Summer Gardening

Quick Answer Prune forsythia immediately after flowering finishes, usually in April. Cut back flowered stems to a strong new shoot lower down, remove around a fifth of the oldest stems at the base, and thin out crowded growth in the centre of the shrub. Never prune in autumn or winter, since you will cut off […]

Quick Answer Plan your layout before spending anything, and grow as much as you can from seeds, cuttings, and divided plants rather than buying mature stock. For hard landscaping, the most expensive part of any garden, choose gravel or reclaimed materials over new paving slabs, and check Facebook Marketplace and local salvage yards before buying […]

BBC Garden Rescue designer Lee Burkhill reveals how to get privacy in an overlooked back garden using standard trees, pleached screens and clever planting.

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.

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 […]

RHS-qualified designer Lee Burkhill’s complete guide to pruning box hedges in the UK. When to prune, the batter profile, box blight prevention, renovation pruning, topiary and the best box alternatives.

RHS-qualified designer Lee Burkhill’s complete guide to growing star jasmine in the UK. Where to plant, best varieties, winter hardiness by region, containers, propagation and garden design use.

RHS-qualified designer Lee Burkhill’s complete guide to pruning philadelphus. When to prune, step by step technique, renovation advice and the four reasons yours may not be flowering.

Embarking on a gardening journey can be exciting and rewarding, especially when growing your own vegetables. Whether you’re looking to add fresh vegetables to your home-cooked meals, connect with nature, or enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing plants, starting with the right vegetables can set you on the path to success. This comprehensive guide explores the […]

Quick Answer Agapanthus thrive in full sun with free-draining soil or compost, flowering from July to September on tall elegant stems. Hardy deciduous types like Headbourne Hybrids survive UK winters in the ground without protection. Evergreen types need moving under cover or wrapping in horticultural fleece before the first frost. Containers are often the best […]