Like edging a lawn, dead-heading is one of those tasks regarded by some as a complete form of social death. In both instances, they are wrong. This is a job for a quiet time, in the cool of the evening, involving no great effort or discomfort. It does, however, require careful observation and a methodical approach. With roses, remove the dead flower and sufficient shoot back to the next outward-facing bud. With many herbaceous perennials, reach further down with your secateurs, following the flowered shoot into the interior. Fresh greenery and, in some instances, another flush of flowers will follow.
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What Britain's top garden designers are planting now to create dazzling spring meadows around their homesNon Morris reveals the techniques behind the contemporary take on William Robinson’s original idea of naturalising bulbs in long grass, creating an effect even more dazzling than a meadow.
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Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
