Planting & propagating

Hanging baskets and hanging pots are an instant way to beautify your house, fences or trellis, giving your garden more personality and character. During the summer, hanging baskets can really lighten up even the dullest porch or doorway, making a wonderful first impression for visitors to your home. From seasonal bedding plants and dwarf bulbs to ...

A flowerbed full of vibrant bedding plants is one of the easiest ways to add instant colour, height and scent to your garden. Popular since Victorian times, bedding plants are ideal for relative beginners because they offer the chance for results without too much difficulty. Not only that, but you’ll see the impact almost immediately. Summer ...

If you’re planning to put together a new garden and want to be able to grow pretty much anything, then a good greenhouse should definitely be on your list of things to buy. A greenhouse allows you to create an atmosphere far hotter and more humid than your actual climate will allow.Benefits of a greenhouseAside from the ability to control the ...

If there are particular trees, shrubs, climbers, fruit bushes or roses that you love in your garden and you’re looking to grow more, the easiest way to do this is to take hardwood cuttings. Propagating is especially useful when you need a large number of the same plant – hedges are a perfect example of how hardwood cuttings are used. ...

Spring is the best time of year to take cuttings from perennials such as Phlox, Sedum, Cat Mint and Aster which will flower later in the summer and early autumn. Giving these plants the ‘Chelsea Chop’ trim in May provides you with plenty of softwood material for cuttings so that you can use to replace old plants easily or simply add ...

Each and every garden consists of a mixture of different micro-environments. No two gardens offer exactly the same conditions, and this is one of the reasons why gardening is such an exciting hobby. The soil is the starting point for successful gardening. The old saying ‘The secret lies in the soil’ couldn’t be more right! Your ...

One of the biggest benefits of gardening is seeing the fruits of your labour and it’s important to get the most from your garden by creating something you can take pride in. One of the easiest ways to maintain a garden you can enjoy is to ensure that you care for it properly - and this begins with preparation and planting. So what should you ...

Growing plants from seed is one of the first memories that many people have from gardening. Sowing mustard or cress onto wet kitchen towels and watching them on the window sill each day as the seed swells and germinates is a great way to get children involved - especially as the end result can be eaten! Many plants, from colourful annuals to ...

Autumn and early winter are the ideal times to plant trees. The soil is still warm and the plants are losing their leaves, so will need less water and be under less stress as they establish their root system through the winter. Container grown trees are available year round from your local garden centre.What you need to get started: Garden spade ...

For a vibrant display of colourful blooms later in the year, fill your beds and containers with summer flowering bulbs as soon as the risk of frost has passed.What to plantSummer flowering bulbs (and tubers and corms) often produce dramatic, colourful and eyecatching flowers. From Lilies and Dahlias, to Gladioli and Agapanthus, there are hundreds ...

For a stunning show of colour in spring, plant spring-flowering bulbs in autumn and enjoy their cheerful blooms as the season begins.What to plantSpring bulbs are the stars of the season, transforming beds, borders, and pots with a carpet of colour. Choose from favourites such as Tulips, Daffodils, and Crocuses, and fragrant Hyacinths for an extra ...

A garden in spring is one of life’s simple luxuries, full of colour, fragrance and the promise of brighter days ahead. With a little planning, you can enjoy blooms that last not just weeks, but months with our spring flowering bulbs.By planting at the right time, you give each bulb the best chance to thrive and ensure a seamless display of ...

Small trees can have a big impact. Whether you’re working with a compact urban garden, a cosy courtyard, or just a corner in need of colour and life, small trees bring beauty, structure, and seasonal interest without overwhelming your space.Why choose a small tree?Big impact, small footprint Small trees provide height and depth to your ...

Lasagne planting, or 'layered planting', involves placing flower bulbs in layers, much like assembling a lasagne. The earliest blooms, such as crocuses and snowdrops, appear first, followed by later bloomers. This method ensures a continuous display of flowers from February to July, depending on the bulbs used.What you’ll need: A large pot ...