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could be environmental, such as the weather, or a pest attack that causes physical damage to the plant. Some fasciated plants are actually quite attractive and have led to varieties known as cristates. These include forms of ferns, cacti and succulents

and other crops to keep them growing stronglyStop cutting asparagus by the end of June to allow the ferns to formThin out heavy gooseberry crops by removing the smallest fruits, and use these for cookingMake successional sowings of salad leaves and radishes

Protect tender plants for winterThe trend for growing exotic looking plants in our gardens means that some of them may need protection from the worst of the winter cold and wet. Wrap half hardy bananas, palms and tree ferns with fleece, straw

to be most resistant to slugs. Of course, resistance does not mean immunity, but if you pick from this list, it's a satisfying way to repell slugs without extra cost, effort or chemical side effects.AquilegiasAstilbesAstrantiasBegoniasCrocosmiasEuphorbiasFerns

in the winter to stop the phormium's roots freezing.More container ideas for shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-tolerant begonia and plectranthus in a container.Brightening a shady corner with begonia and pelargonium.Growing shade-loving hostas and ferns.

Shade can be a nightmare if your heart is set on growing summer bedding, fruit and veg, or Mediterranean plants, which need direct sun to flourish. But there are plenty of beautiful plants which thrive in shady conditions.Many people imagine

the shoots back to a few buds from the base in late-winter.More winter pot projectsAdding winter colour with cineraria, cyclamen and ivy.Creating a winter display of dogwood, fern and skimmia.Potting up a Christmas pot with box, pansies and ivy.

invertebrates to amphibians, hedgehogs and even birds. A stumpery is similar to a log pile, but you can have a bit more fun with it. It consists of upright logs half buried in the soil, allowing moss, lichen and fungi to grow. Some gardeners plant ferns

uncut, as it looks lovely when frosted. Inspiration for autumn colourCreating an autumn display of dogwoods, snowdrops and lilyturf.Adding autumn colour with skimmia, heuchera and euonymus.Planting up an autumn container with dogwood, fern and skimmia.

or ornamental mulch, then water thoroughly.AdamChoose a large, heavy terracotta or ceramic pot for greater stability.Plant a single hosta in a pot. A single plant will produce a more pleasing shape than a group of small ones.More advice on growing hostas