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The culprit is Trionymus diminutus, a 4mm sap-feeding mealybug that breeds relentlessly when the weather is warm and isn't killed by winter frosts. It deposits a white, waxy substance at the base of the sheathed phormium leaves. A mild infestation is not a problem, but in excess ...

plant projectsHow to make formal Christmas plantersCreating a Christmas door decorationMaking a Christmas wreathCreating a winter display of aster and ornamental cabbageGrowing pansies for winter colour

If you yearn for the smell of the sea and the sight of grasses waving in the dunes, try planting up this coastal-themed container. From late-spring, the thrift brings splashes of colour with profuse pink, white or purple flowers, while the lilac

Carol Klein demonstrates how to cut back ornamental grasses in spring, with tips on different methods for dealing with evergreen and deciduous species.springMore on grassesOrnamental grasses from the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowPlant profile of feather

Find out how to combine annuals and perennials of varying heights in a 'wave' planting, in this practical video guide from Carol Klein.springMore planting advicePlant a bare-root rosePlant a shrubPlant a bare-root treePlant a fig tree

This rich mix of colourful, spiky and textured foliage and luxurious, velvety flowers provides a wonderful display all spring long. Position the box within arm's reach and you won't be able to resist running your hand through the grass! September

The silver and dark-green ivory thistles provide the backdrop for this planting scheme, while the pheasant's tail grass adds soft texture. Scattered amongst the display are Sisyrinchium striatum plants, with striped leaves that are accompanied

Ornamental grasses at ChelseaUndemanding and very rewarding to grow, we've selected a range of the best grasses, sedges and rushes on show at the Chelsea Flower Show 2008.If you're looking for a grass that performs well in dry shade, try Amenanthele

Regular watering is essential for summer bedding, vegetables, pots and hanging baskets as well as newly-planted trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Our tips show how to water your plants properly so that they can make best use of it and so that we don't waste this valuable resou...