Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing

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Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing

Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing
Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing

Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing

My Passion for Cacti Growing

After much thought I have decided to use my greenhouse for a new cactus collection.I have found it difficult to maintain my lemon trees in recent years. Lemons require alot of attention and I had more important things to do in my life. However thats now in the past. So I have decided to rekindle my love of cacti.

I will utalise my greenhouse for a new collection of cacti starting in the spring of 2025. Winter is almost upon us and I need to clean and sterlise the greenhouse before any cacti are introduced. I have other things going on in my life at the moment so I will slowly cary this work out over the winter period ready for spring.

As the years roll by, life tends to go through its phases,?

When my children were young, my love for cacti was something I had to put on the back burner. Cacti, as most of you probably know, can have some pretty fierce spines, and I wasn’t keen on having little fingers exploring those sharp prickles!

The last thing I wanted was for my youngsters to come running in with a cactus spine in their hand, so for years, I steered clear of collecting these fascinating plants.

But now, with the kids all grown up and having flown the nest

I find myself in a different phase of life—one where I can reignite some old passions. One of those passions is, without a doubt, cacti! I’ve always found them to be such intriguing plants. Their resilience, the way they adapt to harsh conditions, and their unusual shapes and textures always caught my attention.

Now, with more time on my hands and no worries about tiny hands reaching into spiny territory, I’ve been slowly building up a collection again. And I have to say, I’m loving it!

Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing
Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing

Why Cacti?

I think what first drew me to cacti was their sheer toughness. These plants are survivors. They thrive in some of the most extreme environments, with minimal water and maximum sun—qualities that I find oddly admirable. There’s something very rewarding about watching a cactus flourish with just a bit of care, patience, and the right amount of light.

And let’s not forget their unique beauty! From tall, spiky giants to small, rounded varieties covered in soft fuzz, there’s such diversity in the cactus family. Some bloom with the most incredible flowers, offering bursts of colour you wouldn’t expect from such prickly plants.

Safety First!

Of course, cacti do come with a bit of a health warning! Their spines can range from tiny, hair-like needles that are tricky to remove, to long, sharp spikes that can give you a nasty jab if you’re not careful. I wasn’t taking any chances when my children were small. But now, with no toddlers racing around, I can afford to give them a home on my windowsill once again.

Having a renewed focus on cacti means that I can take my time to properly research the different species and figure out the best ways to care for them. My latest additions are thriving, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to dig into this hobby once more.

Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing
Rediscovering My Passion for Cacti Growing
Looking Ahead

Now, I’m not just stopping at a few plants! With my children grown and independent, I can dedicate more space to growing my collection, my greenhouse. I’m excited to try my hand at propagating, and I’m keeping my eye out for some of the more unusual varieties to add to my collection. It’s funny how something you set aside years ago can make such a big comeback in your life when the time is right.

If you’ve ever been interested in cacti but worried about the safety side of things, I can totally relate. But once the kids are a bit older, or if you’ve got a house without little ones around, cacti can be an incredibly rewarding and low-maintenance addition to your plant collection.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find a new spot for the latest addition to my cactus family! Southfield Nurseries

Cacti My New Interest

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Cacti My New Interest

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Cacti My New Interest

Cacti My New Interest
Cacti My New Interest

Discovering the Charm of Cacti: A New Obsession for a Keen Gardener

As someone who’s always had a passion for gardening, I’ve dabbled in everything from vegetables to flowering shrubs, but one group of plants has largely escaped my notice—until now. Enter cacti, those prickly, resilient wonders of the plant world. It might seem odd, but despite their reputation for being tough desert dwellers, cacti make incredible houseplants, especially when displayed proudly on a kitchen windowsill.

Why Cacti?

For years, I’ve been drawn to traditional outdoor gardening, but I never paid much attention to houseplants, especially cacti. However, once I took a closer look, I realised that cacti offer something truly special. Their sculptural forms, wide variety of shapes, and low-maintenance lifestyle make them perfect companions for indoor spaces.

Cacti belong to the succulent family, meaning they store water in their thick, fleshy tissues, allowing them to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. But the beauty of these plants isn’t just in their survival skills—it’s in their aesthetic appeal. Whether you prefer the spiky look of a golden barrel cactus or the architectural elegance of the tall and slender Euphorbia, there’s a cactus for every taste.

Cacti My New Interest
Cacti My New Interest

The Perfect Kitchen Companion

One of the best places to grow cacti indoors is the kitchen windowsill. Kitchens are usually bright, well-lit areas, which is ideal for these sun-loving plants. Cacti thrive in bright, indirect light, so a windowsill that gets a lot of sunshine but not too much scorching direct sunlight is perfect. They not only add a touch of nature to your space but also give a minimalist, modern feel to your décor.

Plus, cacti don’t mind a bit of neglect! Unlike some of the more temperamental houseplants, cacti can handle a missed watering or a bit of dust. In fact, they often do better when left alone.

Cacti My New Interest
Cacti My New Interest

Basic Cactus Care

Despite their tough exterior, cacti do need a bit of attention now and then to keep them happy. But don’t worry, they’re not fussy—just a few simple tips can make all the difference.

1. Watering
The key to cactus care is proper watering. These plants are built for drought conditions, so overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. The golden rule is to water them sparingly. During the warmer months (spring and summer), give your cactus a good soak about once every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In the winter, you can stretch this to once a month or even less. Cacti don’t need much water when they’re not actively growing.

2. Light
Cacti love the light! Place them on a sunny windowsill, preferably facing south or west for the best results. However, be mindful of the intensity of the sunlight—too much direct sunlight, especially in the summer, can scorch the plants. If you notice any signs of browning or shrivelling, move them slightly away from the window.

3. Soil and Potting
Good drainage is essential for cacti. They hate sitting in water, so a well-draining potting mix is a must. You can buy cactus-specific soil mixes from garden centres, which are usually a blend of sand, perlite, and regular potting soil. Make sure your cactus is in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

4. Fertilising
While cacti don’t need much food, giving them a little boost during the growing season (spring and summer) can help them thrive. Use a diluted cactus fertiliser once a month. In the colder months, when the plant isn’t growing as actively, you can skip this altogether.

Cacti My New Interest
Cacti My New Interest
Starting Your Own Collection

Today I am visiting Abbey Brook Cactus Nursery in Matlock, Derbyshire. Once I started, I quickly discovered how addictive cactus collecting can be. There’s something about their hardy nature and quirky shapes that makes each one feel unique. From small, spherical varieties like the Mammillaria to the grand, branching Cereus, there’s an endless variety to explore. I now have several on my kitchen windowsill, each with its own distinct character.

In a way, cacti remind me of the wisdom that comes with gardening in general—patience, resilience, and the joy of watching life take root in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance but rewarding way to bring a little greenery into your home, I highly recommend giving cacti a go. Trust me, once you start, you’ll be hooked!

Decking Renewal Wedding Gift

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Decking Renewal Wedding Gift

Decking Renewal Wedding Gift
New decking replacing the old decking

Decking Renewal Wedding Gift

A Decking Story: The Gift That Grew

About twenty years ago, I embarked on a little project that ended up being one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever given. It all started with Ryan Linton, one of my dedicated staff members, and his lovely wife, Claire. At the time, they were newlyweds, and as a gesture of appreciation (and a bit of celebration), I decided to build them a garden decking area. Now, this wasn’t just any ordinary deck—this was a labour of love.

I laid the decking myself, making sure it was just right.

Decking Renewal Wedding Gift
baby palm trees 20 years later

It had to be a space they could relax in, entertain, and enjoy their garden for years to come. As part of the design, I planted a couple of Australian cabbage palms to give the space a bit of flair and character. I thought, what could be better than something that not only looks great but also grows and thrives over the years, much like their marriage?

Fast forward to today, and that decking has seen a lot. Barbecues, family gatherings, late-night chats, and all the wear and tear that comes with two decades of British weather. To my surprise, Ryan recently decided it was time to replace the decking with some fresh new wood. The fact that it lasted as long as it did was a testament to the care they put into it, but even the best decks need a refresh after twenty years.

Decking Renewal Wedding Gift
20 year old Australian palms
Ryan’s done a fantastic job with the new decking.

He’s clearly inherited some DIY skills along the way, and the space looks as stunning as ever. What’s even more remarkable is how those Australian cabbage palms I planted all those years ago have grown. They’ve become a focal point in the garden, towering and lush, adding a real sense of life to the space.

It’s moments like this that remind me why giving someone a personal gift can mean so much. Sure, it was just a decking area at the time, but it’s grown into something far more significant—a backdrop to twenty years of memories, laughter, and love. And let’s be honest, it’s probably the best wedding present I’ve ever given!

Here’s to the next twenty years of that decking and those magnificent cabbage palms standing tall in the Linton garden.