Summer Gardening

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 […]

I have been top dressing lawns as part of the autumn renovation programme since early in my career, both in my own garden and on client projects. The first time I top dressed my own lawn properly, I remember standing back afterwards thinking it looked absolutely dreadful! See below! The grass was barely visible through […]

Struggling with bare soil under trees or in deep shade? Lee Burkhill shares 16 expert ground cover plants for shade that really work in UK gardens.

Quick Answer Salvias thrive in full sun with free-draining soil. Plant hardy types like Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ from April onwards and leave foliage standing through winter, cutting back in late March when new basal shoots appear. Deadhead after the first flush for a second wave of flowers. Tender types like ‘Amistad’ need a thick mulch […]

Quick Answer Rhododendrons need very little pruning. The main tasks are deadheading spent flowers immediately after blooming, removing dead or diseased wood at any time of year, and light shaping after flowering in May or June. Hard renovation pruning to reduce an overgrown plant is best done in late winter between January and March, accepting […]