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A few weeks ago I wrote about the redesign of part of my garden. It's going well — thank you for asking. One of the plants I mentioned was Nectaroscordum siculum, which I think merits a blog of its own, as it's one of my very favourite plants

hispanica): a plant that has been muscling its way into our gardens and woodlands. Bluebells are protected and it is illegal to dig them up from the wild although there are various nurseries who grow them for sale. They are best planted around this time

pretty display for the Christmas table. In colder situations it will flower prolifically until the first frosts, then bloom intermittently in warmer spells until the end of the year.Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting the bulbs and water them

round. Also, many attract bees, butterflies and other insects, providing a valuable resource for our native wildlife.Raise cut flowers from seed in small pots or modular trays during spring, and the cut-flower plants will be ready to plant out in May

There is a range of easy-to-grow, climbing annuals that will flower non-stop from June until the frosts, producing striking blooms and sculptural leaves. Because they grow 1.8m to 3m or more in a season, half the joy is amassing so much plant from

What do you look for in a good garden centre? I would imagine most people would expect garden centres to offer a great range of plants along with a heavy dose of inspiration and expert advice.However, many garden centres have been transformed

to cover the seed lightly with soil. Remove any weed remnants or large stones as you go to ensure the plants have a good start.Water the seeds in well using a watering can with the rose attached. This means you drench the soil but minimise disturbance

I do love the garden in October - especially in the sunshine. In the early Spring it is all about hope and waiting: all that mulch and neatly tidied brown border. A month or so later and there is green stuff and bulbs all over the place. Then we

the strength of the onion bulb. I know a bit about varieties and have had excellent results planting autumn onion sets such as 'Shakespeare'.So, although I have more to learn, you might think I'd grasped the basics. But no! I recently discovered a gaping hole

-purpose for this particular job). On my arrival I was confronted with beds of stunning primulas, all at their peak.Colour is lacking at the end of February as we wait for the early bulbs to bloom. A few brave grape hyacinths are showing colour, and daffodils surge higher