Sometimes It’s Best to Stay out of the Rain
Confessions of a gardener: why sometimes the best place to enjoy the garden is from the comfort of your sofa, not knee-deep in mud.
James Alexander-Sinclair
Garden Designer, writer, talker, RHS Vice President and skipper of the light fandango.
Lemon Trees and Listening Devices
Discover how Stalin’s unexpected passion for plants became a political power play at the Yalta Conference.
Plants Through Which I would Not Like To Run Naked
Naturism is generally a good thing but not if you encounter any of these plants.
When Chainsaws Nearly Ended Civilisation
From whirring chainsaws to war-ready platoons, learn how a simple gardening task almost triggered World War III in the most dramatic tree surgery ever attempted.
Rook around the clock tonight
The mischievous charm and antics of rooks: where birdwatching meets folklore and sticks are very important
The Twisted History of Barbed Wire
From tranquil heathland to battlefields—a closer look at the humble fence reveals a tale of invention, conflict, and unintended consequences.
Why drop a beaver from a plane?
From show gardens to skydiving, how beavers went from hats to heroes.
To Mow.... or not to Mow? That is the question...
No Mow May or perfectly striped lawns? Gardeners debate whether to embrace wild, buzzing meadows or keep the grass neat—find out which side makes the most sense for your patch!
From Dayglo Socks to Chelsea: The Hi-Viz Revolution
How RHS Chelsea moved from Fairisle cardigans to neon vest
Myths, Flowers and Latin Lessons
The unforgettable legends behind garden bulbs - forbidden love, heartbreak, mythology and botany
The complicated life of Ellen Willmott
A conversation with Sandra Lawrence - writer, historian and mould lark - about the life and gardens of Ellen Willmott
A Breath of Fresh Air ...
Helen Hutchings Cox is bringing a new and exciting vibe to the Collective: James Alexander-Sinclair chats to her about her mission to get everyone gardening.