The three best alternatives to box for simple topiary
The three best alternatives to box for topiary and clipped hedges, plus three more that you should only choose if you know the pros and cons!
RHS Chelsea 2026 has decisively moved away from perfect lawns, large ‘outdoor room’ expanses of new paving, plants that need to be cosseted and a constant battle with soil and…
The three best alternatives to box for topiary and clipped hedges, plus three more that you should only choose if you know the pros and cons!
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,…
Garden ornaments – garden art, sculpture and decorations – can lift your garden to a whole new level. They make your garden look good in all seasons, particularly in winter….
American Gardens by Monty Don and Royal Gardens of the World by Mark Lane cover some of the most influential gardens in the world. They place gardening in a historical, political and economic context.
As I was photographing Diane and Robbie Perry’s garden in Kent, I admired the way they use garden planters to add punctuation and colour. They’ve used garden pots in five…
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…
Francine Raymond, Daily Telegraph gardening writer and author, recently turned her garage into a stylish garden room and potting shed. And she did it on a minimum spend, without losing…
Discover tips from head gardener Asa Gregers-Warg on creating a dry garden that thrives without irrigation.
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…
I’ve just visited a narrow north facing garden with some charming thin garden ideas and a wildlife friendly focus. It’s also on a slope – so the garden conditions could…
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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.
