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After the intense cold of winter, the bright and cheerful flowers of alpines and rock garden plants introduce much-needed colour into our gardens. There is a huge range to choose from and, being used to extreme conditions, they're extremely hardy

The bright, cheery colours of Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata, formerly known as Mina lobata) and Canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum, combine to make a stunning summer pot display.Canary creeper is an easy-to-grow relative of nasturtium. You might have to trim its fig-like leaves...

outside. Harden them off for a week by standing them outdoors during the day and bringing them indoors at night. They can then be planted out in their flowering positions in the garden.AdamAllow a few dahlia flowers to set seed for collection at the end

Chris Beardshaw sows bluebells under the shade of the deciduous trees at Berryfields, and discusses the benefits of growing bluebells from seed over planting bulbs.springMore about woodland flowersPlaces to see bluebells in the UKSnowdrops and where to see them, by Michael Baron....

Thanks to our warmer climate, most of us can now enjoy traditionally tropical plants in our summer gardens. Canna 'Tropicanna' is surprisingly tough for such a lush-looking plant, and can survive outdoors all year round (with a little protection

Surround your roses with strongly scented companion plants, such as lavender, thyme, rue and garlic chives, to help keep aphids at bay. While gardeners are attracted by their beauty, rose pests are deterred by the herbs' strong scents. March - April

that shade ripening tomatoes. Pick parsley leaves when young for the best flavour.More inspiration for edible container featuresLearn how to grow your own display of edible herbs.Start growing fruit with a strawberry hanging basket.Plant a lavender garden

to your garden.Creating a Christmas pot project.Making a striking winter display.

Herbs make the perfect partners to vegetables, whether they're eaten raw, roasted, boiled, mashed or fried. Mint is delicious cooked or raw, with root vegetables, in salads or dressings and marinades. Chives, with their mild onion flavour, are very versatile and can be chopped an...

Whether you're barbecuing, roasting, casseroling or cooking poultry in a crock, herbs can greatly enhance the flavour. They can be chopped and mixed with salt and rubbed into or under the skin. Handfuls can also be put into the cavity of the bird. Alternatively, chop and add them...