Vialii Review of 2018
As we near the end of 2018, as is the tradition, we have cast our minds back over the year that’s been and we have pulled together our own wee highlights of the gardening world (and some other stuff!) and created the Vialii Review of 2018…
Product of the Year
We loved the vitrified paving we used in a garden we designed and built in Dunblane recently. Being vitrified means it won’t stain if anything is spilt on it and algae won’t grow on it. So basically it will continue to look just as beautiful for years to come!
Vitrified paving is a gorgeous addition to the garden
Community Garden of the Year
We were delighted to attend the official opening of the Shieldhill Butterfly Project Garden for the Community this year having worked with the community on designing and bringing it to life over recent years. From being a sloped, unusable garden it’s great to see the garden now accessible and widely used.
Design of the Year
There were so many fabulous designs this year and it’s impossible to pick a favourite. We did love this decked area we designed in Bridge of Allan using Millboard composite decking and really chunky ropes.
Millboard composite decking paired with chunky ropes looks stunning
Garden of the Year
An old favourite, the award this year goes to the Garden of Cosmic Speculation. It is only open to the public one day each year but it’s soooo worth making the effort to go. Get it in the diary for 2019!
Plant of the Year
This year we have given the award to a plant which should be in everyone’s garden – hydrangea paniculata. “Limelight” is a particular favourite of ours and will go with most planting schemes. If you don’t have one already, find space and plant one in 2019.
Hydrangea paniculata “Limelight”
Feature of the Year
We’ve opted for one of our own upcycling projects for this award. It’s always really rewarding taking something unwanted and turning it into a stunning addition to the garden. We took a run down old garden bench, fixed a spar and gave it a good sanding and then painted it bright colours to make it a practical but colourful focal point in our own front garden.
The before and after shots of our bench
New Addition of the Year
We can’t review 2018 without giving a special mention to our brand new member of Team Vialii, our cockapoo puppy Noodle! We’re looking forward to lots more adventures with her in 2019!
Noodle joined Team Vialii in October 2018
We hope your 2018 was full of great memories too. Here’s to a great 2019!
All at Vialii
Vialii Guide to Kids Gardening Gifts for Christmas 2018
Every year it seems to get harder and harder to get gifts for the kids which are actually useful and something they will like for more than five minutes and not awful for the environment. Well, worry ye not, we have pulled together some ideas we think you will all love in our Vialii Guide to Kids Gardening Gifts for Christmas 2018…
Grow Your Own Mini Dinosaur Garden
Yup, you heard us! The dino lover in your life will be blown away by this creative gift. It comes with a pop up scene and you can grow your own “grass”. Available from Not on the High Street.
Raaaaar! Grow your own dino garden!
Little Gardener’s Mini Greenhouse
This lovely little greenhouse will be fun to build for your little ones then you can plant the various seeds that come with it. It is reusable so environmentally a good gift this Christmas. Available from the Ethical Superstore.
My first greenhouse!
Make Your Own Insect House
This fab wee kit comes flat packed, Ikea style! Make your insect home and then find the perfect corner of your garden to locate it. Available from Garden Divas.
Make your insect house
Peter Rabbit Wellie Socks
We LOVE Peter Rabbit here at Vialii Towers so these Peter Rabbit socks are perfect for us! Available in Peter Rabbit or Lily Bobtail designs from eBay and other retailers.
Cosy and cute Peter Rabbit tootsies!
Apprentice Gardener Tool Set
If you are serious gardeners like us then you will need a proper set of tools. This set from Spotty Green Frog will help you have your garden flourishing in no time!
Get a head start on your career as apprentice gardener
Wildflower Glass Terrarium
How gorgeous is this little glass terrarium. It comes with all you need to grow your very own wildflower meadow. Beautiful! Available from Prezzy Box.
A beautiful terrarium of your own
Botanist Case
This stunning case would make any wannabe botanist proud. It contains a magnifying glass, notebook, 3 storage boxes for collecting specimens and a wooden flower press. The perfect way for your little ones to explore the natural world. Available from various suppliers including Trouva.
Be the most stylish botanist on the block!
Hope that helps round off your Christmas shopping. You a festive period full of fun and frivolities! See you in 2019!
Love
Lulu & Tilda xx
Vialii Guide to Christmas Gardening Gifts 2018
If you’re like us and you have still not finished your Christmas shopping and are struggling for ideas, then this is the list for you! We have carefully selected our favourite garden related gifts which your nearest and dearest would love to receive. So without further ado, here is the Vialii Guide to Christmas Gardening Gifts 2018…
Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen
This is the perfect gift for those who have everything. Imagine a late night movie screening on a warm sunny evening in the garden? Or an atmospheric Halloween film, jeepers! Check out Amazon for a range of sizes and prices!
Watch It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen in your garden this year!
BBQ In A Bag
This BBQ in a bag is perfect for days out with the family or for festival goers. It comes with a 7 in 1 utensil too so you’re sorted! Available from various suppliers including Blacks.
The new fast food on the block!
Garden Watch Cam
Make your own videos of plants unfurling, wildlife visiting or us transforming your garden from the bare to the beautiful with this garden watch cam.
Watch your garden unfurl before your eyes
Concrete Planter Kit
We just love this kit where you can make your own geometric concrete planters. These industrial style planters would be perfect for cacti or succulents. Available from Not on the High Street.
For the stylish gardener in your life
Macro Lens
If your loved one is a fan of taking photos in their garden, then this Olloclip macro lens for their iPhone is the perfect gift for them. Various lenses suitable for a variety of phones available on Amazon.
Get close up pics of your garden
Cocktail Garden Kit
This would be perfect for the cocktail lover in your life. They can grow their own herbs to add the perfect twist to their drinks. Just remember to gift them the other ingredients to go with it too! Available from various retailers including Amazon.
A lip smacking gardening gift!
Gardening Vouchers
Our Vialii gardening vouchers are a wonderful gift for those with little time or who are unsure what to do with their garden. They can use them for grass cutting, hedge trimming, a new lovely pot or a garden design. You choose the value, we do the hard work! Contact us for more details.
A Vialii gift voucher, the perfect gift this Christmas
Whatever you decide upon, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2019.
All at Vialii
Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Normally we are adorning your garden with beautiful planting, patios, pergolas and water features. But at this time of year our minds turn to how we can tastefully make your house stand out in the festive crowd. Here’s our guide to the best outdoor Christmas decorations…
Wreaths
You will no doubt be in and out your door several times a day and if you’re anything like us there will be couriers galore coming backwards and forwards so make sure you add a wreath and make it look really pretty. Your local florist will be able to supply one but even better, make one yourself. Look out for local classes or follow an online tutorial. A trip to your local woods should give you most of what you need.
Make a festive wreath for your front door this Christmas
Outdoor Lights
Our top tip when it comes to external Christmas lights is to think about the sort of lights which are showing from inside the house and also any outside lights you already have on the home. It’s best to complement those colours so don’t choose cool white external lights if the ones inside your house are warm tones. We love the icicle lights which you can run along the front of the house and if you have a large shrub or a nice tree in your garden make sure you make it twinkle with a few fairy lights too. We also love these sparkle balls you can hang from your trees, available from Argos.
These sparkle balls would make an eye catching display hanging from your tree
Festive Fun
It can be difficult to not give in to the temptation of some of the more “fun” Christmas lights. There are lots to choose from and if an inflatable Santa isn’t for you why not opt for an LED reindeer from eBay to brighten up your garden this Christmas. Position them amongst your shrubs for optimum effect.
An LED reindeer can be fun but still creates a stylish display
Little Touches
If you want to add some sparkle to your balcony or window sills, these lovely LED jam jars from Not on the High Street are the perfect touch…
Pretty LED lights in a jar brighten up a dark balcony
Whatever you opt for, enjoy spending time at home and in your garden this Christmas.
Vialii