Inspirational gardens
The Plant Library: Creating a New Garden at Home
In the spring of 2020, amidst the global pandemic, we started building a community garden in an old orchard near our home in Hertfordshire, just 20 miles from central London.
Latest
Garden design
Hundreds and Thousands
Fast forward from my park department days to now. How gardening has changed?
Garden Therapy
Why Gardeners Pass Intelligence Tests
A little lateral thinking and suddenly, the secret to a happy life is clear, and it is found in the garden. The joy of growth, celebration of beauty, and waiting for the buds to burst into the glorious blossom of spring. All it takes? A little love.
Through the Garden Gates
A Room With a View
If you live in the middle of a city a room with a view is a bonus; if it is a view into a garden it is a blessing.
Inspirational gardens
Saving Paradise: A Unique Garden and How You Can Help
Two of the most extraordinary acres on these islands - an inspiring forest garden that has influenced so many worldwide - are under threat: here, a window into this unique place, and how you can help it endure for generations to follow.
Flowers
Roses all the Way, But None of Them From Here
Could Valentine's Day fall at a less inconvenient time of year for gardeners? The demand for red roses cannot be met in our winter gardens. Would St Valentine - and more importantly, our loved one - mind if we chose a more seasonally available posy?
Bulbs
Narcissus ‘Paper White’ Table Centre
My step-by-step planting guide to making a gorgeous scented table centrepiece.
Garden design
Lose that Lawn (or at least let it go a bit)
Do yourself, your garden and wildlife a favour and release yourself from the shackles of lawnmowing.
Inspirational gardens
Vita's Other Garden - Does It Really Exist?
The story of a truly magical garden that some think may not be there anymore.
Horticulture
Another day, another drenching
Just when you think you are getting good at this gardening game, the weather freezes your farfugiums or floods your foxgloves.
Autobiography
What Does Your Shed Mean to You?
Sheds are too often overlooked in our gardens - they are places to dream, play, potter and be creative.
Through the Garden Gates
Goodbye To All That
A few days before writing this article I told everyone that I would be retiring as Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme at the end of summer 2025 when I will have done 15 years. Time for some happy reflection