When we first contacted Linda Plummer for our Genus Discovered tour she was apprehensive. She called us up explaining that her garden was far from tidy and perfect borders and that her...
Brilliant Hori Hori Delighted with my fantastic Hori Hori. It’s strong and makes hand weeding tough plants like dandelion and creeping buttercup so much easier. A lifetime of gardening and...
Fans of Genus include many famous gardeners and well-known writers. Susie White is one of them. Her achievements are many: Finalist Garden Media Guild Journalist of the Year 2022 Highly...
I am Gill and live in lovely East Devon, taking care of half an acre of garden, along with my husband, Stephen. Today I have been spring cleaning the greenhouse, in full...
Hello Attached is a very recent photo of me wearing my Genus trousers - I was planting with the garden designer Juliette Sargeant - working on a new garden at...
I wore my Genus pants and top assisting at a garden propagation workshop in Mt Wilson, NSW Australia. Would love you to make the slim pants in green or black! ...
I spotted the offer of a £10 voucher (if lucky!) in your recent email by sending an image of someone wearing Genus clothing. I was helping out with a re-wilding...
My husband David in our garden wearing his Genus clothing. Genus clothing makes fabulous birthday and Christmas presents for a keen gardener!
Regards
Mairi
David sent in this blogpost and won a pair of waterproof gardening gloves. As I set off to pick my way as carefully I can past the drifts of rudbeckia,...
Jill sent in this blogpost and won a pair of waterproof gardening gloves. The tree surgeon came this week. A very large and straggling Cornus Mas has been brought under...
From time to time, customers contact us to ask about the fabrics in Genus gardening clothes. Do they contain chemicals? What makes them waterproof? Will they affect my sensitive skin? So...
While I do indeed garden while wearing these marvellous trousers, they are also perfect for animal husbandry, the pockets are especially useful as are the built in knee pads. Whilst...
We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine. 5 reasons to love Genus trousers. George won a Genus voucher for £50. Love all my genus...
We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine. 5 reasons to love Genus trousers. Christine won a Genus voucher for £50. My 5 reasons: 1....
We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine. 5 reasons to love Genus trousers. Brenda won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. Wearability - Comfortable,...
We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine. 5 reasons to love Genus trousers. Susan won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. Stab proof secateur pocket...
We ran a competition in the May 2023 issue of the Genus Potpourri magazine. 5 reasons to love Genus trousers. Martina won a Genus voucher for £50. 1. The trousers...
Seeing snowdrops, aconites and iris unguicularis emerging from our cold, wet clay and flowering their socks off, fills me with hope that anything is possible! Thank you, Rachel. A...
Snowdrops – each little green bud a tightly packed powerhouse, bursting with promise, strength, beauty and hope for the future, every one a tiny miracle. Thank you, Pamela. A...
At Rose Cottage, January reveals more open views through leaf less trees; it’s the structure of the garden unclothed. It’s a time to plan the next seasons and assess the...
We received this lovely contribution from Jill Stewart and we sent her a £50 voucher to spend at Genus. Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire is the ancestral home of George Washington with...
Catherine sent us this picture showing her husband wearing Genus from top to toe, along with a description of his gardening life. In return, we sent her a voucher for a £50 discount off...
Nestled under a backdrop of the stunning Malvern hills, The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is a fabulous way to kick off the garden show season. With ample on-site parking and...
Marion sent us this picture showing her wearing Genus Gardening Trousers, and a description of her work as a Volunteer Park Ranger in Headington Hill Park, Oxford. In return, we...
We're constantly impressed by what Genus customers get up to in our gear. From creating incredible orchards, landscapes and allotments, to using them on archaeological digs.Last week, we received a...
Don’t try using the front door at Rugg Farm; plants are the doorkeepers here barring your access to the 200-year-old farmhouse and giving a clue as to what can be...
Entering through the gates at Plumley House the first things you see are huge granite boulders of monumental proportions deposited there at the end of the last ice age. Time...
An 18th century farmhouse with beautiful mixed borders and an exceptional range of roses. As you turn into the driveway of Susanna’s home near Bridgenorth the mid 18th century red...
Ruth and Neale Brydon had to wait eight years to find the perfect garden. After an eight-year spell working in the United States Ruth longed to return to the UK...
The gentle approach to Mary and John Thurston’s home ‘Rocklands’ in Gloucestershire is via a serpentine metalled driveway that weaves gently through camelias, rhododendrons, and mature sweet chestnuts. Access to...
An 18th century townhouse with a mature beautifully laid out garden with an exceptional plant palette. Jill and William Stewart have lived at their home near Towcester for 40 years...
In her 1913 collection of poems, Dorothy Frances Gurney wrote, The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God's Heart in...
With careful planning, you can create a green haven on your balcony that’s full of scent and colour. First, it’s important to check how much weight your balcony can take,...
With a national lockdown and supermarkets depleted, producing your own fruit and vegetables has more appeal than ever. And there’s so much you can grow in the smallest of spaces....
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and with the shops filling up with cards and flowers it got us thinking about the relationship between women and gardening. I suppose...
Exercise addicts are always trying to convince us of the benefits of yoga – increased flexibility, stronger joints and bones and a relaxed body and mind. But did you know...
Gardens don’t have to be at ground-level: there are plenty of city dwellers making the most of their available space by creating picture-perfect gardens on rooftops and balconies. Here are five...
We have written a number of blogs about how great gardening is for improving gardener’s general levels of health and fitness. Our health and wellbeing though, is not just a...
Gardening is renowned for its therapeutic benefits, helping you to feel more relaxed, alleviating symptoms of stress and depression and allowing you to enjoy nature. In Japan, gardens are designed...
It seems that we are heading for a mass influx of Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) over the next few weeks. Although we get these butterflies regularly during the summer...
One of the surprising things to pop up in the Genus garden lately was a bright shiny green beetle that was all over the sage and lavender bushes. Curiosity peaked,...
It’s the end of June and we are getting excited about Hampton Court Flower Show which starts soon. One of the specialties of the show is the grand display of roses as...
It’s just a few days to go before Wimbledon 2019 starts. It’s my only must-see sporting event of the year. The strawberries in the Genus garden have been in full...
In helping to design and plant out the Back To Nature garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, the Duchess of Cambridge is continuing a long tradition of gardening amongst...
There are many traditional Mother's Day flowers depending on where in the world you look. The British tradition of “Mothering Sunday” started in the sixteenth century and provided an opportunity...
The recent discussions on climate change in Poland, the Beast from the East followed by a summer drought, as well as the long line of record breaking years including the...
The concept of colours influencing our moods has been around for a long time. If you are interested in learning about popular interpretations of different colours with a view to...
Gardeners will know that gardening is not just a physical activity, it encompasses a philosophy of life, an approach to growing and a favoured set of techniques that vary from...
The country has spoken and it’s out of the EU we will come. There will now be a period of some uncertainty as we come to terms with the new reality and begin the process of untangling ourselves from a host...
Vita Sackville-West has many claims to fame. She was an accomplished writer and poet, circulated amongst the Bloomsbury Group attributed with modernising British social attitudes during the inter war years,...
We’re back after the excitement of Chelsea. The importance and popularity of gardens in Britain was of course really made obvious at the show. The range of items for gardens...
Time and again, surveys and academic studies prove what we’ve long suspected: gardening really does make us happy.A recent poll of 1,500 UK adults revealed that 80% of people who...
Now that the long Easter weekend is nearly here, there should be plenty of time to get out into the garden as well as enjoying eggs, buns and rabbits with...
It’s the month when resolutions are made and so very many people think about dieting to lose the extra pounds gained over the festive season. A recent survey showed that...
Herbs are a versatile ingredient for cooking, but they also have many therapeutic benefits, and can be used in a variety of health and beauty products. Here are some reasons...
Claudia de Yong is a garden designer with over fifteen years experience creating wonderful gardens for her clients. She has also won medals eight times at Hampton Court and numerous...
Gardening is not only good for your soul, it's also a great way to burn off calories in the winter months. For some people, a spot of gardening is their...
It’s Easter! This is traditionally the busiest period for gardening businesses. A spell of good weather at Easter brings gardeners with all kinds of interests and all kinds of skills...
Each member country of the United Kingdom has its own national flower. Here is a brief introduction to each: England – the Rose The rose has represented England since the 1400s...
Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and thoughts are turning to gifts for our loved one. Flowers are always a popular choice, and the relationship between flowers and love goes...
Don’t panic! It’s the week before Christmas and the atmosphere is getting hectic. For many of us the thought that we need to find something special for that significant somebody...
This week we went along to the Bibury Gardening Club, which meets once a month, and is always a great place to socialise with other keen gardeners as well as...
We have already noticed what a barbeque summer 2017 in the UK is turning out to be, and the two heatwaves we experienced in recent weeks were unusual in their...
It has been an interesting year at Chelsea. The media has not just focused on the flowers. A spotlight has been shone on the people involved as gardeners and garden...
Woooooh! Spring seems to have sprung and suddenly there seems to be even less time in the day to get everything done than ever before. This last month has whizzed...
It has been a few weeks since the last Genus blog. You won’t be surprised to hear that’s because we have been really busy, not just in the Genus garden,...
We have already blogged about climate change and flooding in December, but the subject just won’t go away. We have been really keen to get out and start the late...
The British winter this year has been warm as well as wet. October, November and December have all been unseasonably warm. October was around 0.5 degrees warmer and was also a drier...
We are drawing close to the end of the gardening year. The Genus garden is being tidied up and put to bed for the winter. The long days pottering and working...
Genus founder Sue began gardening in miniature in her London flat using planters and window boxes as a route to releasing her gardening passion. There’s lots that can be done container...
The autumn this year is turning into a long and colourful affair. The flowering season in the Genus garden still continues into October and some of the fruit trees, particularly...
It may be disappointing to have suffered another wet and dismal August Bank Holiday, but the recent rain does mean that some of the vegetables and fruit in the Genus...
Fashion is not just about clothes. There are garden fashions too. Plants and planting styles that gardeners of all sorts fall in love with and get carried away by. Genus...
That's it then. The third week in May has arrived, the Chelsea Fringe starts and the real excitement of Chelsea week begins! One of the many new gardening programmes on...
The Genus team was recently busy at the Kew Plant Finders Fair. One of the ways we engaged with customers was to ask them more about what they wore when they...
Just like ourselves in the Genus garden, we know many gardeners who spend a lot of time choosing flowers they hope are going to perform really well in the conditions...
The hori hori knife all round gardening tool from Japan Genus is all about performance. We also pride ourselves on great customer service, enjoying conversations with our customers about their...
Want to stand out this Valentines? British grown spring flowers are gaining in popularity over imported roses We have noticed a bit of a push in the gardening community recently...
That’s it then, we have reached Twelfth Night which means Christmas and all the associated festivities are now all well and truly finished for another year. What’s to look forward to now?...
The horticultural and forestry world has been busy over recent years innovating around Christmas trees. It’s not just the introduction of new species of tree like the Scot’s pine or the Noble fir instead...
Monet’s garden appears to have become the latest battlefield of Anglo-Franco discord. An interesting article in the Sunday Times described the challenge faced by the Head Gardener at Giverny. James Priest...
Whilst not as internationally famous as Chelsea, Hampton Court Flower Show is the world’s largest flower show. It covers an area of 34 acres set inside the grounds of Hampton...
There is much talk of climate change and how gardeners will need to adapt their gardening practices as a result. When we think about the last few years it’s easy...
It is a fact that in our society neighbours seldom talk to each other. You can live for years next door to someone and never even know their name. A...
Five a day doesn't mean WEARING the fruit and veg Eating fruit and veg has been a big topic in the news for some time. In the UK the campaign to “Eat...
Earlier this week, we visited the Fashion & Gardens exhibition at the Garden Museum in Lambeth, London. Curated by Nicola Shulman, a well-known author and journalist, who is also a...
Susan Middletons old gardening trousers Thanks to keen gardener Susan for sending in this photo of her old gardening trousers. She can now enjoy her free pair of socks. To...
Radio 4 Extra is broadcasting a great programme on Gertrude Jekyll at 9am today, 1st February. Gertrude Jekyll (29 November 1843—8 December 1932) was an influential British horticulturist, garden designer, artist...
We are asking keen gardeners to send in photos of their old gardening clothes, and in return we're giving them a free pair of Genus socks. Thanks very much to...
Gardening offers many health benefits: it increases flexibility, provides a workout, helps to keep you supple and can even boost your mood, alleviating depression and anxiety. But for allergy sufferers,...
A new BBC series could see thousands of people who have lost their passion for gardening take an interest once again. ‘Great British Garden Revival’ is a 10-part series which...
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is often also referred to as winter blues or winter depression, and affects up to 20% of the population annually. It’s a type of depression which...
Gardening has been proven to have health benefits for everyone, particularly the over 60s, and helps to de-stress your body and mind. So why not use your garden to grow vegetables...
A study of over 4,000 people in Stockholm, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, has showed that regular daily gardening can prolong life by up to 30 per...
Sustainable gardening is nothing new: the concept actually came about during the First World War (1914-1918) with the invention of so-called ‘Victory Gardens' in which vegetables, fruit and herbs were...
Monty Don, presenter of the BBC programme Gardeners' World, has put forward his views that everyone in the UK should have access to a garden or allotment, especially young people between...
Sometimes, the best things are those which are unexpected, such as a garden on the roof of a tower block! Urban gardening is a movement sweeping the nation – here...
The charity Thrive has recently launched a new project, ‘Down to Earth’ in Gateshead and the West Midlands, aimed at helping ex-service personnel living with mental ill health or physical disability to ...
It seems gardening hasn’t just come to schools – it’s making its way to universities as well, starting with the University of Newcastle which has announced a number of innovative projects to...
Hidden among the more contentious educational reforms put forward by the government is a proposal to include gardening on the National Curriculum for students aged 7 to 14. The idea...
More normally associated with exclusive garden parties, Buckingham Palace is set to host a one-off football match to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the English Football Association’s formation. The game...
Gardener and amateur moth hunter Angie Hill got something of a surprise earlier this week when stumbled across a giant beetle. The creature, later identified as a European rhinoceros beetle...
Traditionally thought of as weeds, nettles are apparently receiving a warm welcome in some gardens. One online nursery is now selling nettles for £7.99, claiming that all of their initial...
Celebrity gardener Monty Don has spoken of the unusual way in which he once tried to impress his girlfriend by cutting her lawn with a pair of scissors. Unable to...
We loved the story we read the other day about 70 year-old Stuart Grindle, a retired joiner from Tickhill near Doncaster, who mows his lawn twice a day because he wants...
Flower gardens are popular all over the world, providing a tranquil and pleasant escape from the rush of the modern world. But where is the largest flower garden in the...
If you thought that gardening was the hobby of choice for older people, new research suggests that you could be wrong. Research by Stewart Garden has found that people aged...
Most of us were affected by the Covid lockdown of 2020. None more so than Sophie van Gerwen whose contraction of the disease and the subsequent debilitating effects of long-covid...
Prune Pleached Limes Now is a good time to prune your pleached limes if you're lucky enough to have them. These ‘hedges on stilts’ are a dramatic feature in a...
Robin's pincushions, sometimes referred to as bedeguars (from the Middle French bedegard, and Persian bādāward) are distinctive galls that form on wild roses when the gall wasp, Diplolepis rosae, lays...
The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) is probably one of the most exciting botanical discoveries of the 20th century. Endemic to Australia this conifer was unknown to science until 1994, when...
Snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis (meaning ‘milk flower of the snow’), originated across Central and Southern Europe. Botanical historians believe the Romans may have introduced the plant. The first documented cultivation is...
We’ve previously written about the traditional production of rubber from plantations of the Amazonian rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. It may come as a surprise that rubber is also produced commercially...
Lee Connelly, better known to some as The Skinny Jean Gardener, came to prominence as CBBC’s Blue Peter Gardener, appearances on BBC ‘Teach’, and BBC Radio One. His theatre tour...
Prune climbing roses December can be a good time to deal with any climbing roses you have on the cottage or garden walls. We always try to keep everything tight,...
Every year, December visitors to Trafalgar Square in London get to enjoy a Christmas tree that stands as a symbol of friendship between Norway and Britain. It’s a tradition that began...
What bird could be more symbolic of winter that the red breasted Robin? A gardener’s friend, the robin will often follow keen gardeners around the garden, investigating any recently turned...
Mistletoe's Christmas association and traditions can be found in both ancient mythology and relatively modern customs. The familiar custom of kissing beneath mistletoe, while often assumed to be ancient, only...
Cotton has been shaping human civilization for millennia, with evidence of its use dating back to prehistoric times. The soft, fluffy fibre that grows protectively around cotton seeds was domesticated...
The tawny owl (Strix aluco), is a medium-sized owl species widely distributed across Europe and western Siberia. It’s a common sight in woodlands and has successfully adapted to urban environments...
Clearing Borders With many plants now beyond their best it’s time to consider clearing your borders. Although an operation that many are choosing to leave until the spring, we...
The blackthorn or sloe, scientifically known as Prunus spinosa, is a well known countryside plant and appears frequently in Celtic folklore and mythology. This thorny shrub is intrinsically linked with...
Isaac Newton's 370-year-old apple tree at Woolsthorpe Manor has been a symbol of scientific inspiration for over three centuries. While the exact details of his famous epiphany are hard to...
Roy Lancaster, born in 1937, is one of British horticultures most recognised figures. Growing up in Bolton, Lancashire, he embarked on a journey that would take him around the world...
Rubber is a versatile material with ancient roots first utilised by indigenous cultures like the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs who discovered natural latex from the Hevea tree, using it in...
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or maidenhair tree, is a unique species, native to East Asia, and is the last survivor of the Ginkgoales order of plants, which first...
Located in Wiltshire’s Savernake Forest, The Big Belly Oak, a millennium-old giant, really is a living witness to English history. This sessile oak, Quercus petraea, was named among 50 Great...
From fishing rods, to cooking utensils, sunglasses to flooring, bamboo has a multitude of uses. In recent years bamboo products have been appearing in shops offering a sustainable alternative to...
Harriet Rycroft is best known for being the Queen of Pots. Her position as head gardener at the Warwickshire based Whichford pottery gave her the chance to hone her skills...
Sow sweet peas Sweet peas sown towards the end of October will be well developed by next spring and ready to plant out giving a nice early display. We sow...
Often known commonly as silver grass, the versatile Miscanthus is a tall grass that has been gracing our gardens for generations, evolving from a Victorian favourite to a modern landscape...
With over 650 species of spider in the UK it’s surprising we don’t see a wider range of species when out and about in the garden. Of course, autumn is...
Brambles, or blackberries, call them what you will, are steeped in fascinating folklore. One common tale warns against eating the fruit after Michaelmas Day, the feast of Saint Michael that...
Advolly Richmond is a familiar face to viewers of Gardeners World. A garden historian, her slots on the popular BBC show cover subjects ranging from lawns, to Japanese gardens, famous...
Sow hardy annuals directly for spring colour Early autumn presents an ideal opportunity for gardeners to sow a wide range of hardy annuals directly into the garden soil. This approach...
Tectona grandis, commonly known as teak, is a prized tropical hardwood tree belonging to the Lamiaceae, the family that surprisingly also contains, mint, thyme, and dead-nettles. Growing up to 40...
An appropriate piece of folklore for September, corn dollies, ancient symbols of harvest and fertility date back to 7th century Flanders where they were believed to house the spirit of...
Often unnoticed in gardens due to its clever use of camouflage, the Comma butterfly has become a familiar sight across England and Wales. When at rest, the Comma becomes almost...
Sunflowers are popular garden plants perhaps better known as annuals of exceptional stature. Helianthus x laetiflorus ‘Lemon Queen’, to give it its full name, is a hardy perennial and reaches a...
Not a tree but we couldn’t resist squeezing in a twining climber of truly arboreal proportions. Britains oldest wisteria located in the borough of Chiswick, West London, grows against a...
A stalwart of the Genus summer garden, Helenium are herbaceous perennial plants native to the Americas. They love a sunny spot and thrive in a wide range of soils, seeming...
Adrian Bloom has been gardening at the Bressingham gardens near Diss in Norfolk for over 50 years. Alan Bloom, his father (1906-2005), was the founder of Bloom’s Nurseries, and began...
Sempervivum, commonly known as houseleeks, have been a subject of fascination and superstition in English folklore for centuries. These hardy succulents, with their rosette-shaped clusters of fleshy leaves, have been...
Swifts (Apus apus) a Red-Listed species of ‘most concern and requiring urgent action’ are iconic summer visitors to the UK, arriving in May and departing by August. Their incredible migration...
Prune rambling roses Opinions vary on when rambling roses should be pruned. Some like to start pruning immediately after flowering, some will prune now, and others will wait until more...
Our local town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire was once the second largest Roman town in Britain after London - quite a record for what is now a relatively small market...
The Sussex trug, an emblem of British craftsmanship, is a perfect example of sustainable local production. Crafted from coppiced chestnut and willow offcuts from cricket bat manufacturing, these baskets make...
When you take a sip of your next pint, pause to appreciate the humble hop, a plant that gives your beer its distinctive bitterness and aroma. The hop (Humulus lupulus)...
Foxgloves have been associated with the folklore of the British Isles for centuries, the plant (Digitalis) having been known by many names. Tracing its roots back to Edward III (1327-1377),...
It’s always a joy to discover slow worms (Anguis fragilis) in the garden. These cold-blooded and legless lizards, distinct from snakes due to their notched tongue, and blinking eyes (snakes...
The much maligned sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) has never received much admiration since its introduction to England in the fifteenth century. Even before it became widely distributed, gardener, writer, and...
Rosie Hardy of Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants in Hampshire recently came to help out with a photoshoot at Genus HQ. She surprised us with a small plant as a gift. ...
Guy Grieve is an adventurer whose journey has led him into the world of horticulture via Alaska, the Caribbean and the Isle of Mull. His exploits are well documented in...
Clean greenhouse glass It’s a job often carried out over winter but greenhouses located around and near trees often become coated in a sticky sap excreted by aphids living on...
Snails aren’t eveyone's cup of tea when it comes to a creature to be welcomed into the garden, but their role in the environment shouldn’t be underestimated. As consumers of...
Gardeners are great optimists and will already be starting to think about next year. For us that means sowing biennial seeds to provide flowers for the spring and early summer. ...
Alan Down’s life in horticulture is not only an example of hard work and dedication but also one of pure passion. Currently President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), Alan’s...
What traditional cottage border isn’t complete without the addition of towering delphiniums, their flowers a magnet for bees, insects, and humans alike. Their statuesque stems rise up in early summer...
We’ve always been fans of birch trees at Genus HQ and on moving here over a decade ago we immediately planted several, including the beautiful white stemmed Betula utilis var....
The black poplar, Populus nigra, has been an iconic tree in Britain's woodlands and wetland areas for centuries. Believed to be one of the few species native to the UK...
It might seem strange but the use of plants within the global fuel industry could become an important sector within horticulture. Bio-fuels, an alternative to the fossil fuel that we...
Much as I love gardening alone, there’s something particularly good for the soul about gardening with others. It’s great to be with like-minded people who share your horticultural passion. And...
Twenty years ago we would never have thought that otters (Lutra lutra) could be an occasional, if not common, visitor to gardens in the UK. Once on the decline due...
Mike Palmer has become a familiar face to keen gardeners in recent years. His live ‘Sunday Morning Stroll’, something he started on Instagram during lockdown, has garnered a loyal following...
Lawn care With soil temperatures now reliably into double figures, it's a good time to carry out any renovation work on your lawn. Rake out any moss and scatter fresh...
There surely can be nothing more impressive than seeing trees that are champions in their genus. Huge trees, tall trees, wide trees, or very, very old trees. Estimated at over...
The thorny shrub known as hawthorn is commonly spotted in hedgerows especially around May when its blossom fills the air with a pungent scent of galvanised rubber or spicy almond. ...
Next time you walk into a room at home consider the plants that have been utilised to give you the life you enjoy. Cotton curtains, cardboard packaging, and plant-based shampoos. ...
How did you get into horticulture? I’ve been gardening and cutting flowers since I was four, as both my parents and grandparents were keen gardeners. We had vegetables from our...
Whilst wearing gardening gloves protects your hands, in the right circumstances and for those who are generally healthy, it might be beneficial to get your hands dirty occasionally. Research into...
Resilience is a buzz word in garden design with designers looking to environments such as the coast, where plants are exposed to the extremes of weather, for planting inspiration. The...
Also known as pearl bush, this is an excellent shrub for an uplifting display of early blossom. In early April to May, this otherwise unassuming shrub is belle of the...
Growing plants from softwood cuttings is an excellent way of bulking up your garden cheaply and duplicating favourite plants in your own or a friend’s garden -a cutting also makes...
Dan Cooper and Julia Parker present this podcast for fellow gardeners where they share their wealth of experience of growing and their passion for plants and gardens. Dan is a...
Collecting rainwater has become a priority for gardeners looking for sustainable ways to grow. But while most water butts aren’t particularly attractive and tend to be hidden away behind a...
It’s at this time of year that our patios tend to look dirty and green from the inevitable moss, dirt and algae that builds up over the cold wet weather. ...
There’s something glorious about the sight of wisteria dripping with gorgeous purple or white perfumed flowers in late spring and early summer. They are stunning trained against a sunny wall...
Presenters Victoria Hillman and Neil Phillips explore the incredible plant and animal life we have in this country, from urban Bristol to the Outer-Hebrides. Each episode kicks off with the...
Winter is when edgeworthia suddenly shouts its presence to the world with a mass of fragrant golden flower clusters on bare branches. This is a stunning deciduous shrub with an...
How did you get into horticulture? I inherited a deep love of plants from my mum. Since I was little, we'd plod around the garden together - she'd point out...
Peach Fuzz has been named the Pantone colour of the year. It’s the prettiest of colours, soft and warm, sitting somewhere between apricot and pale pink that will add a...
One of the myriad benefits of gardening is that it may be particularly good for the memory. In fact, a Swedish study shows that daily gardening may lower the risk...
Tell us about your route into horticulture? I worked for the civil service before deciding I wanted to be a gardener. I helped tend the grounds of my parents’ hotels...
We all know regular exercise is important for physical and mental health, but if running around the park or going to an exercise class isn't for you, remember that gardening...
When designing gardens, it’s tempting to rip everything out and start again with a blank canvas, but as our interest in sustainability continues to grow, there’s been a move towards...
Daphnes are exquisite shrubs with clusters of beautifully-scented white or pink flowers, which, depending on the variety, flower in late winter, early spring through to summer. They have a bit...
Dogwoods (Cornus) with their wonderful red, orange or green stems are stunning in winter gardens, especially in the clear winter light or planted en masse or in groups of several...
Garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson and interior designer Jojo Barr share their wealth of experience in this podcast, which is a great insight into the ‘ins and outs’ of design –...
If you’ve been looking to improve the design of your own or a client’s garden, or simply redesign the planting in a border, gardening website, Shoot, could help save time...
As the temperatures drop, we tend to want to stay warm and cosy indoors. But feeling a bit chilly can have potential well-being benefits, from easing anxiety to improving circulation...
Paths are one of the most important aspects of garden design, allowing you to access different parts of the garden throughout the year. They can take you directly to where...
Small shrubs with berries look great in window boxes at this time of year. Add some tall colourful stems for extra impact. Here are our suggestions: Skimmias are hardy and...
What was your route into horticulture? I was planning to study architecture, but halfway through A-levels, I realised that what I really wanted was to be a gardener - I...
Salads aren’t just for the summer. Winter root vegetable salad is comforting and tasty but is also packed with the fibre, vitamins, and nutrients your body needs in the colder...
Presented by American professor of horticulture Dr. Jared Barnes, this informative and interesting podcast gives listeners an insight into the US horticultural world. As a horticulture professor, there’s a serious...
As the light level drops, artificial lighting can be a good way of supplementing the amount of light plants get and can also be used to grow plants in darker...
As things slow down in the garden, why not take advantage of the lull and organise your shed ready for spring. Decluttering can make us feel liberated and more in...
With more unpredictable weather patterns, from downpours and cold snaps to extreme heat and drought, we’re seeing a trend towards tougher, more resilient planting that will cope with extreme weather. The...
Bulb planting season is upon us and a great way of getting a dense and successional display of colour in containers is by using the Dutch concept of a ‘bulb...
This dish turns earthy parsnips into something luxuriously creamy. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C. Prepare six or so parsnips by top-and-tailing them and then slicing them lengthways or...
Tell us about your journey into horticulture? My grandad was a big gardener and got me interested in gardening from an early age. After leaving school at 16, I started...
In this weekly podcast Richard Suggett shares his experience of growing food on his allotment and home vegetable plot, with much more besides. In recent allotment updates, Richard’s been planting...
As the temperatures drop, tender plants such as citrus trees and bananas ideally need to be brought inside. But hardy outdoor plants may also need some protection from frosts, and...
Whether it’s sharing knowledge or produce, there’s something about gardening that brings out the generosity in people. And the good news is that this benefits the giver as much as...
Tell us about journey into horticulture? I developed a love of gardening from my grandma, who had a passion for houseplants and gardening, and I was never happier than when...
Large expanses of stone or porcelain paving or terracing have their place of course, but there’s a movement in garden design towards a softer combination of hard landscaping and planting. ...
This comforting one pot is amazingly tasty, considering how quick, easy and inexpensive it is – perfect for a warming mid-week meal when you’re too tired to make anything more...
In this fun and informal podcast, presenters Jez Rose and co-host Kathy Slack chat, mull and debate about gardening, nature and wildlife, often over a cup of tea or while...
The Gripple Plant Support System is a simple and strong system that creates highly tensioned wires to create a trellis on a fence or wall to support climbers like jasmine...
Designers are increasingly trying to create a sense of ‘immersion’ in a garden, where you feel completely secluded and enveloped in a space. This can increase the sense of it...
If your lawn has seen a lot of activity over the summer months, it may have become compacted and need aerating. This involves making holes in it to allow oxygen...
An informative and fun podcast with a varied mix of content from seasonal allotment advice and DIY projects to interviews and design advice. Passionate home gardener Claire Vennis is joined...
There is something very delicious about the combination of sweet earthy root vegetables with the creamy sauce and soft pasta - perfect comfort food as we move into autumn. Heat...
Tell us about journey into horticulture? I was virtually born on the potting bench, January baby and the Aster propagation started in February; from then my childhood revolved around the...
If you have a dingy lightwell or dark side return, using pots with a variety of shade-loving plants is perfect for adding a bit of fresh green and colour to...
This is a useful podcast for those interested in designing their own garden and are new to garden design. Presenter and designer Rachel McCartain discusses how her aim is to...
Containers need a lot more watering than planted borders and can be a problem if you go away a lot or are busy. Self-watering planters can be an excellent solution...
Green tomatoes aren’t as sweet as red tomatoes, but they are safe to eat both raw in salads or sandwiches or cooked in sauces. They have a tart taste and...
Growing trees in containers is a fantastic and impactful way of bringing height, blossom and autumn colour into spaces with no planting beds, such as patios. They can also help...
What was your journey into horticulture? After completing my degree, my first proper horticultural experience was gained working in the historic Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, which convinced me...
Cottage gardens with their traditional mix of colourful flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs have a nostalgic, romantic appeal. This relaxed, wildlife-friendly style is having a resurgence of popularity, albeit with...
Colours and their effect on our mood is subjective of course, but greens and cool colours in planting are often associated with well-being and relaxation. Using reds, oranges and yellows,...
Designers are predicting a fashion for darker, plummy-coloured flowers and foliage with accents of brighter colours in planting design. This can add depth, drama and a touch of glamour to...
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, so you don’t want to be worrying about how your garden will cope while you’re away. The most obvious solution is to enlist a...
High summer is when tall perennials and soft wafty grasses are really coming into their own. They add lovely texture, naturalism and movement to a container display – ideal if...
We visited this garden on a hot day last year and the mixture of woodland planting, dappled light, water and beautifully placed sculptures creates the most wonderfully soothing environment. The original...
If you’re bored of steaming your runner beans, why not try something a bit more exciting by making tasty samosas? Runners go well with Indian spices, and combined with fluffy...
Garden designer friends Jo Thompson and Nina Baxter talk about gardening and much more besides in this enjoyable podcast. In a recent episode they discuss this year’s Chelsea Flower Show...
Sails make a great alternative to umbrellas, creating a cool retreat in hotter weather without an intrusive pole. They also have a graceful, contemporary feel. Most will stand up well...
Q&A with Clive Nichols, garden photographer Tell us about your route into garden photography? After studying human geography at Reading University I got a job as a head chef of...
Encouraging your children to garden or simply relax and have fun in your outdoor space is excellent for their wellbeing. With one in eight young people suffering with a mental...
Plants usually described as weeds are having their moment. Show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show were full of brambles, dandelions and thistles. Instead of complaining about them, horticultural experts...
If you’re thinking of greening up your terrace or balcony with beautiful planting, lightweight pots and compost will ease your mind by helping to combat challenges, such as weight restrictions....
Shredded courgettes work well in salads. And Asian salads with their spicy, tangy flavours and bright colours are fun and refreshing for the summer. If you can shred or spiralise...
In his new podcast, Ben Dark discusses plants, nature and gardening, either on walks in nature, in situ in gardens and sometimes talking to horticultural guests. Ben invites guests from...
A bubbling water feature glistening in the sun on a hot summer’s day adds a cooling and calming dimension to a garden. And with technological advancements, these can now be...
Tell us about your career journey so far I was a student at Kew from 1988-1991, then went on to be Head Gardener at Mount Usher Gardens (Ireland), Inverewe Gardens...
As well as drought, experts believe the changing climate is causing more periods of heavy rain, which can lead to flooding. But there are beautiful and sustainable ways to deal...
One of the big trends in garden design at the moment is about how we look after and adapt soil conditions to suit different plants, mimicking natural habits and using deep mulches...
This is a classic way of serving asparagus, and for good reason. The salty ham and rustic soft sweet asparagus are a match made in heaven. It can be served...
As well as clustering smaller pots, you might have the space such as a roof terrace or side return that merits a large trough or planter where you can indulge...
This podcast isn’t about gardening as much as an insight into the lives of interesting women of note from designers to chefs, and the impact gardening has had on them. ...
If you’ve ever fancied dragging your TV outdoors to watch a bit of sport or a film on a warm summer’s evening surrounding by the scents and sounds of nature,...
With temperatures rising, this is a good time for growing vegetables in containers. As well as being ideal for those with limited space, having an informal cluster of containers with...
As well as increasing kerb appeal and improving the environment, having an abundantly planted front garden has a range of health and well-being benefits, scientists believe. In fact, RHS research...
Tell us about what led you into horticulture and your career journey? I’m a career changer and spent years in an office wondering why I didn’t enjoy my job, despite...
A solid path, or stepping stones in gravel or grass, is making way for something more interesting - stepping stones created with gorgeous ground cover plants. This softens the look of a path...
Cauliflower is perfect for curries as it absorbs the flavours. Using it in a biryani makes for a tasty combination of delicate fluffy rice and flavoursome tender cauliflower, all in...
Gardens Illustrated has launched a new podcast in which editor Stephanie Mahon invites prominent names in garden design to describe their fantasy garden, as well as discussing the people and...
Hortiwool’s fleece pads, made from 100% wool, have been used for sustainable packing for food insulation for many years, providing an eco-alternative to polystyrene. But the natural fibres of this...
Growing cut flowers is rising in popularity. Nurturing, picking and arranging your pretty home-grown blooms is great for the soul. It’s also cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying flowers that...
As we continue to invest more in our gardens, sculpture is increasingly being used to add personality, interest, a focal point or a touch of glamour to outdoor spaces. One...
Growing fruit trees in containers is ideal for smaller gardens and patios, adding spring blossom and fruit as well as hight and autumn colour. It’s important to invest in a...
Tell us about your journey into horticulture/transferable skills. I was brought up in Zimbabwe and spent a lot of my childhood outside. My parents loved gardening and had a wonderful...
Wild garlic is a fantastic spring green with a delicious flavour. Try swapping traditional basil pesto with this wild garlic version while the leaves are in season. Wild garlic is...
Presented by Carol and Danielle, the editors of the American gardening magazine, Fine Gardening, this in-depth horticultural podcast is lively and informative. A recent episode on growing spring greens will whet...
With the recent shortages of tomatoes in the supermarket, there’s even more reason to grow your own this season. The important thing with tomatoes is to get them growing and...
While grey is undoubtably a useful hue in garden design, it seems to be making way for a more natural, warm palette in landscaping, as well as outdoor paintwork and furniture....
It’s a beautiful garden, what do you enjoy about it most? It’s a privilege to work in such beautiful private gardens and we’re lucky to have engaged, knowledgeable owners, who...
As well as greening up our homes, research shows houseplants can help reduce the risk of condensation, mould spores and mildew – a common problem, particularly in damper weather. Mould...
In his excellent podcast, Genus Head Gardener, horticulturalist and garden speaker, Joff Elphick, speaks to an interesting range of people in the horticultural world, from gardeners to designers and writers....
One of the more unusual root vegetables, celeriac has an earthy flavour with a hint of celery and a texture a little like a turnip. It’s crunchy when raw and...
If you want to extend your fruit and vegetable growing season, or protect more tender plants from harsh winter weather, a polytunnel is a cheaper alternative to a greenhouse. A...
Wakehurst is Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex. Tell us about your route into horticulture? I grew up living and working on a big farm and there was always work...
We’re yearning for some colour in our lives it seems as there’s a growing movement towards brighter colours in planting design. In line with this trend, Pantone has chosen Viva...
In mid-winter when gardens can look a bit bleak, pots designed for winter interest are an excellent way of bringing colour near to the house, so that you can appreciate...
Purple-sprouting broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and vitamins A and C, and is at its best from now until April – though you can...
In her informative YouTube channel, Liz who lives with her husband Mr J, shares her journey to becoming self-sufficient on their smallholding in Wales. It’s packed with practical videos on...
We’re all keen not to use unnecessary water and a soil moisture meter helps you monitor the hydration levels of your soil in order to give your plants optimum growing...
Seeing hellebores shoot up from bare soil is one of the great joys of the winter months. They come in a gorgeous range of subtle hues from whites and apple...
There is something incredibly uplifting about the sight of plump flower buds bursting into life, bringing colour in the garden, when so much is in decay. Here’s our pick of...
The evergreen structure provided by box balls and hedging is incredibly useful in planting design. But box blight and box tree caterpillar have meant designers are looking for alternatives to...
The much-loved comedian and presenter has found himself increasingly enjoying gardening and country life in recent years. In an episode of ‘Gone Fishing’, the gentle TV BBC programme in which...
Tell us about how you came to gardening as a career? My grandad was an apprentice at Kew and owned his own orchid nursery. My dad was a gardener and...
Originally a Facebook group, this informative podcast presented by broadcaster Rod Whiting and co-hosted by experienced horticultural expert John Stirland offers an excellent mixture of gardening and design advice. There’s...
Clearing leaves can be time-consuming. While a rake may be enough to do the job in smaller spaces, a leaf blower can save you time in larger gardens, especially those...
Inky dark purple fruit have masses of nutritional benefits and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Now is a good time to plant fruit bushes and trees, many of which...
Bulbs with velvety dark flowers make a glamorous statement in a garden. Many varieties look almost pitch black in certain lights, then reveal more plum colours as the sun shines...
Aphids can attack fruit trees year after year if not tackled. They pierce the cell walls of leaves to suck the sap, making the leaves curl and yellow. As they feed,...
Dark leaved house plants can give your interior great sophistication. Here are five of the best. Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’. The waxy, shiny foliage of this dark variety of the popular upright...
Using charred timber in garden design has become increasingly popular. The striking deep black-coloured timber with incredibly beautiful textures is not only stylish but a sustainable way of treating wood...
Charleston in East Sussex is the former home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Tell us about your journey into horticulture? After university, I taught English in Colombia and volunteered on a coffee farm...
Growing mushrooms to cook with is rising in popularity – fungi even featured at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This tasty produce is incredibly healthy, with high levels of...
Columnar or fastigiate trees that are naturally upright make striking vertical accents in gardens. Varieties such as the upright Irish yew have traditionally been used in formal planting, either side...
When she’s not acting, The Men Behaving Badly star’s big love is gardening. This is lucky as having moved to a Devon farmhouse over a decade ago with her husband,...
Sedums, or as the taller variety have been renamed, Hylotelephium, really come into their own at this time of year with their flat umbels of flowers slowly turning to deep...
This informative podcast, presented by gardening guru Guy Barter, covers a wide range of topics, from practical episodes on how to grow particular flowers and vegetables to behind-the-scenes reports from...
There is nothing more delicious than freshly-pressed apple juice. You may be lucky enough to have a friend with a press or a shared community one – these can also...
Sitting near a calm, glinting pond that’s teeming with wildlife is hugely relaxing and makes you feel closer to nature. In fact, a well-designed wildlife pond is one of the...
It’s bulb planting season, but with the rising popularity of naturalism, there’s an increasing movement towards planting bulbs not just in beds or in pots, but through lawns and meadows...
The glamorous supermodel is tiring of partying and turning to more wholesome pursuits such as yoga and gardening. After spending lockdown at her Cotswold home in Little Faringdon, she decided...
Also known as a white wood aster, this plant is the star of the show in autumn gardens. It has pretty clusters of tiny white daisy-like flowers on black stems...
Tell us about your journey into horticulture? I knew I wanted to work outdoors (ironically, as these days I’m more often inside than out) and after working with a local...
In this podcast, Knepp ecologist, Penny Green, gives us a behind-the-scenes insight into the pioneering Knepp Wildland project. A 3,500 acre estate in West Sussex, once intensively farmed, it’s now...
We’re increasingly using our gardens as an extra room and with chilly autumn nights upon us, installing an outdoor fireplace can really extend the season for sitting out in the...
Tell us about your journey into horticulture. Growing up surfing the coastline of Cornwall nurtured my desire to be immersed in nature in my work, which naturally translated into horticulture, and I have...
Sales of pizza ovens has soared. They make crisp restaurant-quality pizza and are ideal for family meals, where everyone can get involved in the prep. Home pizza ovens also make...
Penny Haslam presents this down-to-earth gardening podcast from her own garden in Cheshire, north west summer. She calls herself a have-a-go gardener and the tone is jolly and personal as...
Whatever your favourite colour, you can probably find a salvia in that hue as there’s such an array of colours and forms, flowering throughout the summer. Along with the culinary...
The popular actress has grown up with gardening, as her mum, Dee, has opened her garden for the NGS for over 27 years. The three-acre Hampshire garden has a large...
Timber isn’t a new material, but designers are opting for this timeless classic over other materials for its beauty, strength and sustainability. ‘There’s a massive push for timber over wood...
Perennial vegetables are a particularly sustainable way of growing produce. You only need to plant them once and they live for years, saving on seed, potting compost, water and time....
What led you to The Beth Chatto Gardens? My grandparents and parents were keen gardeners and I always enjoyed working outside, but after doing lots of different jobs, it wasn’t...
With temperatures rising and heat waves more common, plant foliage could help temper the sun’s scorching rays. While buildings and hard surfaces raise temperatures by absorbing and reflecting the day’s...
There’ s something timelessly beautiful about a well-kept lawn, but the latest trend is the ‘tapestry lawn’, an alternative to the normal grass, created using a combination of many different...
Hydrangeas are gorgeous shrubs. Their voluptuous flower heads make a fabulous statement in the summer garden and many take on pinky hues into autumn. There are masses of varieties to...
The Golden Globe-nominated actor, writer and director, famed for Another Country, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more recently playing Oscar Wilde in The Happy Prince, which he wrote and directed,...
American gardener Joe Lamp’l presents this interesting and informative podcast in an accessible and encouraging way. He’s a great presenter with bags of gardening advice to share. There’s a good...
If your hedges need a trim, cordless hedge trimmers are a great investment and avoid balancing dangerously on top of a ladder with a pair of shears in hand. A...
From elderflowers to nettles, wild garlic to blackberries, there are so many wild plants to pick and eat. And foraging for this delicious, nutritious and free bounty has a host...
People are often wary and even snobbish about yellow flowers. Yet from primroses and daffodils heralding spring to heleniums radiating autumn sun, it’s one of the most joyful colours to...
The star of BBC’S Dragon Den is a highly successful business woman, but she also gets some of her greatest fulfilment from her garden and surrounding land in rural Somerset....
Tell us about your route into horticulture?I initially studied fine art and earned my living from art for about ten years before training to become a psychotherapist. But gardening and the...
Once you’ve chosen the seeds from the catalogue, it’s useful to watch the seed company’s selection of videos representing their various ranges. Rob Smith demonstrates everything from how to grow...
There are so many benefits of composting such as improving your carbon footprint by recycling your kitchen and garden waste and producing your own compost to enrich your soil and...
Tell us about your journey into horticulture? My love of herbs came from my mother, who was a wonderful cook and always cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables from her garden. ...
Healthy plants and edibles grown in soil that’s in the best possible condition will ensure that they – as well as us who eat them – thrive. And the more...
Trees trained into architectural shapes such as pleached trees have been used in large formal gardens since the 17th Century. In recent years they’ve become increasingly popular with contemporary designers...
Hardy perennial geraniums are the quiet doers of the garden. They’re reliable, tough and incredibly useful at filling gaps, especially around the woody stems of shrubs like roses and smothering...
Scotland, with its temperate climate and clear air, makes for stunning gardens and in this podcast, Julianne Robertson explores Scottish gardens, nurseries and horticultural events, talking to a host of...
Seed sowing season is here in earnest – which means you’ll need something to germinate them in. Hundreds of millions of the plastic seed trays sold every year are sent...
Clematis are fabulous for clambering through roses, up fences, walls and over shrubs and pergolas. There’s one for every month - the more the merrier we say! For spring, March...
One of the most obvious ways of creating a garden that stimulates the senses is with long-season, layered planting that keeps the colour and interest going all year. Bulbs are...
With our summers getting hotter, a dip in your own beautiful and chemical free-swimming pond is becoming an increasingly popular idea. Unlike bright blue, artificial looking rectangular shaped traditional swimming...
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show presenter, who has a passion for gardening, enjoys pottering around her newly re-designed garden in Chiswick, London, that she shares with her husband, record company...
What about your journey into horticulture?My father was a (progressive) farm manager and conservationist, so nature was unavoidable growing up. Seeing tree ferns and palm trees in gardens in South...
If you’ve been tempted by robot mowers but not yet taken the plunge, now might be a good time, as a new generation of robot mowers have seen major changes...
Daniel Carruthers has created a garden in Chester from scratch, charting his adventures on his YouTube channel, The Enduring Gardener, where he shares his journey trying new planting combinations and...
Ferns provide elegant soft green foliage in shady areas of the garden. They’re wonderful when planted under trees with other shade-tolerant perennials such as white astrantia and which work best...
We all need uplifting colour in our lives at the moment in particular, and people are increasingly drawn to planting with bold, vibrant hues to create spaces that are uplifting...
Leaving your soil undisturbed not only saves you time and energy, but benefits the soil and creates healthier plants…so it’s a win, win. You simply cover your bed with a...
How did your love of plants came about?My love of plants came from spending a lot of time with my grandparents as a child. They were keen vegetable growers and...
Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons is just as at home in the garden as on the screen and stage. He finds it grounds him, recalling getting back into the garden after...
In this hugely engaging and informative podcast, Sarah Raven, Arthur Parkinson and guests discuss their favourite flowers and edibles of the season with masses of useful tips on how to...
As the season warms up and our thoughts turn to sowing seeds, a heated propagator is a great asset as they create a consistently warm temperature to help nurture seeds...
The sight of birds, bees and butterflies in the garden is wonderfully uplifting and restorative – and research shows that connecting with nature makes us feel more relaxed and less...
There’s an increasing movement in garden design towards gardens that take their cue from nature. If you’re ready to embrace your wild side, here are a few pointers. Don’t over...
Euphorbias are fabulous foliage plants with many displaying brilliant lime green flowers in spring and summer. Here’s a rundown of a few of our favourites. One of the biggest varieties...
The bubbly bonkbuster author has lived in her picturesque14th Century house in Bisley, Gloucestershire since 1982. The large sprawling garden is idyllically situated with views across the valley and rolling...
Tell us about your career path so far. My grandmother passed on her passion for plants and gardening. After leaving school, I started an apprenticeship at Ventnor Botanic Garden on...
It’s comforting listening to Gardeners' Question Time on its long-standing Sunday afternoon slot. But equally, the beauty of the GQT podcast is that it allows you to binge on this...
If you’re looking for an alternative to hand watering your garden, because it’s too time consuming or because you go away in the summer, a smart irrigation system could be...
Gardens are working harder than ever, being designed with zones for different activities including exercise, relaxation and entertainment. A growing trend is to take the well-being element a step further...
Biophilic design, a popular interior trend that responds to our innate need to be close to the natural world, is said to create a calmer environment and generally make us...
There’s something magical about the way cyclamen lie dormant in warm weather, appearing again when temperatures drop. Despite their dainty appearance, they bloom through frost and snow and, in the...
Actress Elizabeth Hurley lives with her son Damian in a large country house in Herefordshire, with extensive grounds. She’s long been a hands-on gardener; in fact she used to own...
Sophie and Ade’s YouTube channel won the Garden Media Guild’s Vlog of the year with the judges calling it entertaining, well presented and informative. Run from their kitchen garden in...
What are some of the highlights of the winter garden? Frost can create a magical effect on shrubs, grasses and those sturdy perennials able to retain their structure. Low winter...
A birdbox provides a safe place for garden birds such as blue tits, thrushes and sparrows to nest. Installing a specialist bird box camera will give you a wonderful insight...
Scent has a powerful effect on our mood and this is particularly welcome as we move into the colder months. Winter flowers tend to have a particularly powerful perfume as...
Container planting is a growing trend with the sale of outdoor plant pots going up by 225% last year, according to the RHS. Planters can create an instant garden in...
There’s a surprising amount of foliage, berries, branches and even a few blooms to pick and bring in to help decorate your home this Christmas. Yew and fir are perfect...
The celebrity chef, wife Jools and five children, have fabulous gardens surrounding their beautiful 16th century mansion, Spains Hall in Essex. As you’d expect, they enjoy eating al fresco together....
Can you give us an overview of the different species of hellebores? Helleborus x hybridus are more showy and colourful than most of the species. H. niger, the traditional Christmas rose,...
Gardener and RHS writer Andrew O’Brien’s podcast is an interesting combination of thoughtful, lively conversation, horticultural advice and readings from garden and wildlife writers and poets. Guests include both gardeners...
If you’re looking for ways of avoiding polluting the environment with chemical weed killers, but find hand weeding time consuming and unreliable (it’s often hard to get the whole root...
As well as fruit such as blackberries and blueberries, black vegetables like carrots and tomatoes not only look amazing in your garden and on your plate, they’re also extremely nutritious. ...
Whether it’s splashes of inky tulips or swathes of purple foliage, dark hues add depth and drama to the garden borders. There is a wealth of dusky beauties to explore. ...
Garden designer and television presenter, Danny Clarke is passionate about transforming gardens, and can be seen on our screens as part of Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden team on ITV...
From seating and planters to fences and walls, black looks stylish in the garden. It’s also versatile, working in both contemporary and traditional settings. Here are three ways to use...
Berries are great for adding contrasting texture and shape to floral arrangements. Black berries are particularly sophisticated. Here are a few varieties of to look out for. Several viburnum varieties...
As well as being free and easy to make, leaf mould is one of the best soil improvers there is. Here’s what you need to know: Made entirely of leaves...
As gardeners we’re always seeking out products that look after our plants as well as the environment and Le Savonnier Marseillais black liquid soap is a natural way of protecting...
There’s something very beautiful about the warm, faded colours of autumn, moving us slowly into the colder months. There are fewer flowers in the garden, but you might still...
Companion planting is a natural and healthy way of protecting plants from pests and diseases. Growing particular species together, such as aromatic plants next to a row of vulnerable vegetables,...
Having a greenhouse in the garden for growing tomatoes, sowing seeds and extending your growing season is ever-popular. But as well as this, people are increasingly using greenhouses for other...
It’s well known that Prince Charles is passionate about gardens, the countryside and the environment. But less so that his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, shares his passion for gardening. ...
A gardening podcast for plant lovers, this is a lively video podcast presented by Thordis and Alan Gray (of East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens) where they catch up with their...
We’re become increasingly conscious of minimising plastic, and sustainable companies such as Husk are making great strides in helping this happen. A family-run business who have been on a mission...
This small but perfect garden, designed by Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, is a beautiful tapestry of colour even at this time of year. The gardens were created from the...
The world is often a noisy place, especially in urban settings. Research indicates that noise pollution can cause harmful levels of stress, both physically and mentally, and that taking time...
Low maintenance and drought-tolerant, gravel gardens are becoming increasingly popular. They’re perfectly suited to our hot dry summers and have a relaxed airy feel, with plants growing up through gravel...
The late summer garden can still be full of colour. There are roses on their second flush, hydrangeas blushing pink and the last of the echinacea, phlox and penstemon taking...
The popular ITV broadcaster enjoys gardening and has talked about finding it a great form of escapism - particularly during stressful times like lockdown. ‘It’s lovely to just get outside...
It’s easy to overestimate how much water a garden has really had after it’s rained. The soil might look wet, but it could be surface moisture. A rain gauge can...
Gardener and podcaster Ben Dark, has until recently been working as a Head Gardener at a private English country estate but has now moved his family to Copenhagen where he...
Frustrated by the limitations of container gardening on our balcony, we wanted a garden, so some years ago we relocated from London to the Cotswolds. We got our big garden,...
The garden is full of high summer flowers to bring into the house – it’s such a lovely thing to do and helps you really appreciate the detail of your...
Summer in the garden can be unpleasant for hay fever and asthma sufferers, but this needn’t be the case with the right plant choices. Here’s what to consider. As a...
Nigel is Professor of Planting and Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield. He’s a horticulturist and designer and has pioneered innovative ecological approaches to planting gardens and public spaces...
Paul and Pauline McBride designed and created this garden from scratch. We first asked them: What was the thinking behind the design? The overall design is a spiral intersected by...
From wild flowers to sedum growing above extensions and sheds, people are increasingly realising the benefits a green roof can bring. Not only are they attractive, they also help keep...
Gardening writer, broadcaster and lecturer, Peter shares his wealth of experience on this horticultural podcast. He talks to horticultural experts from all aspects of the gardening world, from designers Ann-Marie...
Roast chicken in the garden, anyone? If lockdown inspired you to cook al fresco, but you’d like to do more than grill a sausage, it might be worth investing in...
The Virgin Gardener podcast presented by Laetitia Maklouf and Andrew O’Brien is aimed at anyone wanting to green up their space – indoor or out. They have a fabulous line...
Parasols are perfect for creating soothing shade in a favourite seating or dining area in the garden. And with climate change and our growing understanding of the damage the sun...
When he’s not on screen or stage, actor Nigel Havers enjoys working in the garden, describing himself as a keen gardener. Becoming a home owner, after buying a house in Wandsworth...
With their gorgeous scent, frilly blooms and beautiful colours, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) make wonderful summer cut flowers. They take a bit of tending to, but the rewards are more...
White is out, in comes something warmer. Rendered garden walls painted a crisp white is a classic look. However, the mood in garden design is turning towards something softer with...
Whether it’s for a moment’s pause or a longer rest, a variety of seating in multiple areas of the garden allows you some calming time out. Mornings and evenings are...
The use of ollas - unglazed porous clay vessels - is an ancient technique for irrigation, saving time energy and water. It’s a simple idea: the clay pot is buried...
