.

How to Spot:

  • Size: Small, at around 12cm.
  • Colours: Red face, white cheeks, golden wings and brown body.
  • Fun Fact: Goldfinches are fondly referred to as “charms,” thanks to their cheerful calls and sociability.

Tip to Attract Goldfinches:

Nyjer seeds are their absolute favourite—use a specialist feeder to keep them coming back.


7. Song Thrush

Known for its beautiful, repetitive songs, the song thrush brings poetry to any garden. These medium-sized birds are experts at cracking snail shells to feast on the goodies inside.

How to Spot:

  • Size: About 23cm, similar to a blackbird.
  • Colours: Brown with darker streaks and a cream belly.
  • Fun Fact: Thrushes use rocks as anvils to break open snail shells.

Tip to Attract Song Thrushes:

Leave out fruit and worms and keep an untidy corner in your garden for foraging.


8. Woodpigeon

Familiar and often underestimated, woodpigeons are the largest of the garden birds. Their gentle cooing and distinctive white neck patch make them easy to identify.

How to Spot:

  • Size: A hefty 40cm.
  • Colours: Grey body, pinkish chest, white neck patch, and green iridescence.
  • Fun Fact: A woodpigeon’s diet is incredibly varied—they’ll happily munch on berries, seeds and even crops.

Tip to Attract Woodpigeons:

Scatter seeds and grains on the ground, as they rarely use hanging feeders.


9. Chaffinch

Chaffinches are one of the UK’s most colourful garden birds. The males, with their bold pink breasts and blue-grey caps, are particularly eye-catching.

How to Spot:

  • Size: Medium, at around 15cm.
  • Colours: Males have pinky-orange underparts, females are more muted in browns.
  • Fun Fact: Their zippy song often ends with a flourish, earning them the nickname “Cock Robin’s Footman.”

Tip to Attract Chaffinches:

Sunflower seeds and peanuts are a huge hit with these feathered friends.


10. Wren

Last but by no means least, the tiny wren punches well above its weight. Despite its small size, the wren’s song can be incredibly loud, filling your garden with lively energy.

How to Spot:

  • Size: Tiny at just 10cm.
  • Colours: Brown with a perky tail often held upright.
  • Fun Fact: The wren is one of the most common birds in the UK and holds a special place in folklore.

Tip to Attract Wrens:

Offer insects and keep a cosy shrub area for them to hide in.


Final Thoughts & Your Call to Action

Next time you step into your garden, take a moment to observe the feathered visitors flitting about. Each bird tells a story—adding colour, music and wonder to our daily lives.

Want to attract even more birds? Add a bird feeder, keep a water source fresh, and plant native shrubbery for nesting.

Now it’s over to you! Keep a notebook to record your sightings or invest in a pair of binoculars for better views. The RSPB’s free bird ID app can also help you learn as you go.

Start your birdwatching adventure today, and who knows? You might just find a “charm” of goldfinches or a curious robin watching you back! 🐦

Further Reading: RSPB, RSPB Birdwatch 2025, How to Create and Maintain a Garden Pond, Save the Bees Protect the Planet Support the Soil Association’s Neonicotinoid Campaign

Fun Half Term Garden Activities for Kids: Celebrating Children’s Gardening Week

Children’s Gardening Week – 25th May to 2nd June

Children’s gardening is a fantastic way to engage kids with nature, teach them valuable skills, and keep them active and entertained. With Children’s Gardening Week approaching from 25th May to 2nd June, it’s the perfect time to get children involved in the wonderful world of gardening. In this blog post, we’ll explore the purpose and significance of Children’s Gardening Week, the benefits of children gardening, and fun garden activity ideas for kids to enjoy this half term.

Understanding Children’s Gardening Week: Purpose and Significance

Children’s Gardening Week is a bespoke initiative designed to inspire young minds to engage with the natural world through the art of gardening. Held annually from the 25th of May to the 2nd of June, this celebration acts as a catalyst for sparking a lifelong interest in gardening among children, encouraging them to step outside and connect with the earth. The ethos behind this special week lies in its ability to bridge the gap between young individuals and the environment, instilling a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the planet from an early age.

The importance of Children’s Gardening Week extends beyond merely getting children to interact with soil and plants; it serves as a foundational platform for imparting valuable life skills. Children learn the importance of patience as they wait for seeds to sprout, responsibility in caring for their plants, and teamwork through shared garden activities. Additionally, it’s an effective means to enhance their learning about the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the significance of sustainable living practices.

The inception of Children’s Gardening Week comes at a time when digital distractions are at an all-time high, making the initiative ever more critical. By prioritising time outdoors in nature over screen time, children not only benefit from increased physical activity but also experience improvements in mental health and well-being. Through hands-on activities in the garden, children unlock their creative potentials and cultivate a mindset geared towards exploration and inquiry, laying the groundwork for a future where they continue to respect and protect the environment. This week is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement towards creating a greener, more environmentally conscious generation.

The Multiple Benefits of Gardening for Children

Gardening opens up a world of advantages for young people, enhancing their overall development in a myriad of ways. Physically, it encourages active play and engagement with the outdoors, promoting healthier lifestyle habits from an early age. The act of digging, planting, and watering nurtures fine motor skills and introduces children to the fundamentals of healthy eating through the growth of fruits and vegetables.

Mentally, gardening serves as an invaluable educational tool, introducing concepts of science and environmental awareness directly through hands-on experience. It sparks curiosity about the life cycle of plants, the importance of biodiversity, and the roles insects play in our ecosystems. This direct engagement with nature helps to cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for the environment, laying the groundwork for future ecological stewardship.

Gardening also has profound emotional benefits for children. It is a source of joy and wonder, offering moments of tranquillity and a break from the fast-paced digital world. Through gardening, children experience the satisfaction of nurturing plants from seed to harvest, boosting their self-esteem and providing a tangible sense of accomplishment. The garden becomes a canvas for creativity, allowing them to express themselves and make independent decisions about what to grow and where.

Collaborating on garden projects can enhance social skills, teaching children about co-operation, sharing, and the value of hard work. These experiences not only enrich their understanding of the world around them but also foster a sense of belonging and connection to their community. In essence, gardening equips children with vital life skills, promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being in a holistic manner.

Planning Your Garden: Tips for Success

Embarking on a gardening adventure with children necessitates thoughtful preparation to ensure an engaging and successful experience. Opt for plants that promise quick germination and vivid blooms or tasty yields to capture the young gardeners’ interest; radishes, peas, and nasturtiums are excellent starters due to their robust nature and rapid growth. Allocate a plot or containers specifically for the children, which will instill a sense of responsibility and ownership in them. It’s crucial to equip them with gardening tools that are suited to their size, enabling them to dig, plant, and water with ease and safety.

When planning the layout of the garden, involve the children in the decision-making process. This could mean deciding together on the types of plants to grow or the theme of the garden. Whether it’s a pizza garden filled with tomatoes, basil, and oregano, or a rainbow garden showcasing flowers of every hue, making these choices together can greatly enhance their enthusiasm and commitment.

Introducing a compost bin or a wormery can also be a fascinating way to teach children about recycling and the circle of life in a garden. Explain the importance of each task, from watering to weeding, in simple terms to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of gardening practices.

Lastly, patience is key. Plants grow at their own pace, and it’s important to remind children (and ourselves) that gardening is a journey, not a race. Celebrate small victories, such as the emergence of the first sprouts or the sight of a bee visiting a flower, to keep motivation high throughout the growing season.

Engaging Garden Activity Ideas for This Half Term

For an exhilarating half-term filled with gardening delights, there’s a plethora of activities to captivate young minds and busy hands. Embark on a mini beast safari, arming children with magnifying glasses to explore and document the tiny critters that inhabit your garden. This not only fuels their curiosity about wildlife, but teaches valuable lessons in biodiversity. Crafting a fairy or dinosaur garden can spark imaginative play; use small plants, pebbles, and toy figures to create enchanting scenes that can be rearranged and evolved over time.

Initiating a seed race presents an engaging challenge; children can choose a variety of seeds to plant and monitor their growth, learning about germination and the factors that influence plant development. Setting up a rain gauge is another simple yet educational activity. A plastic bottle, some markers, and a ruler can become a tool for measuring rainfall, integrating practical science and maths skills.

For those with limited outdoor space, container gardening offers an accessible option. Children can personalise their pots with paint before planting herbs or flowers, combining art with horticulture. Lastly, constructing a bug hotel from recycled materials encourages children to think about sustainability while providing a habitat for garden insects. These activities are not only enjoyable but enrich the children’s gardening experience with hands-on learning and creativity, making this half-term both memorable and educational.

Incorporating Learning into Gardening Activities

Transforming the garden into a vibrant outdoor classroom, children’s engagement with gardening opens up avenues for educational exploration that seamlessly integrates with the natural world. Use the act of gardening to introduce basic scientific concepts such as photosynthesis and the life cycle of plants. Encourage children to document the growth of their plants in a garden diary, noting observations in both written and drawn forms. This not only enhances their literacy and artistic skills, but also sharpens their observation and analytical abilities. Maths can be made fun by having the young gardeners measure plant growth, count seeds, or calculate the area required for planting different crops. Introduce biodiversity by challenging them to identify various insects and birds, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for ecosystem dynamics. By tying these educational threads into the fabric of gardening activities, children develop a holistic comprehension of the subjects at hand, enriched by the tangible context of their immediate environment. This approach not only educates but also instills a sense of wonder and inquiry, encouraging them to pose questions and seek answers within the living textbook that is their garden.

Celebrating Success: Sharing and Reflecting on Gardening Achievements

Children’s Gardening Week with a flourish, it’s essential to recognise the hard work and creativity invested by the young gardeners. Organising a family garden show where the children can present their plants, or perhaps a small harvest festival if they’ve grown fruits or vegetables, offers a splendid avenue for them to share their journey. Invite friends and extended family to witness the garden’s transformation and the children’s accomplishments. This not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their communication skills as they explain the processes and discoveries they’ve made along the way. Reflecting on the progress made, from the initial planting to the final blossoms and crops, helps children understand the value of patience, care, and persistence. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved for next year, encouraging a mindset geared towards continuous learning and growth. By affirming their efforts and achievements, you help nurture a lifelong passion for gardening, setting the stage for many more green-fingered adventures.

Take a visit to https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/. They have some great events, some lovely projects and worksheets to create some gardening fun with your children.

We have some great children’s gardening tools which can be found here.

The Ultimate BBQ Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Perfect Grill for Your Summer Feasts

All you need to know when buying a BBQ

Whether you’re a die-hard BBQ enthusiast, a summer griller, or someone just getting into the world of outdoor cooking, choosing the right BBQ can make all the difference. With a smorgasbord of features, styles, and price ranges available, the task can seem as daunting as a 2kg brisket. Fear not, as we’ve chargrilled the competition to serve you up with the ultimate BBQ buyer’s guide.

Getting the Grills Straight: Types of BBQs

Before you throw another shrimp on the ‘barbie,’ it’s crucial to understand the different types of grills and their core features.

Charcoal Grills: For the Purists

Charcoal grills are the darlings of pitmasters who swear by the flavour that only charcoal can impart. They require a little patience and a gentle hand to manage the temperature, making the act of grilling a craft. The resulting smoky and slightly charred taste is something propane just can’t replicate.

Pros:

– Superior flavour

– High-temperature grilling for excellent sears

– Inexpensive fuel source

Cons:

– Longer preheating times

– More skill required for temperature control

– Clean-up can be more involved

Gas Grills: The Convenient Champs

Gas grills define convenience. With the flick of a switch, your grill is ready to cook, no messy charcoal or waiting required. They’re perfect for the quick weekend BBQ in your backyard.

Pros:

– Quick, controllable heat

– Easy to use and maintain

– Versatile for various cooking styles

Cons:

– Less smoky flavour

– More expensive to operate than charcoal

– High initial purchase cost

Pellet Grills: The Best of Both Worlds

Pellets are the Goldilocks of grilling—combining the convenience of gas with the flavour of charcoal. These grills use wood pellets as a fuel source, offering a consistent, wood-smoked taste without the guesswork of traditional charcoal grills.

Pros:

– Versatile temperature control

– Distinct wood-smoked flavours

– Some models can be controlled via smartphone apps

Cons:

– Generally more expensive than gas or charcoal grills

– Can be bulkier and heavier

– May require more maintenance due to the automated features

Electric Grills: The Urbanite’s Answer

Electric grills are perfect for city dwellers with limited outdoor space. They’re also incredibly easy to use and maintain, making them a go-to for those who prefer a more straightforward grilling experience.

Pros:

– Quick start-up

– Consistent temperature control

– No fuel required other than electricity

Cons:

– Limited flavour compared to other grill types

– Your cooking area is tied to an electric outlet

– Not suitable for thick cuts of meat that benefit from a smokier profile

Sizing Up Your BBQ Needs

Size matters, especially when it comes to buying a BBQ. Consider the following factors to ensure you land the right grill for your space and needs.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Before browsing any grills, measure your space. Account for the BBQ’s footprint, clearance on all sides for safety, and the path you’ll use to get the grill where it needs to go.

Family Size and Grilling Frequency

If you’re regularly cooking for a large group or have a big family, you’ll need a larger grill to keep up with the demand. Conversely, smaller gatherings and less frequent grilling suggest a more modest-sized grill.

Storage and Mobility

Will you need to store the grill in a garage or shed? Or are you looking for a more mobile option like a compact wood pellet grill that can be easily rolled into place?

The ‘Extras’ Space

Don’t forget to consider the space for all the extra grilling gear you’ll need, from tools to fuel.

BBQ Features

With grill types and sizes under your belt, it’s time to check out the bells and whistles that could be sizzling when you shop for your BBQ.

Material Matters

Consider the material of the grill and its resistance to rust and warping. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and heat retention, while cast iron may require more care but can provide excellent searing capabilities.

Cooktop Configuration

Chances are, you’ll cook more than one item at a time. Multi-level cooking surfaces can help maintain proper cooking temperatures for different foods without any flavour transference.

Warming Racks and Side Burners

Having a warming rack on the grill is great for keeping sides warm while you finish up the main course. Side burners can be handy for simmering sauces without going back and forth to your indoor kitchen.

Ignition Systems

The type of ignition can affect the grill’s start-up time and convenience. Piezo-electric ignitions are common and dependable, while more advanced grills might feature hot surface or electronic ignitions for a one-touch start.

Temperature Gauges

Accurate temperature monitoring is essential for successful grilling. Check the visibility and location of the temperature gauge on any grill you’re considering.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Nobody enjoys cleaning up after a BBQ, but some grills make it easier with removable grates, trays, and even self-cleaning systems.

Compare Prices and Models

Shop around and read reviews. Sometimes a slightly more expensive model is worth the investment if it means better quality and features.

Ask About Assembly

Some stores offer assembly services. Ask about this, especially for larger or more complex grills.

Grill Accessories

See what accessories the store offers. Sometimes, purchasing a grill package with additional tools and equipment can save you money.

Delivery and Installation

Make sure the store’s delivery and installation services align with your needs, especially for larger or heavier grills.

Sizzle with the Right Selection

You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision and select the perfect BBQ. Whether you prefer the smoky flavour of charcoal, the convenience of gas, or the versatility of pellets, remember that the best BBQ is the one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Get ready to grill up a storm this summer and for many more to come. Happy grilling!

Take a look at our range of BBQs and Firepits.

Gardening Activities for Children

School holidays are the perfect time for children to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. And what better way to keep them occupied than by getting them involved in a fun and rewarding activity like gardening? Not only will they learn a new skill, but gardening projects can also help children to develop their creativity, patience, and sense of responsibility. We explore some garden projects that are perfect for children during school holidays. These are all low cost activities that families can enjoy together.

Planting vegetables and herbs is a great way to get children interested in gardening. It’s also a fun way to teach them about sustainability and where their food comes from. Start by selecting some easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and parsley. Let children help with sowing the seeds, planting in the plants and watering them. Encourage them to keep track of the plants’ progress by taking photos or measuring their growth each week. Once the plants start producing, involve children in harvesting, cooking and eating their own homegrown food.

A sensory garden is a garden designed to engage all five senses – touch, smell, taste, sound and sight. It’s a great way to stimulate children’s curiosity and spark their imagination. Start by selecting some plants with interesting textures, smells and colours. Eg lavender can be used for its soothing aroma, while sunflowers can be enjoyed for their vibrant colour. Herbs like mint and rosemary can also be planted for their fragrant scents. Encourage children to touch the plants, smell them and even taste some of the edible ones.

Building a bug hotel is another fun garden project that children can enjoy. A bug hotel is like a mini-hotel for insects, providing a safe and comfortable place for them to live and breed. Start by gathering some natural materials like twigs, leaves, pine cones, and bark. Then, create a simple structure like a box or a frame. Allow children to fill the structure with the natural materials, making sure to leave plenty of spaces and crevices for the insects to crawl into. Encourage children to observe the bug hotel over time and see what kind of insects move in.

Painting garden rocks is a fun and creative activity that children of all ages can enjoy. It’s a great way to add some colour and personality to the garden while also giving children a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Start by gathering some smooth rocks of different sizes and shapes. Provide children with some paint, brushes, glitter and other decorative items. Encourage them to let their imaginations run wild and create unique designs on each rock. Once the rocks are dry, find a suitable spot in the garden to display them.

Creating a fairy garden is a magical and enchanting project that children will love. It’s a garden designed to attract fairies and other mythical creatures, providing a sense of wonder and imagination. Start by selecting some small plants like miniature ferns, succulents, and moss. Then, add some miniature objects like fairy houses, bridges, and animals. Encourage children to add their own personal touch by creating unique features like fairy doorways or hidden treasures.

Gardening is a great way to keep children active, engaged, and learning during school holidays. These garden projects are perfect for families in the UK who are looking for free and fun activities to enjoy together. By involving children in gardening, we can encourage them to develop new skills, creativity, and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. So, whether you’re planting vegetables, building bug hotels or creating fairy gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in the garden.

How to Choose the Perfect Picnic Hamper for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Summer is a great time of year to head out on a picnic & enjoy the great outdoors with your family & friends. But if you want to do it in style, you need a good picnic hamper that is both functional & beautiful. A well-made picnic hamper can hold everything you need for a successful outdoor picnic, from sandwiches & salads to drinks & snacks. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best tips for choosing the perfect picnic hamper for your next outdoor adventure, so you can enjoy your picnic in style!

Size & Capacity

The first thing you need to consider when choosing a picnic hamper is the size and capacity. Think about how many people you’ll be feeding, and how long you’ll be out on the picnic. Will you be having a simple lunch, or will you be spending the whole day in the park? A smaller hamper can be great for a couple, while a larger one will be needed for a family or larger group. Make sure to choose a hamper with enough storage space to hold everything you’ll need for your picnic.

Construction & Material

The next thing you should consider is the construction and materials used in making your picnic hamper. Quality construction will ensure that your hamper can withstand the rigours of outdoor use & last you for many years. Some popular materials for picnic hampers include wicker, bamboo, and canvas, each offering their own benefits and style. Wicker baskets are classic and beautiful, while bamboo is more lightweight and durable. Canvas is sturdy and weather-resistant.

Design & Style

Another important consideration when choosing a picnic hamper is the design and style. You want something that looks good & complements your personal style and the location you’ll be having your picnic. Take your time to find a hamper that matches your style preference and is both functional and beautiful. Many picnic hampers come with additional accessories, such as picnic blankets, plates, and glasses, which can elevate the experience.

Price Point

Finally, you’ll want to consider the price point when selecting your perfect picnic hamper. You can find picnic baskets in a range of prices, ranging from budget-friendly to premium, depending on the size, material, and accessories. Make sure to set a budget and stick to it. You can find good-quality picnic hampers at affordable prices if you shop around. Keep in mind that a well-made hamper will last you for many years, making it worth the investment.

Choosing the perfect picnic hamper is an essential part of planning the perfect outdoor adventure. Whether you want a classic wicker basket, a lightweight bamboo hamper, or a sturdy canvas bag, there’s something out there that will fit your style & budget. Consider the size & capacity, the materials used, the design & style, & the price point when selecting your perfect picnic hamper. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a hamper that will make your next picnic both stylish & functional.

Picnic Hampers

Happy Picnicking!

The Importance of Gardening for Children

Gardening is a great activity for all ages, but particularly for children. Not only does it provide a chance for kids to get outside and get some exercise, but it can also help teach them important skills like responsibility and patience. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of gardening for children and give some tips on how to get started.

Gardening is a wonderful way to get kids interested in nature and the great outdoors. It’s also a way to teach them about responsibility and the importance of taking care of living things. By having their own little patch of earth to tend to, children can learn to be patient, nurturing, and more appreciative of the natural world around them. Gardening can also help children develop a sense of ownership, as they can take pride in the things they grow and care for.

One of the key benefits of gardening is that it can help children become more active. Spending time outside and working in the garden can get kids moving and help promote physical activity. In an age where children are often glued to screens, gardening can be a great way to get them out and about and more engaged with the world around them.

Another major benefit of gardening is that it can teach children about the importance of healthy eating. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, children will be more likely to try new foods and develop a taste for fresh, healthy produce. This can be a valuable lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Gardening can also be a great way to teach children about environmental responsibility. By learning about composting, recycling, and other eco-friendly practices, children can learn to be more mindful of their impact on the planet. This can be a valuable lesson that they can carry with them into adulthood.

Finally, gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. Whether you’re planting flowers, growing vegetables, or just spending time outside together, gardening can be a great way to bond with your children and create lasting memories. It’s also a great way to teach children about teamwork and co-operation, as everyone can work together to create a beautiful and thriving garden.

Gardening is a wonderful activity for children that can provide a range of benefits and life lessons. From teaching responsibility and patience to promoting physical activity and environmental awareness, gardening is a great way to engage children with the natural world and develop important life skills. If you’re looking for a fun and enriching activity for your family, why not give gardening a try? It could be the start of a new and exciting adventure for you and your children!

Take a look at our children’s gardening tools by clicking here

Have Fun in Your Garden with These Outdoor Games!

If you’re someone who loves spending time in the garden, you might be looking for ways to make your outdoor space even more enjoyable. Garden games are the perfect way to do just that! Not only are they a fun way to spend time with loved ones, but they can also be a great addition to garden parties and events. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best garden games that are sure to keep you entertained for hours!

Giant Jenga – Jenga is a classic game that everyone loves, but have you ever played with giant Jenga blocks? To play giant Jenga, simply stack the blocks in rows of three, ensuring that each row is at a right angle to the one below it. Players then take turns pulling out a block from anywhere in the stack and placing it on the top. The game continues until someone topples the tower. Giant Jenga is a fun way to test your steady hand and will have everyone on the edge of their seat!

Croquet – Croquet is a classic garden game that has been around for centuries. It’s a game that is easy to learn, but difficult to master. You’ll need a croquet set, which includes mallets, balls, and hoops. The objective of the game is to hit your ball through the hoops in the right order before hitting the centre peg. Croquet is a fun game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is the perfect addition to any garden party.

Kubb – Kubb is a traditional Swedish game that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. The game is played with wooden blocks and a baton. To start, two teams set up their blocks on opposite sides of the playing field. The objective of the game is to knock over all of your opponent’s blocks by throwing the baton at them. Kubb is a fun and challenging game that requires a combination of skill, strategic thinking, and a little bit of luck!

Giant Snakes and Ladders – Snakes and Ladders is a classic board game that everyone knows and loves. To play the giant version, simply create a large board on a tarpaulin or old bedsheet using paint or markers, and then use bean bags as markers to move around the board. The game is fun for all ages and is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon!

Garden games are a fun and entertaining way to make the most out of your outdoor space. From classic games like croquet and Jenga to newer games like Kubb, there’s a game out there for everyone. We hope this blog post has inspired you to try out some new garden games this summer and have some fun in the sun!

For a great range of garden games that will bring fun to the garden for the whole family is available here.

Fancy A Picnic?

What about a picnic? OK, it’s much better if the weather is fine, and a bit of a nightmare if it’s absolutely pouring with rain, but it’s relaxing, civilised and the whole family enjoys it.

It can be great for socialising with friends or families for lunch, afternoon tea or on a summers evening, and  provides an easy going environment to catch up and entertain. Here are the Top 10 ideas from Samir Becic, of Health Fitness Revolution fame, and the author of the book ‘ReSYNC Your Life’.

  1. Outdoors – Spending time outdoors, basking in nature, breathing fresh air and enjoying a great view. The pure air invigorates you and leaves you feeling rejuvenated. For those with respiratory disorders, breathing clean air helps clear the lungs.
  2. Family bonding – Spending time with family is always a great bonding experience. In the fast-paced, urbane lifestyle of today there is often limited time for maintaining relationships with some of the most important people in your life. Staying engaged with your family and friends can help build stronger bonds and foster warmth, security and love, as well as feelings of belonging.
  3. Enables communication – Since picnics often take place in warm environments, the tendency to participate in relaxing small talk is high. Simply keeping updated on what is going on in other people’s lives and learning what their plans can improve relationships. Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the party to bond, plan, connect and learn from one another.
  4. Grants time for self-reflection – While picnics offer many social benefits, you don’t have to spend the entire time chatting up a storm. Picnics offer an excellent opportunity for you to spend time meditating about your life, the decisions you have made and the decisions you will make.
  5. Foster healthy eating habits – Meals prepared and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthy than eating out and particularly so for when you bring food for a picnic. The typical portrait of picnics present a wicker basket full of fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains. These foods provide nutrients such as fibre, calcium and essential vitamins.
  6. Stay active: Regular picnics can foster a family ritual where young ones are introduced to sports, games, and nature and encourages adults to partake in physical activities as well. Mini games between family and friends like tug-of-war, 2-hand-touch or flag football and kickball can be played before a meal to help induce a feeling of achievement prior to a well-deserved meal, while playing more casual games like horseshoes and bean bag toss can serve as a relaxing but still active activity. Even consuming the healthy food usually provided at picnics keeps you energetic and active through the day.
  7. Mood booster – Eating lunch outdoors is a natural mood booster. You can be amazed how much the lack of sun in your body can affect your mood. There’s something about fresh air, sunshine, or a nice breeze that just puts you in good mood and motivates you making you want to get some exercise.
  8. Relieves stress – Picnics are a great stress buster as it helps reduce the stress and anxiety related to work and home. Being an adult isn’t always easy and it’s great to be able to ease up on the responsibility from time to time by lounging in the sunlight.
  9. Builds stronger bones – The vitamin D we get from the sun is needed for maximum absorption of calcium from the intestine, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Getting enough vitamin D can help you reduce your chances of getting bone deterioration diseases like osteoporosis. For children, regular sun exposure helps increase the process of growth and height and can decrease the risk of rickets. The sun also provides benefits to your skin by providing a nice, warm, sun-kissed glow.
  10. Saves money – Picnics are known to be quite inexpensive. All you have to do is prepare meals at home and head out to a park or picnic area.

Take a look at this great selection of picnic hampers, there’s one there just for you, and just think how good you’ll feel with it!