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There was a time when peonies were seen to be lovely but difficult. They were members of the Awkward Squad, who objected to being told what to do and sulked badly if treated… well, treated any way at all. So they became unfashionable and many gardeners were wary of growing them. But, I’m glad to … Read more
One day, when I am less busy – much, much less busy – I shall count up all the different plants that are in my garden. There must be thousands of them, and some are rare and unusual although most are, by definition, easy to grow. We have a policy of not straining to keep … Read more
Think like a bird. That’s my advice if you want to attract the little feathered blighters to your patch of paradise. Some birds can be wily or aggressive, but all of them are entertaining. There are few greater pleasures than peeping out of the window and observing the terrific variety of British birdlife in your … Read more
My childhood was spent in the house built in the 1870s by my great-grandfather Matthew Wyatt. He was born in 1837, the year of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne, and he was a Victorian through and through. The house was Victorian in every detail. Every stick of furniture, every piece of cutlery, the wallpaper, … Read more
Wisteria’s purple reign: Dry conditions last year gave a boost to this British favourite Nigel Colborn shared advice for growing thriving wisteria in British gardens He says the plants will flower well in almost any sunny spot with warmth He revealed the best varieties for a sensational look in any garden By Nigel Colborn for the … Read more
Turn up the heat: Bright red blooms will make your garden sizzle this summer – and now’s the time to plant them Constance Craig Smith advised on achieving a colourful display in gardens British gardening expert says nothing adds excitement like an injection of red She recommends feeding dahlias regularly for gloriously over-the-top blooms Constance revealed … Read more
We have reached peak blossom season but I want to celebrate a plant family that looks wonderful beneath that floral canopy and which every garden should have – euphorbia. The euphorbia family is huge, with around 2,000 species ranging in our gardens from annuals to large evergreen shrubs, and across the globe from cactus-like succulents … Read more
After being inspired by my visits to many Islamic gardens in 2017, I began my own Paradise Garden last spring. I’ve been making it gradually and to a very tight budget but it’s come along and is now ready for the next stage of planting. I have olives, pomegranates, apricots, oranges and lemons growing in … Read more
Tucked away in a sheltered corner of Hampshire, Exbury Gardens is celebrating its centenary this year. This superb garden has some of the best spring colour in Britain; one awestruck visitor described it as ‘heaven with the gates open’. Exbury is the creation of Lionel de Rothschild, who was born into the famous banking family … Read more
Go wild with water: Create your own wetland pond habitat and let nature flourish Nigel Colborn shared advice for maintaining a pond with thriving wildlife British garden expert recommends placing a site in part-shade or sun He says three main plant types are the key to a healthy, clear-water pond By Nigel Colborn for the … Read more