The National Trust have produced a really great portable notebook where you can make notes of particular varieties that catch your eye as well as planting combinations and ideas. Its a handy pocket size and just ideal for taking with you on those wonderful N.T. garden trips to record your favourite plants or notes. There's a section for house/garden visits and notes, useful addresses, plants to buy and information of NT properties with garden tours, seasonal information and tips for greener gardening. At only £6.99 I reckon no dedicated gardener should be without this excellent little notebook.

Coton Manor Garden have just issued their 2010 programme of courses which take place at the Coton Manor Garden School, Nr Guilsborough, Northants. There is a packed programme to tempt gardeners from all levels including courses on pots and containers; troubleshooting with Helen Yemm, Planting for Succession and Perennials for Late Summer. For details of their programme log onto their website: www.cotonmanor.co.uk

If you haven't checked out our new website yet then please do so - we are adding to it all the time so make sure you check each week to see what's new - www.recklessgardener.com

Congratulations to the Walled Garden at Scampston on being named Visitor Attraction of the Year by the Yorkshire Moors and Coast Tourism Awards.

The snow may have gone in some areas but we still need to feed the birds. Garden Bird Supplies offers a comprehensive range of bird food along with a monthly feeding guide so that bird lovers always know the best food to put out for their feathered visitors. You can order on line at
www.gardenbird.co.uk - The website also has information on bird care and nest boxes etc so is well worth a visit.