Expert Gardening Tips

Hydrangeas: Varied, colourful and lovingly tended to by the wizard of White House Farm

Mark Griffiths extols the beauties of this shrub, from its 18th-century beginnings to its revival in the hands of hydrangea champion Maurice Foster.

Alan Titchmarsh: The ultimate flower for the lazy gardener

Penstemons are easy to grow, hardy, and flower for months — even the slugs don't both them. They might just be the perfect border perennial, says Alan Titchmarsh.

How to grow chillies in Britain: What to plant, where to plant them and how to make them grow

We associate chillies with hot climates, but they can be grown on these shores — Mark Diacono explains how.

Aquatic plants: Six perfect choices for those wishing to dip their toes into the world of watery flora

Deadheading? Don't worry about it too much, or you'll miss out on some fine surprises

Mark Griffiths passes on sage advice about deadheading old plants from one of the greats of gardening — but cautions us all not to be over-dedicated, or you might miss out on some unexpected pleasures.

How to win show prizes with your fruit and vegetables, by a former champion-turned-judge

Steven Desmond has seen it all — and done most of it, too — when it comes to fruit and veg shows. He shares some of the tricks and tips he's picked up along the way.

How to make a living off your garden: 'The garden draws you in with its wonderful sense of stillness'

Making your living off your garden is a dream for many of us — but it needn't be a dream, as Anna Tyzack found when she spoke to some people who are already doing it.

Alan Titchmarsh: Forget what the neighbours might think — it's time to end gardening's strangest taboo

We love to see flowers, to smell fresh blooms and to listen to the wind in the trees — but far too many of us shy away from touching the flowers we grow. It's time to end that, says Alan Titchmarsh.

How to grow your own apricots and enjoy 'deep, honeyed richness' far beyond what you'll find in the shops

Mark Diacono hasn't eaten a fresh apricot from a supermarket in years — here are his tips on how to grow them for yourself.

How to make a living off your garden: ‘It might not be hugely profitable, but your lifestyle is rich’

For some, their garden is a place of peace and tranquillity. For others, it’s a haven of productivity and profit. Anna Tyzack spoke to some of the lucky few for whom it’s both and has profiled them for Country Life — starting with Rachel Siegfried.

The power of flowers — how they accompany us, heal us and ‘make us gasp with pleasure’

‘Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower,’ wrote Hans Christian Andersen. Jay Griffiths explores their emotional pull.

How to create a classic English country cottage garden: What to plant, where to plant it and what to use around it

The classic English country garden has an appeal that never goes out of style. Val Bourne reflects on how it's evolved over the years, and suggests eight plants to try in your garden.

How to grow a giant gooseberry, and other top tips from the 219th Egton Bridge Old Gooseberry Show

Ahead of this week's Egton Bridge Old Gooseberry Show, Steven Desmond spoke to competitors at this centuries-old event.

The most impressive perennial grown in Britain: The swamp pot

Mark Griffiths extols the wonders of the swamp pot ‘Thalia dealbata’ and teaches us how to best do the beautiful flowers justice.

The tale of the Lady Penny sweet peas that were brought back from extinction thanks to a handful of saved seeds

When the seeds of her eponymous sweet pea were lost, Lady Penny Mountbatten turned to Roger Parsons, holder of the National Collection, for help. Report by Tiffany Daneff, with photographs by Daniel Gould.

Alan Titchmarsh: The best coastal flowers, and the relief of finding that old age and a treacled memory haven't claimed me yet

Our columnist Alan Titchmarsh on the beauty of the coastal flowers that dot our shoreline — and never more spectacularly than on the cliffs of Cornwall.

Curious Questions: Why is there no such thing as a truly blue rose? And will we ever have one?

Breeding a blue rose has long been the Holy Grail for plant breeders everywhere. Charles Quest-Ritson, author of the RHS Encyclopedia of Roses, explains why it's proven so elusive.

The wonders of Carolina allspice: Used to scent a garden, a kitchen, or even your cleavage

The top salad leaves to grow in your garden for summer garnishes

Mark Diacono tells us his top salads to plant to accompany barbecues this summer season.

Alan Titchmarsh: How each of our English country gardens can play their part in saving the planet

Our columnist Alan Titchmarsh talks extreme weather, climate change and the faith all gardeners have in the extraordinary ability of nature to bounce back from pretty much anything.