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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...
Spruce up for Spring! Five low cost ways to improve your property
The lockdown has prompted many of us to embark on DIY projects at home such as painting and decorating or getting to grips with our gardens. Until now, any plants, compost or garden tools had to be ordered online, but garden centres can re-open provided they have...
Recycling revolution: 10 creative upcycling ideas that could save you money and help the planet
Repurposing or upcycling your clutter is a satisfying way to get creative, save money and give a new lease of life to items that you longer use. Next time you go to throw out your bean can or you’re wondering what to do with all your old cake tins that you no longer...
Winter wildlife: How to attract birds, insects and mammals to your garden in winter
Winter is not the time to hide from the world outside, when you can wake up to some of the UK's wonderful wildlife instead. This winter period in the run up to Christmas conjures images of robins and holly. Yet living alongside these festive favourites, there are some...
Neighbours from hell? Why you should find out who you’re moving next door to
People don’t think enough about who’s next door when they move house, but you really should find out! Everyone knows the value of a great neighbour. That person you can trust with a spare key, who will ring you when there’s someone suspicious outside your front door,...