Your autumn gardening strategy
Autumn gardening, these days, starts with planting next summer’s perennials, trees and shrubs. I’ve interviewed some wonderful head gardeners this year, such as Asa Gregors-Warg at the Beth Chatto Gardens,…
Tips and techniques from experts. No-fuss and easy but effective.
Autumn gardening, these days, starts with planting next summer’s perennials, trees and shrubs. I’ve interviewed some wonderful head gardeners this year, such as Asa Gregors-Warg at the Beth Chatto Gardens,…
What to do with garden waste – bags, incinerator, composting and garden shredders. Plus tips on choosing and using the best garden shredder.
Alstroemerias are very easy to grow. They flower from May to November in a UK garden and even longer in some other countries. ‘They’ll flower all year round if you…
Coastal garden plants are beautiful, easy-care and very resilient. If your garden is dry or windy and has poor soil, then plants which grow naturally in coastal areas will work…
A herbaceous border is at the heart of most grand gardens. In theory, if you want your borders to look continuously beautiful from May to October, you need skill, space…
Hever Castle is famous for growing roses. It has more than 4,000 of them. So I asked head gardener, Neil Miller for his best tips on growing roses in our…
Hydrangeas are a flower that is both adored and deplored. Naomi Slade has written a beautiful and definitive guide, called Hydrangeas (published by Pavilion Books). She says: ‘They’re so familiar,…
You may not have thought about growing rhododendrons in your garden. They come in brilliant colours, they’re easy care and they love shade. If your soil isn’t right for them,…
I’ve been talking to iris specialists Iris of Sissinghurst about growing irises. Sue Marshall owns and runs Iris of Sissinghurst . They have been one of the UK’s top specialist…
There are five important questions you need to ask before buying a climbing plant. Is your climbing plant going to be planted in sun or shade? And don’t forget a…
I’d like to take you on a late spring garden tour, because May is such a beautiful month in the garden. And I have some recommendations for good garden plants…
The real truth about weeding your garden – which methods work best, how to weed without chemicals and which weeding tools to choose.
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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.
