Mandy Watson
Mandy Watson is a freelance journalist, specialist gardening copywriter and plantaholic with roots firmly planted in working-class NE England. MandyCanUDigIt grew from the tiny seed of a Twitter account into this rainforest of information. Teesdale Mercury Magazine editor. Garden Media Guild and NUJ member. Mission statement: to make gardening more accessible to the often excluded - the less able, the hard-up or beginners. An advocate of gardening for better mental and physical health.
Japanese blood plum Lizzie – March plant of the month
Blog: the tree that keeps on giving!
If you're looking for a small-medium tree that offers fruit, blossom and autumn colour, then the Japanese blood...
Eggologic modular pods – vertical gardening for everyone
Grow up, not out: transforming walls into a wildlife-friendly oasis
Vertical gardening has been given a boost with the Eggologic modular pod system, designed to...
Iris reticulata Alida – February plant of the month
Blog: these cheery little flowers brighten up the greyest of days
If you only have room for a couple of pots, try the lovely Iris...
Clematis Freckles – January’s plant of the month
Blog: Why this compact gem will brighten up winter gardens
Flowers are few and far between in January, but you'll be delighted if you grow...
Top 10 gardening trends for 2026
Blog: How The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society sees the year ahead
We always follow horticultural trends from the UK, but I thought it would be interesting to...
Early winter garden tidy-up – the key jobs
Blog: trying to right the wrongs in my messy front garden!
One of the most satisfying tasks is the early winter garden tidy-up, but it...
