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Urban gardening dates back to ancient Egypt when local people used their waste to farm in urban cities. It was then used after to combat food shortages. With many people living in big cities where there is no room to have your own garden, there is no rule that says you cant make the most of the space you already have. In order to make the best of your situation, we have put together a quick guide for you. There are two key steps when undertaking urban gardening which are examining your space and choosing your growing method. Examining your space It is important to check the amount of sunlight the chosen area gets and the direction in which the sunlight comes from. If you have a south facing balcony or window sill this would be the best spot to grow sun loving plants. It is also helpful to be mindful of buildings or trees that could block light during the day or buildings that reflect an unnatural amount of light. Choosing growing method The top growing methods we would recommend for urban gardening include: Raised beds If you have a decent amount of space, you can place a raised bed preferably pre-made and made from untreated wood in order to make the process simpler. These can be purchased in various heights depending on what suits your space best. Containers Container gardening is common lately as you can plant in just about anything. Choosing quirky containers will add some character to your space. Some materials you can use include wood, plastic, metal or terracotta. Vertical gardening Making use of hanging baskets or growing trails is one of the best ways to make the most of your space as your plants or fruit can grow downwards. Balconies and rooftops People always for get how much they can do with their balcony and rooftops. It is important to make note of winds and how sunlight travels on it during the day. If you are living in a high rise building in a windy city, this might not be best suited to you. Impacts of urban gardening People have started finding satisfaction in growing their own vegetables and plants as it helps their overall well being. It is also an excellent way to beautify homes and add character.

  We are currently getting a taste of the good sunny weather in a few weeks which makes us anticipate the summer. In the last few years, our outdoor spaces have become more important as people have been chilling outdoors and taking up gardening activities for their well being. At mimo, we believe it is so important and beneficial to keep spending time outdoors and make the most of your garden and outdoor spaces. Here are ways that you can do this:   Reuse recycle repurpose Once again we see the increasing impacts of our carbon foot prints on the environment through climate change, pollution and so much more. Sustainability in the garden is an excellent way to make use of materials with low carbon footprints or grow and plant from items that have no original use. Using items that were going to go to a landfill such as pre owned furniture or old storage units can add character and personality to your garden.   Extended living spaces Bringing your living outdoor is a new trend that we are all loving at the moment as we are now looking to spend as much time outdoors as we do indoors so why not make this an oasis for relaxation, a play space for kids or an entertainment space for hosting guests and having drinks.   Grown your own As food prices rise, people are becoming more aware of the importance of healthy eating and lifestyles which encourages them to grow their own produce. There are so many vegetables, fruits and herbs that you can grow in your garden and they can also be grown indoors so you do not need a massive outdoor space for this.   Urban gardening This is a key gardening trend which highlights to people that wherever you live, it is still possible to participate in gardening through planting indoors or outdoors by growing your own vegetables and other crops. Some people grow dwarf apple trees in containers or even tomatoes.   Front of the house Last but not least, the front of the house! This is the first thing guests and bystanders see when they walk past or into your home so most of your time and effort should be put into beautifying this space. Freshly cut lawn, dotted with outdoor plants or perennials and blooms will allow this space to stand out. It is also a great space to show the world your personality and creativity.  

It is important to utilise the spaces that we have whether big or small as this can give the plants mobility as well as adding a different design element to a space. It is best suited for places with limited spaces such as balconies. Various plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs can be planted in containers. It is seen as a good way to add greenery to your home without actually having a garden or outdoor space. Adding plants to your home can improve your air quality as well as being a mood enhancer. The three types of container gardening are indoor, outdoor and commercial container gardening. Outdoor container gardening This is a nice way to decorate an outdoor space as you can place patio plants. Items in your garden such as an old barrels, containers or tyres are useful and can be placed in an outdoor space. Trendy pieces such as wine glasses, ice cream containers, clay pots and so much more. Using items like this provides them with a new life cycle as well as jazzing up a space. Allowing plant pots to rust also gives the effect of a rustic look which is a current trend. Another interesting style is a cache pot which is used for decorative purposes while the real plant pot is in it. They can protect the plant while making them look pretty. Indoor container gardening Adding a lightweight planter to your indoor space is a new trend which also makes it easier to transport the plant. Our Capi pots can be used indoor and outdoor and are environmentally friendly. They are strong, durable and weather resistant. Hanging planters is another way to utilise vertical space in their indoor spaces, typical styles for hanging pots include rattan or rope. Adding indoor plants inside the home using bold plant pots and elevating them can also add a statement to a room. Commercial container gardening If you prefer to grown your own vegetables or fruit large planters can be used to plant in batches. Planters can also be placed in front of a commercial places as they create a good first impression. Grey or black coloured pots can present a professional look for any businesses. Finally including plants in the home are certainly a mood and productivity booster as well as providing air purifying qualities. Featuring some of these in your home will change how you decorate your home as well as brighten up your interior.

No better way to start the new year than to set out some new year gardening resolutions for your home and outdoor space. These resolutions can range from things you would like to improve, things you don’t do and things you would like to do. Add more houseplants Houseplants are an amazing addition to your home and can brighten up any room or space. They can improve your air quality and add style to your home. They can be placed on window sills, in living spaces and bedrooms. Reduce plastic use Due to the increasing concern about the planet, we are committed to doing our part to protect the plant and minimise our carbon and plastic footprint. The use of plastic can be minimised in the garden as cans and bottles can be reused from the home and repurposed in the garden. Start growing Planting your own fruit and vegetables in your home is good for your space as well as your health. Planting your own also has benefits for the environment such as the reduction of air and water pollution. There are so many things that you can plant now which will be ready to harvest in late spring or early summer. Compost waste Making your own compost at home can be so helpful as it can enrich your soil by helping it to lock moisture in. it also gives smaller wildlife like bees and worms a place to inhabit. It is also easy to set up a compost bin. We hope that you can stick to these resolutions and have an amazing new year!

At this time of the year, temperatures have dropped and there are low levels of light. It is important to let your plants have a break during the winter season. Here are some tips to help keep your plants in the best condition over the season: Light This is necessary for plants and plant parents during this season as the days are so short so it is hard to get light. Homes in the winter do not get as much light as they do in the summer, while some house receive light from certain areas or windows. You might have to move your plants to certain areas in order to get some light. It is helpful to make sure that the windows are clean inside and outside to gain the maximum amount of light. Water People usually overwater their plants in the winter as they only test the top of the soil when they need to test more. Different plants might need to be dried out before being watered again. As the air gets drier in the winter, people often purchase humidifier to counteract this dry air as this can minimise the amount of watering the plant needs. Temperature Some houseplants come from various area of the world such as West Africa and South America and are used to warm and humid temperatures. Some of these plants are sensitive to temperature and need to be accommodated in the home. Most tropical plants are used to temperatures of 15 – 30 degrees Celsius but this could also vary depending on the type of plant. Repotting and pests Some plants may need to be repotted and pruned at this time of the year. Succulents do not need to be repotted. Plants need to be watched closely as the lack of sunlight, increased humidity and indoor heat in the home can attract pests. These pests need to be eliminated as they can kill your plant.

Adding these plants and flowers to your home will spruce up your festive spirit and table ware. If you are hosting the family guests this year, they can add a bold effect to the room. They are also a lovely present to give to someone during this season. Poinsettia The plant originates from Mexico and has been used since the 17th century for Christmas celebration. This striking plant has dark green leaves and red petals that light up any space. They are mainly used to decorate the home during the Christmas season. They need bright and indirect light to survive. It is important to care for it properly so that it can survive. Amaryllis It is easy to grow and when it blooms produces stunning colours. They are to be planted middle to late September so that they are ready for Christmas time. It is important to note that they are toxic to cats and dogs o they should be grown and kept in areas that are away from their reach. Mistletoe Say slán to traditional plants and place mistletoe around your home to add a playful but bold element to your space. It is a symbol of love, friendship and goodluck. Putting mistletoe in your home is a tradition that goes back as far as the ancient time of the Druids. Holly Deck your halls with boughs of Holly, this common evergreen has been in gardens, parklands and homes for centuries. It is very versatile and there are over 200 of the evergreen. It is an excellent and vibrant way to decorate doors, stairways and hallways.

Houseplants are one of the best gifts you can give a dear friend or family as they will think of you every time they go to care for it. Peace lily This is an excellent choice as it is one of the plants that can produce flowers when it is placed in a dark area. It is a sign of peace, purity and prosperity.it also offers air purifying qualities and can survive in dry conditions. This is certainly a plant we would recommend to gift as it is a reminder of positive things flourishing in a dull environment. Snake plant This is the best plant to gift to a beginner plant parent as it is nearly indestructible. This plant makes a bold statement in the home while also providing qualities such as oxygen release and air quality. They are an excellent choice for people who like to decorate their home with plants but do not have the time or know how to take care of them. Zamioculcas This is an attractive tropical plant which originates from Africa and features dark wide. They are easy to care for as they are drought tolerant and are a good choice for someone who is constantly away from their home or forgetful. It is another statement piece in the home and is another good planting gift choice for Christmas. Sweetheart plant This is an adorable plant to choice as a gift as it is a constant reminder of love to the person you have purchased it for. This plant is also a low maintenance plant as it does not need to be watered frequently and does not die easily. They are also slow growers which make them easier to care for.

Autumn has arrived and leaves are starting to fall although we have had some mild weather this year. This mild weather has allowed us make the most of our outdoor spaces. There are a lot of things to do in the garden at this time of the year and we are here to help you make the most of it. Caring for your lawn Make sure to take care of your lawn by brushing the dead leaves and raking them up. If the weather allows, it would be the best time to do the final lawn mowing of the year at the end of October. When cutting the lawn, it is recommended to cut it slightly higher than normally as this extra layer will protect your lawn from being damaged from the harsh winter elements. Tidying up the garden This is the best time to do a deep garden clean up as ponds will need to be cleaned as well as greenhouses. Most of your garden furniture will also need to be covered or moved into storage as it may not be used as frequently as it was when the weather was good. Creating a compost bin to put your garden waste and cuttings in would also be a great idea. Planting and trimming This is the best time to trim and prune your hedges so that they look fresh and tidy for the winter months. Sharpening your hedges give an outdoor space a new look. Plant perennials and spring bulbs around the garden as they have a beautifying effect when they shoot up in the spring time. Autumnal berries and garlic can also be planted at this time of the year. Most people also plant prepared hyacinths as they flower during Christmas and provide your home with a lovely winter fragrance. Preparation and protection This is important to do before the harsh winter elements start rolling in. Check gates, fences and sheds for locks and any signs of damages. Any delicate pots of pieces of furniture should be moved indoors or into sheltered spaces.

Fruit trees can be planted at anytime but one of the best times to plant them is in autumn as there are various benefits. Planting fruit trees in autumn allows the tree to become settled into the cool temperature before the cold winter sets in as extreme high and sunlight can make it hard for new plants to thrive. It is also a new and rewarding way to make yourself responsible for growing your own food and changing up your diet. It is important to choose the right fruit when planting your trees as not every fruit will grow well in our climate. Self pollinating fruit trees are also important as most fruit trees need a second pollinator so that they can bear fruit. Most garden centres have pollinator charts which can help you make the right choice on the best pollinator partner. Tips for planting your fruit trees Before planting fruit trees, it is important to add compost to the soil so that it will be healthy and promote a healthy root system. Next step is to dig a hole 2 times the depth of the root ball. This will give the tree roots space to spread and settle. Water the root ball generously and fill the rest of the whole with compost and soil it is also helpful to stake new trees as it can help the tree keep in moisture while also protecting them from the cold winter elements. The base of the tree should be slightly above the ground as this will allow for a good drainage system. The tree should be watered every 3 – 5 days. Place down some mulch at the base to help the root and keep in the moisture. Apple trees, plum trees and pear trees are some of the most common fruit trees that are planted during the autumn season.

Halloween is around the corner and we are here to provide you with tips on how to make your outdoor space the thrilling spot for trick or treaters. Pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons are the go to accessories for a spooky outdoor space but why not, invite your plants to the party! Living greenery can be a great framing device but don’t forget to think about the plant’s needs. ​Plants need light so avoid covering them too much. Spooky cobwebs are great but don’t go overboard, and if you’re covering windows, consider moving your plant. Avoid hanging heavy items from the branches of your plants as this may cause structural damage. If it’s noticeably heavy to you, it’s probably too heavy for your plant. ​Paper decorations are a great option. They’re lightweight, recyclable and fun to make. Think snakes, spiders and bones, simple silhouettes that can peep from among the leaves. Creating mini scenes at the base of your plant is a fun way to play with scale. Your desktop cactus could be the monster plant star of a tiny horror movie. Placing a potted plant inside your pumpkin makes a great centrepiece. You can still light the pumpkin using LED lights. An excellent plant for this season would be aloe vera as the tentacle like tendrils of this spooky succulent make it perfect for Halloween decor. They look sensational coming out of pumpkins or team them with action figures for an alien invasion centre piece