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and sleeker beast; it must have been a black variety of the much larger and squatter 'brown' Rattus norvegicus. It was sitting beside the stream, which bubbles down through the ornamental gardens, grooming itself in the drizzle when I trotted past

, tomatoes, beans and peas. Ornamental plants, especially roses and delphiniums, are also affected. This abnormal growth has been attributed to a weedkiller, which is widely used by farmers on grassland to kill broad-leafed weeds, such as chickweeed, fat hen

to keep things going was my 15-year-old son. It seems that so many of their childhood memories are bound up with relaxing on the allotment. At least he should be allowed a stab at keeping it going with Dad. How could I refuse?The truth is that there is a

I recently visited the community orchard at Haggerston Park. It makes a lovely little wildlife sanctuary amidst the concrete of built-up Hackney: all fruit trees, wildflowers and long grass. It's also home to a few ornamental plants, including pot

medalist, Jekka McVicar.Grass varieties from the Great Pavillion at the Chelsea Flower Show 2008.Vegetables at the Chelsea Flower Show 2008, with Alys Fowler's top 10 veg varieties to grow for beginners.

. Don't overlook ornamental grasses, which can lift a border into the designer league. And don't forget to grow a few spare plants in pots, so you can slot them into gaps that may appear in a scheme.A diverse choiceAlso known as montbretia

.Sedum spectabileSnowdrops are the first of the spring bulbs to emerge after winter. They prefer heavy soils, and are ideal for naturalising in grass. Transplant them 'in the green' after they have flowered, as dry bulbs do not establish well. Height and spread 15cm