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compost to improve my soil, sprinkling it around newly planted bulbs and divided perennials. And with the cost of gardening forever on the increase I'll save a small fortune on bags of soil improvers and compost from the garden centre.

of the electric garden vac, which sucks up leaves from paths and between plants in the borders. For years I was dubious of the value of these gadgets, but am now a firm convert. My latest model actually shreds the leaves as they pass into the collecting bag, which

I've just enjoyed a relaxing hour, cup of tea in one hand, binoculars in the other, gazing out of the window at my garden. Yes, some plants are showing signs of growth, there's still bloom on my winter-flowering viburnum, and the squirrels are still

of sharing his ideas and advice with viewers and readers.At Gardeners' World Live in June Toby designed, built and planted The Ethical Garden, made from recycled materials he collected and handcrafted from beaches and the countryside in the West Country where

't just about not spraying with pesticides and making compost. Being organic is also about creating viable and balanced habitats in which you can grow the plants you want with the help of wildlife (I think I'll come back to this topic in a future blog

trees for a small garden. The current wave of interest in 'grow your own' should see even more people including fruit trees in their gardens, and the coming months are a perfect time to plant them. Last winter I made space for a 'family' apple tree

It's rose pruning time again. I could debate the merits of autumn pruning over spring, but I've always believed spring really is the best time to tackle pruning.Rose pruning isn't a job to hurry. You need time to ponder, step back and deliberate, rather than rushing in with secat...

damaged during a break in.What's the answer? Don't leave valuables in your shed? So where else can they go? I'd always recommend making your garden as secure as possible by locking gates and putting up fences and walls. Police often recommend planting

their lawn was dead (well, mine did look dead) when I wrote about drought damage in the garden in my July blog, but didn't I tell you it would recover once rain came? Not that I'm feeling smug with my prediction. It's just that plants are great survivors

starting point. When choosing new plants, bear wildlife in mind and look for those that will provide safe shelter and perching places. In addition, put up nest boxes wherever you have a suitable position - reasonably high up and out of direct, scorching sun