Giant leeks and pumpkins the size of a small car can give impression that there is something slightly comical about competitive fruit and vegetable growing. But those who take part in this cherished B

Oak Swill Baskets, small £130, medium £160, Freight; Joppari Secateurs, £239, and Tsubo Leather Holster, £48, both Niwaki. For all stockist information, turn to page 108. Facing page: Pine Hot Water B

You can’t get better than Derwent when it comes to the pigments in its renowned Drawing Pencil range. There are now 48 new nature-inspired colours, taking the range to 72 in total. The Drawing Pencils

From tiny tots to lady of the manor, Amie Elizabeth White has Christmas all wrapped up

Marian Boswall seeks design inspiration in classic and new gardening texts

COLOUR IN THE GARDEN : STYLISH IDEAS FOR YEAR-ROUND COLOUR by Lucy Bellamy Mitchell Beazley, £25 ISBN 978-1784729349 ‘I am hungry for colour. I want jam red and acid yellow, violet blue and caterpilla