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…
What’s the secret of stunning garden pots? Expensive containers? Choosing the right plants? Having an artistic eye for arrangement? Maybe. But we’ve all seen wonderful displays of common plants in…
Are gardening books dead? Can’t we get all the info we need free off the internet? The best gardening books are the ones you go back to again and again….
How to plant a border brilliantly – design tips and practical advice. How to position shrubs and flowers in the best places, plus other tips.
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…
There’s no doubt about it – de-cluttering your desk, home or garden shed can help you feel more in control. But something is lost, too. A completely decluttered life has fewer…
Have you been just slightly disappointed by your home-grown fruit and veg? In the last two summers, I’ve grown celeriac with no roots, blighted tomatoes, stunted sweetcorn and lettuces that…
It’s easy to help wildlife in your garden. There are about a dozen easy little tweaks you can make that will make your garden a better place for birds, pollinating…
Did you know that you can make literally hundreds of dyes from your garden plants? As you harvest your first rhubarb of the year, don’t throw the leaves into the…
Different country. Different climate – but travel makes you look at gardens in a fresh way. It’s inspiring to see how someone else grows things, especially if you can talk…
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. But the hardscaping…
Have you got a vegetable garden plan? Are you growing the right vegetables, herbs and fruit? The ones you will really eat and use? Or are you wasting about half…
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…
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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.
