Wishing on a Star…

What would you do for the right dahlia? Toby reveals how far he’ll go for one of his all-time floral favourites

Oranges and lemons

Try one of the following for citrus fragrance in your garden, says Christopher Lloyd

The cottage garden

A traditional cottage garden is just the ticket for Janet and Steve Howell’s 19th century home in Staffordshire, says Sue Bradley, as she explains the challenges they faced

Five-star gems

Cinquefoils, also known as potentillas, are floriferous perennials and shrubs that provide cottage-garden charm throughout the summer months, says Hazel Sillver

How To Revitalising Your Soil

Rest the ground and feed it for next year, says Ruth

Better Broad Bean Planting

Q We love fresh broad beans and attempted to grow some earlier this season by buying plants. They went into good soil, but didn’t seem to take off and were attacked by blackfly. I’ve heard about autumn plantings. Do they work, and when do we sow? Monica Huggins, Camberwell, London

Lifting tender bulbs and tubers

It’s time to shelter those less hardy perennials, says Ruth

Alluring alliums

Alliums can be big, bold, purple-headed statements in a late-spring garden, yet they are simply ornamental onions. Anne Swithinbank selects the best varieties

A swarm of flowers

Tall and long flowering, sanguisorbas are wonderful border plants that look like a swarm of bees from a distance – and you can plant them now, says Hazel Sillver

Smart currant cutting

Now is a great time to take cuttings of currants, as Bob explains how to make even more soft fruit plants for free

Taking hardwood cuttings

Autumn is the ideal time to take hardwood cuttings, say Steve and Val Bradley, as they explain the best techniques to use if you want strong, healthy new plants

Keeping up with change

Some new varieties need a little explaining, says Peter

The glory of grasses

Prized for their structure and colour during autumn and winter, grasses are a fine addition to any border – and they can be planted now, says Hazel Sillver

Wildlife's biggest foes

Val picks wildlife threats she’d like to banish to Room 101

A Good Start At Planting

It’s easy, but there are important things to remember

A very different Chelsea

New varieties and innovations will feature, says Peter

Perfect store

Don’t risk losing your harvested crops due to oversight, says Bob – pick and store now so you enjoy them all

Fascinated by flycatchers

Val delights in her visiting spotted flycatcher friends…

A bulb for every situation

There’s a spring bulb for all occasions, says Ruth

On the move, or not!

Ruth lists things to consider before moving a woody plant

Miscellaneous matters

Extracts from 1889, 1916, 1950 and 1969 issues of AG, covering such issues as double anemones, potting up plants and the place of women in horticulture

Potting up bulb lasagne

Q As we only have a small outdoor space, I am tempted by the idea of lasagne bulb planting in a pot. Have you tried it, was it successful and have you any tips on planting the bulbs? Jenny Minchin, Swindon, Wiltshire

Pond care in autumn

Cut back plants and keep water healthy, says Ruth

Quick autumn round-up

It’s a busy time after the midsummer lull, says Ruth

Jewels Of An Indian Summer

There’s still time to hunt around for plants that are able to offer a gem-like blooms, fascinating fruits or intricate pods for later this year, says Anne Swithinbank

Primetime for perennials

It’s the season to plant, propagate and move, says Ruth

Reach for the star shrubs

Shrubs are the backbone of the garden and choosing wisely can pay extra dividends in creating lots of seasonal interest, says Tamsin Hope Thomson

Chelsea with a difference

Landmark show returns with new plants in a new season

Sowing seeds in autumn

Peter looks at the benefits of autumn-sown hardy annuals

Lawn care in early autumn

It’s time to prepare your lawn for winter, says Ruth