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Some of you might remember that I wrote about geums a few weeks ago. Sometimes those of you out there are kind enough to respond to my ramblings with comments of your own. They are mostly charming and occasionally include various garden questions

many hours. The change from one of the loveliest perfumes I know to one of the deepest-drain-grim stenches I know, is phenomenal. But of course it's the regular picking - largely by my children - which has allowed the plants to keep producing more

at the back of our flat. I couldn't let them stay there, so filled a large trug with water, placed an upturned plant pot in the centre, added some watercress and stones to let them get in and out easily, and transported the frogs. At first, they were a little

the coming months, I've already started planting bulbs for the 2010 crop. The ground has been forked over thoroughly, some well-rotted garden compost added and ridges made - a particularly good idea with soil as heavy as mine. I've planted bulbs of two

No, it’s not quite time for hibernation yet. Just a bit of sun in the garden and all kinds of intriguing insects are out again. I thought maybe I’d seen the last of this year’s hoverflies, but a drowsy marmalade fly, Episyrphus balteatus

of plastic and supporting bricks and peel the cardboard away from the sides.The sides of the trough can be aged by roughly scraping them with a trowel. After a week, use a hammer and large nail to push the wooden dowels out of the trough, leaving holes

, which can be planted out in March or April for a quick-growing crop. Sets are available from garden centres or by mail order, and although the range of varieties is not quite as wide as from seed, it's is an easy, reliable method of growing.Whether you

Shaping topiary is a fun and inexpensive way to create year-round interest in the garden. These plant sculptures contrast dramatically with flowers in summer, and bring structure, style and form to winter gardens.If you haven't tried topiary before

Gardeners' World Magazine is often the first port of call for people trying to identify an unknown plant, and every summer I can guarantee receiving at least one photo of a particular Mexican bulb that has left someone baffled. Originating among

the garden. Eager to ensure that there were no smoldering buildings, or even a child enjoying a crafty cigar, I went to investigate. It was pollen, great billowing clouds of the stuff blowing off a large yew. This tree was also taking advantage of the last