CATEGORIES
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