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Winter wonderlands: 10 stunning gardens to visit for a healthy walk and gardening inspiration
Blow away the cobwebs and walk off some of the excesses of the festive season. To keep fit in 2022 you can also gain inspiration for planting in the year ahead by visiting some of the UK’s most beautiful gardens and parklands. Whether you’re interested in shrubs,...
Going to ground: How to use coffee waste in the garden -and what to watch out for
As an organic grower for restaurant royalty, Anna Greenland uses everything at her disposal to help her plants flourish, including used coffee grounds, as she explains here. Chances are there’s at least one coffee drinker in your household. In ours it’s my husband...
‘The pandemic lit a fire inside me’: How three high-fliers retrained as garden designers
From the lawyer turned landscaper to the pilot who won a flower show prize, meet three career-switching gardeners. A table and chairs covered in lichen; a grubby patio; an overgrown bed teeming with weeds … those of us with outdoor space all have corners that need...
Mirror mirror in the garden…Flood gardens with light to create an illusion of space
A well-placed garden mirror can do wonders to enhance any outdoor space. And mirrors are a great addition for any garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Garden mirror ideas are especially useful in small courtyard gardens, on roof terraces and limited...
In the shade: 25 best plants and perennials that thrive out of the sun
Time to brighten up those shady areas of your garden! Everyone adores a sunny garden with bold and bright blooms. But shady gardens also deserve some love. These shade perennials boast beautiful leaf colours and delicate, exotic flowers - and some have irresistibly...
How to build your house-buying dream team
Thinking of buying a new home? In this article for Elder Freedom, Michael Longsdon looks at which professionals you’ll need on your house-hunting journey, how to find them, and what red flags to watch out for: The ProsHere are some professionals you should work with...
Vine and dandy: Alan Titchmarsh on growing grapes in your garden
You don’t need a garden bathed in Mediterranean sunshine for grape growing. Find a warm, sheltered spot and it’ll be a vintage year. The Romans cultivated vineyards in Britain 2,000 years ago and today’s warm summers are again making vine-growing a very practical...
Zoe Ball: I caught the gardening bug and now I’m desperate to help the bees
The presenter has found out just how important it is to make sure we take some time understanding the wildlife and ecosystems all around us. The past 18 months have seen so many changes in our lives, but I think we all now have a renewed appreciation for our beautiful...
Spruce up your garden: Ideas to decorate your outside space
Spring has sprung, the days are warmer and the nights are longer. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, this is when it really comes into its own, a place to entertain and to relax in. However even the most cared for garden can sometimes look a bit tired, so how...
Problems solved! Simple tips and tricks that can make life easier
Often we become so used to our routine and doing the same daily tasks, that we don’t consider how we could do them any differently. But there are plenty of quick tips and tricks out there that could help to simplify your life, while saving you time and money. We’ve...
How low should you go? Monty Don has stirred the pot on lawn cutting. It’s risky but he’s right.
You should stop mowing your lawn at least for a month this season, according to gardening experts - here's why. You should stop mowing your lawn this spring, a growing number of professional gardeners are saying. The BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don is leading...
Alan Titchmarsh: Gardeners are interacting with nature and encouraging it along
As Alan Titchmarsh launches a new show, he talks about career changes, the joy of gardening, and reducing his carbon footprint. There is one thing you can be sure of following an interview with Alan Titchmarsh. The much-loved gardener, presenter, and novelist, who...