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, but that needn't be the case. Yes, it's great to have a classically shaped tree, but there are plenty of other options if space is short. Fans, espaliers, simple cordons and step-overs can all be pretty productive and look gorgeous at this time of year. They also

in size and shape of the tubers was extreme. There were two tubers which stood out from all the rest. The first, held aloft by a grinning 10-year-old, weighed in at a full 750g and was ear-marked for slicing and frying. I was sure it would win a prize

initials and it's great fun to plant bulbs in the shape of the letters. Now coming into their third year are a smart 'C' and 'A' – representing the first letter of each of my kids' names - gracing a bit of grass near the magnolia. We used just 10-15 bulbs

and the shape of the petals, which range from the very plain to the extraordinarily ornate like Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus.This month is the time when the galanthophiles roam the countryside. They are recognisable by their magnifying glasses

've a recipe for a bumper crop.It's the quality of the fruit that's so exceptional. The strawberries are evenly shaped, fat and well rounded, speckled with seeds and rosy with ripeness.I ate loads as I picked them - I couldn't help it they looked so

in daylight until nearly 10pm, I now find that it is dark outside whilst I sit at the laptop and do a bit of writing. Now, as I sit with the French windows wide open, it really is very dark out there, but every now and then I catch a glimpse of a pale shape

, and could not make out the distinctive shape of this pretty bird. Of course they are renowned for playing hide-and-seek with observers, hopping round to the other side of the trunk if they see they are being watched. Some years ago I was able to see one very

I've always been a great fan of bulbs, in all their shapes and sizes. I couldn't get through the winter without snowdrops, and the prospect of daffodils, heralding spring. But right now, in (a rather cold and wet) May, alliums are centre stage

gone! All I know is that the plant is a Seeds of Italy variety.The other, ‘Midnight’, is a more of a ‘classic’ courgette shape; far more compact and healthy looking, but it does have slivery grey straight-edged markings on the leaves. At this time

'.Eryngium giganteum - this one I wrote about in the magazine but just wanted to show you what a fine and handsome corpse this plant makes. Still maintaining its shape long into the winter. It also looks great with grasses.