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, seem to be around in remarkably similar numbers. In my garden it's business as usual: lily beetles have been feasting on my lilies, while scale insects appear to have increased in number.But where are the aphids? We’re now into mid-July and I

aphids on my pyracanthas, which are dealt with by a strong jet of water, and stripy mullein caterpillars on verbascum, which are easy to pick off.I mention all this because I came across a very ancient shed the other day with many of the original

, but venture into the garden and you'll see another side to this menace.Get outside early on cold mornings with camera in hand and you might be lucky enough to capture images of the ephemeral ice crystal patterns and designs left by Jack Frost. They

Well, here I sit in the backstage area of the main theatre at BBC Gardeners' World Live, taking a tiny break between shows. There's a real buzz in the air. Earlier we recorded the first of several mini Gardeners' Question Time programmes. It

January, some of the raspberry canes were already in growth and the aphid population in the greenhouse was thriving. But the bulbs seemed further behind than usual. One solitary snowdrop was in bloom, with no sign of its companions, and the daffodils

To spray, or not to spray? That is indeed the question.A couple of decades ago it was not really a question worth asking: pretty much every gardener killed stuff indiscriminately. Aphids? Aaarghh ... squirt. Mildew? Gothcha … squirt. Worm casts

January already: Christmas neatly tucked away and another year of fabulous gardening stretching away ahead of us. The beginning of the year is the time for fresh starts and change but, rather than pestering you with annoying resolutions which few

surprise guests joining us too.Fighting pests is one theme we'll cover, as many people are hesitant about using pesticides around the garden, particularly on things they're going to eat. One way to combat greenfly and aphids is to encourage beneficial