Christmas

The Holly and the Ivy: the importance of evergreens

From ancient to modern times evergreens have uplifted the spirits, especially in the dead of winter, and in this article I discuss how important it is to maintain that tradition

Garden history

How the Victorians Flirted with Floriography ... not aubergine emojis

From dramatic declarations of war to dangerously suggestive orchids, the alluring history of flower symbolism and why most meanings have been lost over time. Is there a desire to bring them back?

Christmas

A Lovely Green Christmas

A whistle-stop tour of my absolutely failsafe Christmas decorations, guaranteed to jolly up your home with as little cost to the environment as possible.

Planting Design

My Go-to Winter Scented Plants

Inhale the blues away with Viburnums, Daphnes and Sarcococcas.

Inspirational gardens

Hardcore horticulture: Discovering the walled garden at Knepp

Everyone is talking about the walled garden at Knepp - it's exciting and somewhat bewildering. A garden growing on piles of crushed concrete, rubble and hardcore surely can't be anything of note, can it?

Christmas

Gardening gifts- the highs and lows.

Something to think about if you're buying a gift for a gardener or want to drop a hint to get a good one yourself!

Garden design

Discover Your Dream Garden: Start with These Five Questions

Are you wanting to give your garden a new lease of life? Or just update a small part of it? Start your garden design journey with me, focusing this month on working out what you actually want to do in your garden

Winter

Myths and Magic Hidden in Your Midwinter Garden

A stroll through the stories and myths of the solstice garden.

Herbs

Herbs of Hearth and Holiday: Sage, Bay, Rosemary

Come in from the dark and cold; the kitchen glows with light and the scent of sage, bay and rosemary. They still whisper of warmth, belonging and the promise of returning light.

Christmas

I'm a Poinsettia Grinch

The dark side of poinsettias revealed: time for change

Christmas

Eight Simple Promises for a More Joyful Gardening Year

Next year, I am going to ensure gardening is even more at the heart of my life: care to join me?

Christmas

The Garden Collective Christmas Quiz 2025

Answer our fiendish questions - I'll bring you the answers tomorrow!