There have been some lovely books published this year to mark the tercentenary of ‘Capability’ Brown’s birth and Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago, delightful books in a wide selection we’ve chosen to put on a Christmas list or to just treat yourself to a good winter’s read.
A recent survey showed that of all the enquiries the RHS Gardening Advice receives every year, box is always in the top few – evidence of how popular a plant it is – and the worry it causes.
Are gardeners starting to admit they’ve had enough of box?
Box (Buxus) is still commonly planted in gardens as a clipped, formal plant or hedge, but it is now proving more difficult to grow well due to disease and pests.
There is a real trend now to find alternatives as a variety of problems affect what had become a traditional part of many formal and informal gardens.
Elizabeth McCorquodale delves into the ecosystems contained in the living, breathing and feeding wonders of dry stone walls.
Dry stone walls are a conservationist's dream. They are wildlife apartment blocks, larders and hideaways and they are packed full of a myriad of interesting and beneficial creatures tucked just out of sight but right under our noses.
Gill Heavens rejects the idea that winter is the time when gardening jobs stop and urges us all to enjoy the invigorating air with some important tasks
If I had a pound for every time someone asked “What do you all winter?” I would be a very rich gardener. However, I can understand that to the uninitiated this might appear the case. If you are one of these misguided folk, allow me to enlighten you.
We may want to look at Cornwall through the TV drama 'Poldark' on a winter’s evening, but if you get out there and discover the coastal paths it’s much more fun
Many of us have to be coaxed out of our semi-hibernation through the winter months. But getting out for a brisk walk, especially around our coastline, will really blow the cobwebs away and make you feel so much better.
TV audiences have been glued to the drama of Poldark – and not only the characters’ stories. The main star is Cornwall and its coastline.
Mark Hinsley defends the importance of trees not only to our landscape but critically providing shelter for homes, crops and prevention from flood damage.
When you were young did you have a big older friend or sibling? You were a little in awe of him/her, even a bit afraid, but this person meant that the bullies would leave you alone.
Consequently, you readily accepted the slightly risky element of the friendship in return for the much wider protection from harm from which you benefited.
Big trees in towns are a similar proposition.
Grenville Sheringham says gardening injuries - from falling off ladders to accidents with power tools makes it vital to keep concentrating when gardening.
One of the great pleasures of gardening is being able to relax and unwind, enjoying the fresh air and exercise. But it is easy to drop one’s guard and have a silly accident, as I recently had the occasion to remind myself.
The start of high summer and hopefully warm weather and the ideal time of year to be planting so how should you deal with purchases at this time of the year.
The months of June and July are often dry and warm, and aren’t the best time for planting.
The soil can be unforgiving and it’s easy to lose plants. But that shouldn’t stop you from buying and adding things into your garden and there are a few practical steps you can take to make sure anything you buy in summer thrive and add instant attraction – or be ready in place for the following year.
It’s the time of year when almost every vegetable patch is beset with some pest or disease problems. So what are your options to try and solve things organically?
Organic gardeners usually want to avoid using pesticides of any type, so they try to grow plants in ways that help prevent pests and diseases from gaining a foothold.
These techniques work in any garden—organic or not.
Gill Heavens find a lot more to enjoy and savour from the 370 species of lobelia which offers beauty, diversity and not a little glamour.
What do most people think when they think of lobelia?
Summer bedding, hanging baskets, edging plants?
