As 2017 draws to a close, AG favourite Anne reflects on some of her biggest successes – and failures – of the past 12 months, and shares her wish list for next year.
A TOUR of the garden, even in December, always brings surprises. Evergreens bounce to the fore and we’re glad of spotty laurel Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’, glossy, red-berried, almost spineless Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Camelliifolia’ and stands of bamboo. Viburnum twigs emit their heliotrope perfume and finches flit impatiently, waiting for me to go back indoors so they can carry on raiding the seed heads of evening primrose and sunflower. It’s a good month to reflect on the previous gardening season; to bask in the triumphs and laugh at disasters.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters