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in future plant breeding projects.However, it's best the assumption that old varieties are necessarily better than new ones. Yes, some are unusual and create a good talking point, while others have lovely stories attached to them. But if you are primarily

to encourage good cross-pollination between plants, each plant needs space to grow. This year each plant is at least 30-45cm (12-18in) from its neighbours, which should be enough.I'm trying a few varieties this year, including 'Swift', which is described as "an

its part, but when I fill my garden with so many tempting plants for them to feed and breed on it's such a shame they don't visit. What else can I do to attract wildlife into my garden?

in total, representing over 100,000 rose lovers - and their decision certainly carries weight. First introduced in 1983, 'Graham Thomas' was bred by rosarian David Austin. His rose breeding programme aimed to combine the best qualities of old roses

!Ever fancied breeding your very own new colours of hellebore? Carol explained how, making it look remarkably easy. That's another thing I'll enjoy doing when mine come into flower soon.No gardening programme would be complete without, in Carol's words

Woodland floors carpeted with snowdrops do look beautiful, cool and calming, but their pure simplicity causes quite a stir in some quarters. A particular breed of person, the galanthophile, gets quite excited by this particular flower (a member

and expertise into breeding the outstanding plants we enjoy in our gardens.

with chives, they'll provide welcome pollen to adult hoverflies. My hope is that hoverflies are attracted to my garden to breed, laying their eggs on surrounding fruit trees and crops. Eggs hatch into larvae with a good appetite for eating aphids and pests, so

.Plant breeders are busy working hard on this 'Holy Grail' of tomato breeding, trying to develop new varieties with disease resistance to blight. Until they do a combination of cultural and chemical control is all we have available.That won't stop me sowing a

When a letter starts "I must strongly protest at an article written by Adam Pasco…" then I do wonder what I've done wrong.Let me set the scene. You can't find much more of a bird lover than me. Just take a look at my garden, and the way I garden