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.

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.

Plant profiles

Scented houseplants: the good, the bad and the truly stinky

Everyone wants to know which houseplants to grow to make their home smell good. Here are the answers, along with the one thing you can do to stop your houseplant soil from smelling bad

Planting Design

The Joy and Chaos of Loving Variegated Plants

From instability and sunburn, to high value price tags and striped leaf swoon - where do you stand on variegated plants? (If you're a hater, I bet you'll still love my Aspidistra!)

Garden design

Why Grasses Are the Unsung Heroes of Modern Gardens

Here's to the most successful plant on the planet: at this time of year, grasses can play a supporting role, or take centre stage.

Houseplants

Gesneriads: The Forgotten Houseplants

Underrated and unpronounceable: Gesneriads aren't good at selling themselves to houseplant growers, but I urge you to give them a try.

Plant profiles

The Rise of the Rose

I'm enchanted by the rich history of roses: here are a few of my favourites and a chance to reflect on their place in our history and culture.

Plant profiles

More Fleeting Moments

This month, I reflect on spring’s quiet beauty – especially the hawthorn’s return. From countryside drives to ancient folklore, it’s a call to pause, notice, and celebrate fleeting moments before they pass us by, just like the blossom itself.

Plant profiles

Spring means daffodils

Much human ingenuity has been spent on a flower that truly spells spring.

Plant profiles

Saving Stories in the Landscape: The Monkey Puzzle Debate

An original vision, with disobedient garden owners and a marmite tree species - can it end happily?

Plant profiles

Ranting into Springtime…

There are a few plants which make me shudder. I know, I feel bad about that too but we can’t grow everything, so we should try to only give room to those plants we really love.