Q&A with Ken & Pam Jeffrey

ADVICE FOR NOVICE GARDENERS: Get yourself a keen, strong partner. (Pam)

FAVOURITE TOOL: Leather gauntlets to protect my arms from rose thorns. (Pam)

FAVOURITE TIME IN THE GARDEN: The very best time of all is when our son, daughter and their families are here, whatever the season. (Pam)

CLEVER DESIGN DEVICE: Between the perennial border and the boundary hedge we’ve left a passageway so we can work without trampling anything precious. (Pam)

A PRACTICAL TIP: We should have bought our garden cart years ago. Loaded up with tools, string and plastic bins, it makes everything easier. (Ken)

BEST TIP NUMBER 1: Encourage birds. They’re a delight to watch bathing and feeding. We’ve had the same blackbird for 10 years. (Pam)

BEST TIP NUMBER 2: Aim to have plants which attract bees all year round. They are vital for pollination. (Ken)

GARDEN SIZE: It’s a flat section of 900sqm in a former orchard, facing north. (Pam)

SOIL TYPE: Loam over clay, mulched once a year with a truckload of compost. (Ken)

LEFT FROM TOP The potting shed is also known as the birthing unit for seedlings. Squeak is one of two resident bantams; Bubble was too busy to pose. The balcony is not only a great place to view their garden, it’s also Ken’s favourite perch for stargazing.