CATEGORIES

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

If you've despaired of why botanists keep changing the names of your favourite plants, columnist Ken Thompson explains the logic behind the taxonomic tinkering

Balancing act

For this modern Dutch house, Piet Oudolf has combined richly planted roof gardens with the calm of a micro forest

Sum of the manse

For this walled garden on the edge of the Cairngorms, designer Jonathan Snow has created a sloping parterre filled with flowers and food

Where the wild things are

In rural West Sussex, Chris Moss has created a sustainable, rustic-chic garden that hums with wildlife and shimmers subtly with modern cottage-style planting

Picture this

Drawing on the wildflowers she loved as a child, Margarida Maia has created a garden in central Portugal that is now an Instagram sensation

Exotic mix

In his own small Surrey garden, designer Robert Stacewicz has assembled an eclectic mix of exotic plants that are well suited for a changing climate

Potting up the first dahlias

They grow well in containers as well as the soil

Planting summer annuals

Ruth plants summer colour for our changing climate

Frost and fragrance

Positioned within sniffing distance, scented autumn and winter plants add a warm glow to cold days. From modest to massive, there are options for all plots

Soak, don't sprinkle

Make sure crops and ornamentals are well watered, as Bob explains how to perfect those liquid refreshments

Growing your own

Grow veg to save money and reduce food miles

Amazing Aquilegias

The columbine is one of those classic cottage-garden flowers that comes in a range of colours and pleases almost everyone. Graham Rice looks at why we love aquilegias

Top Ten Lavenders

Fill your garden with the unmistakable aroma of lavender, says Graham Rice, as he reveals the best hardy and patio varieties

Globe trotting

Few ornamentals strike a pose like alliums. Toby rounds up his favourites to help you achieve global domination

Bagging up our tomatoes

They are part of AG's peat-free experiment,

Peat-free test: first results

On the whole all stages of plants are thriving, says Ruth

How to improve your soil

Organic matter and growing green manures will help

How to plant a clematis

Plant them deep so they make more stems, says Ruth

Bring style to...Summer bedding

A bit of care and thought will ensure your seasonal plant displays are a real highlight this summer. Graham Rice has suggestions that are gorgeous, but never garish

Wonderful winter greens

It’s always good to plan ahead, so here’s a guide to the best and tastiest winter greens you can start sowing now and continue through the summer, says Camilla Phelps

Testing soil texture

Steve and Val Bradley explain the easy way to check the texture of your soil

Top Ten Bearded iris

Bearded irises combine a dazzling rainbow of colours with exceptional cold hardiness and a tolerance of most sunny sites, says Graham Rice

Success with tricky spots

Yes, you can grow well in difficult situations

Time to plant tender beans

Time to plant tender beans Half-hardy varieties can be planted out now, says Ruth

Climbing companions

If you’re gardening in a tight space and looking for maximum colour, why not try growing roses and clematis together? Tamsin Westhorpe suggests some great combinations

Focus on... Outdoor tomatoes

Everyone should have a crack at growing tomatoes outside, whether they’re tumbling over pots or cordon-trained. Here’s how to cultivate the tangiest toms, says Lucy

Look after your containers

Keeping plants healthy need not cost the earth, said Ruth

Making more hellebores

Early spring plants are free with their seed, says Ruth

Caring for cucurbits

Courgettes, cucumbers, melons and squash are from the same family, but they need different treatment, says Bob

Focus on... Forest gardening

Want harmonious harvests from sustainable plots? Lucy explains how to create crops that grow really well together a united front of fascinating low-maintenance