Search - Articles

Sometimes the best things are the subtle or quiet things. A little rustle of wind through a tree, the distant knock-knocking of a thrush beating seven bells out of a snail or, in this case, a modest wildflower lurking among the rough grass beside a ditch.I always smile when I see...

Spores carried by water and wind spread this fungus, which leaves primula foliage peppered with holes. The initial signs are spots in a yellow-orange area, or in grey, papery tissue. When the centre falls out, holes appear. Look beneath the leaves and there may also be white fung...

Watch Monty Don's video demonstration of how to plant a yew hedge, with advice on drainage, planting distances and mulching.spring or autumnMore advice on plantingPlanting a bare-root rosePlanting a shrubBare-root plantingPlanting a bare-root tree

Once apple trees are established it's best to summer prune the spur-fruiting varieties. This will encourage the development of short flowering shoots or 'spurs' that go on to bear clusters of fruit. Summer pruning is ideal for keeping the trees in shape and involves pruning the s...

Carol Klein explains how to hand-pollinate hellebores and guides you through the process, offering practical tips and advice.springMore advice on propagating plantsCarol Klein demonstrates how to cross-pollinate daffodils.Collecting allium seeds.Dividing irises.Self-seeding plant...

It's really easy to extract and sow seed from fruits you've collected, and it's also free. Plants grown from seed aren't always exactly like the parent plant, unlike those grown from cuttings, so look forward to results that could be new, different, and sometimes better.Secateurs...

Creating unique hellebores from your favourite varieties is much easier than it sounds. If you decide to grow your own plants the only important requirements are two really good hellebores and a lot of patience. If your varieties are mediocre, or you just don't have any, treat yo...

Carol Klein offers advice on getting the best results from moisture-loving plants cowslip and fritillary.springMore advice on growing primulasTreating primula leaf spotHow to rejuvenate primrosesBrowse primula varieties

Chris Beardshaw sows bluebells under the shade of the deciduous trees at Berryfields, and discusses the benefits of growing bluebells from seed over planting bulbs.springMore about woodland flowersPlaces to see bluebells in the UKSnowdrops and where to see them, by Michael Baron....