Chelsea Flower Show

The Judge’s Tale - RHS Chelsea Flower Show Week

I have been judging gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show - you may agree or disagree with what we decided, but this is how it works.

Clothing

Why I Always Wear a Hat

'Slip Slap Slop' to combat skin cancer, as the Aussies would say.

Growing for eating

Garden Symphony: Does a Dose of Music Make Your Plants Grow?

Classical music will boost plant growth is a theory banded around in the gardening world, but is there any truth in it? As my greenhouse is fit to burst with young seedlings in need of attention, I’m keen to know if this is just a myth.

Wildlife

Every Garden Should Have These Spring Flowers for Bumblebees

Before you fill your garden with anything else, start with these six unsung heroes. Newly emerged bumblebee queens need an early energy hit - and vital supplies for their new broods. Make every plant count.

Growing for eating

The Badger Who Came For My Yacon

Gardeners are uniquely able to throw the garden gate and the larder door open to a world of unbuyable flavours, textures, varieties and experiences, and yacon is a delicious, easy way to do just that.

Sustainability

Beyond Sustainable Gardening

Do we really understand what sustainable gardening is? Has it lost its meaning through ubiquity or has it become over-simplified, lacking nuance and restricting our ability to be creative and trust ourselves in our gardens?

Herbs

Herbs to Savour and Flavour- Part Two: Crossing Continents

Herbs cross continents from Siberian shives to Szechuan pepper to South America and the infamous stevia, which was used by the Aztecs.

Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show - It's All Party, Party, Party

A week from now, my team of florists and I will be gearing up for the busiest day - and night - of our year. Here's my insight into the myriad of events that surround the opening day of Chelsea Flower Show.

Pests

Grey-squirrel Bulb Nickers

Whether you live in a city, village or in the middle of nowhere, grey squirrels are a force to contend with as you plant your bulbs. We’ve trialled every protection system known to man and I’ll give you our results.

Autobiography

Jam and Jerusalem

The famous story of the Women's Institute, with its tales of feminine inventiveness and thriftiness, could have been made for my mother.

Wellness & wellbeing

Tranquility in Gardens: The Power of Silent Spaces

If you can have a quiet carriage on a train, then why not a quiet space in a garden open to the public?

Garden design

My Garden Design Approach.

From pencil to PC.