The instructions on the packets of seed for biennial flowers tend to suggest May as the month to sow them, but I find June is quite early enough. Foxgloves, wallflowers, Sweet Williams and Canterbury bells (remember them?) can all be sown now in shallow drills in an odd corner of the vegetable garden. Water the bottom of the drill, then sow the seeds individually. Cover the seeds by shuffling along the row with your boots together, then very lightly rake out your footprints. Keep a record, both on a label and in your well-thumbed notebook. Your investment will be well rewarded.
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
