if your garden is bigger than a courtyard, but smaller than an acre

Gardening Know How

Tips and techniques from experts. No-fuss and easy but effective.

Iris sibirica

Early summer garden tips

One of the odd things about early summer is that I always have to start thinking about what I should take out of my garden rather than what I need…

Updated on June 6th, 2022

Posted In: Gardening Know How


Lupins Band of Nobles series

Perennials made simple – how to choose and grow the best plants for your borders

Perennials are the main flowering element of a successful mixed border. So I went to one of the UK’s premier perennial plant nurseries, Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, to talk to…

Updated on October 15th, 2024

Posted In: Beautiful Borders, Gardening Know How


Osmanthus delavayi

How to choose plants for shade – for year round garden success

If you’re buying plants for shade, firstly think about what kind of shade you have in your garden. At least half your garden – wherever you live – is shady….

Updated on April 23rd, 2023

Posted In: Gardening Know How


How to grow tulips

How to plant and grow tulips for a stunning display

If you want dramatic garden colour in spring, then you have to grow tulips. And they are easy to grow. They don’t always come back the following year the way…

Updated on April 23rd, 2026

Posted In: Gardening Know How


Daffodils with different cup and trumpet sizes

Daffodils – the star of the show or the Cinderella of the garden?

Do we take daffodils for granted? My Twitter feed is packed with people posting images of snowdrops in February. They’re beautiful. Snowdrops are so sweet and innocent – the first…

Updated on September 17th, 2023

Posted In: Gardening Know How


The basics of gardening

What are the basics of gardening that everyone needs to know?

The basics of gardening in an easy-to-understand list – find out what you need to know to create a beautiful garden that’s right for you.

Updated on February 20th, 2026

Posted In: Gardening Know How


Bronze weeding tool

My favourite garden tools and products

The right garden tools and products make gardening so much easier and more comfortable. We’ve suffered from gloves that don’t fit, garden forks that bend under the slightest pressure, secateurs…

Updated on April 2nd, 2023

Posted In: Gardening Know How


The really simple guide to making your own garden compost

Making your own garden compost is really easy. And it’s fabulously good for your garden plants. Professional gardeners call it ‘garden gold.’ Plus it will save you taking garden clippings…

Updated on February 20th, 2026

Posted In: Gardening Know How, Wildlife & Eco


Should you mow the grass in winter?

Sensible answers to the top ‘is it too late to’ gardening questions

When is it too late to prune fruit trees, mow the lawn, plant spring bulbs and trim lavender? Find out the answer from experts.

Updated on February 14th, 2022

Posted In: Gardening Know How


5 top garden tips for guaranteed gardening success…

The 5 top garden tips you need to know, whatever your climate. Whether you’re new to gardening or just want some inspiration, these will help you!

Updated on February 14th, 2022

Posted In: Gardening Know How


Colourful cornus

Six top shrubs for late season colour

Six easy-to-grow and brilliantly beautiful shrubs for late season colour, recommended by head gardener Tom Coward of Gravetye Manor Hotel.

Updated on October 8th, 2022

Posted In: Gardening Know How


Growing conditions for acers

How to choose and plant a garden tree for brilliant autumn colour

Confused by the huge choice of small garden trees for autumn colour? Head gardener Stephen Herrington, of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, explains how to choose and plant the right tree.

Updated on September 4th, 2023

Posted In: Gardening Know How