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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.'
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Isabella Tree on how rewilding took the Knepp Estate from a ruin in the red to a miracle of Nature
Isabella Tree tells the incredible tale of Britain's first rewilding project.
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'I could buy ready-to-go evergreens and hurry up the process, but I’m not in a hurry' — why gardeners, like plants, should move slowly
Shrubs, grasses, mess and dead leaves are nothing to be feared. We should take a leaf from Piet Oudolf and enjoy watching things grow and decay.
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'A haunt of ancient peace' — The gardens at Iford Manor and their remarkable history
In a home that can trace its history to the Norman Conquest, owners William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett have continued the great work begun by Harold Peto in 1899.
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The poisonous plant that can 'run riot' in your garden, was a favourite of Elizabeth II and is more beautiful than a rose
Lily of the valley has a long history of royal connections, as well as being the ideal flower for expressions of love.
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The gardens of High Moss, a Cumbrian paradise just moments from Derwentwater
Non Morris visits the much-loved gardens of High Moss, in Portinscale, Cumbria — home of Peter and Christine Hughes — and finds a historically fascinating Arts-and-Crafts garden which has been imaginatively brought back to life. Photographs by Val Corbett for Country Life.
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'Within a month, one was eaten by a tiger, one was burned alive, five disappeared and the sole survivor emerged with 7,000 specimens': The unique passion engendered by orchids
Charles Quest-Ritson admits that he never fell for orchids the way he has for roses — but the devotion they inspire is legendary.
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The garden of Midsummer House: An Oxfordshire gem that's small but perfectly formed
With a stream running through it and views of the Uffington White Horse, the garden of Midsummer House in Oxfordshire — the home of Mrs Penny Spink — is a garden of great natural beauty cleverly designed and planted to make it seem much larger than it actually is. George Plumptre paid a visit; photographs by Mimi Connolly.
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How to make a garden good enough for Country Life from scratch
Within only 14 years, seven acres of featureless grass around Charlton Farm in Wiltshire have been transformed into a garden full of incident and charm, writes Caroline Donald
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Six of the finest gardens in Britain, but only one can be the winner
The Historic Houses Garden of the Year competition is once again underway — we take a quick glance at the six shortlisted entries.
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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.
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Five of the most amazing mazes according to a man who makes them
Adrian Fisher is a world-famous maze designer. The man behind the Saltburn maze tells us about some of his favourites.
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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.
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Riding to the rescue – how the gardens at Dowdeswell Court have been brought to life
With only lawns and shrubberies remaining of the original gardens, their rejuvenation has taken a huge amount of thought and work, but the results are spectacular says James Alexander-Sinclair.
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The RHS: 220 years of horticultural genius
The RHS is best-known for its shows and gardens but it's the work behind the scenes which has made the biggest mark. Tiffany Daneff pays tribute to a remarkable institution as it reaches a major milestone.
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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.
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The inaugural topiary awards are open now
Britain's best topiary artists, both professional and amateur, are being sought out in a new topiary award.
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Chicory and endive: The bittersweet plants as versatile as they are punchy
Mark Diacono explains how to grow chicory and endive — and what you can do with them.
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The house plant I've kept alive for 50 years
Charles Quest-Ritson on the amazing longevity of his Purpurea.
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When it comes to designing and making a garden, it's always worth seeking advice
What might be difficult for you will come naturally to those with years of horticultural experience — Don't be afraid to ask for help.
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The world's most beautiful opera house foyer? A tour of the glorious gardens of Glyndebourne
As Glyndebourne celebrates its 90th anniversary, the gardens at the opera house are still hitting all the high notes.
