There’s so much to celebrate about footloose and fancy-free self-seeders. These plants are annuals, biennials or perennials that simply scatter copious amounts of seed. For this reason, they pop…
Ornamental
Get instant colour from bulbs this Spring
Traditionally Autumn is the time to plant out dormant spring bulbs, but if you didn’t get round to the job last year, help is now at hand. Garden centres seem…
Multi-stem tree planting
Multi-stem trees combine elements of both trees and shrubs, bringing benefits that make them great garden choices. Where dense shrubs might create an enclosed feel, or where bare tree trunks…
How to take stem-tip heather cuttings
Summer is the season for taking stem-tip cuttings of heathers. Our Amatuer Gardening expert shows you how to go about it in six easy steps. Step 1 Remove a strong, healthy,…
Find out how long your seed packets will last
If you are sorting through old seed packets through the winter months use this handy table to decide whether seeds are worth keeping. Veg and flower seeds and how long…
Berries on holly explained plus 5 top buys
Hollies are either male or female – only the females berry. Very few are self-fertile, so a female generally needs a male nearby (in the same garden or a neighbour’s)…
How to grow the perfect Christmas roses
To grow Christmas roses start off by buying cheaper ‘tester’ Helleborus niger in smaller pots. If possible, buy your Christmas roses in flower, looking for rounded blooms and plenty of healthy…
How to make a Christmas containers
For a cool, sophisticated look choose white and silver plants and embellish them with silver decorations and bright lights. This display will look classy for many months and the cineraria…
How to create a Christmas apple tree decoration
This is a great alternative to traditional Christmas decorations. Use up surplus apple harvests or buy a few bags from the supermarket. Take a walk and see what berries you…
Add topiary to your garden this winter
No matter what time of year, a well-tended topiary shape is guaranteed to catch your attention. Usually created using evergreen plants, these shapes take centre stage during the winter months,…