After a five-year restoration project, the greatest glasshouse in the world will once again open its door to the public on May 5.
Gardens
How to grow the bladdernut, a delightful shrub with the heavenly scent of vanilla custard
An email from a friend spurs Mark Griffiths to take a look at the curiously-named bladdernut, a vigorous and easily-grown shrub that needs just the right touch to really make…
Six indispensable tips to create a perfect space for outdoor living
Creating a beautiful outdoor space is no less involved than making a beautiful room inside your house. Amelia Thorpe spoke to two expert designers who shared their tips.
The daftest plant name in English, and how it belongs to a wonderful flower just starting to show its potential
There are a lot of silly names for flowers our there – and Charles Quest-Ritson has a chilling warning for those who use the daftest of the lot.
Warnell Hall, Cumbria: Where sympathy and experimentation go hand in hand
Non Morris is intrigued by the close attention to detail that has produced a new Cumbrian garden of great style and integrity.
The robot lawnmower that handles hills, steers around flowerbeds and even charges itself
More and more country house owners are embracing the best that modern technology can bring to their homes – and Viking iMow, made by Stihl, is taking that approach into…
Alan Titchmarsh: Losing a plant to frost isn’t a disaster – it’s an opportunity
Writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh talks through the highs and lows of the freezing conditions into which Britain was plunged a few weeks ago.
Madresfield Court: A Worcestershire garden where new and old combine in perfect harmony
Steven Desmond visits Madresfield Court in Worcestershire, where high Victorian romanticism has been blended with modern ideas to create a remarkable garden.
The delicious salad leaves to try in your garden that keep on giving with ‘cut and grow’
Pulling up entire salad plants seems like madness once you've moved on to 'cut and grow again' as Mark Diacono explains.
The common garden plants that are deadly to dogs and cats – and what to do if they eat one
Many beautiful and common plants in the average English garden can prove fatal to household pets. Peter Green, a veterinary surgeon, gives his advice on some of the most common…
The joy of the greenhouse: Perfect spaces to plant, prune or just potter about
Greenhouses, glasshouses and orangeries were torn down across Britain a few decades ago – thankfully, they're now back on the up and better than ever, says Mark Griffiths.
How to grow a pear tree: What to choose, how to look after it
Steven Desmond explains the mysteries of the pear – and suggests a few varieties who want to take the plunge and grow their own trees.
Tunnel vision: Fabulous floral arches to delight the senses
Garden designer Anthony Noel extols the virtues of floral arches that delight the senses.
Curious Questions: Why does freshly-mown grass smell so good?
Nothing says 'Spring is here' better than that wonderful aroma of newly-cut lawn. Martin Fone, author of 'Fifty Curious Questions', explains why it smells so good.…
Spring is in the air – seven beautiful images from the Country Life archives
The Country Life Picture Library has a wealth of images from the archives of Country Life going back over 100 years - we pick some lovely spring pictures from their
Alan Titchmarsh: Finally, a chance to nurture and grow some rhododendrons
Alan Titchmarsh had resigned himself to a life without rhododendrons – but now that's all about to change, courtesy of his daughter.
The Florist: ‘What I do is like good cooking – if you have beautiful ingredients, you can’t go wrong’
This week's Living National Treasure is royal florist Shane Connolly – and while he might be based in Britain, he's in demand around the world. He spoke to Tessa Waugh;…
Plas Cadnant, Isle of Anglesey: The place where the heart rules
Non Morris is enchanted to learn about the twice-over extraordinary restoration of an Anglesey garden by its owner, who ‘fell for its romantic charm.’
Rhubarb: The pink promise of spring
Mark Diacono extolls the virtues homegrown rhubarb and reveals how to get the best out of your crop.
Ten simply magnificent photographs of Pashley Manor, Britain’s greatest tulip festival
Every year, Pashley Manor's stunning tulip festival attracts people from across the world to enjoy these beautiful blooms in a perfect English country setting. We've picked out some wonderful images…