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in a part of the world so well adorned with wildlife and wildflowers. But only last year was I on my hands and knees, weeding out violets from paving cracks, stone walls and even the compost of potted plants. I wonder how many perfectly good plants we

Will our love affair with Verbena bonariensis ever wane? This fabulous flower looks as good growing individually among low border plants as it does planted en masse. The open, airy quality of the stems only adds to the appeal. Wildlife loves V

oxygen levels in the water so frogs and other wildlife can still breathe when the pond is frozen over. But there are so many plants to choose from, and - as Horticulture Week pointed out - to date many aquatic plant suppliers are still selling invasive

pretty display for the Christmas table. In colder situations it will flower prolifically until the first frosts, then bloom intermittently in warmer spells until the end of the year.Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting the bulbs and water them

. With minimum care, they'll flower year after year, and many will bulk up into clumps after a few years.Like cultivars, species tulips prefer growing in free-draining soil in full sun. Plant them in drifts for swathes of colour, dot them around a rockery

, and - in extreme situations - lead to erosion. In the wild, plants quickly colonise exposed earth, protecting its structure and absorbing the nutrients that would otherwise be washed away. A green manure does the same thing; you just have control over what grows

For two years, I have been trying to grow climbing plants to cover the walls of my garden. I've planted honeysuckle, passion flower, jasmine, numerous clematis and a revolting rose I found in the street. Some died, others developed mildew, while

follow the instructions on the pack carefully, as these products can damage or kill surrounding plants and wildlife (particularly frogs) if applied carelessly.For small paths you can buy ready-to-use products in hand sprayers, but for large areas it

, they will not thrive in sodden soils - decent drainage is essential. As with any other plant, get them off to a good start by incorporating plenty of organic material, such as home-made compost. Oriental poppies will appreciate a small amount of fertiliser, but don

are more likely to remember it). Slugs start their reproductive cycle around February, if you manage to get them before they lay hundreds of eggs, that is a result.Encourage wildlife to your garden – thrushes, hedgehogs and frogs all eat slugs.Go out