Expert Gardening Tips
Alan Titchmarsh, Mark Diacono, Charles Quest-Ritson, Isabella Bannerman and more of Country Life's expert columnists share their advice on what to do with your garden.
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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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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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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
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If you sow seeds in June, you might just be putting down bird seed... but it's worth the risk if you love fresh summer salads
Our grow-your-own expert Mark Diacono suggests a string of ideas for what you can plant as summer kicks in.
By Mark Diacono Published
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Why I try to get rid of the pinks in my garden — and the reason I always change my mind and end up keeping them
To pink or not to pink? John Hoyland on the flowers whose brief cameo is worth the bother.
By John Hoyland Published
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Autumn olives: The summer fruit that enriches the soil, your lunch table and your life
A hedge? A crop? A beautiful foliage plant? All this and more come to those who grow Autumn olive, says Mark Diacono.
By Mark Diacono Published
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Alan Titchmarsh on Chelsea 2024: 'We need controversy to make us think... Just don’t expect me to regard slugs and snails as my friend'
Alan Titchmarsh looks ahead to the 'matchless spectacle' of the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, the 'Paris catwalk of the British gardening scene.'
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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How to grow lovage — and the reasons why you'd want to bother
Our grow-your-own expert Mark Diacono takes a look at the lovely uses for lovage.
By Mark Diacono Published
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The expert guide to growing violets, by the fifth-generation nursery owner who's devoted a lifetime to them
Groves Nursery in Bridport, Dorset, has been breeding violets since 1866 and, today, holds a National Collection, as well as offering more than 200 varieties for sale. Tilly Ware paid a visit and picked up expert advice from the latest member of the family to run the nursery, Clive Groves.
By Tilly Ware Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: The boy who left school early with one O-level 60 years ago... and found the perfect career
Our columnist Alan Titchmarsh reflects on 60 years of gardening.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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The house plant I've kept alive for 50 years
Charles Quest-Ritson on the amazing longevity of his Purpurea.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: Wordsworth was dead wrong about lonely clouds — but he was on to something with daffodils
Alan Titchmarsh loves daffodils — don't we all? — and shares some of his favourite varieties.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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Betting your hedges: How taking a risk with your garden hedge could be the most rewarding job you ever do
As old as husbandry hedges may be, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be beautiful, too. Charles Quest-Ritson considers the many options.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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The romance of the rose, and how it became the flower of love
Generations have sought that unattainable mystical creature, the perfect rose: shapely, dark red and sweetly scented. What is it about this flower that holds us so in thrall, and why are roses associated with love? Charles Quest-Ritson finds out.
By Charles Quest-Ritson Published
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Mark Diacono: What seeds to plant, plus where and when to plant them
Growing your own from see to harvest is highly rewarding, and here are some tips to get the best possible plants.
By Mark Diacono Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: The art and craft of the head gardener
There are a healthy number of estates whose gardening staff are a vital part of their continued existence — Alan Titchmarsh pays tribute.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published
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Mark Diacono: Chips, mash, roasted or dauphinoise — all better with your own potatoes
The versatile varieties of the potato make it a great crop to experiment with and, no matter what, nothing beats the taste of home grown
By Mark Diacono Published
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Where art meets biology: How Anne Wright has bred some of the world's most covetable snowdrops
At Dryad Nursery near York, botanical artist Anne Wright has been breeding some highly collectable snowdrops, writes Mary Keen. Photographs by Clive Nichols.
By Mary Keen Published
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'Giving a gardener a tree for Christmas is akin to offering a kitten or a puppy'
Wondering what to give a green-fingered friend or family member for Christmas? John Hoyland, gardens adviser at Glyndebourne, has some advice.
By John Hoyland Published
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Alan Titchmarsh: The most spectacular flowers of spring are easy, guaranteed to flower — and now is the time to plant them
Alan Titchmarsh doesn't like tulips. He loves them.
By Alan Titchmarsh Published


