Everyone knows the feeling of planning a glorious daytime picnic or looking forward to a quiet glass of wine outdoors in the evening only for it to be ruined by irritating wasps, flies and other pests.

Fortunately, there is a clever trick for keeping wasps away that TV personality and interior designer Ian Thompson swears by after having picked it up in Portofino and noticing that there wasn’t a single fly or mosquito around when dining al fresco.

The trick is as simple as lighting a small fire out of newspaper or anything that would work and adding ground coffee beans to the flames. The coffee-scented smoke acts as a deterrent to the critters, and you have the added benefit of coffee-scented incense.

No more insects: shop the essentials

Posting to his social media on Instagram @ianthompsoninteriors, where he often shares top tips and tricks, Ian explained, “Get a bowl, light some newspaper and then put ground coffee that you've used and you've got cold and look at the smoke”.

Ian explains that you can utilise coffee grounds you’ve already used, or you could keep a bag of cheaper coffee around just for this.

He continued, “Now you're not going to believe this. The smoke, not only does it smell delicious, it chases every fly, every wasp. It works. There are no mosquitoes, there are no flies, there are no wasps."

Adding: “It smells delicious and that's just the hint that'll get you through the summer this year.”

After Ian shared his top tip, a flurry of social media followers took to his comments section to agree that it had worked for them in the past, or noted that it is a well-known, reliable trick from the likes of Greece and other warm-climate locations.

One user wrote, “I save my used coffee grounds and do this in smaller pots. Add a little alcohol or citronella oil to it and voila.”

Another added, “I learned this years ago in Greece where they actually just made a tiny pyramid of ground coffee and lit it up. It has through the years been the only thing that works against [wasp emoji]”.

So, it would seem that it’s a trick worth trying out – and thanks to its simplicity and affordability, you’ll no doubt want to make the most of the good weather.

Whether you decide to plan a garden party or have friends around to use your latest picnic accessories and outdoor furniture, you can rest assured that the only guests buzzing around will be the ones invited.

Never leave anything burning unattended.

No two people are the same, so no two gardens should be. For anyone wanting to add more personality to their space – from lavish lawns to balcony plots - Sara Davies has just the trick.

The former Dragons’ Den entrepreneur is a recent convert to gardening, documenting her journey as she transforms her outdoor space with the help of her mum. And while she’s no doubt feeling the many proven health benefits of awakening those green fingers, Sara is also letting fans in on the tricks and tips she’s picking up along the way.

Her latest trick is a simple yet impactful way for transforming climbing plants into statement shapes and standout features – and it takes barely any time or effort at all.

Taking to her social media, Sara demonstrated how, even as a relative nature novice, she’s been able to take a simple potted plant and transform it by moving it into a nicer-looking pot and shaping it around a bit of thick wire.

In the caption, she explains, "Since I started gardening, I've been searching for loads of new tips and tricks to try. I've come across this amazing technique a few times and I felt confident enough to have a go myself.

"All I did was take one of my plants, remove the sticks that it came with, bend some thick wire into a heart, and feed the stems around it instead... it was actually SUPER easy.

"Lovely to look at and it barely took any time, so definitely one to have a go at!"

Another trick Sara inadvertently demonstrated in the video is using polystyrene to fill up a pot. For anyone moving a plant into a larger pot, you can save on soil and make it easier to move around - especially great if you're worried about mobility - by using packing peanuts or broken-up foam.

Not every gardener is a fan, because of the risk of microplastics in the soil. Still, you can also replicate the benefits of this trick with natural objects like twigs, pinecones, or broken, unglazed terracotta.

Which plants would Sara's wire trick work best on?

If Sara’s wire trick inspires you, you might be wondering which plants will fare better when shaped around wire. Generally, these fall into two categories: flexible vines that can be wrapped around sturdier wire trellises, and dense shrubs that can be clipped into topiary frames.

Plants that fall under these categories include:

• Star Jasmine
• English ivy
• Creeping Fig
• Boxwood
• Rosemary

Sara turned her plant - a Star Jasmine - into a love heart shape in a patterned pot, and it’s easy to see how you can take this even further if you wanted to stick to a theme, which is why styling any room in your home with potted plants is an easy but overlooked method.

For example, if you wanted a collection of hearts, why not upcycle an old pot by painting more hearts on it? Or you could paint a simple clay pot a more vibrant colour for a real statement look.

Other finishing touches you could consider might include wrapping light, solar-powered fairy lights around your newly-created plant shape. When it gets darker, you’ll still see the shape you created twinkling away.

Fans replying to Sara's post also illustrate other ways you can use this trick. One person shared that they did this with plants at their wedding, and it's easy to see how this would be an affordable yet memorable way of sprucing up an entryway or a centrepiece.

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s been hot in the UK lately. And temperatures are meant to soar again soon. While some love it, the heat has thrown up some obstacles for the garden - from concerns about your potted plants surviving to the surprising dangers of watering your grass during hot weather.

The heat might have most of us running inside during the afternoon hours, but as it cools down in the evenings, we want to get out and enjoy the efforts we’ve put into the garden – which makes the idea of an outdoor cinema set up for relaxing with friends under the twilight skies on warm summer nights absolutely perfect.

We’re taking inspiration from gardening expert and author Michael Griffiths, who recently showcased how you can create an outdoor entertainment space that will surely become the hottest ticket in town this summer.

Sharing on his Instagram, Michael (author of The Easy Garden) shows how he set up an enchanting open-air cinema for his nearest and dearest to settle down for a night under the stars watching a film. And it's as simple as setting up a projector and getting some chairs and blankets out.

There are so many smart projectors to pick from these days that can connect to your home streaming apps, including Netflix, which allow you to browse a full library of titles just like you would on your TV.

Some even come with the option of connecting a DVD player or an Amazon Fire Stick, so you'll have no trouble keeping yourself and your guests entertained all summer long.

Open air cinema essentials: under £100

What we’re really taking note of, though, is how Michael’s set-up has considered the neighbours. Instead of playing the movie out loud, Michael's guests are given their own set of headphones. No more noise complaints!

Responding to a follower's comment, Michael explained that he was able to pick up a set of second-hand Silent Disco headphones for a bargain price, advising people to check the likes of eBay to do the same.

These headphones come with a special transmitter that allows multiple devices to connect to the same source. This is necessary if you have a lot of guests coming over, but if you just have between two and four, you can also use a multi-point Bluetooth transmitter (such as the Avantree AudiCast Plus). Connect the transmitter to your projector's audio out port, and pair up to 2-4 compatible headphones to it.

Don't forget the special finishing touches to your garden, as well as the technical details. Subtle details like adding fairy lights around for a warm glow, setting up a help-yourself 'picky bits' station or moving your fragrant potted plants closer to the action will elevate the occasion.

Whether it's a romantic couple's night under the stars or you invite your friends round to watch a classic together, soak up the cool evening air and make the most of your garden all summer long.

Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley, just like the rest of us who toil away in our gardens, know the effort that goes into it and how important it is to enjoy it.

We spend our hours making sure our potted plants are thriving, and our grass is as green as can be, not to mention curating gorgeous garden trends like cottage gardens.

And all that hard work feels so worth it when you get to properly enjoy it and show it all off to everyone else. On the latest episode of Dig It, their successful podcast, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley share some of their favourite essentials - from mood lighting to comfy furniture that can accommodate a crowd at any time.

Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball's tips for getting a garden guest-ready

What's great about their choices is they’ve been designed to swerve some of the typical garden accidents or issues one might encounter. From safety concerns for those visiting with pets or children, to an accessory that can do more than one thing so you don’t need to clutter your spaces, these clever additions can really make a big difference.

As Zoe shared, "I love anything in the garden that does more than one job. You can use it as a little side table for your drink, a book or your phone while you’re relaxing outside, or pop a plant on top to give your garden a bit of height and interest."

Explaining her reasons for choosing flameless candles, Jo explains: "With Goose [Jo’s dog] constantly wandering around my garden, it’s nice not to have to worry about open flames, things getting knocked over, or the wind blowing candles out every five minutes. They create a really lovely glow when you’re sitting outside in the evening and instantly make the garden feel a bit more special."

Jo also swears by Richard Jackson’s Premium Lawn Magic Grass Feed - and it’s a perfect shout for anyone who has a lot of lawn to look after. You can plan all the right plants and get all the newest furniture in, but a lacklustre lawn will really ruin the vibe.

As Jo explains, “Investing in your lawn is essential. A lush, healthy lawn is one of the secrets to a garden that looks idyllic all summer long, regardless of what’s happening in the borders.”

Shop more of Zoe and Jo's edit

With even more heatwaves coming, now is the perfect time to plan long summer nights with friends and family - and with the right finishing touches, the garden you’re already so proud of becomes the ultimate hosting space.

There are many desirable design features in Jennifer Aniston's stunning garden, but the easiest to achieve is her captivating rain chain. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it's also hugely practical.

Rain chains, known as kusari-doi in Japanese, have been around for centuries and act like traditional downspouts, using decorative cups or links to direct rainwater into your chosen vessel to store.

The fact that they can come in decorative and statement designs, making them a perfect addition to any aesthetic, is just one more bonus – demonstrated perfectly in Jennifer Aniston’s stunning Japanese-inspired garden.

Our edit of the best rain chains

In Jennifer's case, as shared by her architectural designer, Stephen Shadley, she uses a clever contrast of wood with a metal rain chain, creating a stark balance and statement feature.

However, the real reason to consider them is how they merge form and function. By turning something as commonplace as rainfall into a visual and auditory water feature in your home, you can get the soothing, soft trickle of a water feature while collecting rainwater for future use.

After days of scorching weather and heatwaves, the idea of harvesting rainwater has never felt so timely. From helping keep your potted plants alive to having enough water for any future heatwaves, it’s not only green and sustainable, but it’s also a useful system to introduce to help nurture our gardens during the summer.

Jennifer's rain chain hovers directly over a collection of trees which appear to be cycads or agave, meaning they won't need plenty of water - which makes sense for their Californian climate - but any rainfall that does hit, they'll get the benefit of a direct water source.

When it comes to installing your rain chain, you also have a few options to make it more efficient while still enjoying all the aesthetic benefits.

One idea is positioning the rain chain over a water butt. Great for harvesting rainwater, which you can then use to keep your plants flourishing and your lawns immaculate, water butts are any gardener's friend.

By pairing one up with a rain chain, you can make sure that the maximum amount of rainfall is being funnelled right into the water butt.

You can also choose to have your rain chain siphon the water directly into some plants. This might be a better option if there’s a particular dry spell with the odd shower, as you don’t want to drown your plants during times of heavy rainfall.

Unlike other downspouts, rain chains are often easier to install, simpler to move about and less effort to clean, too. Other pipes and spouts can be blocked by debris, reducing the flow of water. Because of the open, light design of the chains - which typically come with a simple hook attachment - you can remove and clean as needed.

Every gardener, from the flowered expert to the budding enthusiast, dreads the day they go to check on their crop and find something’s been helping itself to the leaves.

Pests are known to eat away at the leaves and flowers, often ruining your dream of a sprawling cottage garden or a meadow of wildflowers. However, there’s a reason you should think twice before reaching for the pesticides and insect repellent chemicals.

While some insects are pests, others are not. Like the humble leafcutter bee. Former Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle has delighted her audience by filming the leafcutter bee in action, sharing why it’s important to let them do so, and why they don’t actually damage your plants at all.

Taking to her social media, @nancy.birtwhistle on Instagram, Nancy shared an insightful video detailing the journey of the solitary leafcutter bee.

She explained why, when growing roses in the garden, she resists spraying chemicals to ward off insects. “I resist spraying because greenfly is a food source to insects and birds. If you look at your leaves and you think, ‘Oh, something's been nibbling that, I need to get the spray gun out’, then don't because you might be lucky enough to have a leafcutter bee.”

Leafcutter bees, unlike the honeybee or other social bees, are solitary. Working alone, each female bee builds a nest. This nesting process, as caught on film by Nancy’s fascinating video, includes the bee using her strong mandibles to cut pieces from the edges of leaves.

She then carries these leaf pieces back to her nest, which is typically set up in dark holes or cavities, such as hollow stems, holes in wood, or, in Nancy’s case, garden furniture. Some even make bee hotels for leafcutter bees to use.

After lining her nest with the leaf pieces and forming a structure inside that will act as a series of cells for each of the future offspring, the female bee deposits a mixture of pollen and nectar. She then lays a single egg on top of the pollen, sealing the cell with another leaf cutting, and repeats the process until the nest is full.

The leafcutter bee is not dangerous and will rarely sting. Moreover, for anyone worried about their rose bushes or other plants, the clever leafcutter bee tends not to damage the plant in question.

Their neat, circular leaf cuttings leave behind purely cosmetic damage rather than threatening the plant's health or ability to keep on flowering and growing. They are more likely to cut from plants with soft, tender foliage such as roses, lilac, wisteria and peas.

However, if you have plants that need to be aesthetically pleasing - perhaps you’re growing them for a show, or you’re growing plants for an event - you might not want chunks missing out of them.

Per Gardeners’ World, you can simply try to identify the solitary female bee and swish her away. If that doesn’t deter her, try moving your plants and leave something else in their place that the bee can use.

Do not spray chemicals; the leafcutter bee is a friendly and beneficial insect.

Celebrated pollinators, the leafcutter bee can provide benefits to everything from carrots, blueberries, tomatoes, Dahlias, sunflowers, mint and wildflowers. Because they carry dry pollen loosely on their fuzzy abdomens - opposed to the honeybee that carries them on their legs - they easily cross-pollinate every flower they touch.

Sara Davies is the ultimate host, but she’s never quite had the right space for a summer garden party. Until now.

Sharing the transformation journey she’s gone on to create a garden and an outdoor space that is fit for whatever the British summer can throw at her – from heatwaves to unexpected showers, Sara hit on something likely relatable to many of us out there - just how do you get started when you’re a beginner?

We’d all love a dream oasis in the garden, whether your aesthetic is more cottage garden cosy or perhaps a meadow of wildflowers and colour. When you have the big ideas but none of the expertise (yet), one should take a lesson from Sara - tap into someone who does. In this case, her 'Mam'.

Get started with some gardening essentials

Posting to her social media, Sara wrote, "A lovely garden was definitely on my list for 2026, and there's nothing better than doing it together with your mam! I had plenty of ideas about how I wanted it to look, but absolutely no idea where to start.

"Luckily for me, my mam loves gardening and knows exactly what she's doing…"

In the video, we then see how Sara and her mum make great use of their space, adding a simple plant border between her grass and the stone path with some raised beds. In her social media video, the pair are then seen tending to the plants with ease, made even easier by their accessible height.

Sara's caption continued, "Over the last few weeks, we've planted salvia, freesia, peonies, lilies, cosmos, astilbe, dahlias and hydrangeas, with sweet peas at the bottom of the rose arch, and it's already starting to come together thanks to her!

She continued, "I've genuinely loved having a project to work on together” before adding her mum has made no qualm about pointing out her “disappointing planting skills”.

But that’s perhaps the lesson we should all be taking away from Sara’s post. While we love perfecting our gardens with clever tricks and gorgeous trends, the real joy lies in just getting outside and trying. And it's proven to have mental health benefits, too.

Not every garden will, or should, look like an RHS Chelsea Flower Show plot. And freeing yourself of that pressure is what will make it so much better when you get out, invite friends or family over, and get stuck into a new hobby.

Whether you’ve got a sprawling garden, a little patch or an allotment, Sara has proven one thing – you don't need an expert green thumb to start. You just have to start and grow from there.

Waste not, want not, as the saying goes. Only this time we’re talking about wasted space, or rather, how to avoid having bare corners or tight spots you don’t know what to do with.

Whether you’re following the style secrets of the quiet luxury trend or thinking of sprucing up your space with some of the best trends from this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, nothing can ruin your dream aesthetic quite like dead space.

Thankfully, Alan Titchmarsh – who has recently downsized himself and has started sharing brilliant tips for small-space gardening and how to make the most out of every inch of your garden. He has shared the simplest tip for introducing a layered, intentional-looking bit of summer colour that doesn’t require much effort.

Alan's 'power of three' pot trick

Rather than rethinking your entire garden or struggling to grow things from a tight corner, Alan shared that all you need is the power of three. Three different sized pots to grow a layered trio of colourful and seasonal plants.

In a clip posted to his social media, he explained, "If you want to brighten up a bare corner of your garden, or your patio, then a simple way to do it is with pots of summer flowering bulbs."

"There is something instantly attractive about trios in a garden, about triangles, about groups of three. Psychologists will tell you exactly why, I can't, except to say that I like them."

In Alan’s case, he goes with three distinct summer flowering bulbs – a white-flowered begonia, lilies and dahlias. You can choose your own selection of summer plants, like Gladioli or Pelargoniums - but the key lesson from Alan is to choose three that will give you variety.

With the begonias and lilies, Alan explains there’ll be "a variation in size and a colour variation", meaning your previously unused corner space or patio will look well thought out and designed so that each plant stands out.

This is the other reason for planting them in three separate pots. As Alan shared, "I could put them all together in the big pot, but the dahlias, with all their foliage and heavy flowers, would overwhelm both the lilies and the begonias.

"I'd rather grow them as three individual plants, in effect. Position them together so that I can give them the space to grow, and also to see them better than if they're all crammed into the one pot, which is why I'm using the power of three."

Once you've decked out your patio or corners with a pop of vibrant summer flowers, make sure you're getting the most out of your cultivated space - lighting can make small patios look bigger, giving you more reason to spend those summer evenings sitting outside, soaking it all in.

TV presenter and actress Kelly Brook proves that, regardless of the size of your plot or the tools at your disposal, you can still create a low-effort “sanctuary” that thrives.

She has recently let us in on her very refreshing approach to gardening, which came about after she downsized from a large plot of land to a smaller, more manageable garden due to back issues.

Thanks to wild meadowscaping and rewilding trends we’re seeing at the moment, Kelly's laid-back (and back-friendly) approach to gardening feels hugely relatable.

Sharing her easy tips for ensuring impressive blooms with minimal effort, Kelly tells Woman magazine: “I would say the easiest thing in the world if you're not a great gardener is just throwing seeds into planters with some multi-purpose compost."

"Make sure there's drainage in the bottom, chuck in some cosmos seeds and that will give you flowers all summer. And the more you cut the cosmos, the more they come back."

Expert advice on growing cosmos

We spoke to Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert at Easy Garden irrigation, for more advice on these long-flowering, colourful cosmos that instantly uplift your garden – and she shared insight into what to do with them once they start to fade.

She shared, "One of the great reasons for growing cosmos in your garden is that they are highly attractive to beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

"With a long flowering season from June to October, cosmos are great companion plants, providing pollen and nectar even late in the season as well as attracting beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps, hoverflies and lacewings, which are still active in autumn and will happily feed on any soft-bodied garden pests.

"In addition, if you leave the flowers to fade and go to seed, not only are they easy for you to collect and ready to plant next year," says Lucie. "You can also leave some for the wild birds to feed on, with goldfinches, sparrows and tits using them as a natural feeding station." There we have it. Cosmos. Not just a great cocktail, but a great addition to any garden.

Despite downsizing her garden in recent years, Kelly has shared how important gardening has been for her mental health.

Kelly has previously spoken about how her former Kent garden helped foster her love for the hobby, and how she’s learnt to keep it going with a few practical tweaks. She told the Express, "It was so good for my mental wellbeing. I just loved it so much; it was my sanctuary. But as I got older, I had such a bad back from gardening. So I had to tone it down a little bit, and now I’ve got a much smaller garden.

"It’s totally beautiful, but it’s a lot less maintenance because my last garden was very hilly; it just played havoc with my hips and my back."

"But I still love gardening, and all my bulbs are coming up at the moment, and that gives me so much joy every year, seeing my flowers in bloom."

Kelly might have moved from her sprawling garden, which used to boast its own vegetable patch and a pear orchard, as she once shared on ITV’s This Morning, but she’s kept plenty of wildflowers and bold colours thanks to some very simple tips.

Nigella Lawson has offered fans a rare glimpse inside her luxury London home, and the enchanting way she has made the most of her courtyard is an inspiration for anyone living in more urban areas.

A downside of living in a city, like Nigella, who has lived in her mews in London's Chelsea for over a decade, is often contending with a smaller outdoor space.

However, that hasn’t stopped Nigella from creating a true ‘Secret Garden’ style oasis, complete with key garden trends, including wilder, cottage-core layering, warm fairy lights and pops of uplifting colour.

Firstly, attention must be paid to Nigella’s genius use of layered outdoor lighting to bring the magical qualities of her garden to full life.

From the wall of soft, warm fairy lights creating a soothing glow to the subtle deck lighting on the steps, the smaller space is opened up, creating depth and layers in her seating area.

The fairy lights also cleverly work well against the living structure Nigella has created - with the bamboo acting as the walls and the hanging, thick leaf canopy as the roof of her seating area. This is a brilliant way to create shade in any garden.

As captured in the image, the lighting reflects off the leaves and makes the place feel lighter, warmer and more open.

One of the clever ways Nigella brings a touch of wilderness to her courtyard is by creating something of a cottage garden feel, letting plenty of country garden plants such as Foxgloves grow alongside soft pink and white roses.

Rather than have everything perfectly manicured and structured, the natural layering and meadowscaping look helps the garden feel more rural and alive. She perfects this look and feel with her use of mismatched pots and planters.

A great tip for anyone dealing with paved courtyards or gardens, Nigella has introduced a plethora of plants and bushes that grow from a mismatched set of pots, creating a layered garden border that almost disguises the fact they’re not rooted in the ground itself.

Nigella’s ‘perfectly imperfect’ style is completed by the intentional use of colour throughout.

Rather than having sections of uniform colour palettes or styles, there are uplifting pops of pink, purple and white nestled within canopies of green and against the wooden pergola.

The fact that she’s complemented this use of colour with a hot pink set of bistro chairs and dining table is just an added delight, and is proof that attention to detail when it comes to things like furniture can really tie a garden design together.

It could be as simple as trying your hand at a bit of DIY and painting an old set you already have, or upcycling some furniture with a coat of paint and a new colour.

Love Nigella's garden furniture?

Fans, including many a famous face, were just as enchanted by Nigella's garden. Comments left on her post included the likes of actor Richard E Grant calling it "sublime" and others praising it as "magical" and "the dream garden". It has certainly left a lasting impression on us, that's for sure.

"We tend to spend a lot of time inside now, all looking at screens and wondering why we're deeply unhappy. The answer is, get gardening."

When Dame Joanna Lumley speaks, we listen. Especially when she’s hitting the nail on the head when it comes to the proven effects of getting outdoors and communing with nature more.

The Absolutely Fabulous icon shared her belief in the transformative power of nature while attending this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where she hailed nature as "the redemption of us all".

And whether it’s taking a few hours each week to sort your garden out or even just spending some time tending to balcony plants for those with limited space, Joanna isn’t wrong – there are plenty of garden activities proven to be mood boosting and beneficial to your mental health.

Speaking to Fothergill’s at the Chelsea Flower Show, Joanna praised the "extraordinary effect" of gardening, pointing out that it’s actually not a new trend at all, but nature has been a healing element since time began.

She said, "I do believe that gardening or being with plants or being in the outside air, maybe just even walking through a wood, has the most extraordinary effect on you."

She added that people can reap the benefits whether they "plant something or change the look of something, cut something, trim something, prune something, encourage something".

Need inspiration? Garden essentials to get started

"It's become very voguish to say now that gardening is good for mental health [but] it's been that way for years, for centuries actually, since time began. You would come in from a day outside and you'd feel a day had been lived."

Touching on a growing concern for many, Joanna is aware that the structure and convenience of modern life is making it easier for many of us to neglect nature.

“We tend to spend a lot of time inside now, all looking at screens and wondering why we're deeply unhappy. The answer is, get gardening. Even if it's only a pot, even if it's only a flannel with mustard and cress growing on it, get gardening.”

She continued, “See what nature can bring you because it's the redemption of us all. It's what the great power is, the power of life and the power of gardening.”

Already got the garden sorted? Seek garden furniture to soak it all up

There’s plenty of research to back up Joanna’s claims, too. In 2021, ScienceDirect released research revealing that those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all.

So, whether you'd be motivated to spend more time in your garden if you were emulating some of the trends from this year's Chelsea Flower Show or you’re a beginner looking for easy tips to get started, there’s no time like the present.

Your future self will thank you for laying down the roots for a happier, healthier you.

Dame Mary Berry might be better known as the queen of the kitchen, but she’s just as accomplished in the garden.

The beloved national treasure has been passionate about gardening for decades, and this year, she published her first-ever book on the topic, My Gardening Life. In the book, she covers everything from her first garden in London to her current one-acre land in Henley-on-Thames, where she is often found at peace inside her greenhouse.

Giving fans a sneak peek inside her "first-rate" garden greenhouse, Mary revealed that she’s designed it cleverly to require "no maintenance", including the addition of an automatic vent.

It’s a great tip for anyone looking to really invest in their own gardening space. Greenhouses with auto roof vent openers or an automatic system make regulating the temperature less of a chore.

Mary has also added lighting, so she can spend evenings tending to her plants, including the cucumbers, tomatoes and kumquat she happily shows off in the video. True to Mary Berry’s nature, she reveals that she’s going to turn her kumquat crop into a homemade marmalade.

There are other clever ways Mary has designed the most accessible and easy to use greenhouse, such as having everything on raised beds or tables with what appears to be built in storage at an easy level to reach.

If you’re wanting to grow plenty of fruit, veg and plants like Dame Mary, but you don’t want to always be crouching or bending down, this is a really clever way of making it perfect for your needs.

Having things in organised containers and laid out will also stop things growing out of control, and reduce the need for you to be out weeding or shovelling mounds of soil.

Shop greenhouse essentials

As well as growing crops for her baking and cooking, Mary shared how she uses the greenhouse to always keep a steady supply of scented geraniums for her home.

She explained, "I bring geraniums, pelargoniums, in and out of the greenhouse, and once they've flowered, perhaps I've had them in the house, I bring them out to recover."

While baking is, arguably, always going to be her bread and butter - pun not intended - having a garden has been something of a lifeline for Dame Mary over the years.

In an interview with the RHS at the beginning of the year, she explained how the Chelsea Flower Show offered a "breath of fresh air" for her after losing her son, William, in 1989.

What followed was finding comfort in gardening. She shared, "We were given many plants after William died - white-flowered Helleborus niger in particular, which was in bloom around the time.

"We brought them with us from our last house to this because I couldn’t part with them. I brought many plants from that house - such as Romneya coulteri, and Alstroemeria because they hold happy memories of Will."

Today, Mary has created a space for more happy moments for herself. She said, "I love the greenhouse because it's somewhere where when it's pouring with rain, I want peace and quiet, I come here."

Sounds heavenly.

Kate Garraway is no stranger to getting stuck in and putting her hand to something - we’ve seen her tackle everything from The Celebrity Traitors to The Masked Singer.

And, as it turns out, the Good Morning Britain presenter is equally as involved and hands-on when it comes to her domestic life, recently sharing that nothing compares to “getting your hands dirty” and getting some work done in the garden.

It’s actually her affinity for getting out in the garden that led to a recent frog discovery, resulting in Kate seeking help from her online followers after an influx of frogspawn moved into her garden. We spoke exclusively to Kate about her new family of frogs (more on that later).

After speaking at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, we now know it’s not just frogspawn that’s a feature of Kate’s garden. Perhaps controversially, she revealed that she’s rather fond of weeds.

“I’m a big fan of weeds, things looking slightly crazy, although you do need a bit of structure. But I love it.”

Author AA Milne famously said, ‘Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them’, so perhaps Kate is championing a trend away from overly manicured gardens and accepting a touch more 'meadowscaping' and abundance.

In fact, there are wildlife-friendly weeds you should let grow in your garden, for several reasons. From dandelions - which are great for attracting birds - to thistles - which are great for pollinators, weeds might not make things look perfect, but they can bring plenty of benefits to your garden.

Maybe even inadvertently, Kate has stumbled into the topic of rewilding gardens, a rising garden trend that focuses on helping nature grow organically, and choosing function over a perfect look.

She's not the only one wading into the topic lately. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has come out in support of more wild spaces, questioning the efficacy of No Mow May.

Kate found it rather hilarious that we showed such an interest in her frog family "I feel terribly responsible," she jokes.

"I've seen a couple of little baby frogs, so I know we've gone from frogspawn to tadpoles. I'll do an update. I'll get some pictures." So watch this space for further news from our favourite 'frogfluencer' Kate.

To weed or not to weed, she spoke fondly of what gardening means to her, embracing the “magical” and “comforting” aspects. She told the Mirror, “I love gardening. My garden is shameful at the moment - I haven’t been out in it properly because I’ve been dealing with stuff from home.

“There’s something magical and comforting about planting things and watching them come up… There’s something about getting your hands dirty. I’m a Taurian earth sign, which means you like to get your hands dirty.”

Most of us would look at Monty Don’s life as something to aspire to - from his stunning gardens to his faithful pooch, Ned.

But in a heartfelt and candid interview as part of the RHS visual podcast, Roots, the Gardeners’ World icon revealed that the origins of Longmeadow and his landscapes hark back to a tougher time, including the failing of his business and a "breakdown".

Speaking with Jo Whiley for the podcast, as well as revealing the one thing viewers will never get to see in his gardens, Monty explained that finding order and symmetry in the structure of his gardens was indicative of his mental state at the time.

He told Jo, "I effectively had a breakdown and making the garden was very much part of the healing process."

Explaining earlier that he and his wife Sarah were able to buy their property thanks to money inherited after his mother passed away, Monty shared that the couple went from high-flying in London to having to shut their jewellery business down and move to Herefordshire on a "shoestring" budget.

Of course, it all worked out in the end. But Monty explained to Jo, "I was looking at the plans of the garden the other day. It's very symmetrical. It's very geometric.

"Everything's straight lines. And what I was doing was trying to order my life."

"I was trying to put back the pieces of my life that I felt were fragmenting everywhere. Doing the one thing that I knew I could do, which was grow things in the garden."

He added, "If I was doing it now, I probably would have had many more curves and twists and bends and all the rest of it. But I wanted structure and order and form."

Touchingly, Jo summed it up perfectly. "So you came undone and you tried to put yourself back together again."

Gardening truly does have a way of healing - simply being around pants and other garden activities can boost your mood, as proven by science.

And for Monty, he might not be in the same tough spot he was a few decades ago, but gardening is still his happy place.

Jo asked if working hard in the garden still helps with his mental health, to which he answered, "You have to be physically doing something to help with the busy [clears throat] really. I have to be busy.

"That's really the thing. I double dug all this, the whole garden and I would move everything and I’d work all day.

"I loved it and I still do."

Garden influencer and author Michael Griffiths makes gardening feel easier and more approachable to those who might not have felt gardening was ever for them. Sharing accessible and knowledgeable content from his own back garden, he’s amassed over 4.4 million likes.

One of his most recent videos shared "one of the easiest things you can do that makes a massive difference" – a clever trick to test your soil that will be so helpful when it comes to planning your summer gardens. And all it takes is a jar, your soil and some washing-up liquid.

It’s such an overlooked but important aspect, too, because whether we’re dreaming of perfecting the on-trend cottage garden look or hoping to attract butterflies and bees with pollinator plants, knowing the difference in soil types is integral in understanding what can and cannot grow.

Try Michael Griffiths' simple soil trick

Sharing his clever test, Michael explains, “Take a jar and dig down around eight inches into your soil and scoop out enough to fill the jar halfway.

“Now top it up with water until it's roughly three-quarters full and then add a teaspoon of washing-up liquid and pop the lid on. Shake the jar for around three minutes and then place it down and let it sit for a few hours.”

When you’re waiting, you can use that time to get some odd jobs done, or start making a wish list for the garden furniture you’re going to invest in – perfect to sit back and appreciate the fruits of your labour.

After giving your jar of soil time to separate, Michael explains, “You'll notice the soil is separated into three distinct layers, sand at the bottom, silt in the middle and clay at the top.

"If you measure the height of each one to work out a percentage of each section and compare that to a soil texture triangle, you would have just figured out the type of soil you have.”

You can easily find a free soil texture triangle online, from the likes of the British Society of Soil Science, or there's one in Michael's book, The Easy Garden.

Once you’ve worked out your soil type, not only will you be able to confidently pick the right plants for your garden, you'll have a better sense of how not to over or under water your soil. And fear not, some plants thrive in poor soil conditions, so there's hope for every plot.

What are the different soil types?

Once you’ve taken the test, you might be stumped as to what to do next. Generally, it’s understood there are six common soil types:

• Clay soil
• Sandy soil
• Silty soil
• Loam soil
• Chalk soil
• Peat soil

Once you’ve identified yours, explore what the garden experts suggest each soil type means for your plants, including how to properly choose what to plant and how best to improve your soil for better growing.

Shakespeare sonnets. The world’s biggest stages. Numerous James Bond villains. All a breeze to Dame Judi Dench. But the one thing she is frightened of? Worms. And that’s why she's never been able to get stuck in with the gardening.

Despite having some of the most enchanting gardens and woodlands in her Surrey estate, Judi made a surprising confession to Jo Whiley on the RHS Roots visual podcast, telling Jo, "I don’t like gardening at all".

Her oasis of trees, woodland and sprawling gardens brings "hope and joy" to the acting titan as she faces deteriorating eyesight and health in her 90s, but Judi’s fear of worms has always meant the garden maintenance has been outsourced.

She tells Jo, "I don't like gardening at all… I can't do gardening because the only thing I'm frightened of is worms.

"It comes from being at my kindergarten school in York. I jumped in the garden in wet weather and a worm jumped into my sandal and I couldn't get it out".

For Judi, "That was the equivalent of a snake coming".

Fortunately, over the years, the likes of her late husband, actor Michael Williams, and now her gardener Joe, have been able to create an idyllic wonderland that Judi can enjoy, without having to handle any worms.

A myriad of mighty trees define Judi's Surrey estate, and she revealed she has some pretty noteworthy additions, including one of the sycamore gap trees and she's been offered an oak from Sherwood Forest.

As well as the trees, Judi revealed she has something called the White Garden – where everything planted is white - as well as a swimming pool and an old barn.

Elsewhere in their chat, the Oscar-winning icon revealed that, fear of worms aside, for most of her life, the outdoors has been a true happy place for her.

From memories of raking pears off the tree next door as a child, to being outdoors "all the time, only ever outside…" swimming in lakes, roller-skating and cycling, Judi’s love of nature has stayed with her all these years.

She still recalls fondly the Lily of the Valley that would grow in her parents' garden as a child, with Jo and Judi bonding over that shared experience where scent can unlock memories.

What’s even more remarkable is that nature seems to be the thread tying Judi’s past and present together.

Today, she plants a tree in memoriam of lost friends and family, with the likes of the late Dame Maggie Smith having a crab apple tree planted in her honour. What makes this extra special and heartfelt for Judi is that her very first memory involves a tree.

She told Jo, "Something I do remember, that I think people would dispute with me, but I remember being wheeled out in a pram under a tree

"This used to happen probably every day. That's my very, very first memory - just lying looking up at trees."

As we bed in for the first working week of November, the shorter days and recent spells of wet and windy weather are impacting our gardens, and our plants for autumn colour are really coming into their own.

Whether you're relishing your autumn hanging baskets, filling border gaps with winter bedding plants, or even planting spring bulbs in your lawn, I hope you can take a moment to stop to enjoy the seasonal shifts, the golden light, and the planting inspiration from your neighbours' front gardens (it can't just be me).

While you're at it, take our quick quiz to see how many autumn-winter flowers and plants you can name. Can you get all 10?

Share your scores and let us know how you did in the comments section below!

Want more brain teasers? Catch up with all our previous quizzes here.

For me, houseplants are one of the best ways to make a house feel homely, and I have more than 10 in my current collection – many of them coming from cuttings from friends or from dividing peace lilies.

But I have to admit, keeping up with feeding the plants isn't as easy these days, on top of feeding the cats, kids and (if we're lucky) the adults. So, a couple of years ago, I started using drip feeders to care for my houseplants, and instantly saw an improvement in their health. Hooray. However, I felt bad about all the single-use plastic.

This unhappy accident set me on a quest to find an alternative to plastic drip feeders.

Editor recommendation: Plant Food Spikes

Self-watering Spikes sounded promising for a while, until I realised those are for water, and so would release way too much of the concentrated plant food. Though those would work if you filled them with a ready-mixed solution of water and plant food.

The solution I now wouldn't be without is Plant Food Spikes – a slightly scary-sounding name for solid sticks of plant food that gradually soften and disperse into the soil over two months or so.

I was getting through the single-use plastic feeds every 90 days or so, so last year I thought I'd try unscrewing the tiny nozzle head and refilling the drip feeder from my big bottle of Baby Bio.

I got away with it on two of the feeders, but discovered the next morning that the third, an orchid feeder, had leaked and accidentally given the lovely orchid a massive overdose. I was heartbroken. (Definitely a mistake to avoid when caring for an orchid).

What I love about these is that they're super easy to use, and even kind of fun. My four-year-old boy has insisted on helping me insert them before, and didn't mess it up.

How to use plant food spikes

1. Measure the size of your plant pot, and consult the pack to figure out the right dosage (number of sticks). It's a little annoying that the Miracle-Gro pack gives this in inches, but it does have a ruler built into the back of the packet, so you don't have to convert the numbers into metric if you don't want to. If your pot is between sizes, I'd round down, as it's usually better to underfeed than overfeed (my stick that used to be an orchid can attest to that).
2. Use the plastic spike to make the right number of holes for the sticks, about halfway between the stem of the plant and the rim of the pot. Avoid piercing roots, and spread them out as evenly as you can for your plant.
3. Place the food sticks into these holes
4. Cover the tops of the sticks with soil and even top up the houseplant soil if needed
5. Water plants straight away and then regularly, as usual, with water (no additional feed needed)
6. Check the soil of your plants after a month or two to see if the sticks have all gone. Once they have, replace as needed!

How often do you replace plant food spikes?

I've found that some houseplants are greedier than others. My peace lilies have got through their sticks in about six weeks, while my little tradescantia has had its sticks in for 90 days and counting.

Most plants will need their food sticks replacing more often in the spring and summer than they will in winter. Every 90 days is the average.

It's fun playing plant detective to see who's ready for more, and a nice way to get to know my plants' needs a little better – and I love that I'm not buying any more tiny tubes of plastic in the process.

Meghan Markle has revealed how she's teaching her and Prince Harry's two young children about their "privilege" as well as the "cost" and "price" of food using an activity that has long been loved by their grandfather King Charles III.

Speaking on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, she made some rare comments about Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who sit sixth and seventh in the royal line of succession, and revealed that she's been getting them out in the garden to not only grow but also sell their veggies.

She hopes, she said, that this will teach them that there is a "value on things" so they don't take their food, home and "privilege" for granted.

"We grow a lot of veggies. We sometimes do a little farmer's market stand," Meghan said in the interview.

"There's a cost and a price for things, and I think that's key for children to understand, especially children who are very lucky to have a home that has privilege; you need to know that just like manners, and taking care of the things around you, there is a value on things," she added.

But not only is gardening helping Archie and Lilibet to see the value in their food, Meghan revealed that it's "so great" for them to learn skills like "patience" as they wait for their seedlings to grow into something edible.

She explained, "Gardening is really really so great for children because it teaches them patience and teaches them to value and appreciate their food."

And the kids seem to love it, with them taking their vegetable growing duties "very seriously," according to Meghan. In her Netflix show Love, Meghan, she revealed that they both have their own gardening tools so they can really dig into the earth and get their hands dirty.

"Our kids have real sets, they take their gardening very seriously," she shared. "I think it's nice to give kids seeds that they can plant. Things that they can watch grow easily and pick from, like sugar snap peas and basil."

Someone who will surely appreciate Meghan getting her kids out in the garden is their grandfather, King Charles III. The monarch has enjoyed a life-long love of gardening and has always championed the benefits of getting outside, both for mental health and for sustainability at large.

Another benefit of gardening for Meghan is the time is allows her to spend with her children. Elsewhere in the podcast episode, she revealed that she is worried about working while her kids are at "such a key age," so we're sure she relishes her time with them as they plant seeds and pick their produce to sell at the farmer's market.

"I don't want to miss a moment for my children," she said, adding that she tries to schedule in work around their school hours so she can be at home with them as much as possible.

She shared, "I love that I can do drop off and pick up at school and do meetings in between and go to Disneyland for two days, as we just did. And, you know, volunteer to serve hot lunch at school or be the chaperone for the kindergarten field trip."

None of us want to fall out with our neighbours, but conflicts and disputes can happen occasionally – it's a part of life.

In this Ask Anna column, a reader who hasn't been seeing eye to eye with her neighbours over their garden maintenance sought my advice.

Rather than seeking a cheap way to block a neighbour's view or asking 'Can you cut overhanging branches from a neighbour's tree?', they want the people next door to remove or reduce a tree that they say is blocking their light. Asking them to do so has caused a bit of a dispute, so they want to find a way to resolve that tension.

Neighbour dispute over a tree

The reader said: "Until recently, we’ve rubbed along well with our neighbours for the past 10 years. They’re not what I’d call friends, as they keep to themselves, whereas we’re sociable and outgoing.

"But they have a large sycamore in their rather neglected garden that is blocking light on our veg patch. When we asked them if they would consider cutting it down, they were disgruntled.

"They said it gives them privacy and that we could move our vegetable beds. We don’t really want to do that, as the beds are established, the soil is perfect and it would spoil the look of our garden.

"Now they turn away whenever they see us. How can I rebuild the relationship and hopefully get them to consider pruning back the tree (we’d be willing to cover the cost)?"

Garden and tree maintenance is a common source of disagreement

The other week, I woke up to the sound of a chainsaw at the end of my back garden. I flung open my curtains to discover that an entire hedge of 30ft Leylandii had disappeared from my view. A view that used to provide a screen of much-needed privacy in London.

Overnight, I had hundreds of eyes scrutinising me as I wandered around my bedroom. I was livid. And a quick online search to understand my rights revealed that everyone in the entire world has a problem when it comes to trees, gardens and other people.

Before I offer some practical pointers when it comes to your rights, let’s look at the psychology of what’s going on here. There’s a beautiful metaphor in how you and your neighbours approach your outdoor space, and how it reflects our own individual interiority.

Try to see their point of view

By your own admission, you’re different beings – and with that comes judgement – whether you mean it or not.

You’ve said that you are outgoing and friendly people, with a well-ordered garden. It makes sense then, that you have an established vegetable patch where the soil is ‘perfect’ and your plants can quite literally thrive.

Because that’s who you are as people. You thrive.

By contrast, you say that your neighbours are quieter, and have a ‘rather neglected’ garden with an overgrown sycamore. Isn’t it interesting that this tree is ‘blocking your light’? I just wonder if that is how you feel about your neighbours as individuals? They dim you.

I completely sympathise with your frustration – but I also want to congratulate you on being grown up enough to want to repair this relationship.

How to repair the neighbourly relationship

First, acknowledge that the tree may hold sentimental value for the owners. As well as privacy, the sycamore could also offer shade, reduce noise or hold personal significance.

Letting them know you respect their feelings about the tree, even though it impacts your garden, shows that you respect them – and that can help to soften their stance.

Perhaps your first step should be rebuilding trust. Start small by opening up friendly conversation about other topics of interest – neighbours, the local area, community news – whatever.

But don’t expect too much back for now. This is going to take patience, empathy and compromise.

The tree issue

Having said all of that, you do have rights. In the UK, according to the gov.uk website, your neighbour is responsible for maintaining the tree.

If the sycamore is over two metres tall and is affecting your enjoyment of your home or garden, then you are within your rights to log a complaint with the council.

If the branches are overhanging your garden, then you also have the right to cut them back – so long as you don’t trespass on their property.

Even if the tree issue isn’t resolved as you would like for now, restoring a friendly rapport will make home life more harmonious – and that’s just as important as the state of your garden.

If you would like help with a problem, email askanna@futurenet.com or leave a voice note at hello@itcantjustbeme.co.uk and mention you’re a woman&home reader. Note that Anna may choose your dilemma to discuss on her podcast, It Can't Just Be Me.

Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most beloved creatures, but heartbreakingly, they’re at risk of disappearing altogether. Experts warn that these spiky little wanderers could be extinct in the UK within the next decade if we don’t take urgent action. Habitat loss, busy roads, and fenced-in gardens are all making life a lot harder for them, but the good news? You can help.

Creating a hedgehog-friendly garden doesn’t mean letting things run wild (unless rewilding is your chosen garden trend). All it takes is a few simple tweaks – like leaving gaps in fences, providing safe hideaways, embracing all of your favourite cottage garden ideas, and ditching toxic pellets to get rid of slugs – to turn your outdoor space into a five-star retreat for these nocturnal foragers.

In return? Well, they’ll help keep pests at bay for free, making your garden healthier and more balanced. Win, win.

How to attract hedgehogs to your garden for free pest control

Much as you might be looking for ways to attract birds into your garden, so the same should be true of hedgehogs, especially as they are now classed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK.

"Recent monitoring has shown that hedgehogs are being pushed towards extinction with numbers in the wild dwindling by 30% over the last decade," says Matt Binstead, Head Keeper at the British Wildlife Centre.

"This alarming decline is backed by anecdotal evidence in conversations of people saying, 'I just don't see hedgehogs in the wild as much as I used to anymore' or 'I can't remember the last time I saw a hedgehog in the wild."

While it is easy to push this horrible thought from your mind, it's well worth doing your bit to stop this from happening. Even something as simple as learning how to attract hedgehogs to your garden could help them and help you in return, similar to when attracting birds that eat slugs for natural pest control.

"Hedgehogs are your garden's friend, travelling up to 2km a night helping to keep down unwanted pests in your garden, but with a fragmented habitat, it is so much more challenging for them," continues Matt.

So, how to attract hedgehogs to your garden and reap the benefits of their pest-heavy diet? Try the following...

1. Make a hedgehog highway

As mentioned already, hedgehogs roam far and wide at night looking for tasty bugs to snack on – but they won't get far with all of our fences in the way.

"If your garden is enclosed, a couple of small 5-inch holes (about the size and shape of a CD) along the boundary will allow hedgehogs to pass through and roam from garden to garden," says Matt, who advises you to get friendly with your neighbours to make this dream a reality.

2. Let things relax a little

If you want to suss out how to attract hedgehogs to your garden, you might like to try your hand at meadowscaping – or, at the very least, leave them some habitat.

"If you have a garden, hedgehogs can be a perfect excuse to leave it a little more untidy," says Matt. "Allow an area to be left uncut and grow wild, don't clear up all the fallen leaves in a few areas, plant a few wildflowers, and create a couple of log piles for them to forage around."

You might also like to research the best plants for privacy and start covering fences with hedging. As the name suggests, hedgehogs are very fond of snuffling through hedges.

3. Leave food and water out

Always seek expert advice when feeding wildlife in the garden. As per the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, you should offer hedgehogs either a good quality meaty hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food, or the same dry biscuits you might feed a cat.

"It's also a good idea to leave a little bowl of water out," says Matt.

It's also a good idea to make all other water sources safe for hedgehogs; cover drains, for example, and pop a little wildlife ramp (or something like Amazon's Animal Escape Ramp) on your garden pond so hedgehogs can scramble to safety if they fall in by accident.

4. Buy (or make) a hedgehog house

Once you've attracted hedgehogs to your garden, you might want to create a nice little home for them.

"If you are lucky enough to know you have hedgehogs passing through your garden, then you might like to offer them a hedgehog house for an overnight stay," says Matt.

You can buy a hedgehog house and a hibernation Shelter or make your own. Be sure to include a 'tunnel entrance' to keep them safe from predators, and pop it in a sheltered spot (behind a shed would work a treat).

5. And always be hedgehog aware

Whether you're getting ready to mow a lawn, start strimming, or even fork over your compost heap, take care to check the whole area carefully first. After all, once you've learned how to attract hedgehogs to your garden, you want to keep them safe from harm.

The same is true of bonfires: make sure you wait to build yours just before it's time to light it, to prevent any hedgehogs falling asleep in them – or make like Monty Don and turn your fallen leaves into leaf mould instead.

FAQs

How do you attract a hedgehog to your garden?

The best and easiest way to attract a hedgehog to your garden is to relax your mowing schedule, pop a few hedgehog-sized holes in the bottom of your fence, and leave them somewhere to eat, drink, and sleep.

It's also best to ditch the slug pellets, as this means they'll have plenty of garden pests to chomp on while visiting.

What smells attract hedgehogs?

If you're wondering what smells attract hedgehogs, they're not all that different to us: they love the smell of food, whether that's insects, slugs and snails, or recommended foods.

They're also fond of all the wonderful smells of a garden, so be sure to fill yours with plenty of native fragrant garden plants and hedging and watch these little critters lose their hearts over your thriving outdoor space.

So much time is spent keeping animals out of the garden, from stopping foxes from coming into the garden to keeping rats out of the garden, it feels nice to encourage wildlife. Learning how to attract hedgehogs to your garden may take a little work, but it's well worth the effort.

"You will be rewarded with your hedgehog helping to keep down many of the garden pests, and the feeling of you helping one of Britain's most loved mammals!" promises Matt.

We can't say better than that.

Knowing how to edge a lawn can make a big difference to a garden. It's all about making a crisp, defined line between the turf and its surroundings, such as flowerbeds or paths. As the results are instant, it's a super satisfying task.

While it can be easily overlooked when planning which garden trends to try, if you love a manicured outdoor aesthetic, edging a lawn is just as important as mowing it. And, adding edging materials after you've cut the turf will create a long-lasting barrier (which, depending on which type you go for, can add extra style points to your plot, too).

Below, you'll find plenty of expert advice for this garden job, including tips on which tools to use. Whether you want an orderly straight line or a sweeping curve, this guide will help you tackle it with confidence.

How to edge a lawn in your garden, according to the pros

Just like getting rid of moss in a lawn or knowing how often to fertilise it, defining the edges plays a big part in achieving an enviable stretch of green. As Ted Hall, the managing director of lawn edging manufacturer IBRAN, says, "It adds a level of finesse to a garden that separates a good design from a great design, where different sections are sharply and neatly defined."

What you will need to edge a lawn

Just like when aerating a lawn, edging turf requires the right tools. Trevor Knight, a landscaping specialist at Marshalls Plc, says, “For sharp-edged lawns, a lawn edging tool is crucial for getting neat edges all around. However, if you don’t have a lawn edger, a straight-edged spade or sharp hoe can be used – just ensure you are precise with your moves."

Ted points out that every lawn edging project starts with marking out the fringe of the lawn, which can be done with temporary lawn-marking spray paint and/or a string line with marker pegs. If you're purchasing permanent edging materials, he also advises using something to measure out the edge, so that you can order the right amount.

How to prepare your lawn for a new edge

Before you learn how to edge a lawn, you need to know how to mow it properly. As Trevor points out, cutting the grass beforehand helps to get a more precise and straight edge, as you won’t be battling to cut through the grass blades in the process.

Once your grass is down to a tidy height, it's time to measure and mark its new edge. For a straight edge, Ted recommends using a tape measure, while a curved edge calls for a string line and multiple pegs. For the latter, he says to place the pegs in the ground along the arc and pull the string tight against it. You can then mark the ground to create a guideline, using lawn-marking spray paint.

If you're ordering edging materials for a curved edge, don't forget to work out its length. To do so, Ted recommends marking the string, both at the start of the curve and the end of the curve, so that you can measure the distance between the two points. "You can do this by leaving one end of the string attached to the peg, pulling it tight from the other end and measuring the length of the string to the second marker point with a tape measure."

How to cut a lawn edge

Once you're happy with your plan, it's time to pick up your edging tool and begin cutting the turf along your guideline. "This ensures the edge is precisely placed and stays within the measurements taken earlier," Ted says. He recommends cutting downwards at the marker point, and then undercutting each section so that the excess turf and soil can be removed.

Top tip: Shake off excess soil from the removed turf before placing it in your compost.

How to install edging materials

There are all sorts of garden edging materials that you can choose from, which will help prevent grass from encroaching on your best plants or pathways. When it comes to placing them, Ted says the principle is the same, no matter whether you're using timber, masonry, metal, or plastic. "Ensure that the edging product is placed tightly against the marked-out and cut edge," he says.

"Some edging products are designed to fasten together to create a seamless face," Ted continues. "Therefore, you will need to connect the edging product before placing it. This may require you to use a rubber mallet or a screwdriver or, if your products are moulded with interlocking connectors, simply push-fit them together. These should be anchored down into the ground to prevent them from moving in the future."

Ted recommends backfilling the edging to secure it from both sides. "This may be your garden border, a pathway, block surface or anything else that you're looking to divide from the lawn section."

Top tip: If you're installing stone edging, you will need to set it in a bed of mortar to prevent movement.

How to maintain your lawn's edge

To keep your lawn edges looking super crisp, you'll need to give them a trim from time to time. Paul Hicks, product manager from Stihl GB, says, "While regularly mowing your lawn will keep it neat and tidy and improve its health, a mower isn’t the best tool for edging, particularly if you have raised beds or flower borders."

"For a precise finish, a powered grass trimmer is recommended," says Peter Chaloner, the managing director of Cobra. "Position the trimmer vertically to the ground, along the edge of the lawn, and gradually move forward along the edge.”

Just remember to wear proper protection when using these power tools, as Paul underlines. "Stones, sticks and other garden debris can get whipped up, so you need to wear safety glasses and face protection, like a visor. You should also make sure that no one is within a 15m range of where you’re trimming, to be on the safe side," he adds.

Alternatively, you can use angled long-handled shears to neaten up edges; however, this is more physical and tiring than using a strimmer.

FAQs

When is the best time to edge a lawn?

According to Ted, edging your lawn can take place at any time of the year, as typically grass is resilient and isn't affected too much by the changing seasons.

However, if you're installing lawn edging between a lawn and a garden border, he recommends doing so when the plants in the border are dormant and not susceptible to damage from digging out. If they are in this part of the cycle, take care not to damage their root systems, he adds.

It's also worth keeping the weather forecast in mind. Fiona says carrying out the job after rainfall is best, as the damp soil will hold together well rather than crumbling. "It’s also much easier to cut cleanly through the turf after rain as the ground will be soft," she adds. However, remember to plan ahead and mow before the rain, as cutting wet grass can have detrimental effects.

How can you create a circular lawn edge?

If you plan to create a circular edge, Ted has a quick gardening tip: lay out a garden hose before marking the curve with lawn-marking spray.

Knowing how to edge a lawn is just one part of keeping it looking its best. With warmer weather soon on its way, our guide to summer lawn care is also well worth checking out. And of course, it's also a good idea to get familiar with which lawn care mistakes to avoid.

What better way to benefit the planet while helping your plants thrive than reusing your household waste in the garden?

It's no great secret that there are several ways you can reuse and recycle items from your home to benefit your garden. From using cardboard as a weed barrier to repurposing old towels for frost protection, thinking more sustainably can massively reduce your waste output.

As with most sustainable garden ideas, they'll also save you money in the process, whether that's enriching your soil with homemade compost or reducing the need to buy more pots or trays.

How to recycle household waste in your garden: 7 expert tips

Sustainability will always be an important garden trend, and there are endless reasons for that. Just look at the rewilding trend; it's not only the most low-maintenance form of gardening, but it's great for your plants and wildlife.

1. Plastic Bottles

From helping protect your plants from slugs to providing a greenhouse effect, plastic bottles can be extremely useful when growing seedlings.

"We all end up collecting these, and they can make amazing mini propagators," says garden designer and influencer Ish @Gardening.with.ish on TikTok. "Simply take some scissors to cut a line along the middle, open it to add in a little bit of soil, then plant one or two seeds,"

"Chuck the lid half back on top, and this makes a nice humid environment that will hold in the heat and moisture that will get your seedlings started," he finishes.

Thanks to the durability of plastic, you can reuse the bottles for years to come.

2. Toilet roll tubes

You might be surprised by how many ways you can reuse cardboard in your garden; toilet roll tubes are just one efficient method.

“Toilet roll tubes make perfect biodegradable seedling starter pots," explains Joe Aldworth, a gardening expert at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre. "Their flexibility allows you to easily shape and fold them to fit your seedlings, whilst the cardboard naturally decomposes over time.”

“When your seedlings are ready to be re-potted, you can simply cut off the bottom and place the entire tube into a larger pot - no mess needed. The cardboard will break down into the soil, promoting healthy root growth without disturbing the plant,” he adds.

3. Cooking water

If you've ever wondered if you can use leftover rice water to water your orchids, you may have also wondered if other leftover cooking water is useful for your plants.

Graham Smith MCIHort, Horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, says, "As long as salt has not been added to the water, cooking water can be poured onto plants to give them a boost of nutrients. Allow the water to cool down before using, and then it can be used on indoor or outdoor plants"

4. Paper towels

It's no secret that paper towels are a godsend when completing your daily cleaning habits, but the good news is that they're also helpful in the garden.

"Alongside cardboard, kitchen roll or paper towels can be used to add carbon to a compost heap. Simply save the used sheets in a container, then add them to compost with other scraps like vegetable peelings," says Graham.

5. Banana peels

You might not be surprised to hear this one if you've been using banana water on your houseplants, but you can use this nutrient-rich fruit peel outside, too.

"Banana peels contain a lot of potassium, calcium and magnesium, which make them a great fertiliser for plants. You can add banana peels directly to your compost bin, and chopping them into smaller pieces can help them decompose faster," begins Graham.

"If you do not have a compost bin, you can still use the peels by adding them directly to the soil around plants to encourage flowering and fruiting. Alternatively, soak the peels in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants," he continues.

6. Ice Cream Sticks

You may already use leftover wine cork bottles in your garden for labelling crops; however, if you have more of a sweet tooth, there is an alternative.

Wooden ice cream sticks are just as useful as a labelling method for your plants, simply rinse them off after use and write on them in permanent marker.

7. Egg cartons

It's not just eggshells you can use in your garden to help your plants; the cardboard packaging eggs come in is also super handy for seed sowing.

"Egg cartons can be used in the same way as toilet roll tubes in your garden," says Graham. "Sow a seed in each compartment of the carton, and then when they are ready to transplant, separate the compartments and plant them directly into the soil."

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While it's not exactly recycling, another household item you can use in your garden is white vinegar. It has a surprising number of benefits, from cleaning to protecting your plants from fungus.

If you're looking to improve your garden's overall health and look, then mulching is the place to start. The experts are here to talk you through the process and how mulching, when done right, can make a huge difference for your plants and soil.

Using sustainable garden ideas not only helps you reduce your waste and energy usage but also makes gardening easier. From using coffee grounds to aerate your soil to installing rainscaping methods for free water, these tips will benefit you and your plants.

Mulching is another versatile gardening method that can help with several tasks or pain points gardeners face. Here, the experts have shared their guidance on how to do it effectively.

What is mulching? And why is so beneficial for spring gardens

If you're an avid gardener, you may have heard of mulching already, you've probably used it to protect your plants from frost or to help get rid of weeds. However, it's surprising how many homeowners aren't aware of just how useful mulch can be in any type of garden.

"Generally, mulch is a material that’s used to cover a garden’s ground and the soil’s surface, and it can be made of many organic materials as well as synthetic ones," explains Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners. "It has many purposes, which include temperature control, water retention and weed control."

He explains that some types of mulch can even add extra nutrients to the soil whilst also helping make the appearance of a lawn or garden better.

"However, this will also depend on what type of mulch you have because some are considered more visually pleasing than others. Still, even if a mulch isn’t good-looking, it will always serve a functional purpose," Petar adds.

When it comes to how and when to mulch, Petar explains that spring is the best time to get started. It's a great task to add to your essential March gardening jobs, but only if the weather allows.

"Generally, the ideal time for mulch application is in the spring when the weather has warmed up and stays consistently that way. It’s important not to apply it too early because you may bury perennial plants that haven’t yet emerged. Alternatively, you can apply mulch in autumn to help the soil retain moisture better during the winter months and protect plant roots from the cold temperatures," he advises.

Petar does point out that you shouldn't add new mulch over old, instead, you'll need to weed and remove any of the old stuff before you can put down a layer of new. It's also important to know your soil type, that way you'll know what needs to be enhanced. However, regular mulching will benefit all soils so there's not too much pressure on that.

"First, you’ll need to clean the area from weeds and old mulch. And if the soil is too dry, you’ll need to water it thoroughly. Then you can cover it with the mulch you’ve chosen, making sure it’s a layer that’s at least 5cm thick. After that, clean the areas around the stems of your plants from any mulch and finish by raking the surface of the mulch gently to level it," instructs Petar.

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What is the best thing to mulch a garden with?

Now you know how to mulch, it's helpful to learn what types there are and what they can offer. As Petar mentioned, finding out what soil type you are working with can help this process.

"When mulching your garden, it is best to use an organic mulch as these will eventually break down into the soil, whereas inorganic mulches do not and can stop nutrients reaching the soil," explains Graham Smith MCIHort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture. "Certain inorganic mulches may also pollute the soil if they begin to deteriorate, such as plastic sheeting, even if they can offer better long-term weed suppression."

He recommends three different types of organic mulches:

• Leaf mould: Although leaf mould is low in nutrients, Graham says it provides fast reward with minimum effort. To make it, you simply collect fallen leaves in autumn and store them in a plastic bag for around a year so they can completely decompose.
• Well-rotted horse manure: "Horse manure contains a lot of nutrients and is great at retaining moisture. However, you should only use horse manure that has been left to rot for a minimum of two years, as otherwise it may scorch foliage and remove nutrients from the soil when it breaks down," explains Graham.
• Wood chips/Bark: This is a bulkier alternative to other kinds of mulches and it will break down a lot slower. It can improve soil drainage and moisture retention, whilst also providing a neat finish to flower beds or garden borders.

What is the disadvantage of mulching?

Unfortunately, as with most garden tasks, there can be downsides and it's best to know them before you start.

"There can be a few disadvantages to mulching, as certain kinds can provide the ideal environment for pests if not maintained properly," explains Graham.

He says that when you're using organic mulch, you need to only apply it when it's in the process of decomposing or partially rotted. "Otherwise, the mulch can remove nitrogen from the soil or cause anaerobic decomposition which can make the mulch acidic and potentially damage plants," he explains.

Another possible issue can come from excessive application as too much mulch might suffocate plants as the water and oxygen struggle to penetrate the layer. This can then cause heat retention, so it's important to ensure the mulch is thinly placed a few inches away from the base of the plant.

FAQs

When should you mulch a garden in the UK?

Timing is everything when it comes to gardening, whether that's knowing when to plant spring bulbs or completing summer-only jobs, mulching has similar timeframes.

"Mulch is best applied in mid to late spring in the UK, as annual weeds will have not begun to germinate and plants may be dormant," advises Graham Smith MCIHort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture. "You can also apply mulch in autumn, as plants are beginning to die back."

Newer plants that are still established can be mulched at any time of the year as they'll benefit from the weed suppression and moisture retention mulching provides.

Is mulch the same as compost?

There can be some similar ingredients in homemade compost and some organic mulches, but the two are different.

"Mulch and compost are often confused, but they serve different purposes. Mulch is a protective layer applied to the soil’s surface, while compost is decomposed organic material mixed into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient content," explains Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, home of garden machinery.

Along with mulching, there are several other ways you can sort your garden out after winter. Getting these things done as soon as the weather improves, means you're outdoor space will be ready in time for long evenings and summer dinner parties.

You've probably thought about the ways you can use cardboard in your garden, assuming its only destiny is for the recycling bin. However, it turns out there are many genius ways it can help keep your plants happy and healthy.

There's always more room for sustainable garden ideas and learning ways to reuse household waste will forever be a w&h favourite. From using teabags in the garden to learning how to utilise banana peels for plant health, our household waste is often our garden's treasure.

And cardboard is no exception as gardening experts have revealed five ingenious ways of using this disposable material for good in the garden, from getting rid of weeds to enriching soil.

How to use cardboard in your garden: 5 easy ideas

Whether you're a beginner in vegetable gardening or need help protecting your plants from frost, finding low-cost ways to make the process easier is always a good idea. So, if you're interested in trying some eco-friendly tips, here are all the effective ways cardboard can help improve your garden.

1. Alternative weed membrane

Aside from getting rid of weeds in the grass, most gardeners will also have to tackle how to get rid of weeds in vegetable patches and flower beds. Luckily, cardboard can be a great weed membrane alternative and can help prevent regular weeding.

"One of the main reasons people use cardboard in their beds and borders is because it makes a fantastic weed membrane," says garden designer and influencer Ish @Gardening.with.ish on TikTok."You’ll find that this will suppress any weed growth from coming up over the top."

Adding, "It does, however, break down which means over time the roots of the plant above it will grow through and hopefully prevent any more weeds from coming up top."

2. Water retention aid

With certain soil types, it can be a continuous struggle to keep your ground soil moist enough to keep the plants happy. This is especially important for flowers during the summertime, but using this water retention trick can help.

"Cardboard can soak in quite a bit of water so when it’s at the bottom of your beds and borders it can actually hold some of that moisture which means that your ground stays watered for longer," explains Ish.

He continues, "When that cardboard has decomposed you’ll think it’s a bit useless but actually the organic material in cardboard improves soil quality and can also improve drainage. Which is another fantastic benefit for a lot of flowers in the summer."

3. Protective insulation

Aside from protecting your garden from heavy rain, the UK weather always promises cold frosty mornings which aren't great for some of the more vulnerable outdoor plants.

Ish recommends cardboard as the perfect solution, "Cardboard works as a great insulating layer in cold frames, all of that cold ground temperature won’t rise into the cold frame and it’ll keep it warmer in there a little bit longer."

He explains how it works as a fantastic mulch alternative as well, helpful for protecting your flower beds and vegetable patches from cold weather and frost.

4. Compost enrichment

If you make your own compost you'll already know how great reusing household waste can be for providing nutrients – you might already be using orange peel in your garden for this very reason. Surprisingly cardboard is another great example of this.

"When you are composting, you will need to use more brown matter (e.g. paper, leaves) than green (kitchen scraps) to create compost," explains Graham Smith MCIHort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture. "Cardboard can be used as brown matter for compost, provided that it is broken down into smaller pieces."

As the cardboard breaks down it will also add its own nutrients that will elevate the compost even more, benefitting your plants.

5. Seed starter containers

One of the most rewarding parts of gardening is collecting seeds from your garden to sow them from the next year. Not only is it a sustainable way of growing plants but it's also an extremely affordable way too, especially if you reuse cardboard for your seedling trays – similar to

"Cardboard boxes can be used to start seeds, and you can leave seedlings growing inside of them for longer, giving you stronger seedlings. When the seedlings are ready to be planted, you can plant them while they are still in the cardboard, as it will break down in the soil," explains Graham.

You can also use egg cartons for seed starters, they provide the perfect-sized vessel and can be mulched or planted when the seedlings are established enough. You can even use eggshells in your garden to start seedings with a more protective casing.

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FAQs

Are there any places in the garden where you shouldn't use cardboard?

With any household waste, there are only so many places they can be used outdoors whilst still being beneficial. For example, when using coffee grounds in the garden, some acidic-loving plants won't react well to its pH. The same goes for cardboard, it won't work everywhere.

David Denyer, a professional florist and gardener says, "While cardboard is incredibly versatile, it's not perfect for every spot. Avoid placing it in waterlogged areas, otherwise, it’ll just turn into a soggy mess. Make sure you don’t use it too close to deep-rooted perennials—they need room to breathe, and too much cardboard can suffocate their roots."

What types of cardboard can you use and not use?

In the same way there are certain places in the garden where you probably shouldn't use cardboard, there are also different variations of the material to look out for.

"Not all cardboard is garden-friendly. Plain, brown corrugated cardboard is your best bet—with no harmful coatings, that could end up harming your plants. Avoid using anything shiny, glossy, or waxed—those coatings can leach harmful chemicals into your soil," advises David.

He also recommends removing any take or stickers from your cardboard before planting it, that way you're not digging up bits of plastic later down the line.

Why is cardboard particularly helpful in the garden?

It can be surprising the types of things that can be beneficial to our gardens. From using old towels to protect plants to reusing the skin of avocados for seedlings, there are several items we'd usually throw away that can be a great help to outdoor plants. But why is cardboard so useful?

David explains, "Its biggest benefit is its ability to kill off unwanted weeds, by blocking sunlight and preventing growth. As cardboard breaks down, it feeds your soil with organic matter; good for generating healthy soil for future plants. It also locks in moisture, so your plants stay happy longer between waterings."

Always make sure you check your cardboard before placing it down into your garden and within your soil. Any taps, stickers or printed areas can disrupt the pH of your soil and will of course not decompose like the rest of the brown material.

It's time to throw out the pesticides because experts have found that planting one particular flower variety can help keep gardens pest-free. So instead of dousing your precious crops in chemicals, why not try this all-natural 'pot marigold' pest control alternative?

Watching your latest garden trends fall victim to nasty insects and pests is enough to break a gardener's heart. But when you're against chemical use and want to stick to sustainable gardening ideas, there are not many quick or effective solutions. Or so we thought.

According to gardening experts, pot marigolds, also known as calendulas, are the 'insurance policy' hero plant that can protect your other crops from pests while attracting helpful pollinators to your garden.

The pot marigold pest control solution all gardeners need to try

If you've recently started vegetable gardening for beginners or are curating the perfect flower patch, you'll probably be aware of the potential risks some pests can pose. And whilst you might not be completely into the rewilding trend, you may be less inclined to use chemical solutions.

That's where calendulas come to save the day, also commonly known as pot marigolds.

Gardening expert Benedict Vanheems, who shares his tips and tricks on YouTube @Growveg says, "Calendula flowers can help to protect our plants by attracting pest predators, the sort that munch on common soft-bodied pests like aphids."

Aphids are an extremely common pest and can also become an issue when caring for indoor plants. They severely damage plants by sucking juices from leaves and stems which will cause discolouration among other things.

"One study found that when calendula was grown with cabbages there were far fewer problems with not just aphids but caterpillars too," says Benedict. "So I would say it’s worth growing calendula among cabbage family crops like collards, cabbages, cauliflowers and broccoli."

He says calendulas should be considered an 'insurance policy' that guards against calamitous pest invasions by luring pests away and attracting their predators. These predators include ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, all of which will make quick meals of pests.

Thanks to their ability to attract useful insects like bees, calendulas are also one of the best plants for pollinators.

"I always grow my calendulas among my vegetables and here’s why," Benedict explains, "Calendulas are real bug magnets, attracting pollinating insects like bees that will go on to boost pollination rates of fruiting and podding crops, everything from beans to tomatoes."

Speaking to the lead gardener at Allan's Gardeners, Jane Dobbs, she explains how it's not just aphids that calendula can deter.

She says, "Flowers of calendula release a scent that repels aphids, whiteflies, some types of beetles, mosquitoes and plant-parasitic nematodes. This plant can also repel other pests like cabbage moths, slugs, and spider mites, though it may not eliminate these pests. Even though calendula isn't as powerful as some chemical pest control solutions, it can be effective and eco-friendly."

Calendula are one of the flower seeds that need to be sown in April so you have time to plan where you want and need them to be. Jane recommends planting 1-2 plants per container, this will be sufficient for controlling pests on a few plants like tomatoes or herbs.

However, if you have a larger garden she advises, "Consider planting 6-10 calendula plants throughout the garden. Don't over-plant, marigolds grow quickly, so you can always add more plants if pests persist."

To ensure your calendulas are doing their best protection work, Jane highlights the importance of deadheading them.

"To keep your calendula effective, deadhead the flowers regularly. This promotes new blooms and maintains the flower's pest-repelling scent. Moreover, calendula grows quickly, so it is easy to maintain as a pest control plant," she says.

White vinegar is an undeniable hero when it comes to home cleaning, so it shouldn't be surprising that it can also help with several gardening tasks.

You'll probably find yourself cleaning with vinegar weekly, as it's known to effortlessly tackle most tasks with ease. Although there are some things you shouldn't clean with vinegar, thanks to its natural solution, it's safe to use on most surfaces.

According to plant experts, white vinegar is the newest sustainable gardening idea, making several high-effort jobs much easier. From weed killing to insect repellent, here are seven inventive ways to use white vinegar in the garden.

How to use white vinegar in your garden: 7 effective ways

While you might be more familiar with seeing white vinegar used in viral cleaning hacks, gardening experts are now sharing ways the product can help keep your garden thriving.

1. Weed killer

Getting rid of weeds is every gardener's worst nightmare, and having to use a chemical weed killer can be terrible for the health of your plants and flowers. So if you want to rid your garden of stubborn weeds, white vinegar is a great natural solution.

"Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can break down the cell walls and remove moisture from weeds," explains Graham Smith MCIHort, a horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture."However, as it is a contact herbicide, it should only be sprayed directly onto the weeds you want to get rid of, as otherwise it can harm surrounding plants."

He does explain that the vinegar will work better on newer plants, as the roots of more established weeds may have the energy to return even if the leaves that were sprayed have died.

"It is best only to use vinegar as a weedkiller on paving, as using it on your lawn can kill the healthy grass," adds Graham.

2. Repel insects and plant pests

When it comes to keeping ants away and other creepy crawlies, it can feel like an impossible task. They tend to hide all over the garden and using chemical insecticides is not always a viable option.

"You can disrupt the scent trail of ants by spraying undiluted vinegar on their trails and entry points. It also helps keep garden beds and patios free of ants. To repel insects like aphids and mealybugs, you'll need to mix vinegar and water equally for the spray," explains Jane Dobbs, lead gardener at Allan's Gardeners.

She does however advise you to avoid harming delicate foliage by spraying sparingly only on leaves, too much of the solution can harm your plants.

3. Help germinate seeds

If you successfully collected seeds from your garden and saved them over winter, you'll no doubt have a lot of work on your hands ensuring they become seedlings. This can be quite a daunting task, so it's always good to have a little helping hand.

Jane says, "The germination of hard-coated seeds (nasturtiums and morning glories) can be accelerated by soaking them overnight in vinegar-water solutions. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of water and place them in the water."

Then sow the seeds into seedling trays and care for them as you usually would. Follow Nancy Birtwhistle's genius idea for making free plant pots for spring seedlings. Or but some simple coir pots to do the job...

4. Remove rust from garden tools

If you're an avid gardener, then you'll probably own all the essentials every gardener needs and they'll probably be very well used. If so, they might be slightly rusted and overworked.

"If your gardening tools are covered in rust or caked in dirt, you can use vinegar to clean them. Soak the affected areas of the tools in vinegar for roughly half a day, and a lot of the rust should come off by itself," explains Graham.

Should there be any rust left over on the tools, he simply advises you to wipe or gently scrub it off. The vinegar will have loosened enough that not too much elbow grease is needed!

5. Clean walkways and pots

Cleaning your terracotta pots and tackling the dirt build-up on your patio slabs is no easy feat when there are months of algae and mud layered on them. The good news is that white vinegar is a fantastic outdoor cleaner!

Graham explains, "Calcium or other mineral deposits can appear on brick walkways or limestone paving and be unsightly. You can get rid of these by making a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water that can be sprayed on these areas. The spray should begin to break down the mineral deposits, and they will be loosened enough to be scrubbed away."

As for pots, he says simply clean the terracotta with vinegar and water, which will both remove the dirt and restore the colour of the pots.

6. Use as an anti-fungal spray

In the same way, you'd care for indoor plants by protecting them from diseases; your outdoor plants are also at risk and they will benefit massively from a helping hand.

Garden Designer and Influencer Ish @Gardening.with.ish on TikTok explains, "Just a little bit of the solution on some of the leaves prevents any kind of fungal infection from spreading, especially if it’s only a little one. But don’t use too much, too much of this can be more harmful than good for your plants."

He recommends using a solution consisting of a teaspoon of white vinegar in a spray bottle filled with water.

7. Natural deterrent for cats, dogs and rodents

Deterring cats from your garden might seem like a bit of an unfair thing to do, but finding a harmless natural solution means your flowerbeds are undisturbed and no cats are hurt.

"This is a great natural deterrent for cats, dogs and even rodents," explains Ish. "They hate the smell of white vinegar and if you water it down you won’t smell it but they will. If you want to keep them off the lawn or your flower beds just give the area a little spray and make an invisible border. They’ll smell that and won’t want to go anywhere near your flower beds."

FAQs

Are there any places in the garden where you shouldn't use white vinegar?

Similar to using teabags in your garden or banana peels in your garden for certain plants, there are some limits to what area and species will actually benefit.

"There is no selectivity in vinegar, so it can harm or kill any plant that it comes into contact with. Don't spray near flowers, vegetables, or other plants you want to keep. Also, spraying vinegar on grass will cause it to turn brown and die," says Jane.

She adds, "Don't use it near tree roots or shrubs. Repeated application can leach into the soil and damage deep-rooted plants. Vinegar is acidic and harmful to fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants. So if you have ponds and water features it is not a good idea."

Whilst it is an all-natural solution, it's important to remember just how powerful of an acidic cleaner it can be.

Why is white vinegar particularly helpful in the garden?

Although white vinegar is certainly more versatile in the home, there's no denying its helpfulness outside. But what makes it such a great tool for outdoor cleaning and garden care?

Jane explains, "Because of its natural acidity, white vinegar is particularly useful in the garden for weed control, pest management, and cleaning. When used properly, white vinegar remains an effective tool without causing harm to your plants, soil, or surroundings."

What plants does white vinegar kill?

The last thing you want to do when using white vinegar in your garden is to damage or even kill your most alluring plants. Which is why it's best to know the exact risks that come with its use.

"If white vinegar comes into contact with the foliage of any plant, it can damage or potentially kill it. This is because white vinegar contains acetic acid, usually 5%, but some white vinegar designed specifically for cleaning can contain as much as 20% acetic acid," starts Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

"When the acetic acid comes into contact with the foliage of plants, it breaks the cell walls, allowing sap to seep out, resulting in the plant dehydrating and foliage to dry out, turn brown, wither and die. However, as white vinegar only damages plant foliage when it comes into contact with it, if you accidentally get vinegar on plants, you can often remedy the situation by pruning off damaged foliage and using water immediately to wash away any vinegar," she adds.

There are, of course, some plants that are more susceptible to damage, particularly young or delicate plants with thin foliage. So be sure to avoid those at all costs. To avoid damage, Lucie recommends always diluting your white vinegar and being cautious where you spray the solution. Keep in mind that if it's not diluted, it will affect the PH level of your soil type.

If you're looking for more ways to reuse household items in the garden, we'd recommend trying the different ways of using coffee grounds in your garden. They are a great source of nutrients for certain plants and can help you level up your soil game.

The best trees for pots can help transform your outdoor space in multiple ways. They have obvious aesthetic appeal –even more so with those sporting colourful autumn foliage or spring blossom – but if positioned in the right spot, they can also increase privacy. What's more, the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze adds to a relaxing ambience.

When we think of patio container plants, we often look to bedding plants that can be switched in and out according to the seasons. However, planting a tree in a pot can offer a more permanent feature, and due to its height, a more dramatic one, too.

Many compact options are suitable, as gardening experts reveal. Below, they share recommendations and useful maintenance tips.

8 best trees for pots, recommended by professionals

Whatever your preferred garden trend, there are the best trees for pots to complement it. And of course, they're not just for patios – potted trees on either side of a front door or porch instantly add character.

1. Olive trees

“The olive tree is an elegant, evergreen tree, perfect for giving your garden that Mediterranean feel,” explains Nigel Lawton, plant buyer from Dobbies. “Olive trees are drought-tolerant and provide low-maintenance year-round greenery."

If it gets very cold, garden designer Isobel Spandler advises moving pots into a shed, or if they are too heavy to move, throwing over some horticultural fleece and wrapping the container with a layer of bubble wrap to 'overwinter' olive trees. This will help to protect the plants from frost.

Nigel recommends watering them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. You could consider adding some grit to the compost and placing pot feet underneath the container to improve drainage, as suggested by Dickon Harding and Becky Crowley from the park and gardens team at Raby Castle.

They also recommend placing these trees in full sun. "Olive trees will grow to a great age, so be prepared to upsize their container over the years," they add. "A regular feed with seaweed extract will keep them healthy."

Olive trees are available from Thompson & Morgan.

2. Flowering crab apple

If you love the rewilding garden trend, this tree should be one to consider. "These ornamental crab apples have interest in spring in the form of blossom, summer and autumn leaf colour, and then fruit in autumn which is loved by the birds," says Angela Slater of Hayes Garden World. "If you are looking to bring wildlife into your garden, this tree is one of the best.

"There are various colours of blossom, from deepest carmine to pure white," she continues. "Apple colour also varies from deepest wine through yellow and orange."

She recommends malus "John Downie" as one of the most reliable and widely available varieties. It has pure white flowers in spring and large orange or red fruits in autumn. You can buy these crab apple varieties from Crocus.

"Malus ‘Profusion’ has glorious deep-wine fragrant flowers resulting in deep blood-red fruits," she adds.

While these trees are tolerant of any aspect, she warns against allowing them to dry out; "it may need watering twice a day if the temperature is hot."

3. Japanese maple

“The Japanese maple is an eye-catching choice with delicate, colourful foliage that changes through the seasons,” says Nigel. “Its compact growth makes it perfect for small gardens, and its ability to thrive in partial shade means it is a great way of adding striking colour to all patio areas."

"They all lose their leaves in autumn, but the spectacular autumn leaf colour is well worth having bare trees in winter," adds Angela. She particularly recommends Acer japonicum shirasawanum "Aureum", which has "quite an upright form and the most gorgeous luminous yellow or lime-green leaves and crimson clusters of small flowers in spring." Its autumn colour is a spectacular red, she adds.

She also suggests the Acer palmatum "Sango-kaku" variety for its beautiful, coral-red stems with leaves opening pinkish, turning green in summer, and finally changing to yellow in autumn. The tree is available to buy from Crocus.

Nigel says it is important to keep Japanese maples out of strong winds and direct sunlight. "Keeping soil consistently moist is key to keeping the foliage at its colourful best," he notes. Angela adds: "Make sure the container is in proportion to the size of the tree as they dislike sitting in a lot of cold soggy compost."

4. Amelanchier

Patty Willems, a plant expert from sustainable plant pot manufacturer elho, suggests planting a Juneberry in a pot, which is also known as amelanchiers. They have white blossoms in the spring, and berries in the summer, and, after the summer passes, the leaves boast a vibrant autumnal hue, she highlights. "These trees are also hardy and tolerable of most conditions, but for best results, find a spot with full sun, keep the soil moist, and avoid overwatering."

"Here at Raby, we are very keen on amelanchier," shares Dickon and Becky. "We have them in our woodland areas within the newly restored walled gardens, but they also work well in large pots where their beautiful spring blossom can be appreciated close to your back door.

"Amelanchier alnifolia “Obelisk” has a neat growth habit," the team adds. "Being slender, it can offer you some height where space might be limited." Simply prune out any damage over winter, as well as any crossing branches, they add.

Looking for more tips on plants to prune in February? Our guide has you covered.

5. Bay trees

“Bay trees are a versatile, stylish, and hardy choice, ideal for shaping and culinary use," says Nigel (the leaves can be used to flavour stews, soups, and more). These aromatic beauties are also evergreen, giving you deep-green colour all year.

Nigel recommends pruning them lightly to maintain shape and encourage growth, and watering them only moderately, avoiding overwatering, as bay trees dislike soggy roots. In fact, too much water can lead to root rot, which can cause bay tree leaves to turn brown, so good drainage is important. "Keep it in a sheltered spot in winter to protect from frost," Nigel adds.

You can shop for standard bay trees from Thompson & Morgan.

6. Mountain ash

"If you love your wildlife garden, then a Sorbus would make an invaluable addition," says Angela. Also known as mountain ashes, Angela highlights how their small spring flowers are an important early source of nectar, while the masses of small berries can attract birds to your garden.

"Sorbus aucuparia ‘Eastern Promise’ is a smaller form, so ideal for growing in a container, and it has the added bonus of glorious autumn leaf colour, turning to purple and orange in a spectacular display," she says. "The deep rose-pink berries are produced in great profusion."

Mountain ashes are tolerant of any aspect, just make sure the compost is well-draining, she says. "They do make a large tree eventually but this will be limited by the maximum size of the pot you can accommodate."

7. Silk tree

Formally known as Albizia julibrissin, the silk tree is another recommendation from Isobel for our list of the best trees for pots. She highlights its finely divided foliage and fragrant pink and white flowers. "Place in full sun to get the best from this specimen."

This tree originates from Asia and does well in the UK, although it is slow to come into growth in the spring, Isobel adds. "Frost-damaged growth can be pruned out in spring."

8. "Brown Turkey" Fig

"Brown Turkey" figs are available from Sarah Raven. These alluring plants are a great option for a large container.

Figs like to have their roots restricted, as Isobel points out. "So, planted in a container against a warm, sheltered, sunny wall may just yield you a good crop. The large, deeply lobed leaves have a jungle feel and they would work well in an urban courtyard," she adds.

As a bonus point, Isobel notes how these trees are self-fertile, meaning only one is required for a crop. "Once the fruit starts to appear, feed weekly with a tomato food." This Tomorite tomato food from Levington at Amazon is well-rated.

FAQs

What sort of container should you use for a tree?

The team at Raby Castle recommend using clay or terracotta containers because they offer stability – "they are heavier than most other materials (unless you have a beautiful stone trough), so are less likely to be blown over." What's more, they highlight that they provide a more stable temperature for the root structure, whereas a metal structure will heat up in full sun and offer less insulation in cold weather.

"Make sure the pot offers room for the roots to grow – at least 10cm wider and 15cm deeper than the rootball," they add. "It's also worth considering the shape of the container. If the neck is narrower than the body, you will really struggle to remove the tree later on in its life should it outgrow the pot."

While knowing how to water your plants properly is essential, good drainage is also a must. The team suggest placing some crocks in the pot before adding compost. Likewise, Angela says to raise the pots off the ground with pot feet, a couple of bricks or some stones. "This enables the water to get clear away and not pool around the base of the pot.

"Use a good quality peat-free compost, either a specialist tree medium or a premium brand multi-purpose," Angela adds. "As you will more than likely be paying quite a lot of money for your tree, it is worth paying an extra couple of pounds for your compost."

How should you water trees in pots?

It's important to remember that plants in pots dry out much quicker than those planted in the ground. According to Angela, you may have to water your potted tree twice a day when the weather is hot; first thing in the morning and again in the evening. "Water directly onto the compost," she says – "watering over the leaves is just a waste, as most of it will evaporate."

Her top gardening tip? "Placing other planted pots around your tree container will cut down on the moisture loss through the sides of the pot in hot weather."

In terms of feeding your tree, she recommends applying a handful of granular balanced fertiliser in the spring.

Can you grow potted citrus trees on a patio?

“Citrus trees such as lemon, lime, and orange can make the perfect addition to your summer garden,” says Nigel. However, he notes how these plants won't reliably survive winters outdoors, even in the warmest parts of the UK.

"When grown in containers they can be kept in a greenhouse or conservatory, then moved outdoors in summer into a sunny, sheltered spot.”

If you're looking for more plant recommendations for your plot, our guides on best rockery plants and best fragrant garden plants will provide plenty of lovely ideas.

The key to growing fruit, veg, salad, and herbs at home in pots or window boxes, is choosing plants with compact root systems, like leafy greens, radishes, or salad leaves - essentially anything that thrives in limited space.

You'll also need to assess how much sunlight your area gets, ideally, you want a spot with plenty of light, especially for fruiting plants. Container size matters too, so match the pot to the plant’s mature size to ensure it reaches its full potential.

Ultimately with the right choices and care, you’ll be harvesting your own delicious produce in no time! Not sure where to start? Then look at these delicious options, all perfect for pots and planters.

Fruits and vegetables you can grow in pots or window boxes

Strawberries

Juicy, delicious, and oh-so-moreish, it's no wonder strawberries are one of the UK’s most-loved fruits. And the best part? They don’t need much space to thrive! Perfectly happy in hanging baskets or window boxes, strawberries flourish with around 6-8 hours of sun per day. For the best results, plant runners in autumn or early spring, and by summer you’ll be enjoying a sweet bounty of homegrown berries. If growing from seeds, be patient, your first harvest may take a little longer, but it’ll be worth the wait!

Lemons

When you think of lemon trees, your mind probably goes to the beautifully scented groves of Spain and Greece, yet dwarf varieties can actually be grown in small tubs and will last for years if properly cared for. The most important thing to remember is that in temperate climates like the UK, lemon trees need to be overwintered indoors to protect them from frost. A 30cm pot with well-drained soil is fine to start, and it won’t take up too much space, but for long-term growth, a 40–50cm pot is ideal.

Plant in spring, and be patient, it may take up to three years to bear fruit, depending on the variety. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, as lemon trees dislike soggy roots - and who can blame it!

Carrots

Chock-full of vitamins and minerals, carrots are as delicious as they are good for you! To grow them, plant seeds in light, well-draining, stone-free soil at least 20 cm deep for smaller varieties and 30cm deep for longer ones. Place them in full sun and sow from early spring to late summer.

When the thin seedlings emerge, remove a few to prevent overcrowding, spacing them about 5cm apart for healthy root development. With proper care, you can expect to harvest in around 10 to 12 weeks - though baby carrots may be ready even sooner!

Cherry tomatoes

Versatile, nutrient-rich, and incredibly tasty, it’s no wonder tomatoes are one of the world’s most popular fruits. For patio pots, opt for a compact cherry tomato variety like ‘Tumbling Tom’ or ‘Balconi Red’ - small but packed with flavour. Plant them in at least a 30cm deep pot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, placing them in full sun (at least 6–8 hours a day). Water regularly, provide support with a stake if needed, and feed with tomato fertiliser once flowering begins. It’s a good idea to start seeds indoors in early spring and move them outside in late spring (certainly after the last frost) for a bountiful summer harvest.

Beetroot

Baby varieties of beetroots, known as beets in the US, are packed full of all kinds of goodness, including fibre, folate, and tonnes of antioxidants. Grow them in full sun in a 20cm deep pot with light, well-draining soil, sowing seeds throughout spring and into summer. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can cause the roots to turn mushy. Be brave and thin seedlings 5 to 7cm apart. It may seem like you’re throwing away potential beets but it’ll give the remaining bulbous root vegetables more room to thrive. Then just sit back and wait, your harvest will be ready in 8 to 12 weeks!

Blueberries

Once a rarity in British gardens, blueberries are now a popular choice for home growers, as they provide a bounty of nutrient-rich berries, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre, and antioxidants, culminating in a fruit which is equally delicious and healthy. To grow blueberries, you’ll need acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), so it’s best to use an ericaceous compost, and pop it in a pot that’s 40-50 cm in size, and water with rainwater, as tap water is often too alkaline and can affect soil acidity.

If you plant your blueberry shrub in spring you can expect beautiful berries from July to September. As a perennial shrub, your plant will produce fruit year after year if properly cared for, just give it a little prune in winter, mulch (with pine needles if possible), and protect it from birds, who will want your blueberries as much as you do.

Bell peppers

You can grow (mini) bell peppers, such as ‘Snackabelle Red’ and ‘Mini Bell’ in patio tubs, producing sweet, crunchy fruit perfect for snacking or cooking. For best results, plant in spring (April - May) in a 30 to 40cm deep and wide pot filled with fertile, well-draining compost. Place in full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours daily) and water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. If growing a taller variety (like ‘Lunchbox Mix’), use supportive stakes to prevent bending under the weight of the fruit.

Expect to harvest from summer through early autumn (July - October), ready to enjoy in salads and snacks or cooked meals like stir-fries, stews, and roasted dishes for a delicious burst of sweetness. Yum!

Garlic

Whether you want to keep vampires at bay or are just looking to cook up some deliciously garlicky grub, this little bulb is a must for gardeners on a space budget! To grow garlic, separate a bulb into individual cloves and push them roughly 3cm into loose, well-drained soil anytime from autumn to early spring. Autumn planting (September–November) produces the biggest bulbs, while spring planting (January–March) results in smaller, but still tasty, garlic. Position in full sun, and in 6–8 weeks, you’ll see little green shoots appear.

Be patient though, as garlic takes 6-8 months to fully mature. Look for when the leaves start to yellow and die back, usually June to July for autumn-planted garlic or late summer for spring-planted varieties, as this will be the telltale sign it’s harvest time!

Mint

Mint is the perfect accompaniment to a multitude of drinks and food recipes alike, but once planted in the ground, it can run riot - spreading wildly through underground roots. That’s why mint is a long-time favourite for container gardening! A 20-30cm wide pot with well-draining, moisture-rich soil is ideal. Plant it in spring, place it in partial shade or full sun, and in as little as 6–8 weeks you’ll have a fresh supply of mint ready to harvest.

Pick leaves regularly to keep the plant producing strong, flavourful growth.

Potatoes

The incredibly versatile potato is surprisingly easy to grow - it's a wonder more people don't do it! For smaller tubs, early or salad varieties are best, such as ‘Charlotte’ and ‘Rocket.’ Simply plant seed potatoes 10-15cm deep in tubs or grow bags filled with nutrient-rich compost between February and April. Place them in full sun and water regularly. When the shoots reach 15-20cm, ‘earth up’ by adding more compost to cover the lower stems. Continue watering well and feed every fortnight with a high-potassium fertiliser.

For early potatoes, start checking for harvestable tubers after flowering, while maincrop varieties are ready when the foliage yellows and dies back. Then all that’s left for you to do is decide... chips or mash?!

Radishes

Radishes, those crisp and peppery root vegetables, are perfect for growing in small pots at least 15cm deep, making them an excellent choice for a window box. Use well-drained soil and place them somewhere with plenty of sun, ideally at least six hours daily. They can be sown from early spring to early autumn, though they thrive in cooler temperatures. Expect a speedy harvest in just three to four weeks. Keep the soil consistently moist, and when seedlings emerge, be brave and thin them out, spacing them about 2.5cm apart to allow room for their roots to develop properly.

Lettuce

Cut-and-come-again lettuce is exactly that - plant it, grow it, cut it, and it will keep producing fresh leaves for weeks! It’s an excellent choice for a window box or a small pot at least 15cm deep. Sow seeds in loose, well-drained soil anytime from spring to early autumn, and keep the soil consistently moist. You can start harvesting outer leaves in as little as 3 to 4 weeks, which will encourage continuous growth. Lettuce thrives in partial shade, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, but in hot weather, it’s best to give it extra shade to prevent it from bolting - stress that causes it to produce flowers and seeds prematurely.

Spinach

A wonderful source of iron and even recommended by Popeye himself, spinach is a nutritious and easy-to-grow leafy green. Sow it in pots at least 15 cm deep (or 20 cm for larger leaves) in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. It thrives in partial shade and prefers cooler conditions, making early spring and late summer ideal for planting. Expect to harvest in around 6–8 weeks. Pick outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth, allowing your spinach to keep producing fresh leaves over time.

Spring onions

Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, thrive in full sun and loose, well-draining soil. For best results, plant them in a pot at least 15cm deep (or 20cm for the chubbier varieties that form small bulbs). You can sow seeds anytime from spring to autumn, and for a continuous supply, why not plant in succession every few weeks? They take around two months to mature but remember to water moderately. Harvest as needed, but if you only cut just above the white base, your spring onions will regrow several times, providing fresh greens throughout the season!

Rhubarb

It might surprise you to learn that you don’t need a huge patch to grow rhubarb! In fact, some varieties, like Timperley Early and Raspberry Red, will flourish in a large patio pot (at least 40cm deep and 50cm wide). What’s more, it's perennial, so if you look after it right, it will come back year after year! It’s important to know that rhubarb is a hungry plant, so be sure to use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant a dormant crown in autumn or early spring and position it in full sun or partial shade. As tempting as that first harvest may be - don’t! The plant needs time to establish.

From the second year onward, you’ll reap the rewards, with juicy stems ready to pick from April to June. Keep the plant well-watered but avoid waterlogging, as rhubarb roots are prone to rot. Watch for flower stalks, as removing them ensures the plant focuses energy on producing delicious stems. When harvesting, wait until the stems are pinkish-red, then twist and pull rather than cut, as this encourages healthy regrowth.

Basil

Basil is a wonderful accompaniment to many dishes, especially Italian-inspired ones. It’s easy to grow and thrives even in a small pot. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep in well-drained soil in late spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot, and expect to start harvesting fresh leaves in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.

To encourage bushy growth, pinch the tips regularly to prevent flowering, ensuring all the plant’s energy goes into producing fragrant, delicious leaves!

Rocket

Rocket, or arugula as it’s known Stateside, is a tasty, peppery salad leaf perfect for adding a little punch to dishes. It thrives in a 10-15cm deep pot with moist, well-draining soil and prefers partial shade to prevent bolting in hot weather. Sow seeds from spring to autumn, and you’ll have fresh leaves in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. To keep it producing all summer long, harvest regularly as rocket is a very helpful, low maintenance, cut-and-come-again plant, meaning it will keep regrowing for several weeks before needing a fresh sowing.

Kale

OK, so you say kale, and most people crinkle their noses in disgust. But! It’s actually a bit of a superfood - packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron, calcium, and antioxidants - what’s not to love? To grow your own, plant seeds in a 30cm deep pot filled with well-drained soil. Sow in spring or autumn, placing it in full sun or partial shade. In 8–10 weeks, you’ll have a harvest!

Pick the outer leaves regularly, and the plant will keep producing fresh, nutrient-rich greens for months to come.

Pea shoots

Popular in Asian-inspired cuisine, pea shoots - also known as pea sprouts - are the young leaves and stems of pea plants. The great thing about them is that they only need shallow trays with a little bit of compost to thrive. What’s more, they don’t require full sun, making them an excellent choice for partially shady gardens, balconies, or even a windowsill. You can plant them year-round, keeping them indoors in colder weather, and they’ll be ready to harvest in just a few weeks!

Cut them just above the lowest leaves and they’ll regrow once more, before needing to be replanted.

Coriander

With a reputation as a ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ herb, coriander - or cilantro - is a rich, flavourful plant that’s easy to grow in small pots. A 15cm deep pot with well-draining compost is ideal for leafy growth, and you can plant it in the spring or autumn, keeping it in full sun or partial shade to prevent early bolting. In roughly 3-4 weeks, you’ll have a fresh harvest, but regular cutting encourages regrowth! Eventually, however, the plant will flower and need reseeding for a continuous supply. But as you’ll have discovered the first time around - that’s so easy to do!

Chillies

These fiery, sun-worshipping plants are the perfect choice for gardeners with limited space who want to grow something delicious and beautiful! Compact varieties like ‘Apache’, ‘Basket of Fire’, and ‘Demon Red’ are excellent choices for smaller pots, just grow them in 15 to 20cm deep containers with free-draining, nutrient-rich soil, watering regularly but allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Some taller plants may need staking for support, and you’ll want to start seeds indoors in early spring, and then move them outside later in the season.

By summer, when the weather is (hopefully!) as hot as your chillies, you’ll be enjoying your spicy homegrown harvest!

Parsley

Fantastic with fish, salads and so many other dishes, parsley is cheap, easy to grow, and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and calcium. All you need is a small pot (at least 15 cm deep, though 20 cm is better) and moist, well-drained soil. Shelter it in partial shade or full sun with regular watering, and sow in spring (or autumn for overwintering). Germination can be slow (2 to 4 weeks), but once established, you’ll have a harvest in 6 to 8 weeks. Cut the outer stems regularly to encourage fresh growth and to keep the plant productive for longer.

Cress

Cress! Such a fun plant to grow - surely everyone remembers cress-heads, right? Or growing it in a yogurt pot as a school project? Cress is super simple and fast to sow and grow, ready in just 7–10 days, and you can plant it any time of year. The amazing thing is, you don’t even need compost! Just a shallow tray or pot with damp kitchen paper, or cotton wool.

It thrives on a windowsill but, if growing outdoors, place it in partial shade for the best results. A quick and easy way to grow fresh greens anytime!

Thyme

The perfect aromatic herb to partner with chicken, lamb, fish, and roasted vegetables, Thyme, like many sun-loving Mediterranean herbs, thrives in free-draining soil, so mix in plenty of horticultural grit when planting in pots - really, don’t hold back!

Spring is the best time to plant thyme outdoors, and while you can harvest year-round, summer is when it’s at its most flavourful and vigorous. To keep the plant healthy and prevent woody stems, trim 5-10cm every few weeks during the growing season. Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as this can stunt regrowth, you want to always leave enough leafy growth to ensure a continuous supply.

Nasturtiums

These beautifully bright and colourful flowers are not just edible - they’re delicious! With a peppery, watercress-like taste, nasturtiums, they’re packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a perfect and pretty addition to a summer salad. What’s more, they’re super easy to grow! All you need is some seeds, a 20cm pot, some well-drained soil, plenty of sun, and regular watering - and that’s it!

Sow in spring and start harvesting the leaves and flowers in summer. The best part? The more you pick, the more they bloom! That’s a win-win for both you and your outdoor space.

Oregano

This beautiful flowering perennial, a member of the mint family, can grow up to 90cm tall, so while it can be grown in tubs, make sure you have enough space for it to spread its stalks and grow upright. As a Mediterranean herb, oregano thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Plant in spring, and you can start harvesting the leaves within six weeks. What’s more, regular trimming encourages bushier growth, keeping the plant healthy and productive.

To make dried oregano, which has a stronger flavour for cooking, harvest stems just before flowering, hang them upside down in a warm, dry place, then strip the leaves once fully dried. Then pop them in an air-tight container for year-round use.

Lemongrass

Native to Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, lemongrass is a zesty, gingery, slightly floral-tasting tropical herb commonly used in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine. It’s also valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, digestive, and calming properties. To grow lemongrass, use a 30 to 40cm deep pot filled with free-draining soil. Plant in spring or summer and place it in full sun. After 3 or 4 months, you can start harvesting, but cut the outer stalks first, as these are the most mature and flavourful, plus this will encourage fresh growth from the centre.

As a tender perennial, lemongrass can survive year after year, but only if it’s protected from the cold. Therefore, in temperate climates like the UK, it’s best to bring it indoors during the colder months to prevent frost damage.

Celery

A nutrient-rich, versatile salad ingredient, celery is extremely low in calories and packed with fibre and water, making it a fantastic choice for healthy snacks and salads. What’s more, as it can be harvested multiple times by cutting outer stalks while allowing new ones to grow, it’s an unsurprising favourite among gardeners. To grow celery, you’ll need a pot at least 20 to 30cm deep filled with moist, well-drained soil. Plant in spring, placing it in full sun or partial shade in hotter climates, and wait for 3 to 5 months for it to fully mature, although you can start harvesting outer stalks earlier to encourage continuous growth.

Celery is so fantastic it’s almost magical, as you can even regrow it from kitchen scraps by placing the cut-off base of a used stalk in a shallow dish of water; after a few days, new shoots will appear, and once roots develop, you can transfer it to the soil for a second harvest!

Gooseberries

It is absolutely possible to grow healthy, compact gooseberry varieties in patio pots. Gooseberries produce tart fruit that can taste sharp like sour grapes when unripe or develop sweeter, melon and kiwi-like notes when fully ripe. Great varieties for containers include ‘Hinnonmaki Red’, which is high-yielding and tangy-sweet, and ‘Invicta’, known for disease resistance and heavy crops. If you prefer a nearly thornless option, ‘Captivator’ is the choice for you.

For best results, plant them in autumn or early spring in a large tub (30 to 40cm deep) filled with rich, well-drained soil. Gooseberries love full sun, and by summer, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of berries, just watch out for the prickles! Prune lightly in February to encourage fruiting spurs and mulch in spring to retain moisture and improve soil fertility. With the right care, your gooseberry bush will provide delicious harvests for years to come!

Cucumbers

Yes, you can grow (mini) cucumbers in pots! These petite batons are also known as patio, snack and cocktail cucumbers, and while their full-size counterparts need plenty of space, compact varieties like ‘Mini Munch,’ ‘Iznik,’ and ‘Picolino’ thrive in smaller containers. For best results, plant in spring (April to May) in a 30cm deep and wide pot filled with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Place in full sun and keep the soil consistently moist, as cucumbers are very thirsty!

Most mini cucumbers grow on vines, so support them with a trellis, stakes, or a mesh frame to stop them from toppling over. However, bush varieties such as ‘Bush Champion’, don’t need extra support. Expect to harvest in summer (July to September) and enjoy a steady supply of crisp, homegrown cucumbers perfect for sandwiches and salads!

Rosemary

Whatever dish you’re making, chances are rosemary will enhance it! From stews to grilled meats, roasted veg to cakes and bakes, this perennial herb is as versatile as it is beautiful, because as well as adding a robust, aromatic flavour to food, rosemary produces sweet lilac-blue flowers on richly fragrant stems, making it a treat for multiple senses. To grow it, use a 30 to 40cm terracotta pot with free-draining, sandy soil and place it in a sunny, sheltered spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer.

You can enjoy fresh rosemary sprigs year-round, or dry them for later use, which intensifies the flavour. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Just remember that while rosemary is hardy, it may struggle in very cold areas, so move it to a sheltered spot in winter to protect it from frost and waterlogging.

Dwarf beans

Perfect for small pots, dwarf beans (also known as bush beans) are a type of French bean that grow to a height of around 30 to 45 cm. Unlike climbing varieties such as runner beans or pole beans, they don’t require staking or supports, making them ideal for those with limited space.

To grow them, sow seeds in late spring in a tub at least 20cm wide, using fertile, well-draining soil. Dwarf beans thrive in full sun, but water regularly to keep the soil moist, and with the right care, you can expect a harvest by mid to late summer. What’s more, the more you pick, the more they will produce, so in theory you can have them all summer long!

If there's one thing we learned from The Secret Garden, it's this: showing your outdoor space some TLC when it's cold and grey outside is the best way to ensure it thrives come springtime. And what better way to do so than by learning how to take hardwood cuttings?

Monty Don has long been a fan of taking hardwood cuttings; in fact, the gardening guru has declared it one of the most important gardening tasks to tackle in November (alongside learning how to overwinter lavender and overwintering olive trees).

Why? Because, just as any gardener worth their salt should know how to deadhead plants properly, collecting hardwood cuttings is one of those sustainable garden ideas that will have your outdoor space looking beautiful – and for free, no less.

How to take hardwood cuttings

Learning how to take hardwood cuttings from hydrangeas, fruit bushes, roses, and any other flowering shrub or tree is a surefire route to success.

Unlike growing plants from seed taking hardwood cuttings is the best way of reproducing your favourite garden plants – because it ensures your new plant is exactly like the established parent plant.

The additional benefit of this essential plant propagation tip is that it is easy and free to do, with no extra equipment or shelter required.

What you will need

As mentioned already, learning how to take hardwood cuttings is one of those nifty gardening tasks that doesn't require bags of equipment; all you really need are some gardening gloves, sharp secateurs or loppers, and a deep pot filled with very gritty compost.

Some gardeners also suggest using a rooting hormone (like Doff 75G-Ke075 Natural Rooting Powder 75G, White from Amazon), but this is entirely optional.

Step-by-step guide

"Taking hardwood cuttings isn't just a reliable way to propagate your favourite shrubs, trees, and climbers; it's also a fun thing to do come the late autumn or winter, when it's all the more important to get out and soak up some vitamin D," says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

With that glowing endorsement in place, then, here's how to take hardwood cuttings like a pro...

1. Get selective

You will want to be just as selective with the plants you decide to take cuttings from, opting for deciduous fruit bushes, roses, flowering shrubs or trees.

"I like to take hardwood cuttings from currants, roses, forsythia, dogwood, willow, and viburnum," muses Christopher.

2. Choose healthy wood

Unlike when pruning roses or other shrubs when taking hardwood cuttings, the general advice is to look for one-year-old wood that is firm, straight, and disease-free.

"The stems should be about the same width as a pencil," adds Christopher.

3. Make your cut

To ensure your hardwood cuttings are effective and destined for success, you can't just chop any old bit off; there are rules to bear in mind.

"Take a 6–12-inch length of the stem, and make a slanting cut at the top (just above a bud) and a straight cut at the base (just below a bud)," advises Christopher.

Once this is done, you'll want to remove any remaining leaves or side shoots, leaving the stem bare – and you can dip the base of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder if you like, although this is entirely optional.

4. Get planting

Once you've taken your hardwood cuttings, you have two options; you can either plant them up in pots or, if you fancy popping them straight into your cottage garden, in the ground itself.

"If you go for the former, you'll want to fill a pot with a mix of compost and grit for drainage, and then pop in your cutting, making sure about two-thirds of its length is covered by the soil," says Christopher.

The latter requires a sheltered spot with well-draining soil, he adds, noting that you should "plant the cuttings at an angle, leaving one or two buds above the soil and taking care to space them about 6 inches apart."

5. Show them some TLC

Thankfully, hardwood cutting are pretty low maintenance, so long as you take care to water them immediately after planting, as this helps them to get established.

If you are planting them outdoors from the get-go, you'll want to cover them with horticultural fleece or pop them in a cold frame to protect from wintry frosts.

6. Be patient

The most important thing to remember when learning how to take hardwood cuttings is this: they take a while to get going. Patience is required.

"All being well, your rooted cuttings should be ready to plant in their permanent location come autumn next year!" says Christopher.

FAQs

When should hardwood cuttings be taken?

Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the late autumn/early winter. "Timing is everything when it comes to taking hardwood cuttings, as you want to hit that sweet spot – just after the leaves have dropped but before the first hard frost," says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived.

What is the best method for rooting hardwood cuttings?

According to Monty Don, the best method for rooting hardwood cuttings is to "place the cuttings so only one-third is above soil level in a deep pot filled with very gritty compost (4 or 5 can fit into each pot) or outside in a narrow trench backfilled with gritty sand to ensure good drainage".

Water them well once a week and leave them alone until the following autumn, and you're guaranteed a good chance of success.

Now that you know how to take hardwood cuttings, you can set to work filling your garden with wonderful plants... for free. Don't say we never treat you, OK?

It's the season for pumpkins and funny-looking gourds, a time when many of us will be using all our elbow grease to carve masterpieces and make charming displays. But what happens when spooky season is over and you're left with a doorstep full of soggy squashes?

There's nothing quite like finding sustainable garden ideas that help you create less waste whilst also encouraging your garden's ecosystem. Similar to the way you can use tea bags in your garden or banana peels in the garden, food waste, whether you've eaten it or not, is highly beneficial for soil enrichment, amongst other things.

So when your pumpkins, wonderfully carved or not, no longer belong with your other autumn decor, don't just throw them away; try out one of these savvy ideas for using leftover pumpkins in your garden to get more out of them.

How to use leftover pumpkin in your garden: 3 easy ideas

Certain garden trends come and go over the years, but finding ways to reuse organic waste will always be in fashion. It's the same reason we continue to use orange peels in the garden and coffee grounds in the soil.

Pumpkins are no exception; in fact, they can bring so many benefits to your garden and reusing them saves filling up your bin with rotting squashes.

Chris Bonnett, Founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, says, "It’s a shame that tonnes of pumpkin leftovers go to landfill after Halloween each year when they can be put to great use in gardens."

1. Make nutrient-rich compost

One of the simplest ways to repurpose Halloween pumpkins is to compost them," says Chris. "Pumpkins are packed with nutrients and break down quickly, making them a perfect addition to your compost pile."

Making your own compost and having a bin or walled heap is a great way of providing yourself with top-quality, nutrient-rich soil whenever you need it. It's also ideal for lowering the amount of food waste you send to landfill.

If your pumpkins were used as jack-o-lanterns, you'll want to remove any candle wax and chop them up into smaller pieces before throwing them into the compost pile.

2. Soil enrichment

If you're already struggling to find ways to make your small garden look bigger, you may not have room for a compost heap or bin. Fear not, you can feed pumpkin chunks directly into the soil.

"If composting is not an option, you can also bury pumpkin pieces directly into the soil," says Chris. "Simply dig a hole, drop in the pumpkin and cover it with soil to benefit your other plants from the rich organic matter left behind."

Pumpkins are full of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so we'd recommend burying the chunks near your vegetables and leafy greens.

3. Seed harvesting

Whether you're into succession planting or have mastered how to collect seeds from your garden, having a stock of dried stored seeds at hand is always a good thing.

Chris recommends keeping the seeds when you've carved your pumpkin or taking them out when repurposing the un-carved ones, too.

He says, "While you’re carving pumpkins, harvest the seeds so you can use them to grow new pumpkins for the next season. Store the seeds somewhere cold and dry and save them for spring."

Knowing how to grow pumpkins from seed is a fantastic way of saving yourself some money when it comes to next year's spooky festivities!

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FAQs

Can you leave pumpkins out for animals?

While you might be working hard to keep squirrels out of your garden, there may be some wildlife you'd like to keep around. In the same way, you'd set out birdseed, you may think that chopped pumpkin is a good food offering, but it's unfortunately not.

"Pumpkins are not a natural food source for most wildlife and can make animals feel unwell and spread diseases," says Andrew Ward from Arbtech. "Whilst badgers and foxes may be able to enjoy pumpkin as long as it has been cut into small pieces and safely fed to them, for hedgehogs, the risks can be fatal."

“Any discarded pumpkin intended for wildlife should be cut into little pieces and left in small quantities. These should be placed on a raised platform such as a bird table so that hedgehogs are unable to access them," he adds.

The cellulose found in pumpkins can cause dehydration and diarrhoea for hedgehogs, so it's best to keep the chunks well away when leaving them out for other animals.

Andrew also points out that you shouldn't leave your pumpkin out in public spaces too long, either, especially if it's been decorated. He explains, "If the pumpkin has contained candles, then they should not be left for wildlife at all, as the soot and residue from the candles may be harmful. They might also ingest foreign objects like candle holders."

It's best then, to take in your pumpkin when it's served its purpose and reuse it in your garden safely for your plants to enjoy.

Are leftover pumpkins okay for squirrels to eat?

If you want to help wildlife this autumn and don't mind bushy-tailed visitors, you may be wondering if pumpkin is a safe option.

"Leftover pumpkin can be given to squirrels, as it can be a good source of vitamins and minerals. Squirrels can eat the flesh and seeds of pumpkins, but before giving it to them, you should check that the pumpkin is not mushy, mouldy or covered with candle wax," says Richard Barker, Commercial Director and gardening expert at LBS Horticulture.

"The pumpkin should be cut into smaller pieces so it is easier for the squirrels to eat, and placed on a feeder or area above the ground where it will not be eaten by hedgehogs," he adds.

Why should you not throw away pumpkins?

Although carving and displaying pumpkins is a common, popular activity to do around Halloween, it's shocking the amount of waste it creates.

A study conducted by the World Economic Forum found that each year in the UK, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin are discarded, which is a major food waste issue. This is why it's so highly recommended you recycle, cook, compost and re-sow your pumpkin leftovers.

Just because pumpkins are out of the picture doesn't mean the cosiness of autumn is over. There are plenty of autumn home decor trends that will keep the season's joy around you without worrying about rotting vegetables.

There's no denying it anymore, autumn is here and with it comes the wetter weather. This means there's no time like the present to prepare and protect your garden from possible heavy rainfall.

If you're up to date with the latest garden trends, you might have heard of rainwater harvesting and the way it can help your garden not only survive but thrive in wet conditions. This is, of course, the best way to protect your garden throughout winter; however, there are other ways you can handle severe weather.

Aside from rainscaping, you can take simple steps to keep your plants, furniture and lawn safe during heavy downpours.

How to protect your garden from heavy rain

After spending the summer working away in your garden, planting patio container plants and avoiding lawn care mistakes, the last thing you want is for it to be washed away by the rain.

Luckily, you don't have to panic just yet, as the gardening experts are here to help prepare and protect gardens from heavy rain.

1. Secure any loose objects

One of the first things you'll need to do before the bad weather hits is make sure all the loose things in your garden are tied down or stored safely. Just make sure you don't fill your shed with household items that shouldn't be in there.

Jack Stooks, gardening expert, explains, "Whether it's umbrellas, chairs or tables, you need to ensure those types of objects are either out of the way, in a shed or somewhere where they’re not going to blow over."

"You don’t want them to be flying around and smashing into plants and breaking branches. When it comes to trees that have canes, you need to make sure all the ties on the canes are properly secured, so they don’t blow over and snap," he adds.

If you have a greenhouse, especially if it's made of glass, you'll need to make sure you take plenty of precautions so nothing can smash into it. Always make sure your greenhouse and shed doors are tightly closed so nothing is blowing or banging when the gale-force winds hit.

2. Cover any tender plants

In the same way you'd protect your plants from frost, making sure they're safe from the rain can be done with similar tools.

"Tender plants in stormy weather can easily be protected with a covering. When you’ve got tender plants, and you cover them over, you want to make sure that what you’re covering them with is secured down to protect them from the winds," explains Jack

A common tool for protecting plants is fleece, which is great, but Jack points out that you'll need to make sure you fasten it down with metal pins or big canes.

He adds, "Make sure the canes are bashed into the soil to make it really secure. That way, they won’t come off and blow all over the place, which will defeat the purpose of them."

3. Prevent plants from being waterlogged

After spending all summer strictly watering your garden plants properly, you won't want them to become waterlogged in winter.

Jack says, "Protecting smaller plants is not really as much of a problem because they’re used to UK weather. However, there may be some plants that you don’t want to get too damp, wet or sodden."

If you know you have plants that don't like much water, like lavender, then Jack advises you to dig them up and put them into a container that you can store in a shed or greenhouse. That way, they're safe from overwatering.

4. Choose weather appropriate plants

Preparing well in advance and planting mainly winter bedding plants and such can make life a lot easier this time of year.

"Find things that are suited to our weather, rather than things that go against the weather in the UK," says Jack.

And this means everything in your garden, from choosing the sturdiest garden fence designs to the best outdoor furniture. Investing in higher-quality products and structures will ensure they last through the winter.

5. Let nature take its course

As much as you can try to protect your garden from blistering winds and torrential rain, there's truly only so much you can do. Actually, these harsh conditions can be beneficial for your plants.

Jack echoes this, " If you’ve got a large shrub that you’ve never pruned, what you might find is that one or two of the branches are blowing like crazy in this weather, and they’ll snap. That’s the nature of gardening."

"From there, go in and prune the two trunks that have fallen and broken. This will help to produce new growth. It’s quite easy to get disheartened when things like this happen, but quite often, it brings new growth, and you get a nice plant from it," he finishes.

FAQs

How to deal with a waterlogged garden?

Even when you've prioritised picking only the best plants for wet gardens, certain intense weather conditions can lead to your garden becoming waterlogged, no matter what you do.

"You can improve the structure of the soil in your garden with regular cultivation to prevent the soil from becoming compacted, such as turning the soil to improve aeration. Other landscape management solutions that can help are building raised planters to elevate the roots of plants above waterlogged areas, installing permeable paths and driveways and converting roofs into green roofs," explains Richard Barker, horticulture expert and Commercial Director at LBS Horticulture.

"Water management solutions, such as French drains, can help to aid water absorption in your garden. You can also install water butts to collect rainwater, which can be used in your garden too. If your garden floods regularly, consider creating a space where the water can go, such as a rain garden or bioswale," he adds.

Finally, when planning your garden, Richard recommends choosing plants that thrive in wet conditions or can be adapted to thrive in waterlogged soil. He says this will make your garden more resilient to heavy rain, and plants suited to these conditions can stabilise soil.

Should you cover your garden with a tarp in the winter?

When trying to avoid making any winter garden mistakes, you might wonder if it's just worth covering your garden to stop any damage or weather-related issues.

"Covering your garden with a tarp in the winter can help to protect the ground from heavy rain, which prevents soil erosion and soil nutrients from being washed away," starts Richard.

"However, it can block beneficial moisture and air from reaching the soil, so it should not be used as a long-term solution. If you are using a waterproof, non-breathable tarp to cover the soil, only use this for short periods of time, such as when heavy rain is forecast," he continues.

Once you've got your outside space prepared for the cold weather ahead, why not tackle indoors and try out some autumnal decor ideas? Creating a cosy atmosphere in your home can make such a difference to your mood when the weather is bad!

Jack's expertise was shared in conjunction with Betway.

While it's said that 'the colour of springtime is in the flowers, the colour of winter is in the imagination', that doesn't have to be the case – especially if you set to work filling your garden borders with the best winter bedding plants.

It's not all about colourful spring flowers. It doesn't matter if you're using them in a modern or cottage garden, winter bedding plants are beloved by gardeners everywhere for their effortless ability to brighten up an outdoor space when most other flowers have died.

Don't discount them, then, as a basic addition to your planting scheme; when used effectively, they can prove themselves to be surprisingly alluring plants.

Much as it's worth researching the best perennials to plant now, not all winter bedding plants are born equal – which is why it's worth consulting the experts before you begin digging them in.

Best winter bedding plants to plant now

Autumn is an excellent time to set to work on filling your garden with winter bedding plants, as there's still a little warmth to help them get established.

This makes for stronger roots, more plentiful flower buds, and a generally better display come wintertime. And so, then, without any further ado...

1. Winter pansies and viola

One of the most loved winter bedding plants around, some pansies and viola have been specially bred and cultivated to add colour to our gardens when the thermostat is at its lowest.

If you're looking for a punchy pop of blue, the hardy Pansy 'Frizzle Sizzle Blue' from Crocus blooms from October through to May, so long as you pop it in sun/light shade and deadhead the plants properly to prolong flowering.

That being said, there are a few other varieties worth considering.

Where to buy winter pansies:

• The Viola cornuta 'Teardrops Apricot Purple Wing' from Sarah Raven is hugely productive for edible flowers.
• The Pansy 'Frizzle Sizzle Orange' from Thompson & Morgan is a vibrant orange biennial that will bloom from November through to May.
• The Pansy Matrix F1 Raspberry Sundae from Crocus promises rich colour and long-lasting blooms, as it's been bred to withstand most British weather.

2. Cyclamen

Christopher O'Donoghue, co-director at Gardens Revived, rates cyclamen as one of his favourite winter bedding plants – and little wonder, as this is a true tried-and-tested classic when it comes to brightening up flower beds and patio container gardens alike.

"Their petals are sweet, fragrant, and shaped just like little hearts," he explains, adding that the fully hardy plants can actually flower through autumn all the way into spring if you show them some TLC.

"Just be sure to pop them in a sheltered spot with freely draining soil, and don't forget to mulch!"

Where to buy cyclamen:

• The award-winning hardy cyclamen collection from Crocus will allow you to enjoy three different varieties of this pretty plant in one go.
• Try the Cyclamen coum from Thompson & Morgan for superb ground cover.
• The Mini Cyclamen Mix from Sarah Raven boasts brightly-coloured flowers from late autumn and into winter.

3. Christmas rose

The very first of the hellebores to bloom, the aptly-named Christmas rose will gift gardeners white (occasionally pink) flowers as early as December so long as you pop it in well-drained soil and treat it to some well-rotted organic matter when planting, too.

Even better? This one is a perennial with year-round interest, which means it will grow back every year.

'Best suited for a sheltered spot outdoors, they can be brought in as Christmas decor when they bloom,' adds Christopher.

Where to buy a Christmas rose:

• The Helleborus niger from Crocus is available in 9cm pots or 2 litre tubs, depending on what size plant you're looking for.
• You can pick up a Christmas rose from Thompson & Morgan – either as a bare root or potted plant.
• The Helleborus niger 'Snowdrift' from Sarah Raven is a bestseller for a reason.

4. Winter-flowering heathers

Another hard-working perennial, heathers are counted among the best winter bedding plants because, once established, they'll fill your borders with pretty blooms year after year.

"You can either plant them in drifts or pot them up for some much-needed winter colour," adds Christopher promisingly.

Where to buy winter-flowering heathers:

• Try the winter heath heather from Crocus for masses of white flowers when the world is grey and bleak.
• The Winter Heather Erica Darleyensis Collection from Amazon offers so much colour and variety.
• The White Heather in a Rustic Terracotta Pot from Sarah Raven also makes for an incredibly low-maintenance houseplant, depending on your mood.

5. Bellis perennis

"Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?"

So asked Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, and, to be perfectly honest, we absolutely did until we met the common daisy's fabulous cousin, the bellis perennis.

"These winter bedding plants boast a mass of bright pompom flowers, making them ideal for adding some much needed colour to an outdoor space over the bleak midwinter," says Christopher.

Where to buy bellis perennis:

• The Bellis Bellissima Series from Crocus promises to be a beautiful and long-flowering mixture of daisies.
• The Bellis 'Bellisima Mixed' from Thompson & Morgan is available as ready-grown plants with so many blooms you'll struggle to see the foliage. 

FAQs

What bedding plants are best for winter?

If you're unsure what bedding plants are best for winter, the tried-and-tested options to seek out are cyclamen, pansies, violas, and winter-flowering heathers.

Christmas roses and Bellis perennis, too, are a great way to add some colour to your garden borders over the colder months.

What month do you plant winter bedding plants?

It's best to plant winter bedding plants in the autumn, as the ground is still warm enough to stimulate root growth and help them to get themselves established before the temperature really dips.

Are there any winter flowering plants?

As well as the classic winter bedding plants, there are a few other winter-flowering plants worth considering. Amaryllis, for example, is an indoor plant that typically blooms around Christmas so long as you get it potted up by early October.

"Hyacinths, too, can be prepared for forcing if you plant them up in pots before Halloween and store them in a cool dark place for 10 weeks, then bring them into a warm, light room to bloom," says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived.

"Paperwhite narcissus, also known as Christmas daffodils, should be potted up between October and early November and kept indoors in a bright, cool location if you want them to look their best for 25 December," he adds.

When choosing your winter bedding plants, experts advise that you request pesticide-free ones – especially if you want to help local wildlife to thrive over the colder months.

And, if you only have room for one, we recommend opting for the picture-perfect cyclamen; they're guaranteed to inject some serious beauty to almost any situation over the bleak midwinter.

Any gardener who wants to work smarter, not harder needs to invest their time in the plants that will best reward their efforts by persisting and growing for years and years, rather than a mere season. No wonder, then, that so many are keen to suss out the best perennials to plant now.

It doesn't matter whether you dream of late summer flowers, cottage garden shrubs, or simply alluring plants to liven up your garden, there are plenty of perennial plants (aka comeback kids) to choose from when it comes to transforming your outdoor space.

"Perennials are great to have in the garden as they will grow back year after year – usually bigger and even more beautiful than the previous," says Melbourne-born and London-based bespoke garden designer Melanie Hick.

"There is a huge variety to choose from, and many have the benefit of being drought-tolerant and flood-resistant, making them a low-maintenance and climate-forward addition to your outdoor space."

The best perennials to plant in autumn

Now, the best time to plant perennials is actually spring or autumn – which means now is a good time to set to work.

"This is because roots require lots of moisture to establish - the summer months are simply too hot and dry," explains Melanie, who notes that, if September proves itself an unexpected scorcher, you should make sure you water your new plants well in the mornings and evenings.

"Drench the roots thoroughly by watering directly at the base of the plant, and avoid wetting the leaves – if the hot summer sun emerges it could scorch them," she adds.

With that warning ringing in our ears, then, here are the best perennials to plant now...

1. Aster

Also known as Michaelmas daisies, asters are guaranteed to add a pop of colour to your garden – particularly in late summer and early autumn, thanks to their clusters of pink and purple blooms (which are, incidentally, great for bees and butterflies).

If you're looking for a compact variety, try the Aster October Skies variety from Crocus; not only is it a drought tolerant beauty, it's also deer and rabbit resistant, too.

2. Switch grass

It's an unusual choice, but Melanie counts switch grass (available from Crocus) among the best perennials to plant now.

"This deciduous, perennial grass grows to 1.8m tall, ideal for adding ground coverage where needed. Not only that, but it adds some pretty colour too, with airy sprays of tiny, purple-green flowers produced from mid-summer to early-autumn, and the leaves themselves turning a beautiful rich reddish-purple colour later in the year, too," she says.

"Switch grass is proof that hardy plants can be both functional and beautiful. It originates from North America, where it is dominant in prairie-land, becoming famous for being both resource-efficient and low-maintenance – ideal for a sustainable, climate-forward garden."

3. Aquilegia

Also known as Granny’s bonnet thanks to its charming bonnet-like flowers, there are around 70 different species of this perennial plant – ideal for those who like to pick out specific coloured blooms to suit their planting schemes.

We rate the Columbine variety (available at Crocus) for its lush green foliage, pretty purple blooms, and ability to self-seed freely.,

4. New Zealand tea tree

If you're in the market for a perennial plant with some edge, look no further than the red damask (aka the New Zealand tea tree from Crocus).

"Those who love adding flashes of colour to their gardens will adore this plant, as it provides deep pink-reddish flowers, set off beautifully against narrow, dark-green leaves," promises Melanie.

"Try planting it against a backdrop of muted, warm hues, to provide pops of bright colour and lead the eye around the garden."

5. Lupins

With their delicately scented flowers and gorgeous array of colours, lupins aren't just cottage-garden staples; they're also among the best perennials to plant now, especially if you have a warm, open, bright position for them to do their thing in.

'These easy-to-grow sun-lovers also work well in formal borders, gravel gardens, containers and more, so do give them a try,' promise experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

You can, for ease, buy your lupins as plug plants from Amazon if you want a dash of instant gratification with your blooms.

6. Snow gum

Fancy a perennial tree that can take almost anything the Great British weather can throw at it? Try the eucalyptus pauciflora, commonly known as snow gum (available at Crocus).

"An attractive tree which is indigenous to Eastern Australia, this one's hardy nature makes it ideal for changeable weather – after all, it thrives in the searing heat and very wet spells of my home country!" says Melanie.

"It is often fast-growing, meaning it can provide shade very quickly, and has attractive bark, most with aromatic foliage, and clusters of small white, yellow or red flowers."

7. Oriental poppies

With their silky, pleated petals and decorative seedheads, oriental poppies are a brilliant way to add some flair to your outdoor space – which means, yes, they're counted among the best perennials to plant now.

They're easy to grow, thriving in most soils and handling shade every bit as well as they do sunshine, and they're a surefire way to light up your borders in late spring. We recommend picking up a packet of Poppy Oriental Collection seeds from Thompson & Morgan if you'd like to sow a multitude of colours.

8. Yarrow

If you want to add more bursts of vibrant colour to your garden, then Melanie recommends you add Achillea Millefolium, or yarrow, to your list of the best perennials to plant now.

"A spreading wildflower topped with domed flowerheads, this is a wonderful plant to introduce to gardens for wildlife – birds can use yarrow to line their nests, while many insects, including beetles and moths, feed on the plant," she says.

"As a result, yarrow is often a favourite to use in butterfly gardens."

Yarrow is available in a variety of different colours, from red to yellow to cerise. We're still in our Barbie era, however, which means we're particularly fond of the delicate Achillea millefolium 'Lilac Beauty' from Crocus.

9. Red-hot pokers

A great way to make a garden look expensive on a budget, red-hot pokers are one of those plants that just looks dramatic, no matter the setting.

"Kniphofia, also known as red-hot pokers, is a perennial plant with exotic-looking flowers which add yet another pop of colour into climate-forward gardens," says Melanie.

"They flower throughout much of the year – from March to November – so are ideal for adding colour into gardens through all but the winter. Colours are wild and varied – from red and orange, through to yellow and green, and even brown and pink. Growing up to 210cm, they are also ideal for adding some height and creating zones in gardens, or even privacy from neighbours!"

FAQs

What month is best to plant perennials?

If you're unsure what month is best to plant perennials, just remember that autumn is the ideal time because the soil is still warm, and plants can establish a good root system in time for the following spring.

With so many gorgeous options to choose from, it's a brilliant time to invest in the best perennials to plant now – and remember, they'll pay you back tenfold by popping back up every year. Now that's value for money!

Gardening is one of the great joys of life for many. It is a mindful and relaxing practice that helps create a beautiful outdoor oasis in your home. 

By following a few simple golden gardening rules, you can get the most out of your flowers and plants, adapt your approach to the seasons, and keep garden menaces like weeds and pests at bay.  

Here are 32 ways to help your garden bloom throughout the seasons, from handy gardening tips and tricks to encouraging more biodiversity. Spades at the ready. 

32 ways to help your garden bloom all year round

Keep on top of weeds

Weeds don't just look unsightly, they also use up water in the soil and harbour pests. Keeping on top of weeding is a surefire way to boost your garden's health. Commit to regular hoeing or pulling weeds out by hand (make sure you invest in some gardening gloves first!).

Add some mulch to soil

'Mulch' refers to a layer of material that's applied to your soil to prevent weeds and stop any that have already germinated from growing further. If you do have a bit of a weed problem, it's worth considering this process. 

Give your plant enough light

You'll need to do your research to work out which plants need more sunlight than others. Typically, plants need at least three hours of sunlight a day, but some need even more than that and thrive in constant sun. This will help you plan where to plant your flowers. 

Protect your plant from the other elements

Winter can be challenging for plants and flowers, so it's worth checking how to protect your plants best once the colder weather sets in. Wind can also wreak havoc with plants by making them shed leaves and flowers and can uproot trees and shrubs.

Discourage slugs

Slugs are bad news for plants. They feast on plant tissue, particularly seedlings and soft growth, so they can be detrimental to flowers, particularly when they're in their early stages. Protect against slugs using wood ash in vulnerable areas or organic slug pellets.

Cut back herbs

Herbs are a wonderful addition to a garden, but they can also easily become untidy and unruly. This is easily fixable with a regular trim that will encourage healthy growth and softer, more vibrant leaves.

Don't overwater your plants

It can be tempting to douse our plants in water and ensure they are as hydrated as possible, but sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing. Saturating the soil with water can deprive roots of oxygen and cause root damage. 

Keep pruning your plants

Don't be afraid to prune! Ensure you remove dead flowers, petals, leaves and foliage regularly to keep your plants and flowers in optimum condition. When it comes to the transition from winter to spring, some plants will flower on last year's growth, while others need to be cut back completely. It's worth checking online for the best way to care for individual plants and flowers. 

Keep on top of deheading spent flowers

Deadheading refers to the process of removing dead or fading flowers from plants and will keep them flowering throughout the summer and beyond. Deadheading bulbs also encourage plants to continue to flower rather than produce new seeds.

Make sure to prune your hedges

Hedges are the building blocks of a beautiful garden and should be kept in good condition through regular pruning, particularly during the first couple of years after planting. As a simple guide, it's best to prune new deciduous hedges in winter and new evergreen hedges in spring.

Before the summer, perform a soil test

A soil test will check the pH level of the soil before planting and flag any nutrient deficiencies so you can treat it beforehand. You can order a soil test online and they're simple to carry out at home. 

Acclimatise your plants

Sometimes called 'hardening off your plants', acclimatising plants and shrubs before planting them in the garden will help them flourish. Place plants outside for a few hours a day to get them gradually used to the cold, wind, rain and sun.

Water deeply rather than frequently

Rather than oversaturating your plants with regular watering, give them a heavy dose of hydration less often to encourage deep-root growth. The idea is to help plants absorb more water and withstand drought. 

Invest in some bloom booster

If your plants need a bit of a helping hand, investing in some bloom booster can help them flourish. Bloom booster is a powerful bloom stimulator that helps to increase mineral uptakes and should be applied to the soil around the plant. Always check the individual product's instructions when it comes to boosting your blooms. 

Clean your gardening tools

Your gardening tools are the key to success when it comes to creating a thriving outdoor space. Invest in tools that come with good reviews and feel good to use and ensure you keep them clean to control disease among plants. 

Try raised beds

Incorporating raised beds into your garden can give your plants the helping hand they need to flourish. They typically come with a wooden barrier for extra protection, aid drainage and keep plants, herbs, veggies and flowerbeds safe from weeds and pests.

Pay attention to seasonal blooms

As with everything to do with nature, paying attention to the seasons should be one of your first considerations when planning your planting schedule. For example, spring is the best time to plant perennials and annuals, while pansies can handle the light frost of winter. 

Consider an irrigation system

We can't always find time in our packed schedules to water our gardens as often as we can, which is where technology comes in. There are plenty of automatic garden watering systems on the market to choose from, suiting all budgets. 

Limit pesticides and chemicals in the garden

With a little care, consistency and understanding, anyone can create (and maintain) a thriving garden. You don't need chemicals or pesticides to assist you - and these can be damaging to wildlife and pets. 

Go large with plant pots

Bigger plant pots look stylish and it's generally easier to care for plants in bigger pots than in small ones. Smaller pots dry out quicker and will typically need more watering, so you're more likely to fall behind. 

Limit digging during dry periods

Digging in moist soil is always preferable, as vigorous digging in dry weather can potentially damage the soil and damage plant roots. If the weather is dry, consider watering the area first to protect the soil. 

Consider fruit trees

Fruit trees not only look beautiful and provide delicious produce - they're also a lovely way to attract wildlife like bees to your garden, providing nectar for pollinators. Plus, they're a good option all year round, with cherry trees and plum trees flowering as early as January. 

Encourage wild life

Encouraging bees, birds and mammals in your garden helps to boost biodiversity and keep pests at bay. While animal waste may be unpleasant, it can actually help garden plants grow and makes a good addition to compost. 

Consider a vegetable patch

Bright and colourful veggies are a surefire way to brighten up your garden. Plus, homegrown produce is good for our bank balances and the planet and helps us to live more sustainably. 

Plant sweet-smelling flowers

Colourful blooms often smell wonderful and look beautiful. Flowers like lavender, roses and honeysuckle have incredible natural fragrances and will bring some colour into your garden. 

Get the whole family involved

Gardening should be a fun experience that the whole family can get involved in. By making it a fun activity that family members can bond over, it's all the more motivation to keep the groundwork up.

Grow your favourite ingrediants - and make good use of them

It can be a great motivation to grow herbs and veggies that we can later use in cooking. Not only is a herb garden a great addition when it comes to home cooking, but herbs are also very fragrant and an attractive addition to your garden. 

Have some patience

A beautiful garden won't happen overnight; it takes patience and perseverance. Think about the season you're beginning your gardening journey in and how things will develop once the weather shifts. And don't be disheartened if things take a little while to get going. 

Have fun with it

Gardening is a favourite pastime for millions nationwide for good reason - it's a satisfying and fun hobby rather than a chore. Don't dread a gardening session. Instead, put on your favourite playlist, arm yourself with the right tools - and enjoy it. 

Experiment with bright colours

While a typical English country garden might be filled with soft pinks and lilacs, vibrant colours can look stunning in an outdoor space, and there are no rules when it comes to mixing and matching colours. 

Learn more about the plants you're growing

With anything to do with plants, flowers and gardening, it's worth doing your research. There are so many variables when it comes to plant life, but being in the know about how plants and flowers react differently to seasons and weather conditions will help your garden thrive. 

Make time to enjoy it

After all that hard work, make time to enjoy your beautiful garden. Host dinner parties with huge vases of flowers and outdoor candles, invest in a comfy outdoor chair for lengthy reading sessions and put out the picnic blanket for al fresco lunches. 

As the autumn months slowly creep up, our gardens will start looking a little sad and withered. This means it's time to deadhead our plants ready for them to die back, but should you include your azaleas in this?

Knowing how to deadhead plants properly is one of the most crucial gardening jobs to master as it not only allows you to neaten up your garden but also improves the plant's overall health.

However, there are some plants that you should never deadhead as doing so can actually stunt their growth and affect their ability to come back in the warmer seasons.

So if you have an azalea bush that's looking a little worse for wear you might be standing with secateurs in hand wondering if you can give it a chop. Here's what the gardening experts say...

Should you deadhead azaleas? Experts explain

Whilst deadheading is certainly an essential summer gardening job, you'll probably find yourself doing it right into the autumn months. For most plants, this practice breathes a new lease of life into them.

Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners, explains that azaleas will benefit from being deadheaded however it won't have transformative effects.

"Usually, azaleas require little or no pruning, but deadheading can improve their appearance. While it’s not absolutely necessary, it will encourage them to bloom for longer," he says. So similar to questioning whether you should deadhead Rhododendrons a seasonal trim is beneficial.

What are the benefits of deadheading azaleas?

Unlike deadheading peonies which will guarantee the plant's regrowth, azaleas might not be so reactive to the helpful chop. There are however several benefits to deadheading them and they're not just aesthetic.

"Deadheading can lessen the build-up of dead plant material which will reduce the likelihood of a fungal infection occurring and killing the plant," explains Graham Smith MCIhort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture.

He also adds that it does improve the plant's appearance and of course, there is the possibility that deadheading will encourage the plant to bloom longer and grow additional flowering shoots. It's a similar story when choosing to deadhead irises or deadheading dahlias.

FAQs

How to deadhead azaleas

Luckily deadhead is an easy gardening tip for beginners, so the method isn't too complicated you'll just need the right tools.

"If you decide to deadhead your azaleas, you can use a regular pair of pruning shears to snip each spent and faded flower head from the shrub. Generally, try to take a minimal approach and mainly inspect the plant instead of deadheading a lot," says Petar.

He advises, "Go to the base of the spoiled bloom, look for the woody part of the stem and only twist and pull it to remove the wilted flower head. Keep in mind that using pruning shears will allow you to perform a more precise job and avoid damaging any new blooms, while you’ll need to be more careful if you deadhead with your hands."

As for the right timing for deadheading, Petar points out that this depends on the variety of azaleas you're growing. He explains that as a general rule, you should start deadheading when you see the flowers are starting to fade or become damaged by frost.

Should you be a little tight on time and not have all day to spend in the garden Petar says that you really needn't prioritise deadheading your azaleas. If you often find yourself rushing in the garden you may want to invest in the essential tools every gardener needs to get more done quickly.

With autumn around the corner, gardens are already starting to show the change in season and a few maintenance tasks will be needed. One of these is deadheading spent flowers that need it but is your agapanthus one of these?

Knowing which plants you should never deadhead can get confusing, with certain species massively benefitting from the extra help and others not so much. As one of the best garden plants that every plot needs, you might not want to risk doing the wrong thing with your agapanthus.

So you can sort your garden out with peace of mind, we asked horticulture experts whether deadheading will help or hinder your agapanthus.

Should you deadhead Agapanthus?

Whilst you may have already mastered how to deadhead your plants properly, there is the added condition of which plants you should actually be deadheading. Does agapanthus fall under those species that will benefit from the extra help?

"Whether you choose to deadhead Agapanthus largely depends on your gardening goals and aesthetic preferences," says Hannah Rowson, Assistant Manager at J.Parker's. "Deadheading is generally recommended for those who wish to keep their garden looking tidy and to encourage further blooming."

"By removing the faded flowers, you not only improve the appearance of the plant but also prevent it from putting energy into seed production, allowing it to focus on growing healthier foliage and potentially producing more flowers," she adds.

What are the benefits of deadheading Agapanthus?

Similar to why you should deadhead your clematis, there are various benefits to cutting off the spent flowers on your agapanthus.

Jane Dobbs, lead gardener at Allan's Gardeners, says, "It is beneficial to deadhead Agapanthus for several reasons. By deadheading, you get more flowers on the plant. If you cut off faded flowers, the plant can focus on making new flowers instead of producing seeds."

She explains that agapanthus self-seeds and if you don't deadhead the plant then they may spread seeds around your garden, causing new plants to grow in unwanted places.

"By deadheading, you'll control this spread and keep your garden tidy. When you remove the dead flowers, the plant's energy is redirected from seed production back towards its roots and foliage. Ultimately, this will result in stronger and healthier plants with better growth and more robust blooming," she adds.

It's also important to deadhead to minimise the risk of your plant attracting pests and diseases. Jane recommends removing spent blooms to prevent fungal infection and other problems caused by decaying organic matter. You can put the garden waste to good use by making compost at home.

FAQs

How to deadhead Agapanthus

Although deadheading is one of the easy gardening tips everyone should know, you may have never actually deadheaded a plant. The method can also slightly change depending on which species you're catering for too.

Josh Novell, a plant expert and director of Polhill Garden Centre, says, "Deadheading Agapanthus is a fairly straightforward task for all levels of gardeners. Once the flowers start to fade, you need to use a clean pair of garden shears or secateurs to cut the flower stalks down to the base of the plant."

He also explains that it's important to remove any dead or damaged foliage too as this will improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.

"It's best to do this regularly throughout the flowering season to keep the plant looking its best," says Josh.

Once you've tackled your agapanthus, you can start deadheading your dahlias and peonies. Staying on top of your garden maintenance is a great way of transforming your garden on a budget and will help your plants thrive for longer.

August is widely considered to be the best month for relaxing and enjoying your garden, but it's also the ideal time to learn how to collect and save seeds – especially if you want your garden to look its absolute best next year.

It's one of this year's biggest garden trends, and little wonder; learning how to collect and save seeds is, after all, one of the most sustainable garden ideas to fill up your outdoor space with the very best plants... without forking out a fortune for the privilege.

Thankfully, it's the sort of easy gardening tip that's quick to master, especially if you have our expert guide to hand. Throw in the fact that it'll make it incredibly simple to tackle succession planting in earnest, and you have more than enough reasons to get started...

How to collect seeds and save them for free planting next year

One of the best and easiest ways to transform your garden on a budget, growing plants from seed becomes all the thriftier if you put the effort in to collect those seeds yourself to benefit from plant propagation.

"It is an opportunity to increase the number of plants in your garden for free," say experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), "[especially as] seed can be saved from many trees, shrubs, perennials, aquatic plants, alpines, annuals, biennials, bulbous plants, ornamental grasses vegetables and herbs."

With that in mind, then...

What you will need

Unlike some gardening jobs, like learning how to prune roses, you won't need many tools to hand to collect and save seeds.

In fact, all you really need to have to hand are:

• a pair of gardening gloves
• a few sheets of paper towel
• a selection of airtight containers, such as jars or sealed envelopes
• a pair of secateurs or strong scissors, like these Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Multi-Scissors from Amazon

Step-by-step guide

As mentioned already, it's surprisingly easy to learn how to collect and save seeds, so long as you wait for the right moment.

"Timing is one of the most important aspects of collecting seeds, as collecting too early or late can impact the seed," explains Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 

"Typically the best time to collect seed is around two months after flowering," he continues, noting that "seeds should be collected when they are dry and have begun turning brown or black, depending on the type".

And so, with that caveat in place, here's our expert advice on how to collect and save seeds like a gardening pro.

1. Select healthy plants

"The best way to gain results from collecting seeds is to choose robust plants," says Morris. Choose the most alluring plants in your garden to give young seedlings the most chance to thrive.

"With that in mind, be sure to select plants that are healthy and have the characteristics you want to pass on. And always avoid plants that show signs of disease or pest issues."

2. Harvest and dry the seeds

When it comes to learning how to collect and save seeds, the most important thing to remember is this; tailor your efforts to the plants themselves!

Pick the seedheads, either individually or with their stalks, and "lay them out to dry on a dry surface like a greenhouse bench or a warm windowsill," says Morris. 

"This drying process makes it easier to extract the seeds from pods, cones, or capsules ."

• How to remove the seeds from pods or cones: "Gently shake or rub the seed heads to release the seeds. If the pods and capsules do not open when dry, gently crush them to release the seed," says Morris.
• How to remove the seeds from pods: "For plants like beans or peas, simply remove the seeds from the pods."
• How to collect seeds from fleshy fruits and berries: "Start by mashing them in a fine sieve and rinsing away the pulp in cold water. Let the seeds dry for a few days on paper towels.
• How to remove the seeds from exploding seedheads: "You need to check these every few days. Place a bag over them and shake; this typically causes the ripe seedheads to burst into the bag. Alternatively, remove the seedheads along with their stems as they turn brown and place them in a labelled paper bag."

3. Clean the seeds

If you want to learn how to collect and save seeds effectively it's important to know that cleaning your seeds is necessary if you want to avoid rotting and decay. 

"To remove debris, use a sieve or your fingers to separate seeds from any remaining plant material, such as chaff or pulp," says Morris. 

"Some seeds benefit from being washed to remove any pulp or sticky residue. After washing, make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent mould."

4. Dry the seeds

When learning how to collect and save seeds, it's likely you will need to dry them, too (except in some rare cases; more on this later!).

"Place your seeds in a single layer on a paper towel, a tray, or a screen in a well-ventilated area," says Morris. "Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage seeds, and allow the seeds to dry for at least a week."

Be sure to ensure they are completely dry before storing them to prevent mould and rot.

5. Store the seeds

Any good gardening pro will tell you that "it’s important to use airtight containers like glass jars, plastic bags, or sealed envelopes" when learning how to collect and save seeds, as this will help to keep them dry. 

"Excess humidity or warmth can cause seeds to deteriorate or die due to fungal disease or rot," says Morris. "So, label the containers with the plant name and the date of collection, and keep the seeds in a cool, dark place with low humidity like a cool cupboard or a fridge."

6. Test for viability

It's an optional step in our How To Collect And Save Seeds 101 Guide, but it's always a good idea to make sure the seeds you've collected are worth keeping.

"To check if your seeds are still viable, perform a germination test by placing a few seeds between damp paper towels and observing if they sprout," says Morris.

7. Maintain seed viability

Of course, it's not simply enough to collect and save seeds; you have to show them some love while they're in storage, too.

"Whilst your seeds are stored, you should monitor them for any signs of moisture or pests," says Morris. 

"Most seeds remain viable for 1-2 years, but this can vary by plant type. Some seeds, like those of perennials, may last longer if stored properly."

FAQs

What is the best way to collect and store seeds?

Timing is everything when it comes to collecting and storing seeds; you will want to check and make sure they're ready to be harvested, and aim to do so on a dry day (you want them to be free of dew or moisture).

"Allow the seed pods or heads to fully mature on the plant. Seedheads can ripen rapidly, so it’s important to monitor them closely to collect the seeds before they scatter," says Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

"If seeds don’t look ready, check periodically to ensure seeds do not fall off prematurely. For some plants, you might need to wait until the pods or fruits have dried out completely. Bear in mind that fruit seeds like berries need to be collected before they are taken by birds!"

Once they're ready for harvesting, takr your pair of secateurs or scissors, collect your seeds, dry them thoroughly, and pop them in envelopes for storage. Don't forget to label them with the plant name and the date of collection, too.

How do you dry seeds for seed saving?

It's surprisingly easy to dry seeds for seed saving; simply scatter them across some paper towels, making sure to place them somewhere with low-humidity, good ventilation, and out of direct sunlight. 

Once this is done, leave them for at least a week, to ensure they have dried thoroughly (the RHS says you can store yours "in a refrigerator at 5°C (41°F) until required").

"Certain seeds, such as those of walnuts, oaks, and magnolias, must not be allowed to dry out, as they will be unable to absorb the water needed for germination," adds Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 

"These seeds can be stored for several months in a plastic bag filled with damp vermiculite, sand, or a mix of moist coir and sand."

The RHS adds that Store in a refrigerator at 5°C (41°F) until required. Most seed will remain viable in this way for many years

And just like that, you know how to collect and save seeds like an absolute pro. Put this knowledge to good use and we suspect your garden borders will be bursting at the seams come next growing season...

When it comes to invasive plants, brambles are probably one of the worst kinds to be overrun with. Not only are they a stubborn species to get rid of but they're also dangerous to have around. We asked experts how to get rid of brambles, so that you don't have to battle with them all season.

Even though brambles aren't one of the most common invasive plants, the chances that you've had a nasty run-in with them at some point are high. The biggest problem with then? The thorns. They'll hook into your fingers, and snag your clothes, making brambles a risk to have around and a challenge to remove from your garden.

Unless you participating in the rewilding trend, you'll probably want to rid your garden of these spikey plants. So we asked garden experts what the best method for getting rid of brambles is, as well as how to stop them from retuning to your garden.

How to get rid of brambles: an expert's guide

Similar to how you'd get rid of bamboo, there are some particular steps and tools needed to truly get rid of brambles for good. Whilst brambles won't spread as quickly or ruthlessly as bamboo or ivy, it is important to stay on top of their maintenance and prevention. 

Here's what you'll need...

• Spade
• Fork
• Secateurs
• Gardening gloves
• Brush cutter or Strimmer
• Herbicide (optional)

1. Check for wildlife

Removing invasive plants can be an absolute nightmare, as you may have experienced when trying to get rid of ivy in your garden. However, they are often a home for common wildlife in your garden, so it's important to check for any little visitors before you start removing them.

"Brambles’ dense, thorny stems provide shelter for small mammals such as hedgehogs, as well as nest sites for many garden birds. Before you begin cutting them back, always check you are not disturbing any wildlife first," says Paul Hicks, Marketing and Gardening Product Manager at STIHL GB.

2. Trim the pre-established bush

Should you have left your garden to the wayside for longer than you planned, then you might have been met with a full-grown bramble bush. When this is the case, it's now a matter of removal, and the first step is cutting it down. 

"Begin by shortening stems to around 30cm/1ft and then cut back brambles with secateurs. If brambles are tangled or have grown into shrubs or hedges, carefully cut the stems in several places before pulling them in manageable sections to clear them," says Paul.

Whilst hedge cutters might not make the list of the essential tools every gardener needs, they're absolutely perfect for this particular job and foliage maintenance in general. 

3. Remove the roots

Once you've cleared the cut stems away, don't feel tempted to use them on your homemade compost pile, as that can risk regrowth and possible spread. Next, it's time to tackle the hardest part, which is the roots. 

"Once all the brambles are cleared away, dig out the main stump and as many roots as possible with a sharp spade and fork. Then monitor for future regrowth, digging out any new stems as they appear," instructs Paul.

Then, incinerate the rooms once they've dried and turned brown or take them to your local recycling centre as green waste. 

4. Use chemicals if necessary

If you're not participating in the rewilding trend and are more than happy to use a little more aggressive method, then herbicides can help with bramble removal. 

Take precautions when using herbicides and make sure your skin is protected as well as your airways. 

FAQs

Have can you stop brambles growing back?

The best ways to remove brambles from the garden are the ways that ensure that they don't come back. It's not easy, but it's doable. 

Georgina O'Grady, Managing Director at Evergreen Direct, says, "to prevent brambles from regrowing, I suggest sticking to a routine where you clear and monitor the area on a regular basis. You'll want to apply a thick layer of organic mulch to the soil as a way of stifling the remaining roots."

In truly extreme cases, Georgina suggests using a barrier cloth to limit any future sprouting. This can also be a great opportunity to use old towels in your garden as they can also act as a barrier to stunt unwanted growth. 

Why do brambles grow in your garden?

If you're asking how to get rid of brambles then you're probably also wondering why a bramble bush has chosen to haunt your garden. Similar to how some of the best plants every garden needs might particularly thrive in your space, brambles react well to certain soil conditions. 

"Brambles flourish in gardens because of their robust growth pattern and spread quickly through networks of thorny branches. They often take root in neglected or overgrown areas with poor soil conditions, but can also infiltrate well-kept gardens if left unchecked," explains Georgina. 

This is why it's so important to know how to sort your garden out and regularly go out there to maintain it. If left for too long, your outdoor space could be taken over by invasive plants.

The most important piece of advice that every expert gave me when I asked them how to get rid of brambles in a garden was to go slow and steady with the stems. The thorny stems of brambles can form a protective habitat for nesting birds and small animals.

The plant can also attract wildlife like bees and butterflies due to the flowers that grow on them. So if you do choose to remove it, take it steady so you don't destroy any animal homes. 

Is it any wonder people love bamboo so much? Their upright canes make them a striking addition to any garden – and, better still, they double up as a fast-growing privacy screen, too. Here's how to grow bamboo and transform your outdoor space into a zen oasis.

Easily one of the best privacy plants around, bamboo is an easy way to add height and drama to your planting schemes – and, thanks to their lush evergreen leaves, it's a great way to add some colour to your home in the winter months, too.

As such, learning how to grow bamboo is fast becoming a major gardening trend at home. However, it's worth noting that these plants are incredibly speedy growers, and can pack some serious oomph if you're not too careful.

How to grow bamboo: an expert guide

"Bamboo is a popular garden plant for many reasons – not least of all the fact it’s so easy and quick to grow," says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

"Personally, I love that it adds a sensory element. All you have to do is plant some near a seating area and you’ll find the sound of the breeze rippling through the canes amps up the ambience in no time," he adds.

Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, agrees, noting that "bamboo is an excellent garden plant and can even be grown in large pots". 

"However, it can run wild in the garden and cause problems if not kept in check," he warns.

Keen to get started? Here's what you need to know...

What you will need

It's always best to approach any garden task, whether that's growing bamboo or mowing your lawn, with the correct tools ready and to hand.

To that end, then, you will need:

•  A loam-based potting compost, such as Levington's Peat-Free John Innes No 3 from Amazon 
• A good liquid feed, such as Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Concentrated Liquid Plant Food from Amazon 
• A bamboo-specific root-barrier, such as the Todds Bamboo Root Barrier from Amazon 
• Mulch
• Bubblewrap or horticultural fleece to protect the roots when the temperature drops! 

Due to its potentially invasive nature, most experts recommend you avoid planting bamboo directly into the ground. This allows better control and eliminates the potential of later seeking guidance on how to get rid of bamboo roots that have grown wild.

To make this dream a reality, you'll need a large pot at least 45cm deep (try the Millennium cube anthracite from Crocus for size)

You will also, of course, need some bamboo to plant:

We're also big fans of the umbrella fountain bamboo available at Gardening Express, largely because it's a special non-spreading and non-invasive variety (as well as incredibly beautiful!).

Your step-by-step guide

Now that you have everything you need to hand, it's time to learn how to grow bamboo – although the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advise that you wait until the right time of year to set to work.

"It's best to plant bamboo in spring so that the energy stored in their rhizomes (underground stems) can be used to produce strong new canes in summer," they say.

With that caveat in place, then, here's what to do next...

1) Find the right spot

The most important thing to know when learning how to grow bamboo is this: they like it sunny.

"Bamboo needs a sheltered, sunny spot in the garden where it will bask in at least 6 hours of sunshine a day," says Morris.

2) Prep the area

It's one of the top gardening tips for beginners, but preparation is everything when it comes to making sure your bamboo thrives.

If you're looking to plant your bamboo directly into the soil, then, the RHS advises you select a clump-forming variety (as it's less invasive), dig a trench around it that's 1.2 metres deep to create a vertical barrier, and fill it with something like paving slabs or corrugated iron sheets.

You'll also want to "enrich the whole planting area with well-rotted garden compost or manure" – and, if you're planting your bamboo into a container, make sure there's plenty of drainage holes.

You'll still want to use a root barrier in your container, too, to keep your plant from breaking free.

3) Get planting

Now comes the fun bit of our How To Grow Bamboo 101 class: planting!

"If you're planting directly into the soil, you'll want to dig a hole that's twice the size of your root ball, but no deeper than it sits in the pot," says Christopher. "You never want to bury the stem(s)."

If you're planting bamboo in a container, make sure to choose a pot that's large enough, and the RHS says to "add controlled-release fertiliser pellets and water-retaining gel in the compost". 

Mulching is, as ever, an excellent way to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged (which just so happens to provide the ideal situation for bamboo).

4) Show your bamboo some TLC

As mentioned already, it's incredibly easy to learn how to grow bamboo, as this plant tends to thrive even when left to its own devices.

That being said, Christopher advises that you:

• Water your bamboo during dry spells, taking care to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged (remember, potted plants will dry out more quickly than those planted directly into the ground) 
• Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season, taking care to feed your bamboo in early spring in particular 
• Use a pair of clean, sharp secateurs or loppers to regularly remove dead or damaged canes. "The aim is to thin out dense growth to improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases common in damp climates," says Christopher.
• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and be sure to treat infestations promptly (we recommend using ladybirds as a natural deterrent)  

5) Prune them to size

If you’d like to keep your bamboo to a specific size, Morris says that "you can prune the tops and also cut back any dead, diseased or damaged canes to the ground". 

"If the clump of bamboo has become very congested, cut back some canes to improve airflow and use them to support your other plants," he adds.

FAQs

Can you grow bamboo in the UK?

They might put you in mind of sunnier climes, but there are few hundred varieties that are hardy enough to handle the British weather.

As well as requiring a sunny (or partially-sunny) and sheltered spot in your garden, Hopes Grove Nurseries' director, Morris Hankinson, notes that "bamboo prefers moist soil and after planting you will need to water it most days until it is well established". 

"After this, watering should only be needed in dry spells," he adds. 

Can bamboo grow in pots?

It's actually preferable to grow bamboo in pots, particularly if you don't want them taking over your garden.

"When first planted, give the plants a good mulch of well rotted organic matter and if you do want to use a fertiliser this can be applied every two weeks from spring through summer," says Morris Hankinson or Hopes Grove Nurseries. 

"This often isn’t needed in the ground but more important if growing in pots." 

How quickly does bamboo grow?

Bamboo grows at an incredible rate, so much so that it can become a problematic invasive plant very quickly if you don't keep it in check.

"An important thing to do when planting in the ground is to protect the roots from growing into your neighbour's garden, up through the cracks in your paving slabs and anywhere else it can get to!" 

Pots are preferable, then. If you want yours in the ground, however, Morris advises you to "dig at least 60cm deep and line the area with bamboo barrier fabric or paving slabs, corrugated iron or any other impermeable material before planting".

"This will stop the roots from causing mischief," he says.

Now that you know how to grow bamboo, a zen oasis awaits you... so long as you take care to keep this beautiful plant under control.

Are you looking to revamp your garden with a few new quirky accessories? Mirrors are the latest must-have accessory that can do wonderful things to your garden's overall look. 

Whilst certain garden trends come and go some ideas for our garden will never go out of style. From incorporating sustainable garden ideas to investing in some of the best outdoor furniture, some things are truly here to stay. 

If you're looking for another timeless garden idea to try this summer, why not opt for an outdoor mirror? They can make your garden look considerably bigger and are extremely chic and ooze quiet luxury garden style. 

3 creative ways to use garden mirror ideas 

Whether you're looking for zen garden ideas or a new statement piece to jazz up your outdoor living room area, a mirror is a super easy, effective and affordable choice. 

"Just like outdoor rugs and cushions, mirrors are another inside furnishing that you can also utilise to decorate your outdoor space," says Suzi Samaddar, a styling expert at Furn. "Mirrors are a fantastic way to create the illusion of depth in a smaller garden space." 

And it's not just that, Suzi also points out that when combined with vibrant accents and outdoor cushions, mirrors can help soften your outdoor space and create an inviting extension of your home too. With that in mind, here are three simple garden mirror ideas to inspire your space... 

1. Create an optical illusion with window mirrors

It can be hard to find ways to make a small garden look bigger, but as mentioned above mirrors are one of the great ways to achieve that. 

For those with particularly more compact gardens, window mirrors can be a clever option to trick the eye into thinking the space extends beyond the boundaries. 

"You can also create optical illusions depending on the type of mirror you choose," says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA.  "For example, some mirrors can effectively imitate windows, whether it's a multi-pane frame or a round mirror that mimics a porthole." 

A porthole mirror would look great ina coastal garden theme, why not add a few light wooden elements and some seashells whilst you're at it? 

2. Elongate the perimeter wall with a tall mirror

When it comes to small garden tips it can sometimes seem like there's only so much you can do with the space you have. While this is true, adding a longer mirror to your space will make a huge difference compared to a small round one that doesn't offer the same impact. 

The taller the mirror, the more it engulfs the space to add depth and height.

"You could lean a tall mirror against your balcony railings to reflect your wall-climbing plants and garden furniture, which not only makes the space feel bigger but can also hide something from view, like next door's satellite dish," says Sue. 

She continues, "Taller mirrors can give the impression of an archway to walk through, instantly making your garden feel more expansive." 

3. Showcase on-trend shapely mirrors

Whilst large long mirrors can make your garden look bigger, some particularly small spaces might not even have the capacity to fit one of that size in. To use a mirror in this space we recommend using more on-trend living room-style mirrors, to add a more decorative touch.

“If your garden is small, opt for a small round or sunburst mirror to create an eye-catching effect, without overwhelming your space," suggests Suzi. "When looking to create a cohesive look, select a mirror with a frame that compliments the furniture in your garden. This will create a seamless design that ties your outdoor area together," 

She also points out that adding a mirror to your outdoor space won't just reflect light and bring the space together. When combined with vibrant accents and outdoor cushions, Suzi says it can help soften your garden by turning it into an inviting extension of your home to make your garden look more expensive. 

FAQs

Are there any downsides to having a mirror in your garden?

Whilst adding a mirror to your outdoor space is seemingly harmless, there are some disadvantages to having the accessory in your garden. 

Simeon Simeonov, a home improvement expert at Fantastic Services says, "One of the downsides is that a mirror in the garden can cause injury to birds. To prevent that from happening, make sure to place your mirror at a reasonable location and not very high. This way, it won’t cross the birds’ flight path." 

Aside from being the wrong way of how to attract birds to your garden. Mirrors can also be a potential fire hazard when placed in direct sunlight, because of this you'll need to place it where it'll reflect greenery or flowers. Just make sure the reflecting light isn't damaging the foliage of your plants with sun damage. 

Is there anything to consider before putting a mirror into a garden?

To get the most out of this rather multi-function garden addition, we asked the design experts if there's anything to keep in mind. Similar to when you're choosing which of the best plants for a garden to add to your plot, knowing all the conditions of an outdoor mirror is a great place to start. 

"Before installing a mirror in your garden, you need to think carefully about where you're going to place it," says Bex Lund, Co-Founder at YardArt. "I suggest opting for shatterproof materials if you want to prevent accidents."

She also highlights the importance of what your mirror will reflect aesthetically.  Bex explains, "You'll want to position the mirrors in a way that reflects your garden's most appealing features, such as a striking view of your favourite plants, while hiding or downplaying unsightly elements, like compost bins." 

There is also of course the matter of cleaning. Your mirror certainly is one of the things you should never pressure wash in your garden but it shouldn't be left to the spring cleaning checklist. Bex says, "By sticking to a consistent cleaning schedule and wiping away any unwanted dust or residue, you can keep your garden mirror in top condition for years to come!" 

If you're thinking of opting for a plastic mirror, both for the shatterproof material and friendly budget, Simeon says you might want to reconsider. He explains, "Using a plastic outdoor mirror can end up looking a little bit warped and will ruin the effect that you are trying to achieve. The most important thing to consider is using a good-quality mirror because it’ll last longer than the cheaper options." 

Adding a small pond to your garden might not have crossed your mind before, but this water feature can bring a lot of benefits to your space. 

Whilst ponds might not be at the forefront of this year's garden trends, they can be a great low-effort way of welcoming new wildlife into your space. So if you're particularly fond of the rewilding trend installing even a small pond is a great next step to increasing the presence of wildlife in your garden. 

We asked horticulture experts about the different ways you can add a pond to your garden and the considerations when it comes to maintaining it. 

Small pond ideas: 3 easy ways to create a garden pool

Whether you're in desperate need of small garden tips or are simply looking for a low-risk way of trying out a water element, ponds are an easy choice. You've probably thought against installing one before due to the upkeep and initial cost but it's not quite as taxing as it seems. 

1. Choose a pre-shaped pond

One of the easiest ways to add a pond to your garden is to buy a pond kit or a pre-shaped pond lining. You can find one to suit the size you need and the budget you're hoping to stick to. Ponds can be a great budget garden idea when done right!

"Start by choosing a location to outline the pond shape and then dig a hole that fits the shape and depth of the liner," suggests Petar Ivanov, garden and plant expert at Fantastic Gardeners.

After that, he says you need to add a layer of sand or soft underlayment to the hole and place the preformed liner into it. After you've levelled the pond, fill it with water, add rocks and plants then install the pump and filter should you want one.  

2. Try a flexible pond liner

Should you be after a little more creative freedom or need to accommodate for an awkward-shaped space then you can use the flexible liner option. No matter what garden theme you have, your small pond should complement it. 

"For a flexible pond liner, you will need an underlayment (geotextile fabric), a shovel, rocks, and plants for decoration, as well as a pond pump and filter. Outline and dig the pond to your desired shape and depth, remove any sharp objects from the hole, and then lay down the underlayment fabric," says Petar. 

He continues, "Place the flexible liner over the underlayment and fill it with water, smoothing out wrinkles. Trim excess liner and secure it with rocks, then decorate it with plants and rocks. Install the pump and filter if desired."

Why not incorporate the overgrown garden trend and allow your preexisting plants to surround the pond naturally? 

3. Create a container pond

If you're also looking for ways to attract birds into your garden then a container pond with a shallow area is a great idea. Ponds don't have to have fish in them and having a so-called empty pond will mean less maintenance and more seasonal visitors. 

"It’s surprisingly easy to make your own mini pond, which will be enjoyed by all sorts of wonderful wildlife," says Sean McMenemy, a nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife. "To do this, you can use an old plant pot or a shallow dish, just be sure the pot doesn’t have a drainage hole. If it does, line it with some pond liner to keep the water inside."

Then he suggests placing large pebbles and stones within the pot to create sturdy ground for wildlife to perch on and access the water. Sean explains, "Fill the pot with water, making sure the tops of the pebbles and stones are exposed so birds and visiting insects can safely get to the water. Position your hydration station in a cool and shaded space where the birds can easily find it." 

Just be sure to change the water regularly and clean the pot thoroughly when doing so, or you might be left asking how to get rid of mosquitoes. 

FAQs

What benefits are there to having a small pond in your garden?

Having certain places in your garden which attract wildlife can bring your space various benefits. Incorporating mosaic gardening through ponds and untamed greenery will open a door to new wildlife and plant life. 

Tom Clifford, gardening expert at Gardenstone explains, "Not only do ponds provide a visually interesting feature within your garden but they're also a crucial source of biodiversity. Ponds attract an abundance of wildlife to your garden, not only within the water but around the edges of your pond too."

The pond itself will attract frogs, dragonflies and newts while the plants surrounding the water make ideal bathing areas for hedgehogs and birds. 

Is it expensive to maintain a pond?

Whilst a pond might not be a way to make your garden look expensive on a budget, it's not exactly going to break the bank. Where the increased costs come in is if your pond is housing fish.

"If your pond contains fish you will require a filter system in order to keep the pond clean and the fish healthy. These filter systems keep the water clear by removing excess waste produced by the fish as well as dirt that can accumulate in the pond," says Tom. 

Filter systems have to be turned on for 24 hours a day which can use up a rather hefty amount of energy, however, the perk of having a small pond is that you can use a solar-powered filter to keep it clean. Tom does point out that ponds without fish are much cheaper and easier to maintain due to the lack of filtration needed. 

Making a pond from a container you already own, be it a plant pot with lining or a large basin, is one of the best sustainable garden ideas. The wildlife it attracts will also help with pollinating your plants and eating away at your compost heap. 

After enjoying a bottle of fine wine don't be too quick to discard the cork; it turns out you can use wine corks for good in your garden, according to gardening experts.

Repurposing wine corks is not only a fantastic, sustainable garden idea, reducing household waste, similar to using orange peels in the garden or coffee grounds in your garden, but also great for saving money with simple homemade creations to better your plot.

Horticultural experts reveal how you can make a protective layer of mulch and even improve soil drainage using simple wine stoppers. Here are the savvy ideas sustainable gardeners can embrace to reuse wine corks in their gardens.

How to use wine corks in your garden: 7 ways to improve soil and plants

Explaining how this budget garden idea can help enhance your outdoor space professional gardener Jane Dobbs says: "You can use wine corks for everything from mulch to plant markers.

"Gardening with wine corks is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective. You'll get healthier plants, better soil quality, and a more aesthetically pleasing garden."

1. Improve pot drainage

When you're planting your best patio container plants or potting easy-care houseplants corks can be extremely beneficial in aiding drainage. 

Placing a few discarded wine corks in the bottom of planters and containers when repotting your plants helps break up the soil to ensure the roots don't become overwhelmed by water.

"You can use wine corks to improve drainage in potted plants," says Jane. "Putting cork pieces at the bottom of pots helps prevent waterlogging. Before adding soil, cut the wine corks into smaller chunks and put them in the bottom. Creating a drainage layer will let excess water out."

You don't even need to cut them if you choose not to. When planting new pots you can simply place a handful of wine corks into the bottom to reduce the amount of compost needed and create space.

2. Ease soil aeration

Aeration is beneficial for all aspects of gardening, from helping when making compost to aerating a lawn. "It is crucial for healthy plant growth that the soil is aerated as it facilitates the roots' ability to breathe and assists in the absorption of water and nutrients," Jane explains. 

"The air pockets created in the soil by wine corks can assist in this process. By chopping wine corks into small pieces and mixing them into soil, you can help to aerate the soil. It will improve soil aeration and drainage, especially in heavy or compacted soils.

3. Make long-lasting mulch

Mulch is a protective layer of material used to cover the topsoil in flowerbeds or composted containers, which helps to protect the area by suppressing weeds, retaining moisture and helping to keep the soil warm in colder climates. You can use wine corks as a slow, biodegradable mulch material. 

"You need to clean wine corks thoroughly before you use them as mulch," suggests Jane. "Next, chop them into small pieces using a knife or shears and evenly spread the cork pieces over the soil. As the corks break down, they help improve soil health, retain soil moisture, and reduce weed growth."

It's important, when using wine corks as mulch in the garden, to ensure they are natural cork and not synthetic. Using synthetic corks will leach chemicals into the ground, which you do not want.

To use corks as mulch, you can either leave them whole or cut them up into small pieces. Either way, you have an effective mulch for your plants.

4. Elevate pots and containers

Plant pot feet are a blessing to provide better drainage and prevent root rot. While you can buy a 20-pack of invisible plant pot feet from Amazon for £14.97, you can create your own plant pot feet using old wine corks.

Placing wine cork under pots and planters is a simple but very effective way to raise your them off the ground and improve drainage. There's no need to affix the corks to the pots; just place them flat side down underneath the plant pots, one for each corner, and you have instant, free pot feet.

To use old corks to elevate your plant pots in place of traditional plastic feet, you simply cut the corks in half, safely using a kitchen knife and chopping board. Each cork will create two feet and you use them flat side down and position your pot squarely on top of the homemade feet. 

Although the corks are rounded the weight of the pot and the balance of where you equally position the feet will provide a safe and stable base.

5. Create plant labels

Use your leftover wine corks to fashion homemade plant labels. These can prove invaluable if you are keen on vegetable gardening because when you've gone to all the trouble of growing your own veg the last thing you want to do is lose track of what you've sown where. 

To make these simple labels all you need is a sharp kitchen knife, a handful of wooden stakes (like these Chef Aid Bamboo Skewers for £2.99 for 100 at Amazon) and a marker pen. 

Take a used cork and carefully cut down one side to make a flat surface, you can do this carefully using your kitchen knife supported by a wooden chopping board. Use a marker pen to then write the vegetable/plant names on the flat side of the cork. Pierce the bottom of the cork label with a wooden skewer and voilà – affordable wine cork labels in seconds.

"Paint the corks a different colour or add artistic designs for a more decorative touch," Jane suggests. "Plant labels can also be made using different types of markers or stickers."

6. Implement a savvy safety measure

Who knew that old wine corks could be a garden safety measure? Jeremy Shacklock, a gardening enthusiast, and father to w&h's royal editor Emma Shacklock, shares his genius idea to reuse wine corks for added safety when tending to his garden crops. 

Explaining exactly how Jeremy says: “I use old wine corks in my garden as a safety precaution when I’m creating support structures out of bamboo canes for my bean plants and sweet peas." A great gardening tip for those training the best climbing plants on canes.

Jeremy explains: "I carefully make a small hole in the top of each cork and then slot them on top of the bamboo canes and they offer a bit of protection and ensure no sharp edges are in the way when I’m gardening.” 

Jeremy's idea is a savvy alternative for saving costs, in place of buying Amazon's Choice of Cane Caps Green Rubber Garden Bamboo Cane Topper Protectors for £8.59 for 30.

7. Deter pests

You can choose to use wine corks as a pest deterrent. Whether deterring your neighbour's cat from using your pots as a lavatory or implementing a natural slug deterrent corks can be used on top of your soil to stop pests from getting to your plants.

In my parent's garden, the wine corks are used in their entirety to prevent cats mostly, but if you wish to deter smaller pests you can cut the corks into pieces to create an even terrain that is more challenging for them to navigate.

"Corks are great for deterring certain pests from getting to your plants," says Jane. "Some garden invaders won't like their texture and smell. To keep slugs and snails away, scatter cork pieces around the base of plants. Your plants are safer because they're less likely to cross this barrier."

FAQs

Is cork good for the garden?

Yes, cork is good for the garden, similar to how tea bags are good for your garden or using banana peels. Natural cork can be used in lots of ways in the garden, not synthetic ones. Natural cork makes excellent mulch for your plants and can be put on the compost heap as brown waste for added carbon. If you have a lot of wine corks (no judgment) you could also use them to suppress weeds in your flower beds or vegetable patch.

In addition to assisting with garden jobs, you can also get more creative with your old wine corks, as Jane explains: "There are also lots of ways to turn wine corks into garden decorations, adding a unique touch to your garden. You can make cork garlands, wind chimes, or even little sculptures to put in your garden. Crafts like these can be fun and creative.

"Another creative way to use them is to make bird feeders," she suggests, as a way of attracting birds to your garden. "Bird feeders can be made in all sorts of shapes and hung from trees."

You can also attract birds to your garden using wine corks. "Bird shelters made of wine corks are perfect because of their natural texture and insulation properties," explains Jane.

It’s amazing what you can do with some wine corks and a glue gun. You can build a pretty birdhouse for your garden and give your feathered friends a chic home. Simply glue the corks together to make the floor, walls and roof, remembering to leave an opening in the front as an entrance.

This is by no means a way to encourage you to drink more wine (but no judgment here, especially if you're part of our womanandhome.com wine club), it's merely a way of making household waste go to good use. Often, the smallest of acts, from harvesting rainwater or planting the best plants for pollinators, can go a long way to be more eco-friendly in our own backyards.

Garden maintenance is a hard enough job without adding unsatisfactory tools into the mix. That's why keeping on top of shear sharpening is key to making seasonal shaping and pruning jobs much easier. 

No matter what garden trend you are tending to, shears are one of the most essential tools every gardener needs. But due to the nature of their job more often than not they can be rendered useless as the blades become blunt. 

Staying on top of your tool maintenance is a great way of prolonging their life as well as getting more out of them with each use. 

So if you're collecting budget garden ideas and want to get more for your money, knowing how to sharpen your shears is a great place to start. 

How to sharpen garden shears: An expert guide

Although it's a relatively simple task most gardeners won't know the best method for sharpening gardening shears. Whether you're pruning roses or tidying up your garden to deter squirrels from your garden then you'll certainly want your shears performing at their best. 

Here's what you'll need...

• Whetstone or file
• A vice
• Cloth/towel
• Sponge scourer 
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Lubricant spray or oil (optional) 

1. Clean your shears

Before you can even think about sharpening the blades of your shears, you'll first need to clean them. They might still be covered in sap or leaves from when you pruned your lilac bush earlier in the month. 

Graham Smith MClart, gardening expert from LBS Horticulture, says, "Before sharpening the blades you should clean the shears with a sponge scourer and warm soapy water. For any stubborn marks, use a fine grit sandpaper to remove these."

This is also a good time to undo the bolt holding the shears together and separate the blades, just make sure you put the bolt in a safe space and nowhere it could fall.  

2. Prep your file or whetstone

Whether you decide to use a whetstone or a file to sharpen your shears you'll need to get it prepped and in the right position for the task. 

"Set the whetstone atop a firm, flat surface, and you can place a cloth or towel underneath to prevent it from sliding around," suggests Graham. "When using a file to sharpen shears, you should first fix them in a vice for safety, the shears need to be secure, but you should still be able to access the part of the blade that you want to sharpen." 

Either way, it's a good idea to wear protective gloves even if your shears seem extremely dull they can still cause cuts when handled. We can recommend these Burgon & Ball Flora & Fauna Gardening Gloves at John Lewis.

3. Sharpen the blades

Now it's time to actually sharpen the blades. Georgina O'Grady, managing director at Evergreen Direct says, "I advise you to hold the shears firmly and at a consistent angle, then stroke the stone or file along the bevelled edge of the blade. 

You should repeat this process until the blade is sharp, testing it out by cutting a piece of paper or cardboard." 

If you've opted for the whetstone then you can also leave it on the cloth and move the shears to create the stroke movements. 

4. Reassemble and spray

Once the blades are sharpened to your satisfaction, it's time to reassemble. This is where you can go the extra mile and prep them for more garden work. 

"After you’ve sharpened your garden shears, apply a very light oil coating to the metal parts with the rag and reassemble them. Be very careful with the newly sharpened blade to avoid injury," says Radek Babicek, a professional gardener from Fantastic Gardeners. 

Radek also points out that when you're reassembling be careful not to tighten the bolt on the shears too much or it will make disassembling the next time even harder. 

An over-tight bolt can also make your garden shears much more difficult to work with, and you don't need that when you're trimming your best plants for privacy.

FAQs

How often should you sharpen your garden shears?

While you may know how often you should fertilise your lawn, knowing the best time to give your shears a sharpen isn't considered common knowledge. But luckily there is a low-maintenance timeline you can stick to. 

Radek says, "How often you use your garden shears will dictate how often they should be sharpened. Well-maintained shears will typically only need sharpening every six weeks, even with heavy use. Gardeners who spend 4 hours a week pruning will usually need to sharpen them once or twice a year." 

How do you know when to sharpen your garden shears?

As well as a simple timeline, there are a few signs that your shears will show which means it's time for a sharpen. Similar to the ways you'll know it's time to clean your pizza oven, the shears functionality will start worsening. 

"You'll know it's time to sharpen your garden shears if the blades crush or chew plant stems instead of making clean cuts. You might also notice increased strain when cutting, or visible nicks and rough spots on the blades. Regularly inspecting your blades for signs of wear and tear will help you identify the right time for sharpening your tools," says Georgina. 

Something important to remember is that your shears may need sharpening more often depending on their use, if you have used them lots or for a big project the chances are they'll need a refresh sooner than later. 

Always take care when handling any sharp garden tools to avoid accidents and always store them away safely when not in use. 

Whether you need some inspiration on how to redesign your garden or have just moved into a new place with a blank canvas, choosing a cohesive theme can really help you create an impressive outdoor space.

With all the garden trends that come and go, it can be hard to settle on just one you love. However, with budgets to consider and potentially limited space, the on-trend options can start to get smaller and smaller. 

Luckily, there's a garden theme for every outdoor space and budget, ranging from functional to luxurious; from minimalist to maximalist. Here are our 32 favourites.

The best garden theme ideas

English cottage garden

There’s nothing quite as tranquil as a cottage garden, with towering foxgloves, plenty of feathered visitors and a charming pond. Recreating one yourself is rather easy, and you can easily do it on a budget too. Plant native flowers, keep your grass somewhat longer and go bargain-hunting for wooden furniture. Before you know it you’ll be surrounded by your own secret garden. 

Coastal garden

Whether you live by the coast or not, creating your very own coastal garden is possible for everyone. Incorporating sand, pebbles and worn wood into your outdoor decor will immediately transport you to your favourite seaside. Why not collect some shells on your next holiday and DIY a windchime to add even more character? 

Mediterranean garden

If you’re looking to turn your space into a Mediterranean paradise, there are a few simple steps you can take. From planting aromatic flowers and herbs to installing shaded dining areas, transforming your garden into a terracotta-coloured haven won’t take as much effort as you may think. 

Pizza kitchen garden

Are you a big fan of al fresco dining? What better way to celebrate that than having your very own stone-baked pizza oven in your garden? Build your whole garden concept around it with an outdoor grilling station, luxurious dining set and mood lighting. After all, what’s a pizzeria without some warm inviting lighting? We recommend investing in some weatherproof string lights.   

Tropical style garden

Should you be looking for more of a challenge when it comes to your garden, why not start tending to some more tropical species? Even some palms and ferns will instantly transform your space and have you dreaming of tropical climates. When you’re really confident you can move on to the more impressive plants like gloriosa and canna.

Artistic garden

Your garden is the perfect place to explore your creativity and personality, it’s practically a blank canvas. This is why it can be a great idea to add art installations, sculptures and some of your own DIY projects. We love this one in the image above, with something as simple as painted CDs you can create a super fun effect. 

Medicinal herb garden

Whether you know a lot about medicinal plants or not, growing them at home and having them to hand can be a lot more beneficial than you may have thought. Herbs like calendula and chamomile have impressive healing properties and when harvested correctly, they can become a lifesaver in the home first aid box. 

Zen garden

There are so many zen garden ideas to choose from that could completely transform your garden, wall to wall. Whether you decide to add lanterns to your walkways or create a meditation space, a zen garden can be recreated in more ways than one and can be altered depending on your budget and space. 

Oriental-style garden

When it comes to Chinese gardens, certain key components can always be found in them. They usually include one or more ponds, various tree and flower species, and paths or halls. Of course, adding hallways to your garden might not be possible but incorporating other elements will still achieve a similar result. 

Gothic garden

If you’re more into the gothic look - perhaps you're inspired by the beauty in graveyards and vintage stonework - then you’re in for an easy garden project. Adding old stone sculptures, allowing your grass to become overgrown and sticking to a darker colour palette will all point you in the right direction of having a cool gothic space. 

Stone garden

If you want an extremely low-maintenance outdoor space, consider a stone garden. While it might not have a technical name, using only pebbles, gravel and decorative stones in your garden can provide you with a soothing outdoor space without all the hassle of tending to a lawn and shrubs.

Vegetable garden

Looking to start vegetable gardening for beginners? There’s nothing quite as rewarding as growing your own fruit and vegetables. In fact, you’ll soon find yourself addicted to the lifestyle after your first harvest. Start easy with tomatoes and work your way up the green-thumb ladder to having a fully-fledged allotment. 

Bush garden

Bush gardens are great if you’re on the lookout for privacy plants that’ll keep the noisy neighbours away. Instead of having lots of flowers or trees, creating borders or displays with bushes can still give you a garden to be proud of - just without all the fussing and sowing. Bush gardens are also great for those who want as much lawn as possible. Using various bushes as borders will make your garden feel fuller without sacrificing much space with beds and trees. 

Rose garden

If you’re a hopeless romantic or simply love the smell of roses, designing your very own rose garden will be right down your alley. Don’t be intimidated by the care of roses, once you’ve got the hang of it you’ll be surprised just how independent these flowers can be. Just make sure you know how to prune a rose bush and simply enjoy the annual bloom. 

Butterfly garden

Attracting butterflies to your garden will not only bring you joy aesthetically but they’re also great helpers around the garden. Similar to trees and shrubs, butterflies like hawthorn and holly, and they love herbs like rosemary, sage and mint. The winged beauties will help pollinate your garden all while providing a wonderful rainbow of colour to your space. 

Sensory garden

Having a space in your garden where you or little guests can go to keep busy is just as important as anything else in a garden. Whether that’s a rakeable gravel path or a sandpit for children to play in, having these sensory stimulants can bring a surprising amount of serenity to your garden. 

Kitchen herb garden

For those who aren’t quite ready to take the leap into vegetable gardening, growing a herb garden is the perfect baby step. Herbs are notoriously easy to grow and look after, they’re usually rather sturdy and can survive even the most neglectful plant parent. And the best part is that even with this low-maintenance attitude they provide you with some delicious-tasting herbs. 

Tea garden

While you might assume tea could only be grown in far-off places, you can actually grow your own - right in your garden. You don’t even need lots of land to do it, even a small planter on a balcony would do. There are several different types you can grow, so we recommend researching your favourite tea and how it would fare in your specific outdoor conditions. 

Desert garden

Despite the UK being renowned for its depressingly wet weather, having a desert-style garden is not an impossible dream. In fact, many desert native plants can grow very happily in our wet British climate. Simply choose drought-tolerant plants like the yucca rostrata and create a covered area in your garden - that way, any inevitable rain will be kept well away and you’re free to water it when needed.

Salsa making garden

When you're a little tight on space but still have those veggie garden yearnings, creating a small patch for one thing is a great idea. For this, we love the idea of growing your own salsa garden with tomatoes, chillies and of course a coriander plant. This is a super fun way of edible gardening when you're restricted by a small garden. 

Quiet luxury garden

Should budget not be an issue, then the quiet luxury trend is the way to go. With refined high-quality furniture, a warm neutral colour palette and ambient lighting, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with this one. Something as simple as upgrading your planters can really give your garden that luxurious feel. 

Pollinator garden

It’s no secret that without bees we’d be in big trouble. So whether you’re a fan of insects or not, creating a garden that welcomes the fuzzy creature with not only help the environment but your garden specifically. They’re top-notch pollinators, so they’ll singlehandedly help your plants grow and bloom. That’s why it’s good to plant specific species they'll love such as geraniums, snapdragons and primroses. 

Urban garden

Living in a city has many advantages but garden space is usually not one of them. So if you’re in an urban area and are extremely short on outdoor space, there are a few things you can do to reconnect with nature. Adding potted plants and hanging baskets to your balcony or a boxed herb garden can give you that greenery that city living doesn't always offer.

Pond garden

The word 'swamp' might not be one you want to be associated with your garden, but if you consider it in looser terms, perhaps less Shrek and more dragonflies, then it can be a magical theme for your garden. Adding a large pond with water lilies, overhanging trees and lots of lush greenery will not only transform the look of your garden but also invite unique species of wildlife into it. 

Rainbow themed garden

No matter what your favourite colour is, you can build an entire garden aesthetic around it and for a reasonable price too. Whether you’re into dopamine decor or prefer the minimaluxe trend, choosing a colour palette is a super quick and easy way of making your garden look cohesive and well-designed. Why not opt for a rainbow theme and really make your guests smile? 

Relaxation garden

If peace and quiet are what you’re after, then tailoring your outdoor space to suit your personal needs is a great way to achieve that. Incorporating spa features, soft lighting and comfortable furniture will have you craving some alone time in your garden every night. You can even splash out and invest in an inflatable hot tub. 

Cuttings garden

Cutting gardens might be a new concept to you but it’s a rather basic one - it’s simply creating a lush garden all from cuttings of pre-established plants. For example, if you know how to take a hydrangea cutting soon enough your one bush could turn into five scattered around your garden. This is a great theme for those who like sustainable garden ideas. 

Moon garden

A moon garden is a rather unique concept but it’s ideal for people who live more nocturnally and would prefer to enjoy their outdoor space during the nighttime. For a moon garden, one would usually plant white or silver plants; species that will be enjoyed (and glistening) when the moon is out.

Rainscaped garden

Rainscaping is the eco-friendly way of designing your garden to get the most out of natural rainwater, whether that’s by collecting it or by absorbing it. This theme is especially useful if you live in an area that is prone to flooding or you're looking to save some money on water bills. There are several ways you can participate in rainwater harvesting and most of them are surprisingly reasonable.

Native garden

Sometimes planting tropical or exotic flowers can be more of a headache than it’s worth, especially with the unpredictable UK weather. So creating a garden full of native plants, whether that’s nationally or within your region, will provide you with a wonderfully full garden with minimal effort. Plants like poppies, yellow iris, primrose and apple trees are some of the best natives to choose from. 

Rewilded garden

Whilst you might look at a rewilded garden and think it’s simply been left to its own devices for way too long there’s a lot more method to the madness. Letting wildflowers and your grass grow where it likes it is an easy yet effective way of supporting your space's natural ecosystem. If you want a rewilded garden it’s also important to not use any chemicals on plants, to allow all walks of wildlife to enter and to even let weeds grow. 

Perfumed garden

There are so many great plants that will make your garden smell good that it can be hard to choose the one you want. From lavender to roses, there is a variety of scent-boosting species. Choose the one that best suits your budget, space, skill level - and personal preference, of course.

Most of us want to enter our outdoor spaces and be immediately met with a sense of calm and relaxation. And what better way to achieve this than to incorporate elements of a zen garden?

With all the garden trends that come and go, finding one that works for you can be quite a task. Whether you're more into sustainable garden ideas or want to achieve the quiet luxury garden trend, it's important to choose something that suits you. 

One thing that will never go out of style? Relaxation. And with that in mind, here are 32 ways of incorporating the serenity of a zen garden into your own space. 

32 ways of creating a zen garden 

A lantern walkway

When it comes to creating a peaceful atmosphere, lighting is one of the most important things to consider. Using lanterns to illuminate your paths or doorways won't only introduce some peaceful warm lighting but the complex lantern design will also add character. 

Courtyard space

We love the thought of creating an enclosed space that is designed for hosting. Whether you live in the countryside or an urban area, sectioning off space can immediately create a more private and peaceful feel for you and your guests to fully enjoy. 

Bamboo privacy screens

Using bamboo in your garden isn't just aesthetically pleasing - this natural material is extremely weather-proof and hard-wearing so it will withstand all the temperamental UK weather. Aside from that, bamboo is one of the best fence ideas and creates privacy without becoming an eyesore. 

Small bridge feature

This might not be suitable for all garden sizes, but incorporating a small bridge feature, whether it's functional or a simple display bridge over a pond, is a key zen garden element. Having a bridge to another part of your garden will elevate the overall look and feel of the space. 

Bamboo planters

Having bamboo in your garden is a great way of introducing natural materials in your garden without having to commit to furniture or fencing. It's also an extremely easy plant to care for and can withstand a lot of weather. 

Allow moss to grow on rocks

You may usually want to scrape all signs of moss off your garden surfaces but allowing moss to grow is a super easy way of transforming your space into a zen garden. The moss provides a soothing and low-maintenance organic element to your space and will soften otherwise harsh surfaces like rock. 

Incorporate stepping stones

You may be a little hesitant with this one, perhaps the risk of falling into a pond puts you off. But the good news is that stepping stones don't exactly have to be functional and used, they can simply be there to add an aesthetic element. If you do want to create a useful pathway with stepping stones, make sure all household members can swim! 

Warm night-time lighting

No one wants to sit down in their garden on an evening and be met with some cold-looking, fluorescent lights. Instead, opt for warmer subtle lighting, like solar panel lanterns, string lights and lit water features. This way there is no harsh lighting that will negatively affect the atmosphere. 

Gentle water feature

Picture this: You're sitting with your favourite beverage on a warm day and can hear the subtle trickling of water nearby. Adding a subtle water feature is a brilliant and effective way of creating an atmosphere with sound without it becoming too disruptive. After all, you don't want to bug the neighbours. 

Spiral rock display

Looking to get creative with your garden design? Adding a fun spiral rock display is a great way of bringing a little personality to your space by creating a funky pattern with clean-coloured pebbles. You could even bring the kids in to help! 

Flowing water fountain

Looking to drown out some noise and bring in more serenity? A water fountain is a fabulous way of bringing a lot of atmosphere to your garden without having to completely transform the way it looks. Ideal if you're looking for budget garden ideas. 

Add arched entryways

Archways are a key Japanese garden element that can be built from various materials and with different decorative finishes. Most gardens may not have room to accommodate an archway but even bringing in symmetrical shapes where possible will have a similar effect. 

Bring in soft, leafy plants

Whilst a lot of zen gardens will boast of neatness and refinery, adding softer greenery is also a key element. Ferns are one of the best choices when it comes to this, they're extremely easy to care for and grow brilliantly in wetter conditions. Perfect for gardens in the UK. 

Mix rock sizes and colours

Introducing different sizes and colours of rocks is a simple way of creating dimension in the garden, in the photo above you can see large rocks mixed with gravel. This is ideal if you have large areas of land you'd rather not cover with grass or astroturf. 

Prioritise natural materials

A zen garden is all about cohesiveness. One way to do this is to incorporate as many natural materials as you can, this will give your space an organic natural feel that will effortlessly relax you. Whether it's bamboo, ceramics or plant life, there are multiple ways you can do this. 

Create a quiet zone

Creating a space in your garden where you can escape and have a moment's peace is immensely important. This can be done very easily, whether you want to fully section off an area or keep it open to be able to enjoy all of your garden. Either way, ensure it's just for you and you have the most comfortable seat possible. 

Stick to a natural colour palette

To ensure everything you incorporate into the garden goes together effortlessly, it's best to stick to a cohesive colour scheme. For zen gardens, we'd recommend opting for neutral earth tones with cooler shades of grey, black and brown. 

Add a raked gravel area

To successfully achieve a raked gravel display you'll need to choose gravel stones of around 6mm size. This way your lines will hold true, and the stone will be able to smoothly pass through the forks in your rake. Not only will this provide you with a rather impressive display, but it's also extremely calming for your mind. 

Stone sculptures

A great way to personalise your zen garden while staying on the theme is to buy sculptures made of natural materials. If you want to stick as authentic as possible then buying traditional Japanese statues is an option, however, any sculptures or decorative objects will look great. 

Ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses will not only bring in more greenery to your garden, improving the overall feel of the space but they're also an opportunity to add some quirkiness to the space. They add drama, and movement and can be used as a focal point or even woven through borders. 

Fragrant and calming plants

Adding fragrant plants to make your garden smell good is not only great for you and any guests you have over but the local wildlife will also adore it. Whether it's rosemary, lavender or white jasmine, there are so many to choose from that will also complement the visuals of the space. 

Outdoor heating

Creating a zen garden isn't just about how it looks, it has to be a space you actually enjoy spending time in too. And with the unpredictable UK weather, you really can't go wrong with adding a heated space in your garden. You can do this in several ways, either with a fire pit, electric heater or even just investing in some cosy blankets. 

Choose comfortable seating

No matter what aesthetic you're choosing for your garden, comfort is always key. This is why you need to prioritise choosing a furniture set that yes, fits with the theme, but more importantly that you'll actually enjoy using. It's all well and good buying the coolest-looking chair, but if you don't like sitting on it, what's the point? 

Add spa elements

This is a step you can skip or simply alter it to suit your budget and needs. Investing in an outdoor hot tub, whether inflatable or wooden is a definite luxury that pays off long-term. Again, it's certainly not necessary but if you can spare the money, your back will certainly thank you for it. 

Create a seperate meditation space

Whether you're a spiritual person or not, creating a space in your garden where you can go and think undisturbed is a real treat. Make sure the space you choose is as far away from the noise, possible falling leaves and most importantly that it's comfortable. You can make this space your own and personalise it to suit your needs. 

Maintain a well-groomed space

Decorating your garden is all well and good but it's just as key to keep on top of its maintenance. From neatly trimming the edges of the lawn to ensuring all leaves are swept and disposed of, a zen garden can be hard work but it pays off in the end. Try to find peace in the art of keeping your garden in order.  

Large ceramic features

Bringing in large terracotta and ceramic pieces can add a neutral warmth to your garden without disturbing the overall aesthetic. It's also a super easy way of adding natural elements too, just make sure you know how to clean terracotta pots as they can get rather dirty quickly. 

Grow an outdoor Bonsai Tree

Yes, Bonsai Trees are one of the hardest plants to keep alive but the feeling of knowing how to care for a Bonsai Tree successfully will certainly outweigh the stress. Just make sure you're up for the challenge of looking after this highly sensitive plant outdoors. 

Add a cherry blossom tree

The cherry blossom is a native Japanese tree and luckily they can be grown in difficult climates like the ones we have in the UK. In Japanese culture, they are said to bring a sense of vitality and vibrancy, and they'll provide a stunning blossom every spring. 

Cover soil with decorative rocks

In order to keep up with that refined, neutral aesthetic you can add decorative rocks to the topsoil of your plant pots. Not only does this give your planters a polished look but it's also great for drainage, especially in wetter areas of the country.

Add succulents

You may associate succulents with Mediterranean climes, but adding succulents to your zen garden is an effortless way of bringing low-maintenance greenery to your space. Not only with the plants help purify the air but you can also recreate the above image and master a succulent design. 

Koi pond

Koi ponds are a traditional feature of Japanese gardens and can be made as big or little as the space allows. Of course, ensure you have a large enough space to safely house fish should you want to install a pond in your garden. It's best to do your research before creating a koi pond as there are a lot more components to it than a regular one. 

Whether you're a sun worshipper or not, creating shaded spaces in your garden can be more beneficial than you may have guessed. 

No matter what garden trend you embrace, creating areas in your garden where you can escape the sun and enjoy the cool will instantly make the outdoor space more enjoyable. And finding ways to keep your garden cool during the summer is key to ensuring you and your family are safe from the high temperatures.

Adding shade is an easy way to transform any garden on a budget and can be done in several ways to suit your style.  So if you're craving a little sun respite this summer, give one of these easy expert-recommended shading ideas a try to seek shelter from the rays. 

Garden shade ideas: 5 easy ways to create shelter

Whilst you might have always thought that shade is something that just happens, you can create it yourself in way more useful areas in your garden. Similarly to how you might've chosen the best plants for privacy, choosing the best ideas for shade will completely transform your garden and how you enjoy it. 

1. Pergola

If you want to achieve the quiet luxury garden trend, finding a more refined way of creating shade in your space is the way to go. A great choice for this aesthetic is investing in a pergola. 

"Pergolas are a popular choice, providing both structure and flexibility. They can be decorated and personalised with climbing plants such as wisteria or grapevines to create a natural canopy," says Murray Michel, a garden expert at Clear Amber. 

You can decide what material you want your pergola made of, which gives you some flexibility with budget and aesthetics. 

2. Parasol

Should you want more budget garden ideas, simply adding a parasol to your outdoor space is the way to go. Adding a parasol is a key element for any outdoor living room; it provides that well-needed shade for al fresco dining and mid-day sun breaks. 

"Incorporating a parasol can also offer shade and privacy, providing a stylish solution to obscuring views while enjoying al fresco dining or relaxation. These simple yet effective additions enhance the patio's aesthetics and contribute to a more enjoyable and secluded outdoor experience," says Caron Grant, Brand Manager at luxury furniture brand Bridgman. 

The best thing about parasols is that they're super easy to store through the winter, and are ideal for those looking for small garden tips. 

3. Awnings

It can be hard to find room for more furniture, whether that's a parasol or a pergola, when your garden is already tight on space. Utilising wall space is a smart way of getting around this, and what better way to use your wall space than with an awning?

"The awning is the standard solution for outdoor shading. For this, you’ll simply need to fix an awning on the side of your house, " explains Radek Babicek, a gardening specialist at Fantastic Gardeners. "They’re perfect for creating shade in an area where you spend a lot of time, like a patio, and they come in many different sizes and colours that can suit the space you have and your preferences." 

Another great thing about awnings is that they're easily retractable, so you can welcome the sun back when you're ready to resume sunbathing. Incidentally, awnings are one of the best ways to cool down a room without AC because you prevent the direct sun from heating the room through the window.

4. Trees and shrubs

Creating shade can also be done more naturally, and if you're after sustainable garden ideas, this option might be right up your street. 

"Climbers and shrubs are a great choice for creating a shady area and a beautiful lived-in look and feel, " says Sarah Raven, a professional gardener and author. "Trachelopspermum is a striking evergreen climber that works as a standout screen effect, while Clematis Armandii 'Snowdrift' is another great choice for sheltering from the sun."

"Its star-shaped flowers and sweetly scented, cream-coloured petals create the most wonderful, shaded spot for when the heat is too much," continues Sarah, as well as making the garden smell nice. 

5. Drapes and curtains

You might be taken by surprise with this one, but incorporating soft furnishings like curtains or drapes into your garden can be a great way of adding temporary shade to various areas. It can also be a fun way of transforming your garden on a budget.

"One effective way to achieve this is by adding drapes or other materials to create a more intimate dining area," says Caron. "By strategically hanging curtains or lightweight fabrics, homeowners can not only block out unwanted views but also enhance the ambience of their outdoor space."

These curtains can be attached to a pergola, a gazebo, or even strung up between trees in your garden like you would a hammock. 

Of course, it may be difficult to maintain fabrics outdoors, so you may want to opt for a material that can be easily washed and dried. Like when cleaning outdoor cushions or cleaning an outdoor rug, you need to take due care.

FAQ

What are the benefits of having shaded areas in your garden?

Still unsure whether you need more shaded spots in your garden? There are quite a few benefits to having these designated spaces, from protecting your skin to protecting your alluring plants. 

Tom Clifford, a gardening expert from Gardenstone, explains, "Shaded gardens have better soil moisture retention, which is beneficial for the health of plants and lawns. The majority of plants will wilt and burn when left in direct sunlight and therefore require more effort to maintain." 

Plants that are placed in the sun will often require more watering, which means an added job on your gardening to-do list to know how to water your garden plants and when. Aside from this, it's also a good idea to have shaded spots if you have pets. 

"Areas of shade are essential if you own pets, as they require an area outside to relax in that isn't directly in the sun. Dogs and cats can overheat easily, which can cause them to collapse and may risk a trip to the vet," says Tom. 

What is the cheapest way to shade a large area?

Shadescaping can become pretty expensive fast, but there are ways to create large amounts of shade without completely blowing a budget.

"The cheapest way to shade a large area is usually by using a shade sail. They’re relatively affordable, and they can cover a good amount of space, so both small and large areas can be covered," starts Lee Trethewey, garden furniture expert at Sustainable Furniture.

"The main thing to do is to make sure that it’s installed properly. A shade sail needs strong anchor points and enough tension; it can move around too much in the wind or start to sag when the weather changes. I’d also recommend taking it down during very windy weather, as it isn’t as sturdy as something more permanent. It should also be taken down in winter when the weather will be colder," he adds.

However, if you want something more permanent and structurally sound, then it's more than worth investing in a pergola. Lee points out that it’s not the cheapest option upfront, but it gives you a much more usable shaded space.

If you're worried about making a little too much shade, perhaps your plants prefer the sun more than you do, so why not choose tougher plants that thrive in the tough places in your garden? 

The changeable weather may not have been ideal for entertaining and enjoying the garden but it has certainly been beneficial for the plants. 

The immediate change between glorious sunshine one day to pouring rain the next has left many plants thriving – you've only got to venture to a local park near you right now to see how quickly unattended green spaces can grow wild. 

Unpredictable seasonal weather also means that knowing when to cut the grass or the best time to tackle planting has become somewhat impossible to pinpoint so many essential jobs have fallen by the wayside.

As a result, many households may have noticed their plots are uncharacteristically wild but there's no need to panic. According to Sarah Raven, one of our favourite garden experts, this emerging overgrown garden trend is no bad thing.

Is it time to try the overgrown garden trend?

Sarah Raven suggests it may be the ideal time to embrace change and "Forget about immaculate gardening" to embrace more sustainable gardening ideas instead.

Sharing a reel on the @sarahravensgarden Instagram account she says: "Now is the time to rethink your traditional manicured garden look and allow your borders, plants and hedges to become looser and free flowing."

"This will enable more wildlife to live there with you and thrive. Link up with your neighbours and encourage them to create wildlife corridors, linking the garden to garden – a great idea for all types of garden visitors."

The many plants for pollinators are ideal for bees and butterflies while the areas of overgrown undergrowth provide shelter for smaller mammals, such as hedgehogs.

Fans of Sarah's new trend-related post share their delight with the carefree concept. One writes, "That's the way I like it, organised wild. Beautiful." 

Another says, "That's what I keep trying to tell my husband! And it's much nicer being part of nature rather than being manicured to perfection!"

One of the main takeaways from this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show highlights for 2024 was the need to be more environmentally aware while gardening which is good news for this imperfectly free-flowing overgrown garden trend.

Sustainable gardening is becoming increasingly important as we navigate the changing landscape of modern climates and work with nature to be kinder to our green spaces. 

From making compost at home and rainwater harvesting to reducing plastic, every little element can help. Leaving our gardens to grow loose and free-flowing as Sarah suggests is a great way to embrace a kinder approach and provide a much-needed habitat for all creatures great and small that may be struggling to adapt to the developments of the modern environment. 

Sarah Raven is always one of our most trusted gardening authorities who has inspired us on all levels of planting and landscaping, from exploring the Mosaic gardening trend in depth to reconsidering how we approach tying in climbing plants using her tips.

You may think you know how to water garden plants already. After all, how complicated can it be? But there are a few tips and tricks that might come as a surprise.

While rain can hydrate borders and raised beds, you’ll need to give your precious plants a helping hand when the weather dries up. This is particularly the case during hot summer months, and if you’re trying out some container garden trends in your outdoor space.

Below, you'll find plenty of useful advice from gardening professionals for getting the best results, including tips on tools and the best time of day to carry out the job.

Experts share tips on how to water garden plants – both in pots and in borders

Keep your alluring plants in top health with the following tips, whether you're growing them in containers on the patio or in flowerbeds alongside the lawn.

1. Choose the best tools for the job

A watering can, such as this classic 9-litre design from Sarah Raven, can be great for hydrating small flowerbeds and patio container plants.  But, for larger areas, you'll need to refill it often, resulting in a lot of to-ing and fro-ing.

An alternative and low-maintenance option that works well for raised beds and borders is a drip irrigation system. 

Sarah Bentham of Gardena explains how these enable water to gently drip feed the soil, reaching the roots of the plants, where it’s most needed. This method helps to eliminate overwatering and excess evaporation and promotes healthy plant growth, she adds.

As another option, Richard Ferguson of Hozelock suggests using a spray gun (which attaches to the end of a hose) with multiple spray patterns, to cover a wider range and suit each plant or flower type.

If you have hanging baskets in your garden, one of the best approaches is to use a long-handled watering lance on a light spray setting, Richard continues. This allows the water to seep into the soil so that the plants' roots can take more of it in. An example is the Hozelock Telescopic Lance Spray Plus 140, available from Amazon.

"An alternative way to water hanging baskets is to take them down and soak them in a bucket for 30 minutes before rehanging," he adds.

2. Consider the type of water you're using

While tap water can be used to water plants, using harvested rainwater is a better option for a more sustainable garden. As Sarah highlights, it's free – and an excellent choice for plants and the planet. 

So, if possible, consider installing a water butt in your plot, which will collect the run-off from the roof of your home, greenhouse, or shed. Keep it covered to deter mosquitoes. This water butt from Amazon has a lid included.

It's also possible to save greywater from household usage (such as baths and showers) to use on some plants, notes Charles Carr of Hillier Garden Centres. "It should be used within 24 hours of collection to limit bacterial development," he says. "You do not need to worry about any contaminants like shampoo or soap, as your plants’ soil acts as a very effective filter," he continues. "However, greywater is not safe to drink and should not be used to water edible crops."

3. Pay attention to your watering method

With many gardening tasks, such as mowing a lawn and deadheading plants, it's important to get the technique right. Watering is no exception.

Charles recommends giving your plants a good soaking, which will encourage them to grow deep roots. "Generally, a lower frequency and higher volume of watering is best."

You should direct the water flow to the base of plants, he advises. "Don’t soak the leaves, as this encourages disease whilst thirsty roots may miss out." He recommends letting the water sink down into the soil, then repeating two or three times until the water no longer goes down quickly. 

Ensure you water all around the plant, too – "watering on one side all the time may result in uneven growth."

FAQs

How often should you water garden plants?

The frequency that you need to water your garden depends on multiple factors, such as the weather and the type of plants you're growing. Watch out for limp or curling leaves, as these are signs of dehydration, Sarah notes. You can also check the feel of the soil, or use a moisture meter, Charles says.

Charles continues: “Containers and hanging baskets dry out much more quickly than garden beds and borders, so if you only have a few minutes to devote to watering, it’s best to focus on these." In the height of summer, these may need watering once or even twice a day.

"Plants in direct sunlight or a windy spot will also need more water," Charles continues. "Anything you have planted this year needs a little more TLC watering-wise, too. Until plants become more established, they require more care and a good soaking a few times a week."

On the other hand, some plants require much less water, Charles points out. "Thyme, for example, is frequently overwatered." Such drought-tolerant picks are ideal if you're looking to cut down on maintenance, and often work beautifully alongside Mediterranean garden ideas. 

When is the best time of day to water plants?

Sarah says that watering in the morning is recommended where possible. This is when the soil is coolest, she explains, so your plants can enjoy hydration without evaporation. "As the sun rises, plants begin transpiring, drawing water up through their roots and out – therefore the morning is a great time to ensure they will stay hydrated throughout the day," she adds. Likewise, the morning is the best time to water a lawn.

"Evenings are also fine to water as the weather cools down," Sarah adds.

How can you help your garden soil retain moisture?

Charles recommends mulching your garden beds to help the soil retain moisture during the summer months – plus, it will serve to suppress weeds at the same time. "To apply mulch, use a layer of materials such as wood chippings, well-rotted manure, or damp leaves on already moist soil. As this decomposes, the nutrients from these materials are released," he adds.

For containers, he recommends using water-saving crystals – a useful gardening tip. These increase in size when watered and slowly release moisture over time to help your plants thrive during the heat, he explains. An example is the AquaGel crystals available at Hillier.

Knowing how to water garden plants properly is crucial, whether you're tending to a cottage garden or prefer a more contemporary look. With the above tips, you can ensure your space looks its best in time for hosting summer BBQs.

While all plants and flowers smell fresh and fragrant, there are significant fragrant plants that experts recommend to make a garden smell even better thanks to their unique perfumes.

Making your garden look expensive is one thing but making it smell glorious should be of significant consideration to ensure that your plot feels inviting on all levels by invigorating the senses. Given the success of scent-scaping homes, it's no surprise that scenting gardens are becoming a hugely popular garden trend.

As with the best fragrance houseplants to make your house smell good there are garden varieties that experts recommend to grow if you are seeking a strong floral fragrance to enchant your outdoor space.

Fragrant plants to make your garden smell nice

From popular scented climbing plants to perfumed perennials, we spoke exclusively to Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres to get his recommendations of the best fragrant and alluring plants to liven up your garden. 

1. Trachelospermum

"There is no aroma more intoxicating than from a Trachelospermum, more commonly known as Jasmine," says Julien. "It’s delicate and sweet with gorgeous star-shaped flowers that can add a touch of colour to the garden when nothing else is flowering."

The sweet and distinctive scent of the Jasmine is a great evergreen plant that will deliver aroma all year round as it flowers in summer and winter depending on the variety. You can buy potted Trachelospermum jasminoides at Thompson & Morgan.

"Great climbers, this plant can be used to cover up a shed or fence, or placed on a trellis by your back door so its heady fragrance can be experienced from your home." So not only will it make your garden smell nice it can also act as one of the best privacy plants.

2. Honeysuckle

Not only is this sweet-smelling flower good for aroma it is also one of the best plants for pollinators. "Honeysuckle is a fragrant plant that attracts pollinating moths with its sweet scent at night," Julian explains.

"Its intoxicating perfume is best enjoyed in a container, with the plant used to soften a trellis, fence, or pergola so its scent wafts in the wind. Honeysuckle comes in warm colours of dark pink or golden white." 

This glorious foliage is a vigorous semi-evergreen climber that gives your garden structure and visual interest – I used to have one I propagated in my garden and can confirm the fragrance is a delight every time you walk by. You can buy potted Lonicera Periclymenum Serotina Honeysuckle at Primrose.

3. Sweet peas

This cottage garden classic is as famous for its sweet aroma, as much as the pretty pink and purple petals. "The sweet pea plant greets you with a captivating and refreshing burst of fragrance," Julian enthuses. 

"Its unique scent can lift your spirits and brighten your mood, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sensory escape in their garden or home." It is ideal for creating a sensory cottage garden idea.

Typically these beautiful blooms peak between the end of May and July but with the right maintenance of cutting them back and deadheading they can flower through until late summer into September. Similar to what to do with hyacinths after flowering, it's all about the right care to ensure the plant thrives. 

"Whether used in bouquets, floral arrangements, or simply enjoyed in the garden, the sweet pea's intoxicating fragrance will surely leave a lasting impression."

Sweet Pea 'High Scent' seeds are available at Sarah Raven.

4. Phlox

"Night phlox is a compact alpine that produces masses of little snowflake-like flowers that open fully in the evening, emitting a sweet heady fragrance."

It is a perfect choice for those who love to entertain in the garden on balmy summer evenings. The fragrance could be the much-needed aroma to counterbalance the smokey aftermath of hosting BBQs or using the outdoor kitchen space.

"Ideal for a pathway or container, plant in a social spot where you and your guests can take in the aroma," Julian advises. "The fragrance builds up as the day goes on and reaches a high at dusk making it great for evening barbecues or light night drinks."

Mr Fothergills Night Phlox Midnight Candy seeds available at British Garden Centres

5. Nicotiana

"The plant, also known as the tobacco plant, is a fragrant garden gem and a long-flowering annual," Julian explains. Majestic and mysterious, it produces large clusters of tubular flowers that bloom at night, emitting a wonderful lily-like fragrance until the sun rises again."

The strongly scented flowers come in a riot of pink, red, lilac, and mauve shades, creating colourful spires of magnificent blooms during the day to make a bold statement for beds, borders and containers.

Half-hardy annual potted Nicotiana 'Eau de Cologne Mixed' available at Thompson & Morgan.

6. Viburnum

"The viburnum plant is known for its delightful fragrance, which combines sweet, spicy, and slightly musky notes to create a unique and captivating sensory experience," Julian explains.

It is best positioned near a path or at the front of a border to experience and enjoy the intoxicating spring scent fully.

But it's also a great plant choice to be enjoyed beyond the confinements of spring As Julian explains: "Additionally, it offers further interest with ornamental fruits, evergreen foliage, or deciduous foliage that turns into beautiful autumn colours."

Container plants of Viburnum tinus Eve Price are available at Gardeningexpress.co.uk.

7. Dianthus

"Dianthus, also known as pinks, is a lovely fragrant perennial that can be used as a low floral addition at the front of the border or in containers."

These best container plants come in pink, white, and red flowers, "providing an enriching and spicy scent that pollinators love," says Julian.  Mr Fothergill's Dianthus Hollandia Mixed seeds available at British Garden Centres.

"As they are compact plants, they can be the perfect addition to pots due to their small size and can be accommodated in even the tiniest plot." Worth considering as a small garden essential.

Some of my personal RHS Chelsea Flower Show highlights from 2024 were the gardens that celebrated sensory design, using both colour and alluring scents to create a greater impact on all the senses.

As these plants prove similar to making a house smell good it can often be the simple things that make all the difference.