Search - Articles

Summer is the ideal time to take verbena cuttings. Overwinter the semi-hardy perennials in a frost-free place and you'll have a fresh, healthy supply of verbena plants next year to replace any in the garden that have been killed by frost

. Dahlia plantSticks or canesStringJune - August15 minutesJuly - SeptemberCheck dahlias each week; if they're starting to flop tie the main stem to a supporting cane or stick with garden string. Don't tie the string too loosely, but allow a little room

Although, in some areas, dahlia tubers have survived the recent mild winters outside, it's well worth lifting and storing them. Discover how you can ensure a bumper crop of dahlias for next summer, whatever the weather.SecateursGarden fork

Free and easyFavouring a more laid-back approach to gardening, I love plants that self-seed with abandon. Here are a few of my favourites...Find out how to collect allium seedsSelf-seeders are the opportunists of the plant world. They may

Watch Carol Klein as she guides you through the process of propagating delphiniums, campanulas and lupins; from taking basal cuttings and potting them on, to how to stake them.springMore advice on propagating plantsTaking begonia leaf cuttings

Whether you’re looking for a bright bedding display, flowers for cutting or reliable border plants, it’s hard to beat the variety offered by dahlias. Dahlias come in many sizes, so there's one for every border, and small forms can also be grown

Growing helleboresA must-have for the winter garden, hardy hellebores flower from late-winter to early spring. They also make great cut flowers - simply snip off flower heads and float in a shallow bowl of water.There are many varieties of hellebore

, this spreading plant features clumps of strappy leaves alongside sprays of trumpet flowers in shades of red, yellow and orange.My top plants for extending colourCrocosmiaThis plant is ideal for the no-fuss gardener. The large, long-lasting flowers in pinks

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to divide asters to ensure the flower quality doesn't diminish over time.springDividing plants in your gardenHow to divide and replant snowdrops.Dividing day lilies video project.Dividing herbaceous perennials video

Hardwood cuttings are taken from woody perennials e.g. forsythia, cornus and willow in autumn and winter. They can take several months to produce roots, so leave them for a year before lifting and potting up or transplanting.SecateursSpadeSharp sand