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Shrubs and perennials planted permanently in containers need good quality compost if they are to survive for more than a couple of years. The addition of loam-based compost such as John Innes no.3 will retain a good open structure for plant roots

Tiny sap-sucking scale insects. They are 1-6mm long, and their whitish, grey-brown shells are covered by protective, waxy scales. The insects don't cause too much damage unless they are present in huge numbers, but some excrete an unsightly, sticky, sugary substance (called honey...

The distortion, known as fasciation, is a freak of nature, and often looks like several stems have been fused together. It's a rare phenomenon and does the plant no lasting harm. It can develop on a range of shrubs, flowers and perennials. The cause

These miniscule sap-sucking insects multiply rapidly on leaves. Large colonies are immediately evident, as are the symptoms - silvery-white discoloration of the leaves and distorted shoot tips and buds.Packed clusters of tiny white insects on leaves produce several symptoms. The ...

Joe Swift demonstrates how to prune and take hardwood cuttings from dogwoods.springCreative suggestions for dogwoodCreate a dogwood container displayCreate a winter container displayMake a christmas wreathBrowse dogwood varietiesAdd autumn colour to your garden.

and training your plants.Video advice on choosing secateurs.Learn effective pruning techniques.How to prune spring-flowering shrubs.How to prune shrub roses.

want the new growth.AdamAvoid spreading disease by always making sure your secateurs are clean and sharp.Always try to prune when the rose is dormant - after autumn leaf fall and before the buds break in spring.More advice on growing rosesPruning shrub

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to plant a rambling rose, offering tips on how to select the perfect rose, pruning and training.summerMore advice on growing rosesPruning a rambling rosePlanting a bare-root rosePruning shrub rosesPlanting a rose

Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to prune an old viburnum, removing sideshoots and woody growth to reinvigorate the plant and encourage flowering.springMore advice on pruning plantsHow to prune shrub rosesAdvice on pruning techniquesHow to summer

Feeling fruityI've hand-picked a few favourites that will certainly whet the appetite - they're all tried and tested for flavour and reliability.When it comes to fruit, I'm passionate about eating and growing as much as possible in its proper season. Gooseberry fool in June, summ...