When to plant wildflower seeds: A guide for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

wildflower seeds

Wildflowers bring vibrant colour, attract pollinators, and support local ecosystems. Obviously, by nature, wildflowers are plants that grow naturally in a region. But as gardeners, we can use wildflowers to create a meadow-like planting on lawns and in borders, adding genuine natural beauty to our space. We can also take advantage of the fact that …

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How to create a Piet Oudolf inspired perennial garden

Piet Oudolf inspired perennial garden

Piet Oudolf, the renowned Dutch garden designer, has transformed modern perennial gardening with his naturalistic approach. His gardens, such as the High Line in New York, the Lurie Garden in Chicago, and the Vlinderhof Garden in the Netherlands, showcase drifts of resilient, structural plants that provide interest throughout the year. His influence extends across Europe, …

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15 Easy vegetables to grow from seeds sown direct in your vegetable beds

Easy vegetables to grow

Growing vegetables from seed sown directly into your garden beds is one of the most rewarding ways to cultivate your own food. It eliminates the need for transplanting, reduces root disturbance, and allows plants to establish themselves naturally. In this guide, we’ll cover 15 vegetable plants that thrive when sown directly, along with essential details …

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Starting annual flower seeds in spring

annual flower seeds

Annual flower seeds can be started off in later winter into spring – indoors or in a greenhouse. Here is a quick guide to help you get sowing. Commencing your flower-growing journey in January isn’t reserved for just herbs and vegetables. There’s a range of robust cool-season flowers that withstand a late frost, vital for …

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16 Tropical garden ideas: inspiring images, stunning landscapes and design tips

tropical garden ideas

These tropical garden ideas will help you bring an exotic paradise feel to any outdoor space. A well-designed tropical garden combines dramatic architectural foliage with vibrant clashing colours to create a lush, immersive environment. Even gardeners in cooler climates can achieve a tropical look by selecting plants that mimic the visual qualities of tropical species …

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Spring has sprung! Gorgeous spring planter ideas to refresh your home and garden

spring planter ideas

Spring is the ideal season to refresh your patio and garden, and what better way to do that than with creative planter ideas? From vibrant flower arrangements to practical herb gardens, there are plenty of ways to add personality to your outdoor space. Don’t forget to keep your plants thriving by choosing the right potting …

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Best robotic lawn mowers: top models for spring 2025

Best Robotic Lawn Mowers

In recent years, robotic lawn mowers have revolutionised lawn maintenance, offering a hands-free approach to keeping lawns perfectly manicured. These autonomous machines work continually to maintain grass at an ideal height, operating on schedules we set while we focus on other garden tasks – or maybe just simply sit comfortably sipping a cool beer. Robotic …

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Vegetable and herb seeds to sow in January and February

Veg seeds to start in winter

Even as winter seems to linger on forever, the anticipation of spring stirs within gardeners. It’s during these final cold months that we can lay the foundations of a flourishing gardening year ahead. In particular, while the soil outside may still be hardening under frost, inside, gardeners can begin the delicate process of seed sowing. …

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5 Greenhouse design principles: choosing, positioning and maintaining your greenhouse

Greenhouse design

Dreaming of lush, thriving plants year-round? A backyard greenhouse design might be just the ticket. By creating a controlled environment in your greenhouse, you can extend your growing season and cultivate a wider variety of plants. Choosing the right location for your greenhouse is crucial for optimal plant growth and can directly impact productivity and …

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Sensational tulip flower arrangements: varieties, growing tips, and display advice

tulip flower arrangements

Tulips are among the most elegant and versatile flowers for arrangements. Their graceful stems, vibrant colours, and delicate petals make them a favourite for spring displays. With careful variety selection and proper growing techniques, you can cultivate your own tulips for cutting and create stunning vase arrangements that brighten any space. Best varieties for tulip …

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Creating sparkling spring flower arrangements for your home

spring flower arrangements

Spring is a season of renewal and vibrant colours, making it the perfect time to create beautiful flower arrangements for your home or garden celebrations. With an array of flowers blooming during this time, you have plenty of options to design arrangements that capture the freshness and joy of spring. This article explores some of …

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How to plant and grow beautiful Shasta Daisy

shasta daisy

Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) are charming perennials that bring a touch of summer cheer to any garden. These delightful flowers, with their pristine white petals and sunny yellow centres, originate from a hybrid created by American horticulturist Luther Burbank in the late 19th century. Named after Mount Shasta in California, these daisies have since …

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Exciting gardening trends for 2025

wildlife friendly garden

Sustainable, relaxed and wildlife friendly gardens lead the way Image by Sloalan is licensed under CC CC0 1.0 The latest gardening trends for 2025 show that gardens are evolving into spaces that promote environmental resilience and mental wellbeing. The remarkable 600% surge in searches for indoor plants and a 64% increase in requests for wildlife-friendly …

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10 Stunning spring flowering shrubs you really need in your garden

Spring flowering shrubs

Spring is a fantastic time to bring life and colour to your garden, and spring flowering shrubs are perfect for the job! Here’s a roundup of 10 of the best spring-flowering shrubs to brighten up your outdoor space. You are sure to finds something here to suit the space and growing conditions in your garden. …

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Can you grow Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a house plant?

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, commonly known as Johnson's grass tree

Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, commonly known as Johnson’s grass tree, is an iconic Australian plant with a unique appearance and fascinating history. While traditionally found in the wild, this article explores the possibility of growing this remarkable plant indoors and provides guidance on how to do so successfully. So, can you grow Xanthorrhoea johnsonii as a house …

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