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Popular in Victorian times, stumperies are making a comeback. Not only do they create a feature of a shady spot in your garden, but they double up as a magical habitat for wildlife.
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Gardening by the sea is a challenge and an adventure. It’s a challenge because of the very special problems posed by salt-carrying winds and even blown sand.
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During summer, we spend a lot of time outdoors, entertaining and dining on our patios, so they need to be colourful and welcoming. Some gardens are so small that there’s only room for a patio or for a few plants growing in containers. So which ones are best?
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Gardening in hot, dry, sunny beds, borders or whole gardens can be a challenge. Full sun and a fast-drying soil may mean relying on drought-resisting plants for success.
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Hedges make brilliant property boundaries, as well as providing privacy. They’re also perfect for providing wind shelter and more interesting than a fence.
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Shade in the garden has its benefits, but can also create difficult growing conditions for some plants. Suitable plants need to be able to tolerate these darker areas.
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Chalky soils are derived from chalk or limestone and, as a result, are alkaline in nature. Suitable plants need to be able to tolerate these alkaline conditions.
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A good, well-cultivated clay soil will grow just about any plant, thanks to its innate natural fertility. But poor clay soils prevent many plants growing well.
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Sandy soils drain very quickly and hold little in the way of plant nutrients. Plants suitable for very sandy soils need to prefer dry and infertile conditions.