Search - Articles

Shade is probably one of the most challenging situations for plants to flourish in. Whether it's buildings, walls, fences, shrubs or trees, on the south side your plants bask in full sun but on the north side they'll be in cooler shade. Choosing

Some plant combinations just work perfectly. When I first saw the wonderful combination of ornamental vine and ivy, I had to replicate it in my own garden. All I needed was a couple of bare fence panels (which many, many gardeners have) and two

looks it's pretty hardy, and tolerates shade well, too. This shrub is an ideal choice to form the permanent framework for an exotic garden, something I know many people now try to develop. My own garden is more traditional, with lots of perennials

Why don't houseplants ever get featured on gardening programmes on television? Millions of houseplants are sold every year, yet so little is ever written or broadcast about them. Don't other people share my passion for them?I'm a sucker for new

What a superb spring it's been so far for camellias. The mild March weather has produced some colourful displays of camellias in my garden. In fact, I think they're the best I've enjoyed for many, many years.My camellias are grown in three distinct

While many perennials in my garden borders have packed up shop for the year and are dying down, it's so uplifting to see others, such as Japanese anemones, ending the year with all guns blazing.I've always had a soft spot for Japanese anemones. Our

Reliable, trouble-free plants are what we're all after, and Clematis 'Arabella' certainly fits the bill. I planted mine at the base of another really reliable plant, the evergreen Teucrium fruticans, placing it on the shaded north side so its roots

Is it only the more experienced who can really be successful organic gardeners? Well, it's certainly true that the more you know about gardening the more practical experience you have behind you to learn from, and that helps you take steps to avoid

've just rotted off without showing any sign of growth, but recently I've had more success. Now a group of them takes centre stage on my garden table to steal the show, near the bench where I can admire them close-up. With luck I'll be able to let them die

of acers can be damaged by cold and drying winds, but I've kept mine looking great by keeping them out of 'wind tunnels'. At the height of summer the sun can scorch broadleaf maples, too, but these trees enjoy dappled shade, so find them a spot out