Search - Articles

June - SeptemberMix together equal parts of multi-purpose compost and perlite for an open, free-draining compost. Then, gently remove each plug from its module, by pushing up from the bottom with a pencil.Fill 7-8cm pots with compost, leaving a gap at the top

. Last year was the first time frog spawn appeared, but no tadpoles ever seemed to develop. Now the pond has sprung a leak and 30cm of ugly butyl liner have been exposed. I'm going to have to drain and clear the whole thing and start again. So that

rescue frogs were living in a drain. I have a pond, I have frogs, and I want to care for them. Habitat Aid offers a great selection of native pond plants online - including marginals and water lilies  - and half of profits are donated to Amphibian

of vinegar. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the onions are soft. Cook the sliced beans in boiling salted water for five minutes, drain well, then add to the onions. Use some of remaining vinegar to mix the turmeric, cornflour and mustard to make a smooth paste

the drain in heavily paved areas, putting pressure on our ancient sewage systems. During heavy rain, the sewers can't cope, so water ends up back on our driveways and sometimes in in our homes, or in local rivers, which then burst their banks.I doubt many

, Muhlenbergia dumosa isn't fully hardy, so will need protecting from frosts.Muhlenbergia dumosaAs the name suggests, this grass has red button-shaped flowers above mounds of fresh green foliage. It grows best in full sun in a well-drained soil and reaches 1m

Alexander-Sinclair share their top 10 plants for small gardens, which offer year-round interest and colour.The round-headed leek bears round flower-heads that open green and turn a deep red with maturity. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil

.They perform best in a sunny, outdoor position, in a well-drained compost, such as John Innes No.1 or No.2, with 25% sharp horticultural grit for added drainage. A layer of grit should be added to the surface of the compost to further aid drainage

, sunny spot, it will produce edible pear-shaped yellow loquats. It's best grown in well-drained soil in full sun or part-shade, where it can reach an eventual height of 4m.Eriobotrya japonica, LoquatAmelanchier lamarckii has white, showy blossom in early

dash of cream and one litre of stock. Boil the potatoes until soft and steam the nettles. Drain the spuds and add the nettles and stock. Bring the boil, whisk with a hand blender, add a dash of cream and season.A hearty nettle soupNettles can be used