Search - Articles

Save seedsPerennial plants are often very generous in the amount of seed which they produce. Plants such as verbascum can produce thousands of seeds each year, and you can sow them to grow more plants for your garden or share them with friends

A hazel-pole trellis is a beautiful way to show off your climbing plants. Simple to construct, it oozes rustic charm, adding interest to a drab wall or fence.1.8m hazel poles6mm sisal ropeAllow about 7 poles and 75cm of rope per 30cm depth of screen

after the wildlife in their garden and boost the balance between beneficial insects and pests.Mow lawns regularlyTreat problem weedsTidy up hedgesAround the gardenTie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow hardy annual flowers directly into beds

Finish planting out vegetable crops, including tomatoes, beans, courgettes and sweetcornSow summer salads in guttering to grow quick cropsUse netting to protect developing and ripening fruits from birdsTie in new shoots on blackberries, raspberries

.Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Around the gardenTake root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers

or conservatory to plant outdoors again next season. SecateursBamboo canesStringHorticultural fleece or bubble polytheneStrawChicken wireLarge flower pot or crateBark chippings mid-October - early December 20 minutes per plantProtect palms by tying in the leaves

The climbing glory lily, Gloriosa rothschildiana is an ideal choice for growing in a warm conservatory, where it will scramble up support canes or wires to a height of around 1.2m.An exotic summer-flowering plant, the glory lily requires warm

by tying them in to the hedge with a strong rope.Pruning and shaping your plantsViburnum, with Chris BeardshawShrub roses, with Monty DonPruning plantsBox topiaryBrowse a variety of deciduous treesView a selection of hazel plants

Collect and sow seed from foxglovesTake cuttings from pinks (Dianthus)Prune philadelphus after flowering, removing stems carrying old flowers. Cut out very weak stems and some of the oldest woodFeed dahlias with a liquid fertiliser and ensure plants

Spray potatoes and outdoor tomatoes with Bordeaux mixture or similar to prevent blightThin heavy crops of apples, pears and plumsTie in new raspberry canes to support wiresCover brassicas with fine netting to prevent cabbage white butterflies laying