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Follow Joe Swift's video guide to planting, training and pruning passion flowers.summerMore about growing climbing plantsPlanting a clematis, with advice from Sarah RavenCreating a rustic trellisUsing plant supports

For two years, I have been trying to grow climbing plants to cover the walls of my garden. I've planted honeysuckle, passion flower, jasmine, numerous clematis and a revolting rose I found in the street. Some died, others developed mildew, while

What a tremendous pleasure it is to grow sunflowers from seed. Thousands of children up and down the country sow sunflowers in spring, no doubt hoping to grow the tallest and enter the Guinness Book of Records.My sunflowers will never do

It was definitely NOT the best year to choose to grow large numbers of sweet potatoes, but yes, it was the year that I did so! I adore that ridiculously toffee-like taste and texture of roasted sweet potatoes. Perfection, an apricot

Why don't houseplants ever get featured on gardening programmes on television? Millions of houseplants are sold every year, yet so little is ever written or broadcast about them. Don't other people share my passion for them?I'm a sucker for new

close-up and personal with more unusual varieties than the common Galanthus nivalis, perhaps I would be converted.Don’t get me wrong. Over the years I’ve had passions for particular plants, such as pineapple flowers (Eucomis), but I haven’t gone so far

, such as flower form, colour and scent, with the repeat-flowering characteristics and performance of new varieties. This was admirably captured in 'Graham Thomas', one of his first English roses.I was charmed by 'Graham Thomas' from the moment I set eyes on it. I

and elegance of 'Karine' is unmatched. Its colour fits with almost anything, but is particularly good with bronze fennel foliage. Height 70cm.Papaver 'Karine'As straightforward a poppy as you could wish for. Easy to grow, its pink flowers form the classic poppy

Feeling fruityI've hand-picked a few favourites that will certainly whet the appetite - they're all tried and tested for flavour and reliability.When it comes to fruit, I'm passionate about eating and growing as much as possible in its proper season

restrain myself long enough to watch until the end of a programme before rushing out into my own garden. What a wonderful gift that man had, a born communicator who loved sharing his passion with others.When I was studying for my degree in horticulture, I