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What a spring we're having. Provisional Met Office reports suggest April was the warmest on record. It was also the 11th driest, based on average rainfall across the UK. Scotland's rainfall has been 110% above normal levels, while the South-East has

, non-native pond plants. Is anyone else confused?My pond sits under a north-facing wall and is less than 1m squared in size. It has no edges as such, and sits above ground. It currently contains water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpiodes) and some rampant

We didn't have a pond when I was growing up. I always wanted one, but blew it after trying to walk on water once at Notcutts. I was hauled out and sent home wearing a bin bag, which put paid to any attempts at having a pond at home until many years

are commendable, if nothing else. There are friends who grow the plants indoors and wonder why they don't fruit (the flowers need pollinating); friends whose plants flower and fruit but the tomatoes rot at the ends (blossom end rot caused by irregular watering

in urban areas where parking spaces are at a premium and there's a lack of availability of public transport. The popularity of low-maintenance gardens among the time-poor is also a factor. The RHS estimates around 12 square miles of London are lost

bathroom.Bathrooms provide the perfect conditions for growing orchids because they're warm and steamy - although they must have a source of natural light. Tropical orchids require warm, humid conditions to grow in, and don't like sitting in water. They

photosynthesising, gases can build up and kill the frogs.To prevent winterkill you need to create a hole in the ice so noxious gasses can leave the water. I shouldn't need to do so this year, as two feral pigeons have taken to having a daily bath in my pond. I

humidity, but it's best to put them outside in a sunny, sheltered position after all risk of frost has passed. Only water them once the soil has dried out and add liquid seaweed, to aid nutrient absorption.I've decided that 2011 will see my orange tree

part. We all sowed our seeds, watered, tended and waited.Now, in late May, we should all have good, strong sunflowers ready to plant out (depending on where we live). Mine have been outside in pots for about three weeks now, but I only planted them

like beetroot, seed. Again, the plant will focus its energy on seed production at the expense of the leaf, or root you are growing it for. Remove flowers as soon as you see them, water well. Moving the pot to a shadier spot can also help (sun can stress