Tempting tender perennials

Now that plug plants are starting to arrive in garden centres it is tempting to go on a spree, but don’t buy without first planning how to use them says Anne Swithinbank

Undercover operations

Ruth looks at greenhouses and their smaller alternatives

The bird buffet

Better than any TV show is the view from Val’s window…

The perfect tool...

We’re forever hearing about the latest gardening gizmos but it pays to be creative with household tools, says Toby

Prep for spring

Don’t leave everything until the last dash – take time now to get your kit ready and save some aggro later, says Bob

Woodland Wonders

Most gardens have a shady area that can be difficult to make beautiful. The answer lies in the amazing woodland plants that just love to be in the shade says Camilla Phelps

Time To Trim Your Fuchsias

Ruth starts to prune her fuchsias ready for summer…

Picture perfect!

Hopefully, I’ve not broken any copyright rules/regulations but as you can see from the attached photo, I’ve framed that beautiful picture on page 37 of the Christmas issue of AG.

Reminiscence and observation

Before the advent of news pages, AG had a column devoted to general horticultural topics past and present, written by various contributors. Here are some highlights…

Phantom menace

Gardening inevitably throws up a few surprises, but some hidden extras are quite ghoulish, as Toby explains…

Hedges for wildlife

You’d be amazed at the visitors to our hedges, says Val

Soldiers and Sailors

Pulmonarias are shade-tolerant, excellent for ground cover, blessed with a rich history and have garnered some charming common names, says Anne Swithinbank

Rind graft technique

Want three varieties of apple but only have room for one tree? Maybe save a heritage species and enjoy a new variety? AG experts Steve and Val Bradley have the answer

Summer bulbs

Summer-flowering bulbs have such a great deal to offer in terms of colour, shape and drama. They should be planted as habitually as tulips, says Tamsin Hope Thompson

Celebrate St Valentine's Day with Bleeding Hearts

Dicentra and Lamprocapnos light up dappled shady areas with their heart-shaped flowers in pink, white and romantic red. Little wonder that Val Bourne loves them…

Weed spotting

Excited by new growth only to spy odd hidden extras? Learn how to spot any uninvited guests, as Bob explains

Prepare for action!

Plan crops, warm soil and stock up on essentials now

Wonders of winter aconites

Val enjoys the bee-friendly charms of these winter bloomers

Small but perfectly formed

Sow now for a tasty summer crop of baby toms, says Ruth

In-between days indoors

Care for houseplants before spring regrowth, says Ruth Hayes

Making more of moss

Making more of moss

To sow or not to sow

Having lots of growing options can be bewildering. If you can’t decide between seeds, plugs or plants, Bob can help

Get ready to get growing

Make time now to start growing your own, says Ruth Hayes

Chops away…

Getting rid of a friend’s tree can be emotionally draining and physically arduous, as Toby is about to discover

Enchanting and challenging Orchids

They have an aura of mystery and invoke obsession in collectors, and some behave like divas, but choose the right one and you can’t go far wrong, says Camilla Phelps

Add spring cheer with Primulas

In borders or pots, primulas are a welcome reminder that winter will soon be over. Louise Curley reveals how to make the most of this varied and colourful species

River of no return

We must cherish sites of special interest, as any careless mistakes will be so damaging for our wildlife, says Val

Summer bulbs delight

Plant a variety now for months of colour, says Ruth

Late Chelsea implications

Some will benefit, but others will be missing, says Peter

The damp garden

A naturally wet garden near Salisbury has met its match in Barry and Jackie Candler, who have found ways to celebrate this moist environment, says Sue Bradley