Growing (with) All Gardening and Phil Argent (All Gardening )

It's taken some time, but I finally have my very own lawn to look after!

OMG!

What shall I do first!

It's 21st March 2023, the lawn is starting to grow, just.

We can now see the damage from our dog, Oban.

The best way we have found to fix the damaged areas is to make sure the lawn is well fed, and we over seed the lawn each year with some new fescues grasses.

We've learnt that the rye grasses are tough and good for hard wearing, but the fescues recover better from dog wee damage.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

So tomorrow is dad's funeral.

I'll be doing his eulogy.

For those that can't make it to the service, or funeral, here is the eulogy.

------

Hello Friends, and hello Dad.
Let me speak for your four wonderful children Nick, Phil, Chris and Marianne and your eight grandchildren Jessica, Billy, Maddie, Angus, Blake, Dexter, Ellie and Bodhi.
Dad, you and Mum were married for over 50 years, you set the bar high with consistent commitment, connection, love and unity, and above all you relentlessly shared your life with your friends and family.
Dad, you prefer singing than to be silent.
You said it was easier to get enthusiastic about singing because you'd always feel like you could do your bit.
Well, Dad, you've done your bit, so let me take over from here.
In order to prepare this speech, I re-read lots and lots of notes from Dad, and notes from his friends to get a general picture of how Dad was regarded.
A great family man with tireless commitment and unwavering dedication, a larger-than-life character seems to have been the words people most connected with him.
A great leader also rang a lot of bells. He was so very committed and dedicated to his clubs and groups.
On the other hand, as a family, we knew him as a fun and caring dad, an adventurer, and a bit of a silly fool if I'm be honest, which I think he would have thought a good summary of his best bits.
You might have experienced him as the dancing horse for the Morris men, a rather strange commitment but one he dedicated 100% of himself to.
I think his dancing was more a gentle hop, his horse's head perhaps just a mask to give him the chance to live in a wonderous imaginary world.
Most of all, we seem to all think Dad, Denis, Coco the Clown, and Den Den had an enormous capacity for giving.
And expecting nothing in return.
I hope giving, joyful and larger than life is how you will all remember him.
Not gone, silent, only to be found near the church altar resting in a box.
Pick your favourite moment of him and remember him that way.
The most giving, caring, big-hearted, larger-than-life character, and funny fool any of us would meet.
As a family, we've pondered how we will remember him, well Dad had a passion for song and often said he had an Irish leg and loved the Dubliners...
So I'm going to hand it over to them for the last words.
Feel free to join in.
I've been a wild rover for many's the year
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

 

I love seeing an audience grow, and I love a bit of data. But what am I going to do to get the All Gardening cafe on Facebook to 2.4m, how long will it take and will it cost a bucket of cash?

I think I missed this point a few years back, most of us we want to be excellent at something.

I think I'd missed that point until recently.

I think the first time I was asked why do I look after lawns (I think the point being made to me was it was too easy, or I made it look easy) was one evening down the pub on a Friday evening.

In 2014, on a summer evening, a good mate who was a systems developer for one of the London banks quizzed me "why" I looked after lawns.

"Phil, you're always on holiday"

I laughed, did he really only see how relaxed I looked, how confident I felt, how reassured I seemed to be, could he not see that I was "always-on", always concerned about my team, my customers, my vans (I had 5 running around), my suppliers, the machinery we used, the results I craved!

"It's simple, but not obvious, you see I want to provide world-class lawns, lawns that people admire and talk about" because by doing that they are helping share the "why", why do I need a beautiful lawn.

I subconsciously wanted my team and business to deliver world-class consistency, every visit.

I like to think now, looking back at that chat, we were and still do.

We delivered world-class consistency every visit, every day for every customer.

But, it wasn't a holiday, it was a mission.

Here's today's podcast

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/75-world-class-consistency

Lawn aeration is the number one task to do if you're after a beautiful lawn, today is the day 2nd day of trading and other news.

Why is it so important to aerate a lawn?

The simplest answer is it lets the rain from the sky, which is full of lovely nutrients, flow down to the grassroots, which helps them grow grass.

The second reason to aerate your lawn is it allows the roots to breathe, and that's good for growing.

The third reason to aerate your lawn is it de-compacts the soil, which can help with drainage, and improves the hydrology (the flow of water) of your garden.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/92-getting-close-to-the-roots

We're build one brick at a time, today's brick is google ads, which I may not have told you but I've done a fair bit on google so should be a good investment when I start.

It’s my latest marketing campaign title, I’m aiming to stimulate people into action. The words “can you save it” often come up in lawn assessments.

I finally got there, the new flyer has been completed and I hope you'll all see it soon. I'm starting by hand distributing them in my local area, just a few streets in Harrogate, hyper local.

The message came from the thing people often say to me, "can you save it", we'll Lawn Food sure can save any lawn, my message "It's not dead yet!"

I'm looking to start the service with just 50 subscribers, I'm already well on the way.

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/123-im-not-dead-yet

April is a time for tea and travelling on trains, we'll When it rains every day there is little to do in the gardens.

Join me Phil Argent as I open up my mind and share some thoughts and insights into Growing All Gardening and anything else that comes to mind. For all the Growing All Gardening episodes head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allgardening⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn about Lawn Plan and All Gardening ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AllGardeningls Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allgardeningls⁠⁠⁠

I wanted to share something that I think is obvious to those of us who work outside, but less obvious to indoor folk, the growing of a lawn starts long before it needs a cut.

This means you could take a little more care of the lawn a little earlier than you think and it will deliver a wonderful surprise.

A lawn that's been cared for throughout winter, and into early spring will be spectacular come to the heart of springtime.

Getting ahead is something I'm always encouraging people to think about, I even tell my children that it's a good thing to think about.

Because being ahead is far easy and more fun than being behind.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/84-growing-starts-gradually 

It's never easy getting a new business off the ground, even if you've done it before, several times.

Getting things going i find is a careful balance between spending funds and building relationships.

Today this balance was perfectly shown, Babs works in accounts for Paul Yates Hire in Knaresborough, I popped in to check out there machines.

I later called Babs to book an aerator for a new job starting next week, I spoke about what I needed, and I spoke about getting started (again), she listened and was very nice.

I booked a collection and delivery, eventually for two machines, on different days assuming a delivery and collecton charge for both days, both machines, I said thanks and put the phone down.

But Babs called back, Babs made the suggestion that if I finished with one before I wanted the next one, they could collect and deliver at the same time, saving me money.

That was nice, she didn't need to suggest that.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/90-babs-and-machines

If you had the chance to start with a blank garden canvas.

What would you do first.

Would you plant a tree?

Would you put in a patio?

Would you carve out an area for flowers?

Would you grow a fine lawn?

Or

Put in a shed.

Put in potatoes.

Grow tomatoes.

Or would you just grab a chair and sit in your garden.

Grab a brew, a glass of wine, a beer, and ponder.

Find your favourite spot perhaps.

You know that sunny warm spot.

You see to really know how to grow a garden, you must know what you want it to be.

To know what you want it to be, you must take time to understand what it is.

Or what it could be.

Or what it could give you.

Think slow, take the time, discover what it is to you.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

I said to my mother that I wanted to build something big, a big community. That was always the idea of All Gardening. 

The season is rolling in.

Today it currently feels like 16c but it's actually 17c.

There is a cooling wind.

There is clear skies.

It feels warm.

Which is nice.

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Phew, today I moved heaven and earth, literally. Today I was cracking on with a 430m2 lawn renovation, but fitted in 2 assessments on the hop. Well today things are starting to work, in a most familiar way. Which should be easy to manage, but change isn't always easy to manage. I've moved from very humble beginnings 2 weeks ago to now having a good gathering of new customers for lawn care, lawn renovation and lawn repairs around my home town of Harrogate. But it's just the beginning and I need to spend some time making sure I'm building back a better All Gardening. The move from idea to trading (note that was 1st of March), to really going has happened perhaps as fast as I'd expect, but it's still not easy. What happened today makes me think we're moving into a new stage on this lawn business, past the start and more into the build. What sign tells me that, well so far all the effort has been outbound marketing and sales, BUT, today was the first incoming enquiry. It was a small lawn, just local to me, needed some care to bring it back to it's best, it wasn't too far gone so easy to pull back. Here's today's podcast: Episode Home: https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/102-incoming-growth

So 3 weeks ago I fully renovated a lawn.

A small lawn.

But a lawn that was 80% weeds and moss.

After I'd carried out some moss control, double scarified it I can tell you there was little left of it.

Then I over seeded at 30grms per meter.

Then I over dressed it with a duvet of Jacks Magic Compost.

Then I covered it over with germination sheet.

It was then left.

It was cold.

It wasn't growing.

Then it did.

Today the covers came off.

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

It’s true, we knew the lawn spreader we had bought at the time was no good, we also knew the lawn feed we were about to use was going to do something that we simply wouldn’t have experienced the results of before.

But, we got on with it all the same.

Till some days later, we had a chat with the owner of the lawn, one of the biggest public lawns at Henley Royal Regatta, it had gone brown, very brown.

We found out some week later this was exactly what we wanted to see happen, but we simply hadn’t experienced the results before, so we were terrified that we had killed the lawn only a few months before the annual Henley Royal Regatta.

The good news is, it wasn’t so bad.

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/4-we-thought-we-destroyed-a-lawn-at-henley-royal-regatta

I loved the original story, the man who planted trees, but I know feel that All Gardening is planting lawns… one at a time.

Podcast Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/118-the-man-who-planted-lawns

It's starts slowly. Grass growth.

The grass always does that.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Today I changed back the logo on the All Gardening website, a simple enough task, but a vital one.

You see I've started to settle on a real purpose for All Gardening, and it was a long way to go, but it's come from a heart felt place.

The All Gardening logo tells a story, an ALL story, it tells a story of doing everything, then one day doing just one thing.

Today and into the future I plan to grow the finest lawns in and around London and Yorkshire.

Deciding on that has been a journey I'll try and share in this podcast.

Join me Phil Argent as I open up my mind and share some thoughts and insights into Growing All Gardening and anything else that comes to mind.

For all the Growing All Gardening episodes head to https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allgardening

To learn about Lawn Plan and All Gardening

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AllGardeningPinner/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allgardeningls

It always surprises me when I service the lawn mowers for All Gardening.

In the past I've had as many as nine to get through.

If I'm honest I really enjoy starting them up, when there fresh.

I do three tasks, and I normally do them in a specific order.

The order happens.

First I remove the old oil, I have a small seaside bucket I use to catch the oil.

Second I add the new oil, SP 30, nice stuff, it's clean. I do the fill in two parts, I add 500ml ish, it's measured, then I check the dip stick, and then I top up to the level required. Don't over fill, it can affect the engine performance.

Third I remove the spark plug and add in a new one. I always check the old sparks condition, if it's a little blackened I change the air filter.

That's it. One, Two, and Three.

I start the machine up, give it a few minutes to settle down, and then put the blades in action, just to feel the weight on the engine.

More times than not, it's all smooth.

Normally, we do this to each machine 2 times per season, at the start around February, and then in July, it keeps things running along.

Here's today's podcast.

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

Just a little stats update, we have now 7000 people following our Facebook page and over 1000 members in our Facebook group, have you joined our mission yet? Check out our page on Facebook to learn more

The mowers we use matters.

Over the years there has only really been one machine we use.

A Hayter 48 Pro.

It the foundation machine of our Lawn Plan Complete service, I'd go so far as saying it's the main reason we developed the service, "the machine was too good to just {cut} grass"

But over the years, as Hayter has changed ownership, the product has changed.

The machine hasn't always been very good. Perhaps over the last 18 years there has been 3-4 models of the same machine we have purchased.

I'd go so far as saying we have bought 15 to date.

But most of the 15 have had significant issues that have cost a lot to fix.

Mostly the rear roller assembly and gear box, and drive system.

BUT.

With the machine that I bought last year I can say its the best model so far.

The new rear roller and gear system are ace, robust to the last detail.

The carrying handle is back on, it could be better placed a little more mid machine than back of machine to make the lift less dead weight, and more balanced between back and from axle.

The washing system, good bar not quite up to the job. To keep things in order it's best to pressure wash often and use the wash system in summer days.

The wheels are great, robust and strong.

BUT.

The biggest change that will save many many hours and much wear and tear is the new bumper bar, and the little end of bar plugs.

Here's today's podcast and below a video review too.

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

So it hasn't rained for 3 weeks.

Not good for any lawn or garden.

But knowing when a lawn needs watering requires a simple test.

Grab your screw driver!

I tell you more on todays podcast.

Here is today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

So here we are at the 100th podcast.

Looking back at it I never really thought I'd get here, but now I am I think it would be good to think about whats going to happen in the next 100 episodes.

It's hard to say because I don't really plan these daily (ish) podcasts, I just share whats going through my mind on the day, it could be about lawn treatments that i'm going to carry out in Harrogate.

It could be about something I'm trying to set up for the business.

It could be just taking a moment to look back and being grateful for what I have and what I think I'll be able to do in the future.

Exciting times ahead.

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/100-its-just-the-beginning

Ok, it’s raining a lot, the ground is very wet, and f you haven’t looked after your lawn your going to be growing a whole load in of moss. Let’s talk about how to manage it. And as I've said before, whilst growing grass might be simple, running a business that does it is not easy. So few do. Join me Phil Argent as I open up my mind and share some thoughts and insights into Growing All Gardening and anything else that comes to mind.

Lawn about Lawn Plan ⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/lawn-plan-complete⁠

For all the Growing All Gardening episodes head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allgardening⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn about Lawn Plan and All Gardening ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/AllGardeningPinner/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/allgardeningls⁠

Well, it's the best thing I can do this time of year, go look at other superfine lawns. 

Today I'll be playing at Northcliffe Golf Club.

Here's today's podcast home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/115-lawn-plan

There can be more than one way….

Funny how things go sometimes.

My son wanted to go to a trampoline park, (Jump Inc) with his mates.

To get there he'd need "dad's taxi", you know the one that takes and waits, but the wait time has no charge.

We had to collect Oli his best mate, his dad is called Bob.

Bob's a nice guy, and he has a load of apple trees.

Each year Bob makes cider from his apple trees.

When I drove into the drive at Bob's place, I noticed that there was a fruit press at the gate, which normally indicates it ready for scrap collection.

I asked Bob if the fruit press worked, and he said it does, "but it's too small for my needs now".

Bob's is up leveling his cider making.

So I took the fruit press.

I'm going to give it a clean.

Then I'm going to use it to make cider.

I'm starting my journey of apple juice and cider making.

If I wasn't driving "dad's taxi", I wouldn't have met Bob, and if I hadn't met Bob, the fruit press would have gone to scrap.

But the fruit press now has a new life ahead of it.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

So to speed up I need to slow down.

I know that sounds mad but it's totally right. If I'm going to do things right for the long term the thinking and doing has to be spot on.

From a lawn care perspective, spring is very very near, I've even spotted the bigger broadleaf weeds start to appear and flourish.

But for now, for today, it's a Sunday, and I thought it would be a good idea to look back on the week that was and have a good think about the week ahead.

Here's today's podcast

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/95-sunday-session-1

A few days ago I asked the community on youtube what they would like me to share with them via my podcast and blog.

A few people come back with some ideas.

But not as many as I'd expect.

I guess it's hard to say what you want to know when you don't know what can be or should be done.

So perhaps I'd best start with something simple.

The best way.

There was a resounding vote for info on a Lawn Maintenance Schedule.

Knowing what to do when.

Knowing in what order.

Knowing what to look for when you do each part.

Keep in mind every lawn is different to some extent.

You can follow a best practices route, and see where that gets you.

Here's todays podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

So it's time to move on.

I'm nervous to be honest.

I've designed an email campaign to firmly root my thinking on the progress of All Gardening - the long term.

In the email I'll be sharing less. But pointing to more.

I'll share a habit.

I'll share some ideas.

I'll share less.

I'll share a long term plan.

I'll share a start point.

The email, one that I'll write every week to go out on a Friday about 5PM.

It's going to be called Notes from the Shed.

This Friday is No.1

How long will it go on.

Why didn't I start this earlier.

What will it lead to.

I'm nervous. This feels like an experiment.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

I've got that winter feeling, a January feeling, one that's very familiar.

This poem that I heard today reminded me of the feelings of January.

January by Henry Wadsworth

Janus am I; oldest of potentates; Forward I look, and backward, and below I count, as god of avenues and gates, The years that through my portals come and go. I block the roads, and drift the fields with snow; I chase the wild-fowl from the frozen fen; My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow, My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men.

This poem is in the public domain.

Here’s today’s podcast and my reading of the poem.

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/gardening-blog/2022/1/12/156-my-frosts-congeal-the-rivers-in-their-flow

Well, we could admin to being slightly OCD, but we're not really, we're just very passionate about lawns.

We like to think we are just a bit ahead of the incoming season, doing what we can to get ready for the main season when there is no let-up.

For now, we all have time to learn that a sharp lawnmower blade sounds different to a blunt lawn mower blade.

In 14 days.

Hello everyone! ❤️

Build something "big and beautiful", that's some of the last words my mum said to me before she passed away this year.

She loved her friends, her garden and loved to travel with a camera in hand, so much so that I thought I'd build the All Gardening Cafe group (worldwide) as a memento to her.

She would have loved to have seen all the gardens and flowers, friends, comments and pictures, so much beauty, sharing and learning. 

It would have made her smile a huge smile.

In the first 60 days we have become nearly 3000 worldwide members, wow! ❤️  with over 60,000 comments! Wow!

I laughed to my mum that Facebook had 468m people worldwide on it who loved gardening, I said "would that be big enough?" 

She smiled and laughed, even though it nearly killed her to laugh, she wasn't ready for giving up but poor health had taken its toll.

We move on. 

I'd like to keep building the group, I think it's a good thing.

So, to start i'd to learn more about you all, about the community we are building across the world and how we might be able to help each other all learn, enjoy and grow plants, flowers and gardens, either begin or get better at it.

I'm thinking I might be able to build a small business opportunity that services all your gardening needs, in one place. 

A small business designed by a community, by you, for you. If that makes sense!

So I've made a short survey, all the images have come from the posts from the group.

It will take just a minute to complete, hope you are happy to help. 

If you drop in an email, I'll make sure to send you all a short overview on what I learn.

Thanks loads

Keep smiling, gardening and loving your friends. 

Cheers, love as always.

Phil xxx ❤️

Yes, I have a lawn now, and I have fed it today. It will take time to grow. But I'd expect results of some kind within a week or 2.

I can't say it's been easy, but I've started to learn about my ADHD and Dyslexic mind and how it has limited my life. Let's start there. I also talk about how I can now harness my mind in order to identify the smallest yet most important changes to my business All Gardening. Lastly, I'll chat about the future and having a newfound sense of optimism that there is a confident future ahead. Join me Phil Argent as I open up my mind and share some thoughts and insights into Growing All Gardening and anything else that comes to mind. For all the Growing All Gardening episodes head to https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allgardening To learn about Lawn Plan and All Gardening https://www.allgardening.co.uk/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AllGardeningPinner/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allgardeningls

Here's my list:

1. No one is listening, but if they are - I love that saying, when I started I thought who was listening mattered, but at the start no one was listening, I found comfort in that, it made it easier.
2. 23'000 people have now listened to the podcast in 104 countries, over 400 cities. Which is amazing. I (me Phil), and All Gardening have a worldwide audience, the question I ponder is just what can I offer the world?
3. People who click through to the website stick around to learn more, like 98.64% dig deeper into All Gardening.
4. 37% of all my website traffic comes from people discovering the blog attached to the podcast or the other way round, I'm not sure they are both one and the same thing. 
5. People listen to me to drop off, when travelling on a train or plane, in bed, in the bath, which makes me think I'm a calm voice perhaps and a good companion.
6. A lazy discipline, I don't feel I NEED to try hard to do the podcasts, after maybe 60-70 podcasts they are easy to do, I just try and make them better, have more depth of information.
7. I have a structure to building each podcast, first I write about the days subject in the form of a short blog, I use a few key words but limit any SEO hacks in favour of system thinking (like today's is about the 200th podcast). I then I use Spotify for producers and do the podcast, Spotify helps to link all the podcast channels. I link the content from the blog to the podcasts which creates the discriptions and links (back to my website), I then use Headliner to auto generate a Youtube video.
8. Growing All Gardening is more radio station than podcast. My podcasts are chatty, around the subject of gardens, lawns and business, but all to often i stray, but on most podcasts I eventually come back to home, which is kinda like a game in my mind.
9. It's become part of my day, part of me, part of the identity of All Gardening. I'm proud of the "works" I've created.
10. Building the content for each podcast gets easier every episode, I focus on what I'm doing to move my business forward, think about my customer ahead, and try to bring them closer to me through a daily story.

I guess the thing I've really learnt is doing the podcast sets my day.

I guess doing the podcast has created a story of me and All Gardening.

I guess the story is building a brand.

The brand I'm building is a personal, trustworthy, friendly, open, chatty, kinfolk, and an international brand.

I guess when I travel, If I tell people I'll be travelling somewhere, maybe they will come and meet me?

My past is rooted in the podcast.

I think being able to access the past is powerful.

After all AI is being trained by understanding the past.

One day perhaps someone will join me on the podcast, I don't know who or when, but I hope when it happens it will be a joy for me and the many who will have travelled with me and All Gardening.

I think businesses, and people who tell stories have better lives.

Stories give anything depth.

So to end today's blog and podcast, I say this, I know someone is listening, thank you.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

If I go back to the conversation I had with my mum about building something “big and beautiful” It gives me the ability to understand that maybe the Facebook group building is not just group building but more than that it’s bigger.

I’ve today started an Instagram account, you can find it if you search All Gardening Cafe on Instagram.

I’m thinking that the content on the Facebook group should be shared on the Instagram account using the hashtag #allgardeningcafe.

Where will it go? who knows.

Here’s today’s podcast.

If I was to say one thing about building a business, it’s how it’s similar to growing a lawn, it’s all about the ground works, the foundations.

So starting a small business was never going to be easy, but that's defiantly where I'm at.

On this podcast, I highlight some of what has happened in the last 3 weeks, how I have made decisions and what is the progress to date.

I also talk about getting a start-up loan, buying a van, building a new website and getting focused on one service, which is Lawn Plan.

Small steps, done each day, more and more focus on making this work.

Episode Home

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/82-grateful-for-the-progress

Old oaks are a gateway to the past

There are few things that give us a chance to ponder the past.

There are few things that have done so much to be a custodian of the gardens.

More importantly old oaks look after the surrounding environment and eco systems.

Do you know where your nearest old oak is?

Do you want to know?

Our good friend Ben Pollard from Mighty Fine Oaks has spent much of the last 10 years tracking down these old oak trees, learning about their stories and most importantly harvesting the acorns from each tree and growing them on.

To date Ben has grown over 2000 oak saplings, some now 7 years old and over 4m high.

He encourages you to plant your own oak.

Ben says "Oak trees are a symbol of many of the good things in life: generosity, stability, resilience, connection, strength, persistence, joy."

When you come to plant an oak, remember these words were written for you ...

"These trees which he plants, and under whose shade he shall never sit, he loves them for themselves, and for the sake of his children and his children's children, who are to sit beneath the shadow of their spreading boughs."

Hyacinthe Loyson, 1866 (translated from the French)

Here's a link to Mighty Fine Oaks, you can watch a video about Mighty Fine Oaks and Ben's mission.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

Today I visited a lawn, it was at a new build house, let's say there wasn't much lawn to talk about, more holes, bricks weeds and some couch grass.

Which reminded me of a problem my lawn has, both my house and the lawn I was assessing had one thing in common, new builds, you just don't know what's under the grass waiting to appear.

You see my home, which I moved into just over a year ago, on the edge of harrogate, it's a farm house style build has a small 240m2 lawn, a new lawn, not very flat, I believe from what I'm told it was laid during heavy rain, it has holes in it the size of foot prints! (Note: I have a new lawn to lay this year, mine!)

During the summer of 2021 I started to notice a rectangular area of my lawn appearing to burning out (lose colour and turn to yellow straw) very very fast, there was no reason for this, the lawn was in generally good condition for the time of year.

This could only mean one thing, looking at the size of the rectangle, there was a for sale sign under the lawn!

But my lawn wasn't for sale!

Just goes to show, if you want a nice lawn, what goes under the grass, in the root zone is something you really need to know about, because it's the root zone that makes a lawn grow.

If you have a new build, and you don't know how it's been built, you might want to have a poke about, before something starts to appear, bricks and sand are normal, for sale signs and planks less so!

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/80-my-lawn-is-not-for-sale

I think the stats talk for themselves, 100k engagements in the last 60 days, 3017 members of the All Gardening Cafe group (the mission my mum set me), and 8347 followers. 

It's just the start but I build a Facebook page, group and audience that love gardening. 

I have tried to grow plants in the past and they have died.

I have tried to grow a perfect lawn in the past, it's looked rough.

I have trusted people before, and they have let me down.

But..

I have tried to grow plants in the past and they have become beautiful.

I have tried to grow a perfect lawn in the past and it has become stunning.

I have trusted people before, and they have shone a beautiful path.

You'll only know if you're too optimistic by trying.

The journey is all the more exciting, not knowing.

Here's to the optimists!

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/trees/i-speak-for-the-trees

A trip to see Holland and Holland gave me a huge new insight.

https://hollandandholland.com/

The biggest learning was this, when you do one thing well, really well, I grow fine English lawns, Hollan and Holland make the finest guns, you can share the passion with anyone who will listen.

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, and ideas discussed. 

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Its this time of year that a lawn or bit of turf goes through some weird changes in colour, why? lots of reasons.

Those reasons give us the opportunity to build out a Lawn Plan, a list of things you might need to do in the year ahead.

I’ve launched All Gardening Lawn Food, have had one subscribe and finished a huge lawn renovation.

Podcast Episode Home

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/116-celebration-of-3-moments

Yesterday was a new beginning.

A new clients lawn.

A lawn that just needs to start again.

Today I gave it its last cut.

Today I gave it a first moss treatment.

Oh and here's today's mowing forecast.

 

From: Fri 14th Apr at 06:00 UTC

To: Sat 15th Apr at 06:00 UTC

 

Wind

Cyclonic, becoming south or southeast, 3 to 5, becoming variable 2 to 4 later.

 

Ground condition

Warming, by wet under foot, getting worst later.

 

Weather

Showers.

 

Sun

Good early, occasionally poor after noon.

 

Chance of mowing 

Slight or moderate.

 

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

 

It's February, It's sunny, It's windy and it's a perfect day to give the lawn it's first cut of the year.

It's exciting to get the mower out, get it started and see how things are.

I'm always nervous of the first cut, one reason is I'm always concerned that the mowers won't start after being still for a while (but they are nearly always fine.

The first cut is often not as good as you'd hoped it would be, not all the grass is growing, there may be some patches of worm casts that you didn't see and roll over, it could even be a little more un-level than you remember, that often happens after frosts and snow, you'd do with rolling it a little.

The most important thing with the first cut is to not go to low, just a few mm off the tops, it will just help to get things started.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/88-how-short-the-first-cut

I think I've just realised why I am the way I am about lawns. If there is something powerful in simple its this, simple if something everyone can connect with, have an opinion of and maybe a lever of knowledge of. My obsession with a lawn goes deep.

Stop, look, you'll know.

Today Was like most days, I started by cutting lawns.

But whilst I was doing that I got thinking about the best things you can buy, I don't quite know why, but that's how my mind rolls when I'm cutting lawns.

I say this because yesterday I got thinking about what I really do, and what I want people to really understand that I do.

I got thinking about the best cars, how people understand them, the brands and the people behind them.

Like Ferrari, Enzo engineered an awesome product, he told people, he showed people, the cars became legendary, as did he.

I went to Redline cars today as I was passing to check out the Ferrari's.

All I had to do was look, to know.

The Ferrari like a fine English lawn is something you just know.

So, I changed one word on my website home page.

The one word, was CARE, I changed it the word FINE.

I do care, but I care more than just Lawn Care.

I grow fine English lawns. 

Before I did Lawn Care.

If I'm going to do what I think I do then I thought it would be good to say it.

Intent is everything.

Here's today's podcast.

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

 

The best ideas grow, like a good tree. But to start anything especially a business you have to plant a seed, water it and care for It as it grows.

We have a big idea and we need you to help by planting a few seeds.

We know that we had a solid idea of what we wanted to do back in 2004, but at the time the technology just wasn’t there to do it. Zoom and Google Earth have given us new opportunities.

But that’s changed, we can now share our knowledge face to face, on-demand, anywhere in the world at any time.

This means that you can share how your lawn and garden are looking and we as experts can help you make things better.

It’s brilliant. Our idea now can be something real.

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/5-growing-a-business-from-a-seed-of-an-idea

2024 is the year to do the big Lawn Reset. I ramble on about how to get started.

And as I've said before, whilst growing grass might be simple, running a business that does it is not easy. So few do. Join me Phil Argent as I open up my mind and share some thoughts and insights into Growing All Gardening and anything else that comes to mind.

Lawn about Lawn Plan

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/lawn-plan-complete⁠

For all the Growing All Gardening episodes head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allgardening⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To learn about Lawn Plan and All Gardening ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/AllGardeningPinner/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/allgardeningls⁠

I've always wanted to learn more about planting and plants and having planted thousands over the years I have to say I haven't really ever stopped to think about what they are and how I can share what I've learnt. However that was before the All Gardening Cafe became a thing, what I've learnt in the space of a few weeks is I have vast knowledge, and I think I'd love to share it through a plant subscription club, live event thang.

So I recently spent a bit of time looking through some of the visit photos, you see with every visit we take a photo.

The idea of that photo is for us to be accountable for our efforts, we are only as good as our last visit, and the only way to know that is to record each and every visit so we can look back and learn.

I found a couple of photos of a lawn that was the most amazing turn round.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/97-before-and-after

I’m just learning that my Facebook group will manage itself.

It's often said to me at assessments, "I don't want a cricket pitch", as if to say "I don't want something really good".

If it's not as good as It can be, then how good does it need to be?

I often ponder the question, just how good?

I take real pride in making a lawn look as good as it can be, the thing to note here is, most lawns can't be a "cricket pitch", so many variables won't allow a fine lawn cut at 5mm, most residential lawns are best kept at 30-40mm, a few can get down to 21mm.

But, that said, we can try and look after your lawn as well as it can be looked after, and as we learn more about it and how much you learn to love your lawn, we might just be able to make you start to think more about that "cricket pitch".

Maybe you don't like cricket, but you can love your lawn!

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/103-i-dont-want-a-cricket-pitch

Harrogate, it's the town I visited and few time, then moved to.

I moved for one obvious reason, in the middle of town there is a "lawn", it's 200 acres of maintained grass, it's called the Stray and it's magical.

Here's today's podcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/73-harrogate-loves-grass

When you want to grow a garden, where exactly do you start.

Well, start just outside, where the door to the garden opens.

I tell you this because we always think too big, we always start with the big space, we always start with the worst bit.

This is like thinking that everyday is the day AFTER new years day.

I mean, your always at the beginning..

Just think, 365 days of 2nd January...

Which makes me think, there is a better way to start.

Well, I mean think big, look at the big space.

But look small, freshen up those plants by the back door, you know the ones you'll walk past everyday, the ones you'll never look at after they have been done.

What you'll find special is how you'll feel for that small moment.

The thing about growing a garden is, it's daunting.

Starting small isn't.

Have you yet?

Here's today's podcast

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

So cool, it's taken just a handful of weeks but today, the 23rd of March I've received my first online order for an overseeding kit!

I'm so excited, I kinda never thought it would happen, but it did.

So the product that I'd always thought would be most popular, for one day is!

Lawn overseeding kit, to be honest, it's the number one job I'd start with on any lawn, I mean any lawn.

Overseeding with professional-grade seed is a total game-changer for a lawn, over the last 50 years or so grass technology has advanced so much, and if you've lived with a lawn for more than a handful of years your lawn could do with overseeding for sure.

The seed and feed types we provide have been tested by us time and time again, which means when you do get round to overseeding we can tell you exactly what we would expect to happen, when and how to look after the lawn after overseeding.

Oh and the other thing is, on my van bonnet, just a small section I put grass, not real grass but a small bit of artificial grass that LOOKS like grass, it's going to finish off the van beautifully!

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/106-lawn-over-seeding-kit-and-grass-on-my-van 

Can I offer a lawn care subscription to everyone?

No.

Can I offer a lawn care subscription to many?

Yes.

So, here's my thinking.

The median size garden in the UK is 188m2 (according to a survey carried out by Foxtons estate agents), so how big is the median lawn in the UK.

I don't know but after looking after and visiting many over the years I've got a good idea of what I think I'd estimate.

So, here's my thinking.

If I offer a lawn care subscription to the median size lawn owner, that might add up to quite a few lawns.

So, here's a link to my Lawn Food Subscription service.

Go take a look, and if you'd like to give it a go please sign up.

I've set things up so it's has 3 options for delivery, every 10 weeks, twice a year or once a year. 

And you can cancel at anytime.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

 

Well I'd like to say the weather has got warmer, but it's got colder.

Chilly - at 3 degrees this morning.

3 degrees is not spring, that's winter weather.

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Fresh seed.

-----

So I've got some new grass seed in. 

I'm doing a handful of lawn renovations.

It's nearly May.

The seed I use is from Green Velvet, it's fresh.

How do you know when your grass seed is fresh? 

It will say it on the label, you can see on this label in the photo the date of bag seal 10/22. 

Why is fresh grass seed important? 

It will be more likely to germinate consitently.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

The Eternally Hopeful Gardener is the story of the first year of the All Gardening Cafe.

It’s your story, the story of the All Gardening Cafe community. A community that came together in 2021 to make the timelines of Facebook and Instagram beautiful.

During the year there have been over 5000 people join and connect, they have shared thousands of moments and beautiful images.

Everyone has been commenting, connecting with love and beautiful words, over 300,000 at the last count.

The Eternally Hopeful Gardener is a 36-page book that features some of the thousands of photos from the member's gardens throughout the year {2021}.

It is a beautiful book and memory of the year.

Alongside the photos, there is the story of the idea behind the All Gardening Cafe, how it got rolling slowly but surely, making friends along the way and where it's heading.

It's connecting the gardener of the world, one gardening moment at a time.

Gardeners are eternally hopeful, which I think the book shows that perfectly.

A small gift for anyone who might be a gardener, or friend or family member.

If you haven't yet visited the All Gardening Cafe on Facebook and joined the community, follow this link below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allgardeningcafe

Thanks and love as always

Here’s today’s podcast:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/gardening-blog/2021/12/17/64-the-eternally-hopeful-gardener-a-book-by-the-all-gardening-cafe

——————————————————————————————————————————

Note: All Images we’re shared and gathered via the All Gardening Cafe. All Image rights belong to All Gardening.

Oh how I love the colour green, not because I run a lawn care business, but because I have so many memories of what happens on grass, when the grass is ultimate and pure in colour.

I remember being told that a lawn had gone brown when it was to have only gone a bit black (moss killer applied), that lawn was a very very big lawn, it became wonderfully green in the end.

I also remember being paid in pennies once to make a lawn very green, and that's a story.

What it is about the colour green that really gets me with lawns is the consistency of the green.

Lawns start off as a inconsistent "range" of greens, meaning every colour under the sun makes up a mish mash of green, but given time the green becomes ultimate and pure:

Lawn care and lawn treatments done correctly, produce beautifully pure green.

It's a colour to behold.

Here's today' podcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/72-green-is-a-magic-colour

In 2006 I started to grow grass on my van.

I still do the same.

But it's not the grass you'd find on any of the lawns I work on.

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

I’m off to play good badly and look at the grass/ turf expertly....

Your garden is one small part of our earth. We've learnt that billions of people connect with a garden in some way.

But we're just custodians.

The one day you leave your garden, nature takes over control.

Nature simply takes it back to mother earth. No matter what you do, your control is limited.

Without gardens we can't breath and we know this.

That's why we started All Gardening back in 2004. To bring the value gardens give our planet closer to us. To bring all our skills to your doorstep. And help the earth breath a longer breathe.

As one client we worked with once said to me when I was working for her "Our life's have changed so much. We care about our garden space, it brings us joy and makes us feel connected."

I just stood there thinking everyone should have that feeling.

Let's see, one garden at a time.

Here goes.

Here's today's podcast

We thought we had done a chat thing before we did this podcast, we did! It was called All Talk and it was a newsletter we did every month for our customers.

So were going to rename the podcast the same as the newsletter! Also our Facebook group All Gardening Cafe is going global!

What can I say on a day like today.

Dad passed away yesterday.

He did good.

He'd read everything I wrote, and listened to every podcast I spoke.

He'd check in from time to time.

And he'd always sign off in the same way - "Love dad. Love Grandad"

Seemed too simple when he was here, but now he's gone that simple seems so powerful.

Here's today's podcast

Love Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

We launched a cafe on Facebook, it’s a group called the All Gardening cafe. It’s open and it’s friendly! Come and join!

When I get started all I can tell you is how long it takes doesn't matter.

"Little by little, by little"

I want the garden to be perfect.

But perfect is like the plastic plants - there are many but non matter.

It is in digging little by little we grow.

And sometimes, it's easier.

I was shifting some soils today, they were wet, it never got easier.

I love the way soils do that, hang together that is, hold tight, asking for the effort.

This is how growing a garden is.

Commitment and vision.

Passion for the future.

But what we know is coming keeps us digging.

When you fall in love with the little by little, by little way, you end up visualising what's ahead.

Do the digging.

Keep doing it.

There is no quick way.

Here's today's podcast

Phil Argent

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

What colour of green is your lawn in winter?

I ask this because for a lawn there is no one colour green in winter. It can be lighter green, darker green, yellower green, mossy green, muddy green.... you get the idea.

The variation in colour tells you something about your lawn.

The variation of colour tells you what your lawn needs.

The variation of colour tells you that there is no time like the present to do something to get beautiful green come spring.

So what can you do, and when do you do it.

The variation of green will be to do largely with the soil conditions, the level of sun light, and the type of grass you have, and on that point the type of grass I'm thinking how old the grass is.

So here are my 3 tips, they can apply to most lawns.

1. Feed your lawn. A winter feed will give it a boost, take care of the roots and harden the leaf, you shouldn't expect any growth. That said grass in good condition might perk up and grow a bit if the days are warmer and sunny.
2. Cut your lawn. I'm a big fan of keeping a lawn looking tidy, most importantly clear all leaf fall and branches that might fall on the lawn. Keep in mind heavy leaf fall left on the lawn will blind out the grass and you might find come spring there are patches that need re seeding. So, clear and blow off the lawn, give it a light clip and you'll be able to look back with pride.
3. Treat the moss in your lawn. Don't let moss take control, you can do a moss treatment more than once a season, it wont do any harm. If you keep on top of any moss when it comes to spring and summer the lawn will stay in better condition for longer the more maintenance and wear and tear it receives.

Oh, I should say, always sharpen you lawn mower blade, do it when ever you get a chance. Cutting a lawn is far better than bashing the grass with a blunt blade.

My thinking is, the more you prepare your lawn for spring, the better it will be when it comes.

It will be the best green it can be.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

I've been looking back into my email, going right back, back to a period around the start of All Gardening, 2009.

It was a period when everything was right, everything was simple.

I was building.

I'm building back better now, a new All Gardening, one that takes all of the best from the past, and aims to get the thing rolling again.

One of the things I did in the past, at the beginning, was doing the essentials of gardening and lawn care well.

A key aspect of that was PAS100 soil improver, which is green waste recycled into compost, which is brilliant as a soil improver and general bedding mulch.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/87-the-essentails

There is something very absorbing about setting a challenge.

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/124-31-days-50-subscribers

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/all-gardening-lawn-food-subscription

Leaving it doesn't work. Do this instead.

Let me start with this optimistic question: what does easy gardening look like?

Well, if we are being honest with ourselves, it isn't how you are currently doing it? You are working hard enough. But the results aren't there. So you get back on your hands and knees, and try even harder. And so it goes on. And on.

It's not a good loop.
I know. I have done it too.

Then, out of pure frustration, I started this idea, the 100 day experiment. I didn't think it would work. I started doing little garden related tasks every day.

I used a simple framework.

Work on the garden plan, the lawn plan, the trees plan, and repeat. 

For just 10 mins a day.

Something special started.

I became excited at each and everyday.

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Let's start at the beginning.

Mowing, it's the simplest thing to do.

It takes time.

But the more you do it the more your lawn will improve.

And when we say improve we mean improve a lot.

You see when you cut grass it's stimulated to grow more grass, and the more you cut more grass the more it fills out, and as it fills out it will start to look better and feel better.

You see it's not hard, it just takes time.

You cant rush a lawn cut, it just takes as long as it takes.

Enjoy the process.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

In 2004, April 19th I started all gardening, I had a plan to build a service called Lawn Plan, I did have a focus, but I started to say to every "gardening enquiry" yes, when I should have said NO, not now.

It's a skill in business to do what you say you're going to do, stick to the business plan, it's also a skill in business to learn to say No, not now to some opportunities.

This year I'm re-launching my Lawn Plan service, and Lawn Plan is a great simple service that has a market of 22m lawns, it's simply a plan for your lawn, between 4-7 visits, done throughout the year, at the right time for the lawn, paid for as an annual one-off direct debit of a monthly direct debit over 12 months.

What I'm going to do this year is focus on simple, focus on adding customers to one plan, keep things focused around Lawn Plan, and say no, not yet to everything else.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/83-lawn-plan-thats-the-plan

You'll walk around 8,640 meters cutting your lawn a year.

But numbers mean nothing to us garden and lawn keepers.

So, let’s break it down in terms of a things we know about steps.

The average speed you'll walk is 3 mile per hour.

You'll walk for an average of 48 hours per year cutting the lawn.

About 2000 steps equal 1 mile.

And then, you'll use an estimated 200 muscles during walking.

(Step length, may vary)

So there is a lot of fitness in that.

Let get cutting, it's good for you!

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

It's not easy to unpack what I've learnt.

But lets say I am trying to.

Today I share what I think I now understand about my mind, dyslexic and adhd.

I'd always thought differently about things, I'd try to hide things and suppress things.

But that was going to be life-limiting.

So it had to change.

Cheers

Phil

So it's the first of January 2023. Wow.

Another year in the garden past.

It was a dry year.

It was a year where the grass burnt out, for a bit in summer.

It was a year that things took shape.

If anything it was a year that past all too soon.

I didn't know what was going to happen, I hadn't really made a plan.

I'm grateful for what came along eventually.

I've done it once, put a book together from the All Gardening Cafe.

I'm going to do it again, this time I'm going to focus the book around GROWTH.

Things we grow.

How we grow.

What to grow.

When to grow.

Why we grow.

I'll do a small print run, and no reprints.

It will be a year book to keep.

It will be a year book to treasure.

I hope when it's done, and I share it with you, you might delight in it.

Here's today's podcast.

Phil Argent

Founder of All Gardening

www.allgardening.co.uk

If we're going to have a beautiful lawn, waiting for it to grow before you help it along is just the wrong thing to do.

Ok, lets talk about nature and how things happen differently to us humans, which is obvious, nature doesn't wait, it just does.

So, we sit at home looking out the window to the lawn and garden and we say, "that can wait", the lawn care can wait, the first lawn cut can wait, but nature does different.

As we're waiting for the lawn to grow, before we start out on the lawn care, the lawn is left waiting. Giving a lawn a feed just before it needs it is going to do wonders.

Give it a try.

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/9-awaken-your-lawn-this-spring

It’s become very clear to me that a rose has the ability to change how people think and see things.

A really good example of this Bankys graffiti of a terrorist throwing rose…

What the image says is somewhat hijacked by how we feel about the image.

Is it good versus bad?

Is it love versus hate?

Is it law against choice?

Summer is the perfect time to explore the beauty of gardens around the world. Whether you're a passionate gardener seeking inspiration or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature's splendour, visiting gardens can be a rewarding and refreshing experience.

From exotic tropical paradises to meticulously manicured formal gardens, this blog will serve as your comprehensive guide to the most breathtaking gardens to visit this summer. So, grab your sunhat and let's embark on a horticultural adventure!

1. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands: Located in Lisse, the Netherlands, Keukenhof Gardens is a world-renowned floral park famous for its colourful displays of tulips. With over seven million bulbs planted annually, this garden offers an awe-inspiring spectacle of vibrant blooms. Stroll through the flower-filled pathways, admire the unique designs, and capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shot.

2. Butchart Gardens, Canada: Nestled in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Butchart Gardens is a botanical wonderland that attracts millions of visitors each year. This historic garden boasts a stunning collection of plants and features various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Sunken Garden. Experience the tranquil beauty, attend live concerts, and indulge in delicious afternoon tea.

3. Claude Monet's Garden, France: Immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist art at Claude Monet's Garden in Giverny, France. The garden, which inspired many of Monet's famous paintings, showcases an exquisite blend of flowers, water lilies, and picturesque bridges. Take a leisurely walk across the Japanese bridge or sit by the lily pond, and witness firsthand the inspiration behind Monet's masterpieces.

4. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa: Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a botanical treasure trove. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its diverse flora, including the breathtaking display of fynbos. Enjoy guided tours, pack a picnic, and attend one of the live music concerts hosted in this captivating garden.

5. Gardens of Versailles, France: No garden list would be complete without mentioning the grandeur of the Gardens of Versailles. Located in the palace complex of Versailles near Paris, these iconic gardens are a testament to French landscaping artistry. Explore the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and geometrically designed flower beds that once served as the playground of French royalty.

6. Portland Japanese Garden, United States: Nestled within the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden is a serene oasis that showcases the beauty of Japanese garden design. Discover the art of tranquility as you wander through the carefully crafted landscapes, featuring waterfalls, stone lanterns, and meticulously pruned trees. Don't miss the authentic tea house for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

7. Alhambra Gardens, Spain: Step into a world of Moorish architecture and lush greenery at the Alhambra Gardens in Granada, Spain. These Islamic gardens boast intricate geometric designs, tranquil courtyards, and vibrant flowers that perfectly complement the stunning Alhambra palace. Explore the Generalife gardens and take in the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Embarking on a journey to explore the world's most captivating gardens is a delight for any gardening enthusiast or nature lover. From the iconic tulip fields of the Netherlands to the serene elegance of Japanese gardens, these destinations offer a feast for the senses. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own garden or simply wish to appreciate the beauty of nature, these gardens will leave an indelible impression. So, make the most of this summer by immersing yourself in the botanical wonders that await you.

Happy gardening and safe travels!

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

I know what I should do, so what's making the decision so hard? I think it's about the cost today, but it should be about the value of its life.

The funny thing is every time I cut the lawn I look back at it and wonder how thankful my lawn could be if it talked!

I know I may sound mad, but over the many years, I have been looking after lawns every time I cut them I look back at just how good the job has been done.

It's now February and I've just made the first cut of my lawn, and I'll be putting down a few today too, this is all good.

The sun is out and it's perfect conditions to get ahead, and If you've often been in the garden you'll know that getting head with the garden doesn't happen many times in a year.

So here's to the planners, the waiter and the get readiers, today is a day to get ahead.

Here's today's podcast:

Podcast Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/74-i-cut-my-lawn-and-i-think-it-liked-it

Today I’ve started thinking about creating a real place for the All Gardening cafe.

When I started All Gardening way back in 2004, I had the idea that I should build a business that somehow connected all the gardens in the world, it was a BIG IDEA.

Then I let the idea slip for a few years.

But I’ve recently started to rethink the idea, at first I started connecting with people through my All Gardening Facebook page, which grew gradually, then I thought I needed a “cafe” a virtual place for people to share moments from their garden and I started to gradually grow a Facebook group - The All Gardening Cafe.

At the time of writing this blog 250,000 people have discovered All Gardening on Facebook, the All Gardening page has 31,000 followers and the group has 4,700 members,

Where I think I go next is to try and help build deeper relationships, so that people can connect more deeply with each other, tell stories to each other, I’m thinking the All Gardening Cafe should enter the real world.

The All Gardening Cafe is a place to go with friends, where everyone knows your name, grab a coffee or a tea, grab a cake and a smile, grab some flowers on the way out.

The location and details to follow, but will be somewhere in Harrogate, UK.

Today is a scarification day.

We're just ahead of the growing season, but things are in patches starting to grow.

Which is ideal for lawn scarification, early spring is the best time of year to scarify your lawn.

The one thing about a lawn that never stops surprises me is this, your lawn can only get better or worst, it can never stay the same.

Why?

Every year, every season is different.

How it grows will be different.

How it's cut will be different.

How the weather is will be different, obviously.

How it struggles in summer will be different (depending on hosepipe bans).

How moss and weeds build up in the lawn will be different.

So some years like this year there is a bit of work to do to pull the lawns back into order.

Last year (2022) it was a hot and very dry summer season, tricky for lawns, there was a hose pipe ban very early, and therefore lots and lots of lawns would have been cut a tad too short coming out of summer in to autumn and winter.

A short cut out of a hot season is a pure 100% action that will lead to moss and thatch.

So what the lawns now have in buckets is the build up of two challenges.

Moss. Lots and lots of fluffy moss, that's grown at a super fast rate, but is easy to deal with.

Thatch. Lots and lots of stressed and tired grass would have died off, it will be sitting there at the base of the grass, just waiting to STOP water getting to the grass roots and helping the moss get a grip on the proceedings.

So, it's time to get the lawns back.

Some may see scarification as damaging, it is if we're honest, but it's needed.

What's the option? Left moss and thatch leads to weaker and weaker grass growth, it leads to greater thatch development, and greater chance of moss build up. With that said thatch and moss are also great habitats for chafer grubs and over active worms, which could lead to extensive damage.

So take haste my friends... take action now.

The good news is f you do your scarification alongside a good moss killer and a good nigh nitrogen feed - AND more importantly at the right time of year, you'll have things all back in order before anyone really notices.

Here's today's podcast

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

The rains will come, but not for a while.

What's important to know here is it's not just about measuring the lawn up, it's more about looking for the inconstancies.

Did you know that the average size of lawn in the UK is around 180m2, probably a lot larger than you'd have thought.

And did you know that most lawns have less than 70% grass coverage.

Which means there is a lot of other stuff making up the lawn, and how do you go about making a lawn better, fuller and greener.

You have to look correctly.

Here's today's podcast:

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/76-how-to-assess-your-lawn

It’s just a thing I’ve learnt to do, go see who your working with, what there story is, and get a feel of they are right for trading with.

How we grow and what we grow and why we grow, is not obvious.

But does it need to be.

Starting and doing is the key.

Learning and loving.

Muddy hands, smiles of joy.

There is no done in the garden or with the lawn.

You're in it for good.

And thats ok.

A few years ago I was talking to one of my customers, Roger Lister, old chap with a big garden, fruit trees, veg patch, compost areas and the fine English lawn I helped him take care of.

I asked him if he ever sat down to just look at the work.

His work.

His efforts.

The results.

Whilst holding a mug of tea he said to me, "Phil, how can I ever look back at my work, when there is so much to be done"

"Looking back, Phil, it would be like I'd agreed something is complete"

"If it was Phil, what would I do"

Roger gardened his garden well into his late 80's.

I sent him an email not so long ago.

He replied "Phil, nice to hear from you. I'm 94 now, I don't do the garden anymore, but I do now look on in admiration as others do for me".

Here's today's podcast.

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

If you want a fine lawn, you're going to have to learn about moss.

Moss won't go away on its own.

Moss is not there because the garden "allows" it to be there.

There isn't one specific soil condition that leads to moss growth, moss can develop due to a number of challenges, including:

Excessive shade with poor sunlight for plant growth.

Damp soil, whether from poor drainage, regular rain, or run off from area water sources.

Soil that is low in nutrients or not regularly feed.

Compacted soils that does not allow for adequate air (oxegen).

The thing is some years like 2022 most recently will have cultivated some if not more of these conditions.

The best thing to do is take action.

Timely action can be as simple as a treatment with Ferrous sulphate & nitrogen, this will kill off the moss growth.

After that scarification.

Perhaps aeration.

Then regular treatments of Ferrous sulphate and a good lawn fertilser will work wonders.

Do any moss control when there is active moss and grass growth and consistent soil temperatures between 7 and 21 degrees.

Here's today's podcast.

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.

Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.

Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/products/growabili-tee

It’s never easy to start something, but we seem to be building a head of stream now on our Facebook cafe!

www.allgardening.co.uk/gardening-101/2021/2/23/20-its-all-going-swimmingly-

#lawnlove

#allgardening

I've made it this far, now I've made it to 10 customers, It's official I'm the newest lawn care expert in my home town Harrogate.

And that's defiantly something to celebrate and be grateful for!

I've never been very sure about using the word lawn expert, you see I still feel as if I have a lifetime of learning ahead of me.

But for now, now  that I'e launched my lawn care business in Harrogate, which will be covering the Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby areas, I think it's a good time to say that I'm happy to be someone who has an expert view on the condition of a lawn.

An expert view more than just an expert.

Since first launching All Gardening in 2004 I've done over 25,000 lawn visits, and with those 25,000 visits I've done lawn treatments, lawn renovations and new lawns all over the Harrogate area.

I'm still learning, but for now, I'm just happy to have got things off the ground and gathering some customers, and it's only just the start of March.

Here's today's podcast:

Podcast Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/99-hang-ten-and-harrogates-newest-lawn-care-expert

Brilliant minds work on brilliant things.

Last week I read an article from Richard Branson on AI and dyslexic thinkers.

Simply put, he said dyslexic brains, the most powerful brains, would know how to make the most of Ai and also perhaps make friends and understand how to harness with a relationship very very quickly would be Dyslexic brains.

We'll I've put my ADHD/ Dyslexic brain to work to see what we can do.

We spent a day together working on some new content for the All Gardening website.

There is a new section curated by AI and edited by me. 

www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/lawn-care

We worked fast, it was fluid and in most cases I even learnt something I didn't know about lawns and there problems, I've only been working on lawns for 35,000 hours.....

Here's today's podcast

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast⁠

Join our newsletter

⁠https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter

Well, today it's going to be a high of 11 degrees and sunny most of the day!

It's March 14th 2022, so it can only mean one thing, the grass is growing.

It's not big growth, but I can see a little flush, excited to say I'll have to be getting the mower out at least once a week from now on!

Here's today's podcast

Episode Home:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/podcast/101-and-the-grass-is-growing-in-harrogate

Today I thought I should start the day by eating something healthy.

So I had a bowl of fresh fruit, some water, and a boiled egg.

Followed by a small shot of coffee.

Which all got me thinking. I should do this more often.

Which I was doing the morning routine, I looked out on my lawn, which looks rather fine this time of year (it's early spring).

The thing I know is I fed my lawn a few weeks ago, I also gave it its first cut a few weeks ago.

My lawn is going to be in fine condition for May 1st, which was my target.

But I know lots and lots of lawns wont be healthy and wont have been fed.

But it doesn't have to be like that.

I've develop a lawn fertiliser subscription service, it gets despatch to you and your lawn every 10 weeks. 

When you get your order, make sure you also eat well.

Don't let the lawn have all the best foods!

Here's today's podcast

 

 

Phil

Founder of All Gardening

------------------------------

The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent.
Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed.
Just you and me. No ads, no guests.

Get more from your garden:

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/blogs/blogcast

Join our newsletter

https://www.allgardening.co.uk/pages/newsletter