CATEGORIES
Sweet memories…
The fragrant presence of Devon violets reminds Toby of bygone days and a violet trade that lifted people’s spirits
Spring blossom for wildlife
Plant fruiting trees and shrubs now, so your garden will be filled with beautiful snowy blossom that will provide valuable nectar for insects come spring, says Hazel Sillver
Stroke of luck
While many new gardening gizmos impress, says Toby, one item is as useful now as ever– the besom brush
The indoor garden
Wintertime is when house plants and the benefits they bring really come to the fore, says Anne Swithinbank, as she selects a range of examples for every need
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
Late winter protection
It isn’t too late to secure your garden, says Ruth
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
What a jay day!
Val spots an exotic visitor at her garden bird station
Looking after winter lawns
Keep things ticking over until spring arrives
Winter scent
Planting for winter scent will draw you back out into the garden, even on frosty mornings, says Camilla Phelps, as she looks at the best plants for winter fragrance
Growing Hippeastrum (Amaryllis)
Steve and Val Bradley explain how to get the best out of these gorgeous houseplants
Sow soon for success
You can start sowing seeds now in a propagator or on a warm windowsill – and the sooner, the better, says Bob
Focus on...Blackcurrants
Tangy fruits in abundance are within reach
Houseplant survival
Steve and Val Bradley explain the best techniques for looking after plants given as Christmas gifts
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 more from young trees
We planted them in nursery rows and if they weren’t sent out after a year or so, we would carefully dig them up for transplanting into a different part of the nursery.
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.
An uncertain future
Horticultural clubs need to attract members, says Peter
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
Maximum veg whatever your space
Make 2022 your best veg-growing year ever with Huw Richards’ action plan for big harvests year-round – whatever the size of your plot