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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

or privacy had long since given over to oppressive and ominous obstruction. Thirdly, and most importantly, it completely shaded the small pond that it once, perhaps, complemented.But this was not my tree, it was in the grounds of Goodrich Community Primary

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

We have a tiny patch of long grass in our garden, less than a couple of square metres. It's mostly the exceedingly common Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and false oat (Arrhenatherum elatius). Nevertheless, it's attracting several butterflies

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

to hear compliments about our stock.There are long lists of things to double-check as we make sure the right plants are going to the right gardens. Many hours will be spent deadheading flowers and removing any dead or damaged leaves from the plants. We

'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

I suppose that the first week of September counts as late summer which is, I think, one of the most exciting times in our gardens. The classic English garden is very biased towards midsummer. The June garden is overflowing with full

again. Six months later there was no evidence of its ever being there: new views had opened up and light was reaching parts of the garden that has always been shaded. Every gardening disaster is also an opportunity to try something new.