5 essential … low growing shrubs for ground cover
Whilst we often think first of perennials when looking for ground cover plants, there are many low growing shrubs that do the job quickly and effectively and that can provide…
5 essential … plants for winter seedheads
Even in death plants with interesting seed heads that stand well over autumn and winter manage to look strikingly beautiful especially on those rare but magical early mornings when they…
5 essential … small grasses
This month’s focus is on small grasses, a group of plants that between them provide a long season of interest, striking focal points, a wonderful foil to other plants and…
Designer guide to … creating the perfect outdoor room for summer
At this time of year (when the weather allows) many of us want to spend much of our time outside. With TV programmes such as Channel 4’s Inside Out Homes…
5 essential … plants for a tropical look
Luckily for UK gardeners who fancy going for a tropical look, steamy tropical weather is not required to achieve it. Dramatic and contrasting foliage is the key to creating an…
5 essential … evergreen shrubs to clothe a wall or fence
Many shrubs adapt very well to growing against walls and fences and, once trained in, are usually easier to manage than climbers which can quickly outgrow their allotted space. Here…
5 essential … plants to brighten a shady corner
Many people panic when faced with shady areas to plant and seem to think ‘nothing will grow in shade’. SO not true! It’s a fact that flowering interest is limited…
5 essential … plants to grow under trees
One of the trickiest places to grow plants is under trees and shrubs where moisture and light are at a premium. Here’s a small selection of plants which are perfectly…
5 essential … small evergreen plants
Evergreen plants are invaluable to give a garden some interest in the depths of winter. And small evergreens are particularly useful to grow near paths and deciduous shrubs or trees,…