That's what I said. Despite widespread unease, there is no shame in growing the gladiolus, which is an unfailingly reliable cut flower, with sufficient choice of colour and form to suit even yourself. The distinctive corms should be planted now. If they're for cut flowers, line them up in a row in the kitchen garden and plant them deeply, the length of the trowel blade, in soil well prepared with organic matter. Put a cane at each end of the row, ready to run a double length of twine to support the plants in due course. Then, just wait.
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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.
