Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

Wash and sow – there’s plenty to do in the greenhouse

Happy New Year! Here’s to fabulous crops, few pests and many pleasurable moments pottering in your Hartley greenhouse. With the wet weather, there is no better place to shelter as you check your plants. If you haven’t done so already, a water butt to collect rainwater from the roof is a ‘must’ and can be […]

Written in United States

Christmas Trees Wanted: dead or alive?

 The holiday season is upon us and in the Clarke residence it shows its face with the resurrection and plugging in of the Psychedelic Christmas Tree. As a couple of old groovers, this totem has particular significance, marking our first Christmas in Iowa in a rental and not knowing a soul in the state. […]

Written in United States

The Installation Journey of a Victorian Grand Lodge Glasshouse, Oregon, USA

We are excited to share an inspiring video that unveils and demonstrates the installation of our beautiful Hartley Botanic Grand Lodge in the USA. This video takes you on a journey through the detailed installation process and the dedicated craftsmanship that goes into every Hartley Botanic Glasshouse.

Is it time to rethink the Christmas tree?

It’s the focal point in most homes at Christmas, but is the traditional Christmas tree an essential ingredient for the festive season? With the cost-of-living crisis biting some families hard, every purchase at this time of year needs scrutiny and that includes our festive decorations. You don’t need a statement Christmas tree to complete your […]

Last orders for the Festive season.

This image is a testament to climate change! Harvest any crops which remain in the unheated greenhouse. Start Amaryllis bulbs into growth as soon as you can, watering sparingly at first; just trickle a little tepid water around the bulb, increasing the amount as the bud appears. Once it is growing strongly, keep the compost […]

Written in United States

Starting Asparagus in Your Greenhouse

About twenty-five years ago I bought some asparagus roots, planted them and waited to enjoy the stalks. The bed has provided fresh asparagus since that time. Every year, I add more seaweed and well-rotted horse manure or compost to the bed and have been rewarded every spring with fresh asparagus. But now I find that […]