Back in the 80s, and even the 90s, there were only a few dahlias that were at all acceptable to self-appointed arbiters of horticultural good taste, but thankfully we have moved beyond all that nonsense and I’d recommend that every garden should grow as many dahlias as they have room for. I certainly do. Dahlias … Read more
Go on, have a flutter! Take a few tips from the new book by biologist Dave Goulson and it’s a safe bet that beautiful butterflies will start gathering in your garden Dave Goulson said if you have the right flowers you can still see some butterflies Biologist said numbers of garden butterflies are far lower … Read more
Go wild this spring: Mix delicate wildflowers with showy border plants Nigel Colborn says to abandon your garden and visit your nearest woods Expert says the woodland flowers are at their glorious best from now until May Meadow and roadside flowers have become popular for gardens more recently By Nigel Colborn for the Daily Mail … Read more
Monty revisits one of his classic books, Gardening at Longmeadow, in an occasional series. British gardening expert Monty Don shares his advice for growing primrose. Pictured: Monty with his primroses People ask me often what my favourite flower is. The truth is that it depends on the season, the situation, on what I am doing – … Read more
Dance with the daffs: Get outside and enjoy the vivid displays of our golden trumpets Nigel Colborn says now is the time to get outside and enjoy daffodil varieties British gardening expert advises storing bulbs somewhere cool and dry He adds daffodils thrive in a wide range of soils and should be planted in autumn By … Read more
Pass the parsley: There’s no question in Monty Don’s mind that parsley is his favourite herb – and here he tells you how to grow your own Monty Don says parsley is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals British gardening expert explains parsley thrives in well-drained but fertile soil He also answers a selection … Read more
Action plan: Nigel Colborn’s essential jobs for your garden this week Nigel Colborn says mid-March is the perfect time to plant Gladiolus bulbs British gardening expert reveals they thrive best in free-draining soil with sun He also shares advice for a reader who wants to split polyanthus primulas By Nigel Colborn for the Daily Mail Published: … Read more
Monty revisits one of his classic books, Gardening at Longmeadow, in an occasional series. Here’s why I like bedding plants – they’re cheerful and lift our spirits after a long winter; and they can be used in containers, hanging baskets, borders or as a display. Quite simply, bedding is beautiful and fun. Wherever you buy … Read more
Seeds of discovery: Grow your own and you will be richly rewarded this summer Nigel Colborn advises people starting seed growing to begin with easy plants The gardening expert suggests plants including calendulas or Shirley poppies They can be sowed in mid-March in pots and be ready for planting out in May By Nigel Colborn … Read more
As we peer cautiously into spring, the weather is still fickle but the light is stretching daily and green shoots are beginning to burst from hedges, frozen ground and sodden soil. It will be just a few short weeks before our gardens demand us to become active gardeners again, nurturing them after a long and … Read more