Growing for eating

Imbolc, Potatoes, and Lunar Gardening: Resisting the Gardener's Itch

Every February we feel the call to begin gardening, often too early, but taking guidance from the ancient Celtic festival of spring can help us with our timings.

How to

How to make your own seed sowing compost at home

As we go full steam into seed sowing season, here is how to make your own seed compost at home - saving your wallet and the planet in the process!

Garden shows

So what actually is the point of a show garden…?

(aka, my experience building my very first show garden, and a little discussion!)

flower farming

Whatever the message, how we say it matters, so say it with Flowers!

Hosting the recent Flowers From The Farm conference made me reflect on just why the flowers they grow are so magical and resonate with so many people. The flowers of our childhood inspire.

Bulbs

Sheets of spring colour without the fight in overstocked borders!

We all know more is more with spring bulbs. But who has half-empty borders to accommodate thousands of bulbs? Time to think outside the border!

Soil

Digging the Dirt

Why soil matters and how to make yours better.

Garden history

A Pilgrimage to the Old Wooden Cathedral

This piece reflects on finding inspiration in nature, people, and place - spring walks, bluebell woods, and memories that shaped my Chelsea 2012 garden. Inspired by poet John Clare, it’s a reminder to slow down and let the landscape guide creativity.

Planting Design

Chalk to Acid: the Challenges of a New Garden

Moving to a garden in another county has taught me the art of patient gardening, and opened up a whole new plant palette

Flowers

The Floral Revolution: The Unexpected Battleground

I became a gardener because I adore flowers. But when my week comes round to share my flowers with the village, I find some unexpected barriers. Can I persuade those wedded to tradition of floral foam of a new way?

Plantspeople

Pressed for All Time: The World’s Herbaria at the Click of a Mouse

How often do we think about the millions of dried plant specimens which have been languishing in herbaria around the world for decades? What is the point of them and why we should care?

Inspirational gardens

Take a Walk on the Wildside

An extraordinary garden in South Devon, where plant communities are explored and celebrated by one of this country’s best plantsmen.

Confessions of a Pots Addict

'My name is John, and I’m addicted to pots.'