Claire Lowe
Seasonal Gardening Writer
Garden-Review contributor sharing practical advice, buying guidance and hands-on gardening insight.
Credentials & Qualifications
- RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- National Diploma in Garden Design
- Former Head Gardener, National Trust property (6 years)
- Royal Horticultural Society Member
- Garden Media Guild Member
Areas of Expertise
- Seasonal planting and kitchen garden planning
- Composters, water butts and sustainable garden kit
- Greenhouse growing and propagation
- Wildlife-friendly gardening
- Soil health and organic mulching
How Claire Tests & Reviews
Our hands-on review methodology — built for genuine, trustworthy recommendations.
Claire trials seasonal products across her one-acre Hampshire garden and allotment plot, photographing results week by week through a full growing year. Compost bins, water butts and propagators are assessed for build quality, frost resistance and real-world capacity rather than manufacturer claims. Plant-related kit is judged on whether it actually improved yields, germination rates or plant health in side-by-side beds.
Articles by Claire Lowe
4 published articles
How to plan an accessible garden layout
Whether you're adapting your garden for a wheelchair user, making it safer for an elderly parent, or simply planning a space that works for everyone, the challenge is the same: most gardens are not designed with accessibility in mind.
Making a Splash: Stylish Savings for Your Summer Garden Watering
If you’re looking for a simple way to save water, reduce bills, and make your garden more sustainable this summer, one standout option currently catching attention is the stylish slimline range of water butts.
Webb 76cm (30'') Ride on Lawnmower Review
Read our Webb 76cm (30”) Ride-On Lawnmower Review 2026 to discover whether this compact petrol ride-on mower is the right choice for your garden. We test its cutting performance, comfort, reliability, mulching ability, and manoeuvrability while comparing it with popular alternatives from Mountfield and Husqvarna. Ideal for medium-to-large UK lawns, this beginner-friendly ride-on mower combines a Briggs & Stratton engine with versatile 3-in-1 mowing functions and excellent value for money.
Hyundai HYTR250E Grass Trimmer Review - Cheapest Strimmer in the UK?
The Hyundai HYTR250E Corded Grass Trimmer is one of the cheapest strimmers in the UK, making it a popular choice for beginners and budget-conscious gardeners. This lightweight, no-frills electric trimmer is designed for simple lawn edging and light grass trimming rather than heavy-duty work. While performance is limited, it delivers reliable results for small gardens. The only real drawback is a slightly fiddly spool reload system - but for the price, it remains a solid entry-level option.