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Creature comforts: Top tips to help hedgehogs hibernate
Hedgehogs are charming and endearing creatures that often visit our gardens. It’s almost time for hedgehogs to hibernate for the winter, although the Indian summer may have delayed the process by a few weeks. Hibernation is a crucial part of their natural cycle,...
Darker spaces don’t have to be dreary: 8 of the coolest plants for shady gardens
The sun may be shining, but if you have a north-facing garden, which has more than its quota of shade, don’t worry, you can still lighten it up with some impressive plants. Tropical-looking large-leaved hostas and feathery ferns, blousy hydrangeas, and colourful...
Escape to the Med: How to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden
Drought-tolerant plants, terracotta pots and gravel will make you feel like you’re on holiday. The heatwave may still be unbearable in some parts of southern Europe - but you can enjoy a touch of the Mediterranean without sizzling in your own garden, with some...
Hot tips: The do’s and don’ts of looking after your garden in a heatwave
So, summer’s here and many gardeners will no doubt be reaching for the watering can, checking the levels of their water butt and wondering if a hosepipe ban is going to spread to their area. Here’s a guide to good practices when the mercury’s rising. There’s already a...
Sustainability, wildlife and weeds: Highlights and trends from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
This year’s show gardens let nature do the talking, as gardening editor Hannah Stephenson discovers. Gardens featuring more weeds and less formality have taken centre stage at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, placing more emphasis on letting nature take control....
Frugal fingers: 10 money saving tips for gardeners
With all its benefits, gardening can also have drawbacks. For one, it can be an expensive hobby (if you let it). However, there are ways to save your cash and have a thriving display throughout the year. From sharing plants to repurposing used pots, there are plenty...
Doggy destinations: 7 dog-friendly gardens to visit this spring
For the garden lover who can’t leave their pooch behind. If you want to visit some open gardens this spring and at Easter, but don’t want to leave your dog behind, help is at hand. The National Garden Scheme (NGS), which raises funds for health charities and other...
Spring into action! Inspiration from Europe’s leading gardens and gardeners
We may still be in the depths of winter, but in eager anticipation of the warmer months, our thoughts are already turning to spring, when our gardens come back to life in a riot of scent and colour. To help prepare for the season, we’ve collated ideas from some of our...
Woodpeckers and wagtails: How readers enjoyed the big birdwatch
People tell us about their sightings as part of RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, with many species flourishing. The Big Garden Birdwatch, a citizen survey organised by the RSPB, has returned for its 44th year. The survey took place between 27-29 January 2023 and the...
Going green is a goal you can achieve: Sustainable resolutions to make at home
Traditional new year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to - so what about trying something different in 2023? If you’re used to setting yourself worthy goals such as exercising more or getting organised, but find they get forgotten by the end of January - you might...
Novel ideas: 9 of the best gardening books to give this Christmas
Anyone who loves gardening will love a gardening book, whether it offers aspirational designs, practical tips or just novel ideas for how to perk up your outside space. Here are just some of the offerings this festive season which will make your loved one want to get...
Green ‘healthy’ fingers: How gardening can save your life -from cutting isolation to mental health benefits
It’s amazing the calm that can descend when you are surrounded by greenery. All those problems suddenly seem manageable and your brain quietens right down. And actually putting your hands in the soil, can be life-changing. According to mental health charity Mind, more...