The misunderstood dandelion
To many, the dandelion Taraxacum officinale is nothing more than a stubborn, yellow-headed weed, a relentless invader of manicured lawns, and a nemesis to the dedicated gardener. Yet, this perception is a profound disservice to one of nature’s most resilient and…
What to do in September
September is a pivotal month for easy-care gardening, offering a blend of both winding down and preparing for the next season. This is the perfect time to deadhead spent blooms, especially on perennials and roses, to encourage a final flush…
I think I’ve nearly killed a plant that was supposed to love shade
There are few things more humbling than buying a plant perfectly suited to the damp, gloomy corners of Britain, only to turn it into a crisp, greyish-yellow ruin by September. Enter my Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’. It comes from the misty,…
Deadheading dahlias
There is something genuinely magical about how dahlias anchor the late-summer garden, keeping their vibrant colour going long after many other plants have faded. If you want to keep that wonderful momentum rolling right through the autumn months, the secret…
What to do in August
August is the month when the garden steps into a rich, golden maturity, basking in the warmth of late summer. As the season begins its gentle transition toward autumn, the borders glow with deep, fiery hues and heavy seed heads,…
The curious case of the lime-green Buddleja blotches
It’s a sight that can puzzle even the most experienced gardener: your beautiful Buddleja, the undisputed butterfly magnet of the garden, suddenly develops great splodges of lime green across its leaves. At first glance—usually accompanied by a squint, a cup…
Did you know about this watering can feature
I’ve had a proper epiphany today. For years, I have been using a watering can like an absolute lunatic. I would unclip the rose—that little nozzle thingy meant to turn a torrent of water into a gentle shower—and then, predictably,…
Put fresh water out daily for wildlife
As we settle into the heart of July, most of us focus on filling feeders or planting nectar-rich flowers, but we often overlook the most essential requirement for all garden wildlife: fresh, clean water. When the summer sun hits its…
Watering containers in a July heatwave
As we settle into the heart of July here in the UK, the summer sun can quickly transform your container gardens from vibrant displays into parched, struggling pots. With the mercury rising, the limited soil volume in your containers dries…
Keep picking sweet peas
There is something genuinely therapeutic about tending to sweet peas, and fortunately, it is one of the easiest tasks you will encounter in the garden. If you want to keep your vines producing beautiful, fragrant blooms well into the late…