The Garden in Winter
Your garden shows you how winter is an essential part of human and natural life
George Plumptre
Since my first garden article in 1979, I've been gardening correspondent of The Times, written for Country Life and other magazines, authored 11 books, and been awarded the EMH in 2024.
Gardening's First Couple
John and Jane Loudon revolutionised gardening in Britain in the 19th century
What is it about snowdrops?
There's more to snowdrops than meets the eye
The Utens Lunettes
A little-known Flemish painter produced one of the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance garden art
A garden full of surprises
It is important that your garden offers reassuring continuity but surprises are often welcome
Essay
The Woodlanders
Woodland plants, both large and small, add a special new dimension to any garden.
LIVESTREAM: Talking Snowdrops
Garden Collective contributor George Plumptre chats with guest Elizabeth Cairns about the joy of snowdrops
Essay
Where it all Began - My Gardens Inspiration
The garden of my family home has always been the inspiration for my career as a garden writer. A succession of my predecessors were responsible for its creation through three centuries, with ups and downs along the way.
Land and Landscape
The title of Brenda Colvin’s seminal book published in 1948 reflects the inspiration and priorities of her post-war career as a landscape architect.
.jpeg)
The Landscape of Man
Geoffrey Jellicoe was a 20th century Renaissance man who made landscape design part of modern British art. His career was extended by his advice to the young; 'if people try to tell you that life begins at 40 don’t believe them – it begins at 80'.
A Room With a View
If you live in the middle of a city a room with a view is a bonus; if it is a view into a garden it is a blessing.
Goodbye To All That
A few days before writing this article I told everyone that I would be retiring as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme at the end of summer 2025 when I will have done 15 years. Time for some happy reflection