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Robert Barker

Down to Earth: What to look for in the November garden

27 October 2023
Down to Earth: What to look for in the November garden

Down to Earth: What to look for in the November garden

27 October 2023

November may bring damp days and dark nights, but there’s delight to be found in the garden


Down to Earth: Trees can’t fail to attract attention in autumn

10 October 2023
Down to Earth: Trees can’t fail to attract attention in autumn

Down to Earth: Trees can’t fail to attract attention in autumn

10 October 2023

“Whether you are present enough to appreciate trees and nature all year round or not, it is hard not to take notice during autumn. . .”


Down to Earth: Why September is time to take stock in the garden

07 September 2023
Down to Earth: Why September is time to take stock in the garden

Down to Earth: Why September is time to take stock in the garden

07 September 2023

In the wake of fickle summer weather, September is the time to take stock in the garden, says Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: How to make your garden truly family-friendly

07 August 2023
Down to Earth: How to make your garden truly family-friendly

Down to Earth: How to make your garden truly family-friendly

07 August 2023

The school holidays call for a child-friendly garden. It’s wise to make changes temporary, though, says Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Reset your garden for summer’s heat

21 July 2023
Down to Earth: Reset your garden for summer’s heat

Down to Earth: Reset your garden for summer’s heat

21 July 2023

Instead of resenting summer’s hear, we need to reset both our minds and our gardens and make the most of it, writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Why June is time to stop and smell the roses

29 May 2023
Down to Earth: Why June is time to stop and smell the roses

Down to Earth: Why June is time to stop and smell the roses

29 May 2023

With gardens reaching their peak in June, now’s the time to sit back and admire their beauty, says Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Waking up to the miracle of spring

19 April 2023
Down to Earth: Waking up to the miracle of spring

Down to Earth: Waking up to the miracle of spring

19 April 2023

"April is when spring hits us in the face like a splash of cold water and our hibernating senses wake up," writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Time to give the garden some TLC

05 March 2023
Down to Earth: Time to give the garden some TLC

Down to Earth: Time to give the garden some TLC

05 March 2023

Instead of making grand plans as spring begins, it's time to give your pots and borders some simple TLC, writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Follow nature's example and go slow

22 January 2023
Down to Earth: Follow nature's example and go slow

Down to Earth: Follow nature's example and go slow

22 January 2023

Instead of resenting January’s quiet days, enjoy the small, simple pleasures a winter garden can bring, writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Plant carefully for festive colour

21 December 2022
Down to Earth: Plant carefully for festive colour

Down to Earth: Plant carefully for festive colour

21 December 2022

lant carefully and your plot can be full of colour come Christmas, writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Bringing outside in is good for you

06 November 2022
Down to Earth: Bringing outside in is good for you

Down to Earth: Bringing outside in is good for you

06 November 2022

Late autumn’s glowing colour palette can lift spaces and spirits, writes Cambridge garden designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: A garden should be for all seasons

11 October 2022
Down to Earth: A garden should be for all seasons

Down to Earth: A garden should be for all seasons

11 October 2022

A good garden shouldn't become dull and boring come autumn/winter. Pick the right plants and your scheme will shine, says Cambridge's Robert Barker


Down to Earth: How to deal with garden drought

03 August 2022
Down to Earth: How to deal with garden drought

Down to Earth: How to deal with garden drought

03 August 2022

Summer’s hot, dry days can wreak havoc in our gardens. The solution? From irrigation to mulching, the secret is to be prepared


Down to Earth: Lawns aren’t the be-all and end-all

09 July 2022
Down to Earth: Lawns aren’t the be-all and end-all

Down to Earth: Lawns aren’t the be-all and end-all

09 July 2022

Lawns are lovely, but they aren’t the be-all and end-all of a good garden design, as Cambridge’s Robert Barker reflects


Down to Earth: Plant a legacy for the Jubilee

05 June 2022
Down to Earth: Plant a legacy for the Jubilee

Down to Earth: Plant a legacy for the Jubilee

05 June 2022

For Cambridge garden designer Robert Barker, the Queen’s Jubilee is a prompt to plant a legacy for the planet, whether woodland or wildflower meadow


Down to Earth: May will always be Chelsea month

23 May 2022
Down to Earth: May will always be Chelsea month

Down to Earth: May will always be Chelsea month

23 May 2022

For Cambridge garden designer Robert Barker, May brings back memories - of the whirlwind that was his Chelsea debut


Down to Earth: After darkness comes the light

24 April 2022
Down to Earth: After darkness comes the light

Down to Earth: After darkness comes the light

24 April 2022

In the garden as in life, we have to go through dark times in order to see the light, writes Cambridge designer Robert Barker


Down to Earth: Embracing wildlife in the garden

06 March 2022
Down to Earth: Embracing wildlife in the garden

Down to Earth: Embracing wildlife in the garden

06 March 2022

Whether you’re feeding the birds or planting your borders, instead of trying to coax exotics into your garden, embrace the species which thrive there


Down to Earth: Why it's worth following your heart

30 January 2022
Down to Earth: Why it's worth following your heart

Down to Earth: Why it's worth following your heart

30 January 2022

When Cambridge’s Robert Barker decided to change career lanes in his 30s and become a garden designer, it was a true follow-your-heart moment


Down to Earth: Structure makes winter gardens sing

09 January 2022
Down to Earth: Structure makes winter gardens sing

Down to Earth: Structure makes winter gardens sing

09 January 2022

Give your garden structure in the form of hedging and it will look lovely year-round, even in the dead, dread days of January, says Robert Barker