With a passion for gardening for the benefit of wildlife, Daniel Hoggins has shared some great advice with our readers since taking over the In the Garden feature in December 2023.

From advising us which tasks to get stuck into each month and specific seasonal advice, to DIY gardening projects such as building a pond or a bird house, Daniel inspires our readers to make the best of their garden for their own enjoyment and for the benefit of the many creatures we share our green spaces with.

We asked Daniel to share a little bit about himself and why he writes for us.

“I grew up and live in the Forest of Dean and have always loved being outdoors, in gardens and among nature. I am a professional gardener in charge of maintaining a number of regular customers’ gardens on a weekly basis throughout the year. I believe writing about gardening is really important as I am very much in the ‘gardening with nature camp’ and it is through our small everyday acts of aiding biodiversity that, when put together, will surely make a difference.”

Do you have any formal qualifications related to your chosen topic?
“Not related to gardening in particular, but I graduated university with a first class degree in Creative Writing, which helps me to craft my monthly articles.”

What is your favourite thing about The Local Answer?
“My favourite thing about The Local Answer is that it is family run, community focused and 100% locally needed. I think that in this modern world of global connectivity we can easily become disconnected with our local community and it is publications like this that can help us connect with our neighbourhood.”

What is your favourite thing about Gloucestershire?
“Probably the abundance of local produce. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m from Gloucestershire, but I am always attracted to the foods with the label ‘made in Gloucestershire’ on them. From great beers and ciders, to cheeses and breads, obviously the amazing meats and vegetables grown here. It is a place of plenty.”

What is your favourite plant?
“That’s a tough one but if I had to pick I’d say apple trees. You’ve got it all in one with an apple tree; blossom in late spring for the bees, lovely green leaf cover in the summer and fruit in the autumn that keeps people and birds happy.”

Which fruits and/or vegetables do you grow in your garden?
“I grow all sorts of fruit and veg at work in other people’s gardens, but my home garden is currently under a state of reconstruction. On completion I will have some raised beds to grow food with my four year old, as I think it’s a really important activity and very engaging and exciting for young children to get involved with. We hope to grow runner beans for their dramatic height, but I’ve got to admit I prefer a broad bean.”

What are your top three tools that you would recommend for someone getting into gardening this year?
“Three top tools that I use are; number one – my okatsune secateurs that I picked up from Niwaki. They’re Japanese steel and hold an edge really well. My second most valued tool is my Silky saw, again from Japan. It is so sharp and when doing any pruning this is really important as a sharp cut is a clean cut. My third most essential tool is probably, and my younger self would scoff, my kneeling pad, because these knees aren’t getting any younger and they’re already far too stiff for my age!”

If there are any gardening topics you’d like Daniel to write about, let us know. Email your thoughts to: lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk