How to prune a hydrangea in spring
Most hydrangeas are pruned in spring, between February and April. Leaving their flower heads on over winter helps protect the stems and buds from frost. Climbing hydrangeas are the exception…[...]
Read MoreAuthor: The Gardener
The best wildlife and trail cameras for your garden in 2025
Gardens can be a hotbed of activity for local wildlife, but much of this activity happens out of sight. Whether it’s nocturnal creatures such as badgers, foxes or hedgehogs, or…[...]
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Why are gen Zs deserting garden centres? Maybe they’re more into planting than shopping | Claire Ratinon
They can be joyful and important social spaces, but a new generation of customers runs a mile from the shelves of plastic and chemicalsWhen I first heard that garden centres…[...]
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‘It’s a radical act to garden’: different queer generations find common ground in nature drama
Coral Wylie’s play Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew follows a teenager discovering themselves through horticulture and memories of an old family friend, played by Omari DouglasGardening can be radical, whether a…[...]
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What to plant in March
Plenty of flower and vegetable crops can be sown in March in the UK, as the days begin to lengthen and become warmer. March is a good time to sow…[...]
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How to prune buddleja
Pruning Buddleja davidii is essential if you want to keep it looking its best. If you don’t prune your buddleia it can become tatty and overgrown, developing a twiggy tangle…[...]
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Rats in the garden
Rats are usually unwelcome visitors in our gardens – they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases, including Leptospirosis, which can lead to Weil’s disease. They can…[...]
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Compost, raised beds, and unexpected finds
My 3-section covered compost bin system, inside a chain linked fence, excludes scavengers. Like many home gardeners, we maintain a compost bin (a lovely 3-bin system built by my husband).…[...]
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My Woody Plant ID class: Is memorizing Dirr’s text still the best way to teach?
Karen Petroff teaching Woody Plants at the University of Maryland. It’s about time for me to report on the Woody Plants ID class I took last semester at U. Maryland,…[...]
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Sunday with Felicity Montagu: ‘Allotment shed etiquette is very important’
For the Beyond Paradise actor, happy Sundays are all about the plotWhat’s an average Sunday? I share an allotment with my friend, which is wonderful. We grow turnips, parsnips and…[...]
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