I don’t know about you but once the festive season is over and life starts again in January, my...

Ever dreamed of a greenhouse but couldn’t afford the €5,000+ price tag? I built my own 27-square-metre wooden greenhouse from scratch for just €1,310—with no carpentry experience and no permanent foundation (perfect for rented gardens!). This complete guide walks you through every step: from creating a string frame and setting ground sleeves to installing windows and covering with weather-resistant tarp. Four years later, it’s still standing strong through Bavarian storms. If I could build this as a complete beginner, you can too. All you need is patience, basic tools, and a few weekends.

When I look outside my bedroom window on a typical January morning, I can see the nearby woods, sometimes covered in tiny snow hats. January in Bavaria is a month of deep rest—for the garden and for us. While the world rushes with New Year resolutions, nature shows us a different way: the necessity of dormancy, the beauty of bareness, the wisdom of slowing down.
In this reflection, I share how I embrace January’s dark, quiet energy through cozy rituals, winter self-care, and following my garden’s example. From gratitude journals and candlelight to homemade preserves and Gemütlichkeit, discover how to honor this season of rest. Spring will come soon enough—for now, let’s hibernate.

Although our gardens are sleeping right now, that doesn’t mean that we gardeners have nothing to...

When the leaves start to paint warm hues on the landscape, it’s time to prepare your garden for winter. An autumn garden cleanup isn’t just about tidiness—it’s an investment in your garden’s health and vitality. From knowing the right timing to protecting sensitive plants and creating wildlife habitats, discover how to give your garden the care it deserves before its winter rest. Your garden has given you months of joy; now it’s time to return the favor.