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Could garden plants reduce your winter heating bills? Some interesting research has been conducted at the University of Sheffield and by other organisations around the world that highlights the value of trees and plants surrounding buildings

Shade is probably one of the most challenging situations for plants to flourish in. Whether it's buildings, walls, fences, shrubs or trees, on the south side your plants bask in full sun but on the north side they'll be in cooler shade. Choosing

as to build up a National Collection, or go trekking to visit other growers.My enthusiasm for plants changes, too. At first a new plant gets my attention, and gradually my head is turned whenever I see other relatives too. A small collection builds into a

values, building loyalty that ensures repeat visits, and repeat business?Speaking on a panel at a trade conference at the Garden and Leisure Exhibition called Glee last Monday to debate these issues, I was struck by just how many people who either run

, certainly knew a thing or two about sheds. His was a pre-fabricated affair, but big... enormous... with a large concrete floor and all manner of panels and doors used to build the sides. But his shed held a secret. Pieces of old carpet on the floor folded

growing strawberries in pots. If I had more space outside, I'd build a 'berry bed' with a proper net-clad frame over it to keep birds away from ripening fruits. Blackbirds in particular have a nose for strawberries. They're not very good at sharing, so

of the Disappearing Fruit'?My gardening resolution for 2012 is to actually eat one of my own peaches, so I need to think of a way to build some sort of netting screen around my small peach tree. This is easier said than done, as previous efforts trying to protect

displays and mixed borders, that conifers don't feature more highly on the shopping list. After all, they deliver on so many counts, and provide striking structural building blocks in any garden.Perhaps their reputation for growing too large puts people off

the programme works best when it is honest and true and does not try to patronize the viewer by faking things.""We will not be building any fancy greenhouses or sheds or buying expensive, huge plants. As much as possible will be propagated [...] if something