Growing roses – expert tips from Hever Castle rose garden
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…
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…
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,…
Have you considered planting your borders as a ‘butterfly garden?’ We all know it’s important to support bees, because the decline in pollinating insects is potentially such a threat to…
How to create English country garden style in small or larger gardens or backyards. 15 expert tips for plants, pots, ponds and more.
Cottage garden style means a colourful mix of flowers, packed in together with herbs and edibles. It is relaxed and pretty – but are there secrets or rules you need…
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,…
Pink flowers are at the heart of my summer garden colour. While editing my photos for my summer garden tour, I noticed that the most beautiful plants and plant combinations…
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.
Do your eyes glide over the advice to ‘divide perennials’ in spring and autumn? I always used to think that dividing perennials was for perfect gardeners. My relaxed attitude to…
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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.
