Gardens
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When, where and what to plant for the perfect spring bulbs
The anticipation of cheerful spring bulbs can keep the gardener going through the dull winter months. John Hoyland advises on what to plant for every situation, from gravel to orchards, sun, shade or in pots.
By John Hoyland Published
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Britain's rarest plant is set to go on public display at Kew Gardens
Those wishing to enjoy what might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see flowers such as the lady’s slipper orchid should probably start planning now.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
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It's been raining almost non-stop for 11 months — but one plant has defied the weather
Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’ has lived up to its name, defying everything the weather has thrown at it. Kathryn Bradley-Hole writes in praise of this hardy, happy lavender.
By Kathryn Bradley-Hole Published
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Elegy to a country churchyard: The gardens at Stockcross House
A garden with a church as its focal point is both movingly effective and mellow, with nods to a horticultural hero and a ruby wedding anniversary.
By George Plumptre Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: How many chairs in your garden is too many?
The answer is: you can't have too many.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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The small suburban garden: 'It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with it'
If you know where to look, a tiny suburban garden can yield as much pleasure as views across open countryside, believes Jonathan Notley.
By Country Life Published
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Wet wet wet: How water has been irrigating the imagination of our gardens for centuries
From stew ponds and medieval moats to a miniature Mount Parnassus, water has flowed through the history of British gardens, often in ruinously expensive fashion.
By Christopher Stocks Published
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Parasites of pleasure: the plants that live on plants and what to do with them
You might see it as an opportunity to grab a quick kiss at Christmas, but mistletoe is a parasite like any other, points out Charles Quest-Ritson.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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Honouring the past, protecting the future: the gardens at Badminton House
Kathryn Bradley-Hole traces the story of the gardens in the past 40 years with its ingenious designs by Russell Page and François Goffinet.
By Kathryn Bradley-Hole Published
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The year of the umbellifer: the glorious plant jesters thriving in the summer rain
Perhaps a bit prickly, these plants are loved by bumblebees and make a great splash of colour.
By Val Bourne Published
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At a home designed by the architect of the Royal Botanical Society, a new garden takes shape
Almost two centuries separate this Decimus Burton villa from its new contemporary garden and yet they suit each other perfectly.
By Caroline Donald Published
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The case of the disappearing dahlias
John Hoyland of the gardens at Glyndebourne on how to plug the gaps of those flowers that didn't make it through the winter.
By John Hoyland Published
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The garden at the Old Rectory, Preston Capes: Happily ever after
Reinstating the view was central to the remaking of the garden at the Old Rectory at Preston Capes, Northamptonshire. Tiffany Daneff reports from an unusual site that surrounds the local church.
By Tiffany Daneff Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: The best flower shows in Britain show exactly where RHS Chelsea gets it wrong
The Chelsea Flower Show might be the most famous in the world — but does it offer the best experience for visitors? Alan Titchmarsh suggests a few others where you might have an even better time.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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Charles Quest-Ritson: 'Gardens of supreme botanical importance are being degraded by new owners and changing priorities'
What's in a label? More than you might think, says Charles Quest-Ritson.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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'An inspirational renaissance': The house and gardens of Sandridge Park
A historic house has been saved from ruin by sympathetic owners, who have mixed modern planting with tradition to create a garden of note in the West Country.
By George Plumptre Published
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The beautiful perfumed fruit that's easy to grow, needs almost no attention, and makes a magnificent Christmas liqueur
Easy to manage and extremely versatile to use, quinces should be a staple in any garden says our grow-your-own expert Mark Diacono.
By Mark Diacono Published