Search - Articles

, clouds and birds, and offers advice on the best plants to use for each style.Rooted box cuttingsOrnamental potHand shearsLoam-based compostall year roundabout an hourPot your cuttings up individually into 10cm pots, giving them a light initial trim

by planting bulbs. Try daffodils and crocus (tulips don’t grow well in grass) and don’t mow for six weeks after flowering, as this gives the leaves time to return nutrients to the bulb.Plant bulbs in your lawnBare patches can develop where a lawn is regularly

You can easily propagate oriental poppies by taking root cuttings. They make perfect candidates for this propagation method as it exploits the plant's propensity to reproduce itself from every scrap of root left behind when plants are moved. Once

, or whenever the plant becomes pot bound. Carefully lift the plant out of its pot and clean off the old compost. You may need to cut the pot open if it is pot bound.Examine the root ball closely and trim off any dead or damaged roots using secateurs or snips

Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a field hedge near my house. A hedge consisting of about 60% hawthorn, with other shrubs added to make up the difference. At one time it was laid, trimmed and maintained but today just two trees remain

: you can fit them into tiny gaps to provide extra layers of colour to existing shrubs.As I want 'Arabella' to continue developing into a robust plant, I do treat it to a monthly drench with liquid feed, but that's about it. All shoots can be trimmed

In the 19th century the gardens at Leighton Hall, Powys were planted with newly discovered tree varieties, gleaned by fearless plant hunters from every corner of the Empire. Included in the arboretum were the Monterey cypress, from California

Paving and gravel paths can quickly become colonised by garden weeds. Follow our tips on keeping your paths pristine and weed free, below. While some plants, such as thyme and alpines, look delightful growing in the gaps between patio slabs or path

the end of the 2012 growing season. The reason I’m flustered is that there’s so much still to do, and the most urgent job is to bring any tender plants that are still outside under cover before they’re damaged.I have a lovely selection of tender succulents

'Anya' or 'Red Duke of York''Half Pint' peas are smaller than regular pea plants, so don't require staking. They can even be grown in a container. The young tips can be trimmed and added to salads for a delicious spring treat, and are followed by flowers