The really wild show

Gardens used to be neat, but now the fashion showcased by the Chelsea Flower Show is for a wild look, says Toby

Guide to hardy plants

In part four of our series on hardy herbaceous perennials, we continue with a comprehensive ABC of suitable plants for your garden

Peonies

For stunning blooms in a variety of colours, plant peonies, says Graham Rice

Walls of colour

Clematis provide a mass of flowers for months, so plant these late-season varieties now for cheering blooms towards the end of summer into autumn, says Hazel Sillver

Fabulous Philadelphus

Robust in harsh weather, luxuriant in its profusion of white blooms and with a fragrance to die for, what's not to like about philadelphus? Graham Rice picks his top varieties

Tackling grassroots jobs

Be consistent with little tasks to get best results, says Ruth

Witches' thimbles

Enchanting and architectural, foxgloves are a wonderful addition to the summer garden. Anne Swithinbank takes a look at some of the best types to grow

Smarter watering

Steve and Val Bradley reveal their tips for effective water use

The wraparound garden

Multi-coloured flowers mixed with a hint of formality make Karl Suchy's hidden garden on the edge of Bristol a joy to behold, says Sue Bradley

This week... Monarda (bee balm)

If you want a distinctive perennial that attracts bees, grow monardas

Netting against garden pests

Ruth protects her brassicas from caterpillars and pigeons

Prune your stone fruits

If your plums and cherries need pruning, do it now until the end of July so they can heal quickly, says Bob

Easy hardy perennials

The simplest and best value-for-money plantings are direct summer-sown perennials, says Graham Rice, as he offers his choice of the best plants to grow

Focus on... Outdoor tomatoes

Whether you prefer rows of cordon-trained toms or fruity pots and baskets, it's time to plant tomatoes outside. Lucy Chamberlain shows you how to forge a feast

Creating a right Royal garden

Ruth shows you how to grow the Windsors' favourite plants

Bedding for now and later

Revitalise last year's plants and sow new ones, says Ruth

Troubled waters

Val looks at how climate change may affect watering

Shrubs for summer flowers

Shrubs are back in fashion and are brilliant for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly plantings, says Anne Swithinbank, as she reveals some of her top choices

Plant yourself a prairie

Large pink echinaceas are well worth growing, says Ruth

Mind the gaps

Strange holes in plants? Bob reveals the main culprits to help you dodge disaster and salvage your crops

This week... Alliums

Ornamental onions will add an architectural dimension to the garden

Little bells of joy

Campanulas are easy-growing bell-shaped plants with many varieties that will suit difficult parts of the garden, from dry walls to shadier corners, says

Beating pests and disease

Tackle garden problems by being proactive, says Ruth

Guide to hardy plants

In part two of a series, we look at how to look after your hardy herbaceous perennials and continue with our comprehensive ABC of suitable plants

Focus on... French beans

Climbing or dwarf, flat or pencil shaped, French beans fill every plot with rainbow coloured crops. Lucy reveals how to make sure your pods have a bit of ooh-la-la

Chelsea chop: the kindest cut

Ruth explains why a mid-season trim helps many plants

Versatile hardy geraniums

Camilla Phelps explains why no garden should be without hardy geraniums and offers her selection of the best of this underrated genus that's tough and easy to grow

Let's get with the beet!

'Moulin Rouge' beetroot is a versatile variety, says Ruth

Running to catch up

You've still got time to sow runner and climbing French beans, says Bob. Follow these tips to runaway success

This week...Hostas

With their lush foliage hostas are ideal ground-cover plants, particularly for shady areas