Welcome to my garden
A garden is made for sharing — and the gate is always open here in the Dales.
I am Dot Hawkins, and I live in the Yorkshire Dales. For over fifty years I have grown vegetables, roses and windowsill plants on stony hill soil, with wind and rain for company. Here I share the planting tricks that really work — no fuss, no fancy words, and always a flask of tea within reach.
In the garden this month
My three little obsessions of the moment, to put into practice without delay.
Explore the garden
Choose where to begin the stroll.
Latest posts
The posts I have just added here, still warm from the oven.
12 April 2024
Growing Chili Peppers in Pots: and Never buy pepper again
12 April 2024
Cherries, how to grow a plant in 7 days at no cost: all you need is the stone
12 April 2024
Wet soil and full sun: how to grow daisy
12 April 2024
Lemon plant: how to grow it in pots and always have fresh and fragrant citrus fruits
12 April 2024
How to grow hydrangea in pots or in the garden to always have it full of colorful flowers
12 April 2024
How to grow parsley at home all year round: only in this way will you have a rich harvest
About us
A life spent with my hands in Dales soil
I was born and raised in the Yorkshire Dales, and for over fifty years I have tended my family’s garden behind a dry-stone wall. I learned from the grandmothers who came before me, from the seasons and from many a good neighbour, and today I share here every no-fuss trick that thin Dales soil has taught me.