A shady border – the best (and easiest) part of your garden?
My shady border is probably better for longer than anywhere else in the garden. Although I do far less work in it – less planting and weeding – than I…
My shady border is probably better for longer than anywhere else in the garden. Although I do far less work in it – less planting and weeding – than I…
Here in the South East (of England), we’re assessing the winter damage to our gardens. The real problems weren’t caused by the snow, freezing winds or low temperatures of late…
I’ve always been slightly nervous of buying ‘unusual plants.’ Maybe they’re just for expert gardeners? More demanding? Difficult to grow? If you’re new to gardening, you will often be advised…
I’m creating a super-list of the best vegetable varieties to grow. Out of curiosity, I threw myself on the mercy of Twitter. I asked the garden and allotment bloggers which…
If you want inspiration, visit an English country garden. The romantic mix of colour, abundance and formality appeals to people everywhere. Parham House & Gardens in Sussex holds the annual…
Would you renovate a garden over a couple of years? Or would you just call in the diggers and start again from scratch? Warning! You may miss out if you…
Do you mainly think about the flowers when you’re planning your garden? I do. I can’t remember when I last chose a plant specifically for its foliage. But foliage is often…
Landscaping is the most expensive element in your garden. And it’s the hardest part to get right. I went round a stunningly planted private garden last summer, which was almost…
What does the term ‘child-friendly garden’ mean to you? Does a family garden have to have lots of colourful plastic and a bald lawn? You can have a garden that both…
You can revive your garden without spending too much money. Do you look out of your window and feel your garden has lost its sparkle? Or maybe you’ve moved house,…
Are you one of those busy people who goes to work in the dark – then come back in the dark – for around six months of the year? Does…
What will you be doing differently in the garden next year? I’ve looked back over the pictures and interviews of last year to see what new tips, directions and ideas…
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How to find a gardener who’s perfect for your garden
What’s the first thing you think about when you decide to find a gardener? Is it ‘how much does a gardener cost?’ Or ‘how do I find a gardener who…
The best plants for amazingly low maintenance garden pots
What are ‘low maintenance garden pots’? After all, how low can you go? Can you go away on holiday for a fortnight without asking anyone to water your pots? Er,…
8 steps to the long thin garden of your dreams
Two years ago Emma and Mel moved to a house in Whitstable with a long thin garden. It’s open during Whitstable Open Gardens every year for the NGS. They came…
Fences for privacy – 9 great ideas for garden screening
Are you making the most of your fences for privacy and screening? Privacy is a big issue for middle-sized gardens, because high hedges and fences block light. But low hedges…
7 essential garden tools to make your gardening life really easy
Invest in good quality versions of the 7 essential garden tools. Then build up more useful tools gradually as you find you need them. The 7 essential garden tools a…
The 8 best perfect-for-privacy garden trees
Do you need trees for privacy? Perhaps you have a neighbour’s window over-looking your garden? An ugly view or a street-lamp? The days of planting gloomy conifers to prevent people…
