CATEGORIES

An uncertain future

Horticultural clubs need to attract members, says Peter

Stroke of luck

While many new gardening gizmos impress, says Toby, one item is as useful now as ever– the besom brush

Landscape roses

If you want beautiful, lasting ground cover that will also dissuade weeds, have you considered roses? Anne Swithinbank argues the case for landscape roses

Lime-hating plants

If you love rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias but don’t have acid soil, the answer is to grow them in containers with the right compost, water and food

Looking after winter lawns

Keep things ticking over until spring arrives

Growing Hippeastrum (Amaryllis)

Steve and Val Bradley explain how to get the best out of these gorgeous houseplants

Focus on...Blackcurrants

Tangy fruits in abundance are within reach

Gold, frankincense and myrrh

Oliver Dawson takes a close look at the witch hazel and its association with Epiphany, when the three Wise Men brought gifts to the infant Jesus

Get the best gooseberries

Q I’ve been reading about the flavour of old-fashioned gooseberries and would like to plant some of the older cultivars. What is the best way to grow them, and how do I avoid mildew? Fiona Westfield, Grantham, Lincs.

Eco-friendly overhaul

There are lots of easy, enjoyable ways to be more eco-friendly in the garden in 2022. The result will be healthier plants and an abundance of wildlife

Are you doing your bit?

Val looks at ways we can reduce our carbon footprint

Learn and plan

How we respond to mistakes and take that knowledge forward can really benefit next year’s crops, says Bob

Grow more winter colour

Anne Swithinbank’s masterclass on: winter colour

Seeds you can sow now

Crops and flowers can be started this month

Temporary bare-root storage

What do you do if your bare-root plant arrives, but the weather stops you planting it? Steve and Val Bradley describe the options available to make sure your plants survive

Berried treasure

There’s a pecking order among birds for berries, says Val

Environmental truths

Sphagnum moss can be regenerated, says Peter

New Year resolutions

The key jobs that Ruth will try to keep on top of in 2022

The bark club

At this time of year, after the leaves have fallen, trees with textured bark come into their own. Camilla Phelps reveals some great examples that you can plant now

The right care for camellias

Camellias have many forms and need selective planting, but when you get it right the rewards are great, says Graham Rice. He explains how to care for this oriental beauty

A colourful winter

It is possible to have flowering all year round, says Peter

Deck the walls with boughs of colour

Want to cover a bare wall or shed? Winter is a great time to plant climbers that will add cheering colour to the garden next spring and summer, says Hazel Sillver

Curiouser and curiouser

Plants are among the oldest inhabitants of earth and in that time they have managed to evolve some amazing ways to survive, as Anne Swithinbank explains

Greenhouse insulation

Steve and Val Bradley explain how to protect your greenhouse plants this winter

Facts about pholcids

You may not know their name, but you’ve probably seen these tiny-bodied, long-legged insects indoors, says Val

Christmas wreaths

Why not look to your garden for some traditional Christmas decorations, and make the festive season truly organic and personal, says Anne Swithinbank

Pruning fruit trees

It’s time to give free-standing trees a trim, says Ruth

Reusing Christmas waste

You can upcycle the downside of Christmas, says Ruth

Facts about bracts

Would you describe your poinsettia as having red leaves or red flowers? Actually, the red leaf-like structures are bracts. We look at plants that have bracts as a major feature

Festive forays in the garden

Make time for getting outside this Christmas, says Ruth