How to plant a tree – and what to do when a tree is planted wrong
The way you plant a tree makes a huge difference to whether it will survive. A badly planted tree won’t necessarily fail in the first year, according to award winning…
Tips and techniques from experts. No-fuss and easy but effective.
The way you plant a tree makes a huge difference to whether it will survive. A badly planted tree won’t necessarily fail in the first year, according to award winning…
Here are the key gardening jobs for the gardening year, with up to date expert advice on the best way to do them. On the Middlesized Garden I often interview…
I started thinking about garden soil recently when a friend complained to me about her gardener. She’d just had a large bundle of bare root roses delivered. So she asked her…
When you’re choosing trees for small gardens, always try to find out what they will look like in 5-10 years time. That’s advice from Jamie Butterworth, award-winning garden designer, RHS…
How to make the most of autumn colours in your garden by choosing the right plants and planting them in the right place.
Sowing seeds in autumn can give you stronger, healthier plants and earlier flowers. But it’s not right for all seeds. Or, indeed, for all gardeners! Some people prefer to take…
How to prevent slugs, snails and earwigs from destroying your dahlias without using chemicals. These ways are easier too.
It can be difficult to choose plants for dry shade. I have a small triangular area between two paths, where I had hoped to grow rhubarb. It took me years…
Resilient flowers are an essential part of a successful garden. However carefully you choose the right plants for your weather, soil or zone, there’ll always be the unexpected weather event….
If you can plant perennial flowers that bloom all summer, you’ll always have a beautiful border. Of course, we all want what Tom Brown of West Dean Gardens calls ‘the…
Midsummer is a good time to tweak your flower colour. The extra steps you take now will keep your border looking good throughout the summer and into autumn. You put…
Expert tips for planning and planting beautiful garden borders from award-winning head gardener Tom Brown of West Dean Gardens.
The Middlesized Garden is a participant in the Amazon Associates LLC, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
Contemporary cottage garden style – the power of the 70/30 rule
How to achieve the prettiest contemporary cottage garden style – and why the 70/30 rule will make your planting so much more successful.
How to turn a wide shallow backyard into the perfect garden
How to divide up a wide shallow backyard or garden – turn it into a beautiful outdoor space with just a few clever tips.
The really easy guide to pruning hydrangeas
Confused by contradictory advice on how and when to prune hydrangeas? This post makes it easy to achieve beautiful blooms year after year.
Don’t dig up dahlias for winter! What to do instead….
I don’t dig up dahlias to store them over winter. And before you dig your dahlias up, it’s important to know the pros and cons. Do I have to dig…
The absolutely best way to prune English lavender beautifully
Find out how to prune English lavender to make it look better and last longer. Photos of my lavender from 2013-2023 are proof that it works!
How to plant a border like a pro
How to plant a border brilliantly – design tips and practical advice. How to position shrubs and flowers in the best places, plus other tips.
