Fruit
Apple Magic and Autumn Rituals for a Bountiful October
Apples abound in tales of folklore and magic and the renewal of the season to come.
Latest
Plant profiles
The Garden as a Reservoir of Memories
Each year the reappearance of certain plants in our gardens rekindles memories of people and places that have touched our lives in one way or another.
Lighting
Shining a Light on Why Less Lighting is More
Garden lighting is increasingly popular. But what should you illuminate and what should you ignore? Consider these five questions before you turn the plug on (or book in your electrician).
Autobiography
Beyond Botanical: John Grimshaw on Peacocks, Trips to Africa and More
John Grimshaw joins Jane Perrone for a wide-ranging chat: we find out why he loves botanising adventures in Tanzania, but also relishes tending his own garden.
Roof Gardens
Reaching for the Skies: Ralph Hancock’s Gardens in the Clouds
🎵“Right smack dab in the middle of town, I've found a paradise that's trouble proof (up on the roof) …” The Drifters, 1964🎵
Flowers
More bulbs? Bugger!
I just can't stop buying bulbs. But planting them? That's another issue.
How to
Why September Is Your Garden's Real New Year
Think your garden's dying back? Think again. Your garden's more alive than ever - it's just gone underground. Nutrient heists, fungal raves, next year forming beneath your feet. That mess you want to tidy? Brilliance in disguise. Look closer...
Garden language
Why October Gardens Are Nature’s Time Machines
October's always felt weird in my garden - like time's gone sideways. After three decades, I discovered why. The answer involves vernalization, micro-seasons, and something rather magical...
How to
I've Got a (Not So) Little List
My ever-expanding autumn and winter tasks.
Herbs
Unlocking the Secrets: How Long Do Your Seeds Really Last?
Okay folks, ‘Fess Up! How long do you hold onto out-of-date seeds?” This article has been inspired by this quote from Sandra Lawrence, a fellow Scribehound contributor.
Flowers
Ten Out of Ten for Narcissus
Narcissus are gradually getting more of the limelight these days, and rightly so. Here I make a case for this wonderful family of plants, explaining the characteristics I look out for in our trials - read on to discover my top ten.
Edibles
The Magic In Growing Almonds in the UK
There's something like witchcraft about eating almonds you've grown yourself - it feels like it shouldn't be possible, but delicious homegrown almonds can be yours if you know how...