Improve your pruning with 10 practical Great Dixter tips
Pruning shrubs beautifully will transform your garden – because good pruning is like good tailoring. And it’s simpler than you think. I was invited to join Great Dixter’s Rachael Dodd…
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…
Pruning shrubs beautifully will transform your garden – because good pruning is like good tailoring. And it’s simpler than you think. I was invited to join Great Dixter’s Rachael Dodd…
It’s snowdrop time. But snowdrops are the most frustratingly difficult flowers to photograph. From this weekend onwards, there will be ‘snowdrop walks’ all round Britain. The NGS has a list of…
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…
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…
Are you haunted by the contents of your shed, garage or loft? Is it full of things that ‘might come in useful one day’? Does your back ache when you…
If you blog, tweet or Facebook about your garden, you need wonderful images. If you run a business in the gardening world (or any other world), you need great photos…
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…
A festive door wreath is now a major style decision. Should you have a Christmas wreath that’s artistic, traditional, Nordic, minimalist or creative? Lights? Fruit? Chillies? Biscuits? Make or buy?…
The time for moving plants round your garden is between October and March (deciduous). Or in October or March (evergreen). Have you got a spot in your garden that you…
Re-vamp your shed by painting it. It’s the quickest and easiest way to make a big difference. Ever since my friend Rosie Turner painted her garden shed in Barbie-doll pink…
Expert advice on choosing and planting perfect-for-privacy garden trees. How to make your garden more private and more beautiful.
Autumn decorations are vibrant, welcoming and easy to create. Find them for free in your own garden. Top 10 autumn decorating plants from the garden Squashes, gourds and pumpkins –…
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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.
