Gardening at moss and moor
Our horticultural team
Alex
Alex is our horticultural manager at Moss & Moor and has worked in horticulture retail for the past 26 years since leaving college. He studied at Askham Bryan college near York where he obtained a HND in Horticulture.
Kerstin
Kerstin is originally from Malta, bilingual, and brimming with horticultural know-how. Having achieved her RHS Level 2 Diploma and now studying towards her Level 3, she’s always happy to share personalised gardening advice to help customers make the most of their outdoor spaces. A passionate gardener and fantastic baker, Kerstin is also a devoted cat, coffee and cake lover — the perfect mix of expertise and warmth that makes her such a valued part of the Moss & Moor team.
Jenny
Jenny has worked in high street retail for 20 years before starting her career with Moss & Moor. Her qualifications including RHS Level 2 diploma in principles and practices of horticulture and RHS Level 3 certificate in practical horticulture has allowed Jenny to thrive within the plant area, taking pride in the houseplants section.
David
David joins Moss & Moor with over 30 years of experience working in garden centres and plant nurseries. A graduate of Shipley College with a City and Guilds in horticulture, David’s passion for plants and dedication to customer service make him a valuable addition to our team. Whether you’re seeking expert advice or looking for inspiration, David is here to help guide you in making the most of your garden.
Welcome to November in the Garden
As autumn fades and winter approaches, November is the perfect month to prepare your garden for the colder days ahead.
Whether you’re tidying up fallen leaves, planting for next spring, or bringing colour indoors, our Potting Shed team has plenty of advice to keep your garden looking beautiful through the season.
This month, Alex shares his top gardening jobs, David picks a plant that brings colour through winter, and Oli introduces a cheerful festive houseplant to brighten your home. Plus — don’t miss our new arrivals and Moor Rewards member offers!
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for November
Here’s what Alex recommends for your November gardening checklist:
🌹 Plant roses, trees, and shrubs before the cold weather sets in.
🍂 Collect fallen leaves and make your own nutrient-rich leaf mould.
🪴 Lift pots off the ground using pot feet to prevent waterlogging or frozen compost.
❄️ Dig up dahlia tubers after the first frosts and store in a cool, dark place.
🌿 Protect tree ferns by packing the crown with straw and wrapping in fleece.
🧣 Wrap containers with fleece or bubble wrap to prevent frost damage.
🌷 Keep planting spring bulbs – there’s still time!
🌼 Lift and divide perennials to improve plant health for next year.
“It’s all about getting ahead this month,” says Alex, our Potting Shed Manager and Horticultural Expert. “A little work now makes all the difference when spring returns.”
November Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Erica gracilis
Chosen by David, our plant specialist, Erica gracilis brings much-needed colour to the garden during the darker months.
A low-growing evergreen, Erica gracilis flowers from autumn through to spring, providing much-needed colour in the winter months. It works beautifully on its own or mixed with seasonal favourites such as pansies, violas, and primroses. Flower colours typically range from pink to red or white.
David’s Top Care Tips:
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade
- Plant in well-drained soil
- Reaches 20–30cm at maturity
- Ideal for borders or winter containers
Houseplant of the month
Schlumbergera (Christmas Cacti)
Chosen by Oli
Bring a burst of tropical colour indoors with Oli’s pick of the month — the Christmas Cactus.
Oli’s Care Tips for Your Christmas Cactus
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch or fade the leaves.
- Water: In spring and summer, water when the top soil feels dry. In autumn and winter, water less to give the plant a rest.
- Humidity: Enjoys a little extra humidity – a light mist now and then keeps it happy.
- Temperature: Likes 18–24°C. During autumn and winter, allow two short rest periods in cooler conditions.
looking after houseplants
✨ Wrap Up the Season with Moss & Moor
From pruning and planting to brightening your home with seasonal colour, November is full of opportunities to enjoy your garden.
While you’re preparing for winter, don’t forget to explore our Gardening Page for the New In range and our Potting Shed Moor Rewards offers — from garden tools and winter bedding to festive treats and exclusive member savings, there’s something to inspire every gardener this season.
Let’s keep your garden thriving — there’s always something to discover at Moss & Moor!
NEW in for October:
Autumn Garden Tidy Range:
Leaves are falling and borders are calling for a final tidy before winter sets in!
Our Autumn Garden Tidy Range has just arrived — packed with essentials like rakes, brooms, gloves, secateurs, and pop-up bins to help you get your garden winter-ready.
Visit our Potting Shed this month to browse the full range, and don’t forget — Moor Rewards members enjoy extra savings across selected gardening products.
This Month’s Moor Rewards Gardening Offers
Our Moor Rewards members can enjoy some brilliant savings on gardening essentials this November. From tools to outdoor accessories, everything you need to keep your garden winter-ready is here!
- Pop-Up Bin 100L – RRP £14.99 → £9.99
- Kent & Stowe All-Round Grip Gloves – Buy one, get one free
- Algon Path & Patio Cleaner – 2 for £16
- Garden Rake – RRP £29.99 → £20
- Jumbo Leaf Grabbers – RRP £12.99 → £8.99
- Professional Pruner – RRP £23.00 → £11.50
- Folding Kneeler Seat – RRP £29.99 → £19.99
- Ultralight Ankle Boots – RRP £34.99 → £29.99
Simply show your Moor Rewards card at the till to redeem your discount — not yet a member? Joining is free in-store!
Not a Moor Rewards member yet? Sign up in-store today and start saving!
discover moreHelp us go PEAT FREE !
As we continue to work with the ENVIRONMENTAL campaign group Climate Action Ilkley to educate our customers on the choices available, shop our range of peat-free and organic composts. Play your part and switch to peat free for healthy plants while protecting the planet too!
We worked really hard in 2023 to move away from peat based composts and as we currently stand at the start of 2024 we are 97% there.
The Best of British Plants
With our passion for plants, we champion the very best of British Growers, selecting and nurturing an exciting range of trees, outdoor plants and shrubs that will help you create a home and garden you love.
Lifetime Plant Guarantee
We are so confident in the quality of our hardy plants that we offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all our hardy outdoor garden plants. We offer a free replacement or credit note providing the plant hasn’t died as a result of neglect of care, for example watering. All we ask is you return your plant with a receipt or garden centre label as proof of purchase. Hardy plants do not include seasonal bedding plants or Houseplants.
ASK ALEX!
Got a houseplant dilemma, a garden question, or in need of expert advice? Just ask Alex! Reach out to our horticultural team at hello@mossandmoor.co.uk, and we’ll be delighted to help you flourish!