Which hedge is right for my garden?
A friend recently asked me which hedge she should choose for her garden. It’s a bit like being asked for the answer to world peace. It’s rather a big question….
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…
A friend recently asked me which hedge she should choose for her garden. It’s a bit like being asked for the answer to world peace. It’s rather a big question….
We decided to turn a neglected pergola in the corner of the garden into a simple gazebo, in order to create an ‘outside room.’ It has a wonderful view of…
Easy, thrifty ideas for garden party decorations. Tried and tested tips for throwing a brilliant backyard party at minimal cost.
Top ‘paint my shed’ tips. Find out whether to paint your shed pale or dark, in a bright colour or a subtle wash. Plus painting tips.
Have you noticed that there are more ‘weeds’ in gardens now? And those weedy gardens often look very beautiful. Some of the prettiest gardens now unashamedly seem to have weeds…
If asked for ‘small garden ideas‘, I wouldn’t normally start with advising you to plant a large cypress tree right in the middle of your courtyard garden. But one of…
‘Gardening things’ may sound a bit vague, but I wanted to tell you about a few of the best things that I’ve tried recently. I’ve bought or been given some…
What are ‘low maintenance garden pots‘? The key is to plant easy care plants in your pots. And – most important – to choose the right size pot. But the…
Lots of easy seaside garden ideas, the best beach garden plants, real-life coastal gardens for inspiration and tips for seaside garden design.
Emma and Mel moved to a house in Whitstable with a long thin garden. They came from a London flat with a tiny courtyard: ‘I’ve been dreaming about how I…
If you google ‘plant hunter’, Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, will pop up sooner rather than later. Plant hunters used to be Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian adventurers. Kew describes…
Do you feel guilty about orchid care? Have you been given a potted orchid which did look beautiful for weeks? And do you now have a sad little transparent pot…
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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.
