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Curious Questions: Why is there no such thing as a truly blue rose? And will we ever have one?
Breeding a blue rose has long been the Holy Grail for plant breeders everywhere. Charles Quest-Ritson, author of the RHS Encyclopedia of Roses, explains why it's proven so elusive.
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I hadn't been to RHS Chelsea for years, but it's better than ever — just don't ask strangers to share your taxi
After staying away for a few years Charles Quest-Ritson is delighted to report that the Chelsea Flower Show is as great a treat as ever — but that's not to say there aren't a few things that have changed...
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Brace yourself for the new invasive pests, from to oak-munching caterpillars to Asiatic hornets
Charles Quest-Ritson takes aim at the foreign invaders who seem set to ravage our gardens.
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Rhododendrons: A beautiful excuse to lose the battle against invading flowers
Charles Quest-Ritson explains why these gorgeous purple flowers are not such a bad thing, really.
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The best daffodils and narcissi to grow your garden, whether in pots, grass or borders
With more than 26,000 to choose from, it can be agonising deciding which narcissus to grow. Charles Quest-Ritson asks daffodil doyenne Christine Skelmersdale for ideas.
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Ninfa: The extraordinary tale of an English country garden which thrives in the heart of Italy
Charles Quest-Ritson fell in love with the spectacularly romantic gardens of Ninfa decades ago, and is just as entranced now as he was then. But make your visit while you can, he warns, since its future is not secure.
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David Austin, Britain's late, great king of roses: The man who brought about 'a revolution in taste, expectations and how we garden'
Charles Quest-Ritson pays tribute to David Austin, the rose breeder and entrepreneur who passed away at the end of last year aged 92.
