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. Wind can scorch leaves as well as sun (and we’ve certainly had plenty of wind in Hampshire). Heavy rain and hail will also damage plants, peppering leaves and flowers with tiny shot marks.To make matters worse, water droplets on foliage can magnify

house plantsLooking after orchids, with a video guide from Sarah RavenGrowing orchidsGrowing cactiInstalling an automatic watering systemBrowse a selection of general houseplantsView a variety of cactus plants

-native plants can take over our ponds and deoxygenate the water. If dumped in municipal or wild ponds, streams or rivers they can smother native plants, clog waterways, exacerbate flooding and harm fish. The website gives clear advice on identifying

exciting varieties to grow on yourself.Potted orchidSpecialist orchid compostOrchid fertiliserall year round20 minutesStand the young orchid plants in trays in the greenhouse, well out of any direct sunlight. If the compost looks very dry, water the plants

into the pebbles to hold them firm.Add water to just below the bulb and no higher, topping up to this level as needed.AdamBuy enough narcissus bulbs to plant several vases every seven to 10 days throughout September and early October to provide a succession

, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.AdamUse bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish

with water whenever it rains. It’s important to keep these ‘tanks’ filled up, but try to use rain water if possible, as lime scale will mark the leaves. Once a month, empty the rosette by turning the plant upside down, then refill with fresh water

are perfect for planting in a large container, as they provide masses of growth in just one season. The impact made to your garden can be mind-blowing.There are plenty of alternatives to large cattle troughs, such as tin baths, tea chests or plastic water

changing from pink to blue...a clear illustration of the affect of pH on plants.My garden soil must have got more alkaline, possibly through watering with 'hard' tap water during hot weather last summer, hence the pink flowers this year. I'll need to change

, make sure the compost around the seedling is moist by standing pots in trays of water for an hour before planting. This will help roots establish quickly.Use a garden line to keep rows straight when planting. Take out a hole large enough to accommodate