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Quick Answer The right lawn mower depends on your lawn size. For small lawns under 300m², an electric or battery mower is ideal. Medium lawns up to 600m² suit a self-propelled petrol or cordless mower. Large lawns over 1,000m² need a ride-on. Cylinder mowers give the finest finish; rotary mowers handle everyday British lawns best. […]

Quick Answer A cottage garden is designed around dense, layered planting using a mix of roses, perennials, biennials, annuals, herbs, and climbers in an informal layout with curved beds and natural path materials. Start with a backbone of roses and structural shrubs, build layers from tall to low, choose a soft harmonious colour palette, and […]

Photinia red robin going brown? Discover the 7 causes including leaf spot, frost damage and drought, with expert diagnosis tips and fixes from a BBC Garden Rescue designer.

Designing a family friendly garden that works for kids AND adults? BBC Garden Rescue designer Lee Burkhill shares expert zoning tips, DIY play features, safe plant choices and before-and-after examples. Free guide.

This raised bed guide will explain exactly when and how to build raised beds for successful gardening. Raised beds can be used in nearly all gardens, regardless of the condition of your existing soil. They let you build up away from poor, stony ground and choose the soil you need for the types of plants […]

We’re not talking about anything sinister here either, just ancient wisdom about how plants can be used for healing, protection, divination, and generally making life a bit more magical. I’ve already written about trees and their influence on witchcraft, which goes into the heavy hitters of the plant world, but today we’re diving into the […]

Quick Answer Clematis are the most rewarding climbing plants in the UK garden, but success depends on three things: planting them 8 to 10cm deeper than the pot, giving them at least six hours of sun with shaded roots, and pruning them according to their group. Get those right and a clematis will thrive for […]

Quick Answer Garden Rescue is filmed over two days per garden: day one for groundworks and structures, day two when presenters arrive and planting is completed. Gardens are filmed a full year before broadcast. Contributors pay for all materials and plants (minimum £3,000 budget) while design fees and labour are covered by the production. The […]

Quick Answer Prepare the ground by digging to 15cm, removing all weeds and debris, levelling, and creating a fine tilth. Lay rolled turf in a staggered brickwork pattern, butt joints tightly, water immediately, and keep moist for four to six weeks. The best time to lay turf in the UK is September to November or […]

Not sure which scarifier to buy? BBC Garden Rescue presenter Lee Burkhill reviews the best UK lawn scarifiers for every lawn size and budget, from the Darlac DP888 manual rake to the Bosch UniversalVerticut and Hyundai petrol models. Includes a lawn size guide, hire vs buy costs, and honest opinions on which machines are actually worth the money.