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the surface. Also unpopular are those with pungent-smelling foliage, such as lavender. The fragrance is contained in vessels that fracture when touched to release essential oils, which, for slugs, must be like gargling perfume.We've found the following plants

and to bathe. Keeping their feathers clean is essential, especially in winter, as damp feathers are easier to preen. Preening spreads oil and waterproofs feathers, insulating them from the cold.BirdsDragonflies breed in water and need submerged plants

the Christmas decorations to the shed this morning - always a tinge of sadness - I stopped off at the greenhouse to harvest the last of our Christmas potatoes.We planted a variety of spuds in pots and compost sacks when we got back from holiday at the beginning

that in my lifetime so many of our native wildflowers and herbs have become endangered. They are now protected; it is illegal to pick or dig up any wild plant. However, it is heartening that with the increase in more sympathetic farming practices

and marigolds. Specklings of petunia and verbena. Whooshes of Ricinis communis (Castor Oil Plant) and even occasional ticklings of chard. All this as well as huge phoenix palms and pomegranates in great steel tubs. Very exciting, very impressive and miles better

in the burrows. Apparently they don’t much like alliums, crown imperials or castor oil plants (Ricinus communis).I also once successfully used electronic sonic repellers (they emit a buzzing sound that drives them away) to keep moles off a cabinet minister

Where does the old season end and the new one begin? For allotmenteers it can feel like something of a continuum - these days you can buy excellent plug plants of winter lettuce and oriental greens that will take you right through winter, if you

of muffled hens while others are as small and delicate as the eyelashes of newborn babies. Some flower in May and others in July. Which one should you choose? How do we know which are the best, most reliable plants? It can get a bit confusing, especially when

before or after? Unless I've had time to establish crops for a few weeks and they are happy in the ground, I always leave sowing or planting till after my holiday: reliable watering friends who will do more than sprinkle the soil are hard to find

Persicaria officinalis. I met this plant for the first time at the RHS Show at the Inner Temple a week or so ago. It formed the backbone of some spectacular annual beds - along with Ricinis communis (the castor oil plant), which is also on my wish list