BBC Gardeners World Magazine https://www.gardenersworld.com/author/tamsinhopethomson Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:29:27 GMT en hourly 1 I ditched my 'proper' career to work with plants. Here's what happened next https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/i-ditched-my-proper-career-to-work-with-plants-heres-what-happened-next/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:00:25 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/i-ditched-my-proper-career-to-work-with-plants-heres-what-happened-next/ Days in the sun, pottering with plants and being creative. Is working with plants really the life-changing career pivot it looks like? We spoke to three plant lovers who made the leap The one thing career changers have in common is a desire to do something more fulfilling. Consultancy Careershifters, which published the State of Career Change Report 2026 in April, found that 41 per cent of 11,567 career changers in its survey were motivated by poor work-life balance and wanted to move into a different industry. And it's not often driven by money. In a recent survey of Good Housekeeping readers, 'better pay' ranked fifth among reasons to change jobs. Top of the list was a better work-life balance.

The wellness positives of a move into a garden-related role are obvious: hopefully less stress, time outdoors and exercise all day long. But there are negatives, too – low pay and working outside in all weathers if you're a gardener, getting to grips with running a business if you go into floristry or garden design. People who are leaving careers as lawyers or working in the private sector will be taking a significant pay cut. Is the lifestyle really worth it?

"I imagined I'd have far more freedom and spend less time thinking about work."

Shilpa Reddy, ex-doctor, now florist and founder of Shilpa Reddy Flower Design

Shilpa Reddy's first career as a doctor working in anaesthesia was incredibly rewarding, but after 15 years, she wanted to do something creative. "I spent most of my working life in operating theatres with no natural light, and after years of that I found myself craving colours, seasons and being outdoors."

"The change wasn't a sudden, dramatic moment. It was more of a quiet feeling that kept growing until I couldn't ignore it any longer. I just reached a point where not trying felt scarier than trying," Shilpa says.

A switch from healthcare to floristry meant running her own business, which had its challenges. "Nobody warned me that creating beautiful work is only half the job. When I started, I genuinely thought that if I made lovely floral designs, people would somehow find me. It sounds ridiculous now, but I had absolutely no understanding of sales or marketing. I thought quality alone would do the talking. Looking back, I was probably a bit naive, but in a strange way, that helped me. If I'd known everything I know now about websites, marketing, social media, pricing, cash flow and all the hats you have to wear as a business owner, I might have talked myself out of starting."

She misses her colleagues, some of whom she had known since she was 18, training together, working long shifts in a high-pressure environment. "I miss the camaraderie and the very specific sense of humour that develops in hospital teams. Running your own business can be lonely. I have a fantastic team around me, but ultimately the responsibility sits with you."

"One of the biggest benefits is being my own boss. I took to that like a fish to water.  I don't know what that says about me! But I loved it from day one.

"When I first changed careers, I imagined I'd have far more freedom and spend less time thinking about work. The reality is, I'm not sure that's entirely down to the job. I thought about anaesthesia all the time when I worked, and I think about flowers all the time now.

Twelve years on, Shilpa's business is thriving, and she has no regrets about her career change. She loves working with her hands, choosing which projects she takes on, and the sheer variety of working on everything from creating wedding displays to creating Christmas installations to running a flower school.

"Of course, the reality of running a business is that there are spreadsheets, emails and plenty of less glamorous jobs too. But more than ten years on, I still feel lucky to spend my days working with flowers, seasons and creativity. I can't imagine many better ways to make a living."

Follow Shilpa Reddy @shilpareddyflowers

"I put my heart and soul into it. I was poor but happy."

Sarah Wilson-Frost, ex-HR professional, now gardener at RHS Garden Hyde Hall 

When Sarah Wilson-Frost was young, she wanted to be a country park ranger, but she was good at exams, and a career in gardening was considered less academic. After 13 years working as a recruitment specialist in contract compliance, she decided it was time for a change. She enjoyed her job, but she wanted to spend more time outdoors. At 41, she thought she'd left it too late to reinvent herself, but she started looking into gardening qualifications.

"I thought about reducing my hours at work and doing a course one day a week, and then I saw an advert for the RHS apprenticeships. I applied, thinking "I'll never get that", and was fortunate enough to be offered a position. My initial thoughts were I'll have a lovely two years and learn new skills which will help me in my garden and maybe help me get work in some private gardens."

Sarah went on to complete a three-year training course with the RHS at Hyde Hall in 2017, working in the garden full-time and attending one day of college. The college course was paid for, but the pay as an apprentice was far less than she had been earning. "I loved it so much and wanted to know everything. I put my heart and soul into it. I was poor but happy."

"The downside was financial. I'm on a better salary now, but the salaries don't compare to the private sector. It should pay much better than it does, and somewhere in history, something has gone wrong."

Once she qualified, Sarah found a position gardening in a cemetery, before finding a role six months later back at Hyde Hall.

"We're thought of as unskilled workers, labourers, but it's an industry that you never stop learning in. It keeps people passionate." She has a varied role that is not only physical, but mentally demanding, with a scientific side to it, from learning about soil science to managing pests and diseases, and improving biodiversity. "I manage trainees and provide adult education, I run an ornamental grasses course and write articles for magazines. We all manage our own areas of the garden."

Despite the salary cut, Sarah relishes her role as a horticulturalist and biodiversity advocate. "I get a better quality of life. I would rather be happy every day than have a wonderful, expensive holiday twice a year."

Follow Sarah Wilson-Frost @beanrascal

"I constantly underestimated how long tasks would take and, as a result, underpriced my work."

Felicity O'Rourke, ex-management consultant and airline pilot, now garden designer

"I've never been afraid of changing direction," says garden designer Felicity O'Rourke. First a management consultant, then an airline pilot, Felicity started a course in garden design after a difficult period in her personal life.

"After taking a break from flying to raise my three daughters, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What followed was a challenging few years of treatment, recovery and, ultimately, a battle with clinical depression. During that time, my garden became my refuge."

Felicity had always loved plants and nature, but the hours she spent in her garden while she recovered made her feel calm. "My psychiatrist encouraged me to think about what I wanted from the next chapter of my life. After a lot of soul searching, I signed up for a one-day introductory garden design course. I absolutely loved it. For the first time in years, I felt like I was using both the creative and analytical sides of my brain."

Although a new direction gave her a sense of purpose, it came with its own challenges. "One of the biggest challenges was learning how to properly value my own time. In the early days, I constantly underestimated how long tasks would take and, as a result, underpriced my work. Learning to recognise the true value of both my time and expertise was a steep but important learning curve." She also hadn't anticipated how much self-promotion she would need to do. "Selling myself and my business felt quite uncomfortable at first."

The highlight of being a garden designer, she says, is the thrill of seeing a project take shape in the real world, as well as watching her clients' excitement when their garden is transformed.

"I love the variety that garden design offers. No two days are the same." She sometimes misses the excitement of flying and the adrenaline, but has found the change rewarding.

"In a small way, I feel I am helping to reconnect people with the natural world while creating places that are beautiful, restorative and environmentally beneficial. That's an incredibly uplifting feeling and, unlike the thrill of a take off or landing, it continues long after the project is finished."

felicityorourkegardendesign.co.uk

]]> Can't sell your home? Do these 6 front garden upgrades right now https://www.gardenersworld.com/garden-advice/6-front-garden-upgrades/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:05 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/garden-advice/6-front-garden-upgrades/ Add kerb appeal to your front garden with upgrades that will transform your space, say garden design experts. The front garden is the first thing potential buyers will see. If yours is messy, neglected or just plain boring, it doesn't make a great first impression. According to a survey carried out by the Society of Garden Designers and Zoopla, 47 per cent of people were put off buying or renting because of the condition of the garden.

What can you do to improve your home's kerb appeal (Premium)? We asked some expert garden designers for advice on transforming a front garden. These tips are guaranteed to give your home selling appeal, whether you need a quick fix or have time to put in a bit more work and add value to your house.

1: Think bigger, not more

"When it comes to front gardens, one bold statement can have more impact than lots of smaller additions," says garden designer Tabitha Sibun. "Rather than using clusters of several small pots, consider a single oversized container with a carefully chosen specimen. Some small multi-stem trees (such as Cercis canadensis), fruit trees (Malus ‘Evereste’ or Ficus carica) and Japanese maples can live happily in large pots and provide year-round interest through their attractive structure, blossoms and fruits, or autumn colour. Alternatively, a shrub with a lifted canopy (such as Osmanthus × burkwoodii) can introduce height and drama without overwhelming the space."

2: Plant up to the path

The path to the front door is one of the most overlooked parts of a front garden, says Tabitha Sibun. "Where space allows, bringing planting right up to the path, rather than confining it to the borders, can have a dramatic impact. Removing occasional paving slabs along a path’s edge can also create pockets for planting. Mid-height planting brings colour, texture and movement closer to the path, softening hard surfaces and creating a stronger sense of arrival before you even reach the front door."

3: Fill it with flowers

"My favourite option will always be to fill the space with flowers," says award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson. "I love two simple beds on either side of a central path leading to the door, with some not-too-complicated topiary to give height, and a pretty porch frame around the front door to support climbers. Peonies, roses, foxgloves and campanulas – the cottage dream. Yes, it takes more looking after, but just imagine people's reaction as they walk by."

4: Add a tree

A flowering tree, like a magnolia or a cherry, is a simple way of adding impact to a front garden. "A front garden does not need a complicated design," says Jo Thompson. "Simple is almost always best. Focus on making sure the materials and planting palette work with the house rather than against it. And ask yourself: is there room for a small tree? A blossoming tree in a front garden creates a sense of privacy and brings a real zing to the street scene."

"Choose something that blossoms in the spring," says award-winning designer Pollyanna Wilkinson, "and turns beautiful shades of orange and red in autumn, such as Cornus kousa, cherry blossom or Malus. It's a wonderful way of celebrating the seasons."

5: Get rid of the lawn

A small lawn is high maintenance. Pollyanna Wilkinson says: "Lawn serves little purpose in front gardens, other than being another thing you need to mow! Instead, swap any lawns for generous planting borders and you instantly transform a void into a mass of beautiful and seasonal planting."

Garden designer Karl Hammond agrees. "If the front lawn is small, patchy or rarely used, consider removing it altogether and creating a planting-led front garden instead. Naturalistic perennials and ornamental grasses can bring seasonal interest, movement and colour, while also making the entrance feel more considered and less maintenance-heavy than a struggling lawn."

6: Limit your plant palette

One way to improve the look of your planting is to restrict the number of plant varieties you use. "Less is more," Pollyanna Wilkinson says. "If you want to add a sense of formality to your front garden, then creating planting borders which use a limited palette of plants, repeated, rather than lots and lots of different plants, will instantly feel more considered."

More design tips

• For sunny front gardens, Karl Hammond suggests treating the space as an area to enjoy rather than just pass through. "A small seating area, gravel courtyard or Mediterranean-style planting scheme can create a welcoming place for morning coffee, while also adding character and kerb appeal."
• "If you can't fit in borders, what about adding two really generous pots either side of your front door?" Pollyanna Wilkinson says. "The bigger the better, and aim for them to be relatively tall so the planting is at waist high or above, rather than dragging the eye down to the ground."
• Plant around the base of the house to 'settle it in', garden designer Debbie Roberts says. It's known as 'foundation planting'. This helps soften the line between the garden and the house.
• "Only pave or gravel the area needed for car parking and plant the rest," says Debbie Roberts.

Advice from:

• Garden designer Tabitha Sibun, Fieldhouse Studio, fieldhousestudio.co.uk
• Jo Thompson writes The Gardening Mind, her weekly Substack newsletter – the place to go to read more from Jo on planting, design, and seasonal inspiration.
• Pollyanna Wilkinson runs the design practice Studio Pollyanna and writes a substack newsletter, The Well Dressed Garden
• Karl Hammond,
Arbor & Fern Garden Design, arborandfern.co.uk
• Debbie Roberts, Acres Wild, acreswild.co.uk

]]> The world's most colourful flower shows - and when to visit each one https://www.gardenersworld.com/travel/international-flower-shows/ Fri, 15 May 2026 10:14:49 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/travel/international-flower-shows/ Explore flower shows worldwide – browse our list of the best ones to visit. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is renowned around the world and a highlight of the year for many gardeners. Featuring gardens by top designers, incredible floral displays, shopping tents and plant stalls, it's a show that sets trends and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. If you're inspired by this annual event, why not try one of the many others that are held around the world, from the vibrant tulip festival in Amsterdam to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which is held in a Unesco World Heritage Site.

• Chelsea Flower Show 2026 medal winners

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Pennsylvania

This is one of the largest indoor flower shows in the world, held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a massive 10-acre exhibition space. The theme of the show this year is 'Rooted: origins of American gardening'. You can expect plenty of shopping opportunities, impressive displays from floral and landscape designers, plant exhibits and informative gardening talks.

When is it on: End of February
Why is it special? It's one of the oldest flower shows in the world.

Tulip Festival, Amsterdam

During the tulip festival, there are not only many displays to see around Amsterdam in the gardens of museums and public parks, but also in the tulip fields outside the city. Visit Keukenhof Tulip Fields for some of the most spectacular displays. There are over seven million bulbs planted in these gardens, with 800 varieties of tulips and many other spring flowers. Peak tulip season is in mid April and it's a good idea to book in advance. Keukenhof is only open during tulip season.

When is it on: April
Why is it special? It's an opportunity to see hundreds of different tulip varieties en masse.

Singapore Garden Festival

Sometimes called the 'Chelsea of Asia', Singapore Garden Festival has become a world renowned event. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this biennial event, which will be held this year at Gardens by the Bay, where you can also see the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and vertical gardens. One of the highlights of the show is the Floral Windows to the World competition, with cut flower displays created by international designers.

When is it on: July

Why is it special? Its tropical location and striking backdrop at Gardens by the Bay will make this show one to remember.

Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland

Bord Bia Bloom will take place on the second May bank holiday weekend in Phoenix Park in Dublin. This show was created originally to showcase plants and garden design, but it's expanded over its 20 year history to celebrate food and drink. As well as show gardens, there will be the popular Postcard Gardens, showing how much can be achieved in a small space, Diarmuid Gavin will be talking on the gardening stage and there will be plenty of inspiring plants and flowers in the Nursery Village.

When is it on: End of May

Why is it special? It focuses on sustainable living, with plenty of practical advice on how to achieve this at home and when creating a garden.

The Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa

It's free to enter this festival, which takes place in the Canada's capital, Ottawa. In 1945 the Dutch Royal Family sent the city 100,000 tulips as a thank you for offering shelter to them during World War II, and have continued to send a gift of tulips every year. In 1953 the Canadian Tulip Festival was created in honour of the friendship between the two countries. It features a tulip trail and more than 300,00o tulips with 100 different varieties throughout the city.

When is it on: May

Why is it special? It's a festival that celebrates a history and friendship between two countries.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Australia

This annual five-day event attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. It's held in Carlton Gardens, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The theme for this year's show is Kaleidoscope, with highlights including Landscape Design Show Gardens, floral artistry in the Great Hall of Flowers and an outdoor art and sculpture gallery. Find plenty of design ideas for small spaces from competitions including hanging baskets, borders and balcony designs.

When is it on: March

Why is it special? The setting is spectacular with flower exhibitions inside The Royal Exhibition Building and show gardens in the historic Carlton gardens.

And look out for...

RHS Badminton Flower Show, Gloucestershire

Hampton Court Flower Show has been moved to a biennial schedule. This year, the RHS is launching a new show in its place, the RHS Badminton Flower Show in Gloucestershire. Look out for the Pocket Planting Gardens, a category for new designers and their first gardens, which will be rated by the RHS judges. There will also be artisan gardens and feature gardens offering inspiration for your own garden.

When is it on: July

Why is it special? It's a new show that takes place on the beautiful Badminton Estate.

]]> Buyer beware! 8 garden red flags that everyone should watch out for https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/garden-red-flags/ Fri, 15 May 2026 08:45:56 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/garden-red-flags/ Don't ignore red flags hiding in plain sight in your prospective new garden – here are eight potential nightmares to look out for. The search for the perfect home is challenging enough, with a leaking roof or rising damp coming top of the list of unpleasant discoveries after new homeowners have moved in. But those aren't the only problems new house buyers might face, as too few pay attention to what's in the garden before buying. So which red flags should you look out for and what should you do about them?

1. Invasive plants that could devalue your home

Invasive plants like running bamboo, Russian vine or Japanese knotweed can not only cause problems for you as an owner, but they can affect the value of the house if you decide to sell in the future.

Japanese knotweed is expensive to get rid of, and banks usually require proof of an eradication management plan before issuing a mortgage on a property. Anyone selling a house is legally obliged to declare if there is existing Japanese knotweed, so make sure you check the garden carefully when you look around, as it can often be missed.

Running bamboo can spread over a metre a year and can be extremely difficult to remove, so if you find bamboo growing in a potential new garden, check which type it is and look for runners or other signs that it is an invasive variety.

Russian vine is also known as 'mile-a-minute' because it grows so quickly. If it's growing in your garden it can become a nuisance for neighbours as it quickly breaches garden boundaries. However, this also means that Russian vine growing in neighbouring gardens could pose problems for you, and if your neighbours aren't keen to get rid of it, you could be lumbered with it. So check before you buy!

Himalayan balsam is typically found near water courses and train tracks, where it quickly spreads by wind-blown seed. It's easy to get rid of, but persistent. Keep an eye out for it if you live near a canal, river or train line, and pull it out as soon as you see it, ideally before it flowers and sets seed.

2. Who really owns your garden fence?

Privacy can be an issue in gardens. Is the garden overlooked because of low fences or surrounding buildings? If there are any issues, will they be easy to resolve? A low fence may be ok if your neighbours are friendly and interested in discussing replacing the fence together. Check whose land the fence belongs to – the ownership of the fence depends on the property deeds. You may be responsible for replacing it or maintaining the boundary. Check also that the boundaries match the deeds and that there are no existing disputes with the neighbours.

3. Why you should visit during rush hour

Don't just look at the garden from the house or the patio – spend some time in it over a couple of visits, and at different times of day. There may be noise if you're below a flight path or near a busy road or school. If it's near a road, you might not notice the noise if you're there in the middle of the day, so check again at busier times if you can.

4. Spotting drainage issues

Soggy areas in the lawn or moss growing on hard landscaping could indicate that the garden has drainage issues. Check that the hard landscaping is sloping away from the house. If it slopes toward the house, water can pool around the foundations.

5. Why that narrow side path really does matter

If you're planning any hard landscaping or garden transformation, look at how easy it is to get to the garden from the front. Some houses have narrow passageways which you won't be able to get heavy machinery through, while others have no access at all, so you'll have to take everything through the house. Whether or not this is a problem depends on what you plan to do to the garden and the type of garden it is. Is it difficult to wheel your brown bin from the front to the back? This might not seem important at the time, but it could be irritating when you're living there.

6. The neighbour's security light problem

Check whether there could be any issues with neighbours' garden lights or security lights shining into your garden. As well as being irritating for you as a resident, light pollution has a negative impact on wildlife, including moths, bats and birds such as blackbirds and robins.

7. The toxic plants hiding in plain sight

If you have children or pets, have a look to see whether there are any plants that may cause harm. While many common garden plants – such as foxgloves and daffodils – are poisonous to eat, they are very unlikely to be ingested. However, some plants – including giant hogweed and plants in the spurge (euphorbia) family – have toxic sap that can cause severe skin irritation if you come into contact with it.

8. When trees become a structural threat

Trees that are planted too close to the house can cause structural damage. Their roots can get into pipes and also cause subsidence if they take too much water from the soil. There is also the risk that branches may fall onto the roof. If there are any trees that would need to be removed, this can be costly and should be taken into account when negotiating.

]]> Attract pollinators this month with these eight colourful flowers https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/attract-pollinators-this-month/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:47:55 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/attract-pollinators-this-month/ Add colour to your garden while attracting beneficial pollinators – we show you how. Spring is a great time to plant new perennials and shrubs, so they can become established before temperatures increase in summer. These plants will not only give your border a boost of colour but will also attract a variety of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hoverflies and beetles. The more pollinators you can attract to feed and breed in your garden, the healthier your garden will be as a whole.

Thrift

Brighten rockeries or borders with thrift, a low-growing and low-maintenance native perennial that flowers between May and June. The small pink flowers are especially popular with honeybees and short tongued bumblebees. Plant in full sun in free draining soil. Typically found growing in coastal regions, thrift is drought tolerant once established.

Height x Spread: 50cm x 50cm

Scabious 

Scabiouses are typically long flowering perennials attractive to a variety of pollinators. There are several types, including field scaboous (Knautia arvensis), small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) and devil's bit scabious (Succisa pratensis). Their pretty pincushion flowers are a draw for bumblebees, honeybees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies. All types thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, although do best in more alkaline soils.

H x S: up to 1.5m x 30cm

Honesty

Sow seeds of this biennial in early summer for flowers the following spring. Its lilac or white flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies, appearing between May and June. These are followed by attractive round seedheads that add winter interest to borders. The orange-tip butterfly uses honesty as a caterpillar foodplant. Grow it in partial shade or sun and leave to self seed.

H x S: 1m x 50cm

Ceanothus

Ceanothus has nectar rich flowers that are particularly attractive to bees. It's a beautiful shrub for brightening a border in early summer, with evergreen foliage that looks good year round. Plant it in a sunny spot and once established, it should be drought tolerant.

H x S: 4m x 4cm

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 

Bearing zingy lime flowers, this euphorbia will brighten up a border in early summer, while providing nectar and pollen for bees. And it's easy to combine with a variety of plants from cranesbills and nepeta to alliums and lavender. The flowers are often a lime or acid yellow colour, which goes well with lilac and purple.

H x S: 1.5m x 1.5cm

Hardy geraniums

Choose a long-flowering geranium and you'll be providing nectar for pollinators such as hoverflies and bees throughout summer and into autumn. Varieties such as 'Rozanne' flower from June until October, while the pale pink 'Dreamland' blooms from May until September.

H x S: 1m x 1cm

Aquilegias

Aquilegias are visited by long-tongued bees such as Bombus hortorum, which can access the nectar at the end of the plant's long spurs. This easy to grow cottage garden plant will flourish in sun or partial shade, flowering between May and June. There's a huge colour range to choose from from pure white through to bright bi-coloured combinations.

H x S: up to 50cm x 50cm

Weigela

Add structure with an easy going shrub that looks good year round and has funnel-shaped flowers in early summer that are attractive to butterflies and bees. It's compact habit makes it a good choice for small gardens, reaching around two metres tall after 10 years.

H x S: up to 1.5m x 1.5cm

]]> Are slugs eating your seedlings? Here's what to do https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/are-slugs-eating-your-seedlings/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:18:56 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/are-slugs-eating-your-seedlings/ Slugs eating your seedlings? Find ways to tackle them now, with our expert tips. Slugs are a particular problem in spring and early summer when the weather is typically warm and wet. This is also the time when we gardeners have seedlings and young plants for them to munch on. Slugs are most active at night and seem to prefer feeding on young growth. Unlike snails, slugs can burrow beneath the soil surface, so surface barriers such as coffee grounds, eggshells or gravel aren't as effective as they are against snails. What's the best way to protect your young plants? Here's a few suggestions:

Encourage wildlife

Making your garden more wildlife friendly is a great way to keep your garden in equilibrium. Both amphibians and reptiles – such as slow worms – can help to keep down slug populations. Other predators of slugs include birds, particularly song thrushes and starlings. To encourage amphibians and reptiles make a log pile, lay slate tiles over long grass for slow worms to bask under, and dig a pond. Birds can be encouraged in by planting a mixed native hedge, having areas of water for frinking and bathing, and growing caterpillar foodplants so there's plenty to feed their chicks in spring.

Use a deterrent

There's not enough evidence to show that barriers such as coffee grounds and eggshells are effective against slugs, but copper can work, according to Dr Hayley Jones, who leads the research into slugs and snails for the RHS. To protect plants in the ground, look for a deep collar as slugs could go underneath the ones resting on the soil. Check that you are buying a product that has real copper in it and if you're using it on a pot, use a thick strip. Slugs and snails will put up with some discomfort to get to a plant they really like so it's more effective to use a wide strip of copper. Other deterrants that seem to work well include plastic slug and snail collars, which slugs don't seem able to climb over.

Water in the morning

Watering plants creates damp soil and makes it easier for slugs to travel. As they're most active in the evening, it's a good idea to water seedlings in the morning, instead.

Pick slugs off plants 

Check your seedlings at night with a torch and pick off any slugs. Move them at least 20m away to somewhere like a compost heap, to stop them finding their way back to your plants.

Mulch the soil

Cover the surface of your border or veg bed with a layer of mulch. Instead of acting as a barrier that slugs can go over (if determined enough) or underneath, mulch across the entire surface makes it much more difficult for slugs to move around. This also has the benefit of improving your soil. Straw-based mulches work well for this.

Grow seedlings indoors

Don't plant seedlings out too early. The bigger and stronger a seedling is when it's planted out, the more it will be able to withstand the occasional slug attack.

Use a biological control

Buy nematotodes to kill slugs. Check the instructions as the soil needs to be a certain temperature for the nematodes to work. It might be necessary to do a couple of applications over the growing season. This should only be used as a last resort, and in specific areas, as not all slugs are pests. Some slugs do a useful job, feeding on dead plants.

]]> Stuck for planting inspiration? Here's a spring pot you can plant now https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/spring-pot-to-plant-now/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:17:25 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/spring-pot-to-plant-now/ Get instant spring colour with this container combination, and find more inspiration with our plant ideas. Give your patio a boost with a colourful spring container. The star in this container is the perennial wallflower 'Super Bowl Mauve', a more compact and early flowering relative of 'Bowles's Mauve'. It flowers continually from May to August and attracts a variety of pollinators. The wallflower is surrounded by pretty pink dianthus and deep purple violas. The silvery foliage of the senecio provides a calm contrast to the colourful blooms. Place this container in a sunny spot and enjoy the long lasting display – it should perk up your patio until at least August.

If you can't find the exact plants, don't worry, just swap them for something similar in colour or flower shape. Once the flowers go over the container can be refreshed for autumn. If you decide to change the plants, the wallflower and dianthus can go into your border where they'll flower again next year. Violas and senecio are usually treated as annuals and will need to be replaced once temperatures drop.

What you'll need:

Erysimum 'Super Bowl Mauve' x 3
Dianthus 'Peach Party' x 3
*Viola '*Blue Blotch' x 3
Senecio cineraria 'Silverdust' x 3
35cm terracotta pot

Other plants for a late spring pot

Heuchera – foliage plant with leaves that come in many shades from lime green to deep purple. Makes good groundcover

Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' – this trailing plant has yellow cup-shaped flowers during summer but is mainly used as a filler plants for containers, softening the edges as it spills over

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) – a self seedling biennial that creates a cloud of blue flowers. Buy a few small plants for a container to place beneath tulips

Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' – flowering from May until September, this plant offers great value, providing colour for months and attracting pollinators

Scabious – these perennials flower all through the summer, with pin cushion blooms that are usually either purple, pink or white. They are excellent pollinator plants, attracting bees and butterflies

]]> From Kyoto to Kew: your ultimate cherry blossom guide https://www.gardenersworld.com/travel/cherry-blossom-guide/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:09:17 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/travel/cherry-blossom-guide/ Looking for the perfect place to see the cherry blossom this spring? Check out our guide to the best blossom displays around the world. Cherry blossom displays attract flocks of visitors across the globe, from popular hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, to the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. In Japan the tradition of flower viewing (Hanami) goes back centuries, and the significance of Sakura (cherry blossom) is sown into the fabric of Japanese culture. Every year there are parties and picnics held beneath the trees to celebrate the blossom. As well as these iconic locations, there are also many places to see cherry blossom nearer to home, from Edinburgh and Birmingham to Copenhagen and Spain.

The arrival of cherry blossom is a signal that spring is arriving and because blossom can only be enjoyed for a short period, over a week or ten days, it's valued all the more. Peak cherry blossom times will depend on the weather and range from January to May, depending on where you're going to see it.

Tokyo, Japan

In Japan, cherry blossom season is known as Sakura and it can last around a month, depending on location and climate. Head to one of the parks to take part in Hanani (flower viewing). It's common for people to have Hanani parties in parks, with one of the main destinations being Ueno Park. Here there are over 1,000 cherry trees and a festival to celebrate the blossom. In Nakameguro, there's a line of 800 trees along the river, which arch over the water to create a tunnel – a good place to take photos. And at Rikugien Gardens, visitors can go at night to see the cherry trees illuminated.

When to visit: late March to early April
Other highlights: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also a must visit spot for cherry blossom, with winding paths, extensive lawns and Japanese landscape gardens

Kyoto, Japan

Marayama Park is famous for its cherry blossom. One of the oldest parks in Kyoto, it first opened to the public in 1886. Don't miss the old weeping cherry, which is lit up at night. The blossom is usually at its best in the first half of April. This popular park can get very busy, for a less crowded cherry blossom spot, try Yamashina canal, where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the views. You could also hop on the Sagano romantic train, which takes passengers through tunnels of cherry blossom on a 25 minute train ride through the mountains.

When to visit: end of March to early April
Other highlights: stroll along the forest path in the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you can see cherry blossom from a wooden stage that looks down over the hillside below

Washington D.C, USA

One of the biggest display of blossoms can be found at the Tidal Basin, where hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees encircle the water. You'll get an amazing view from the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. To get some exercise at the same time, walk the 4.1 loop at Hains Point. It's in East Potomoc Park, where there are many species of cherry blossom, including the later blooming Kwanza trees, with their beautiful double pink blooms. You can check on the National Park Service Bloom Watch for peak bloom time, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place between 20 March and 12 April in 2026.

When to visit: last two weeks of March to early April 
Other highlights: visit the Jefferson Memorial while you're at the Tidal Basin and visit the US National Arboretum. As well as being another top spot to see cherry blossom, there's an incredible view of the Capitol from one of the city's highest points, a bonsai museum and themed gardens.

Bonn, Germany

When the cherry blossom is out in Bonn, you need to head to Heerstrasse, a beautiful street in Noorstadt. Many trees line the cobbled street, arching over to create a pink canopy in the spring. If possible visit in the early morning, when there are fewer visitors around. Although Heerstrasse is the most well known, there are many other blossom lined streets in the old Town to explore including Briete Strasse.

When to visit: late March to late April
Other highlights: from Heerstrasse it's only around a 12 minute walk to the museum, Beethoven's House, where the composer was born. And for a gardening highlight, don't miss the University of Bonn Botanic Gardens, with its Palace Gardens in the centre of the city

Stockholm, Sweden

Enjoy lunch or a stroll under the cherry trees in Kungsträdgården, known as The King's Garden. Once a Royal vegetable garden, this park opened to the public in the 1770s and is now a hub of activity during cherry blossom season. During April, people can walk or relax beneath the avenues of cherry blossom. In Stockholm they celebrate Day of the Cherry Blossom on 28 April. It's also worth visiting Bysistorget, a square in Södermalm, and Luma Park.

When to visit: late April
Other highlights: take the opportunity to visit Bergius Botanic Garden, at Lake Brunnsviken, with Victoria House, an impressive glasshouse, as well as plants from all over the world and themed gardens

Jerte Valley, Cáceres Spain

In Valle del Jerte, the valley turns white during cherry blossom time, as 1.5 million trees burst into flower. The spectacle lasts around ten days and is accompanied by a Cherry Blossom Festival, with exhibitions, Medieval markets and dances among other activities. The dates for 2026 are still to be confirmed, but details can be found on Spain's Official Tourism Site.

When to visit: mid March to early April
Other highlights: there are many hiking trails through the valley, and you can also book 4 x 4 tours that not only take in the cherry blossom, but incredible waterfalls, mountain scenery and wildife

Yongfu Town, Longyon, Fujian Province, China

Between January and March in Yongfu Town, thousands of cherry blossom trees will flower across the mountains. There are around 40 varieties of cherry tree in a place known as Cherry Blossom Park or Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden, making it a long flowering season. Growers have planted trees throughout the tea gardens which stretch across the mountains, and their pink, red and white flowers brighten the paths that wind through the terraces. This innovation has attracted huge numbers of tourists, who come to sample the tea and admire the blossom.

When to visit: between January and March
Other highlights: this is the main garden in the region

Copenhagen

The annual Sakura Festival in Copenhagen takes place at the end of April in Langelinie Park, where there are 200 cherry blossom trees. It's a celebration of Japanese culture, and a chance to experience the blossom in full bloom in a beautiful park on the waterfront. The blossom flowers slightly earlier in Bispebjerg Cemetery, where trees line the avenues throughout the graveyard.

When to visit: mid to late April
Other highlights: The Botanical Garden in the museum district – it has Denmark's largest collection of living plants and 27 glasshouses to explore

UK destinations

Although there are spectacular places to see cherry blossom around the world, we have impressive spring displays in the UK, too. In Scotland, walk through The Meadows in Edinburgh or visit Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow. There are also impressive displays of cherry blossom in the Royal Parks in London or head out of town to Kew Gardens in Richmond for the Cherry Walk, linking the Temperate House and the Palm House. The Cherry Walk is at its best between April and May, depending on the weather.

Other places to enjoy cherry blossom around the UK include Hinton Ampner, Hampshire, Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire, RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.

]]> Orchid won't flower? Read these top tips https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/orchids-flowering/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:11:02 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/orchids-flowering/ Get your orchid to flower again with our expert advice on how to care for your plant. It's not unusual to receive an orchid as a gift, enjoy the flowers and then find yourself with a pot of green leaves. What are you doing wrong? A non-flowering orchid is a common problem, but it's easy to fix. We've got some expert tips to ensure you have a healthy, strong plant that will flower regularly.

Why orchids stop flowering

Orchids can stop flowering for a few reasons:

• lack of light
• low temperatures
• overwatering

If you have a healthy plant with a good root system, it should flower regularly but be aware of what 'regularly' means. Orchids can flower any time of year but they are unlikely to flower every few months. You can expect the most common orchid (phalaenopsis) to flower at least once a year, but the flowers do last for several months.

The most common mistakes gardeners make

• Overwatering – this is one of the most common reasons that house plants die. Another common mistake is watering with very cold water, which will stress the plant. Tap water is fine, but use tepid water or water that has been left to come to room temperature.
• Watering from above – avoid watering to the leaves, as the water can get into the crown of the orchid and cause root rot.
• Don't let your orchid sit in water. Let it drain and then pour the excess water away.
• Putting your orchid in a cold room – moth orchids are tropical plants, so they won't thrive in temperatures below 15ºC
• Placing orchids near a radiator or draft
• Lack of nutrients – feed orchids every other week during the growing season

What your orchid is trying to tell you

Yellow leaves –  if the leaves of your orchid are yellow, it's possible your plant has root rot. Most moth orchids are sold in clear plastic pots. Inspect the roots to check they are a healthy silver or green colour. Rotten roots will be black or brown, and mushy.

Wrinkled leaves – can indicate a lack of water – increase watering to once a week, checking first that the roots are silver.

No flowers – this could mean that your orchid isn't getting enough light, or the they are being kept at the wrong temperature.

How to fix it

Water carefully – aim to water around once a week, but check the roots first. If they are silver then the orchid needs water. If they are green, there's no need to water. Water by pouring water over the compost. Leave it to drain and then empty any excess water out of the pot.

Put your orchid in the right place – orchids are easy to grow plants and will thrive in most homes, but they do not grow well in direct sun or cold temperatures. Place them on a windowsill that gets indirect light, in a warm room that will remain above a temperature of 19ºC during the day and above 15ºC, at night.

Cut flower spikes down to a node – once your orchid has flowered, cut the spike down to just above a node (it will look like a triangular bump on the stem). This will encourage the orchid to produce a new flower spike and you may get a second flush of flowers. Once the spike has turned yellow, cut the whole stem down to its base

When will it flower again

It's not difficult to get your orchid to flower again, your plant may just need a few tweaks to its care regime. Make sure it's in a position where it has plenty of light, water carefully, keep it at the right temperature and it's likely to flower again. If you're cutting down a flower spike to a healthy joint, you may another flush of flowers in a couple of months.

After your orchid has finished flowering completely and the flower spike has turned a straw colour, it could be dormant for around eight months, so there's no need to panic. Your plant is simply resting. After this rest period if there are no flowers and your plant looks healthy, try placing your plant in a spot that is around 5ºC cooler for three to four weeks. This drop in temperature can trigger reflowering.

]]> Meet the crevice garden – wild, sculptural and surprisingly easy https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/meet-the-crevice-garden-wild-sculptural-and-surprisingly-easy/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:07:47 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/news/meet-the-crevice-garden-wild-sculptural-and-surprisingly-easy/ Looking for a new way to grow plants? Try creating a crevice garden. What is a crevice garden?

A crevice garden is made using thin flat slabs like slate or sandstone. These are placed vertically, parallel to each other, and then plants are placed between them, into the narrow gaps. This style of gardening can be used in small spaces such as a trough, or expanded to create a display within a border.

Why does it work?

The plants' roots grow in deep crevices where the conditions are cool, like they would on a mountain. It's a low maintenance version of rock gardening, because the plants don't need much watering and the drainage is good so alpines are less affected by heavy rain. The deep holes also mean that plants stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

How is it different from alpine gardening? 

The stones are thin and vertical in crevice gardening. In a typical rock garden, boulders or large stones are laid horizontally. Alpine gardening can range from planting in a trough filled with soil and topped with grit, or planting in gaps between rocks of different sizes. Planting may be flat or on a slope, but the rocks are wider than they are high, and the planting gaps are bigger.

Best plants for a crevice garden

When planting a crevice garden, you can position the rocks to create a south-facing side and a north-facing side, or east/west. Plants on the north-facing side of the tall rocks will be suitable for shade, for example. This means you can grow a wide variety of plants.

Saxifraga
These alpine plants are evergreen perennials with rosettes of leaves and small flowers on tall stems. They grow well in rock gardens, in the cracks of walls or crevice gardens. There are hundreds of species, with some thriving in shade and others in full sun. Check before buying that the saxifrage is suitable for your planting spot. Good choices include Saxifraga cotyledon or S. paniculata.

Lewisia cotyledon
Lewisia also has leaves that form rosettes and tall stems with bright flowers that can be pink, gold or apricot coloured. It reaches about 30cm tall and thrives in a sunny spot.

Thymus vulgaris
This species of thyme will grow well in crevices and has aromatic leaves as well as pretty purple flowers. Look for low-growing varieties – other thymes that will thrive in crevices include Thymus 'Hartington Silver' or 'Pink Chintz'.

Sempervivums
Also known as houseleeks, sempervivums are perfect for growing in crevice gardens. Plants have a rosette of succulent leaves and produce flowers between spring and summer. They're very hardy and easy to grow. Plant in a sunny location, ideally south facing.

Erodiums

The flowers of these pretty perennials are attractive to hoverflies, and a good way to add colour to your crevice garden. The most colourful have pink blooms, but there are also varieties with yellow or white flowers. The scalloped or fern-like leaves are attractive too.

Top tips for success

• Use a mix of sand, peat free potting soil and grit to ensure good drainage
• Make sure each stone has at least a third in the ground or soil so that it doesn't tip over
• Use plants that are suited to the aspect of the crevice garden, whether that's shade or sun
• Use a knife to lever plant roots into the narrow crevices when planting

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