Celebrated in the loveliest of carols, holly warms hearts anew each winter, but there’s more to the spiky gem than merely Christmas cheer, writes Deborah Nicholls-Lee

The garden of Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Suffolk The home of Ed and Sophie Tollemache

Discover what makes these plants popular around Christmas time

P leached trees are often described as ‘hedges on stilts’. But that somewhat prosaic description doesn’t do justice to just how versatile, useful and beautiful an artfully pleached tree can be. Specia

Our festive traditions may feel rooted in celebrations of the birth of Christ, but the trees and plants we use for decoration tell a different story

RHS expert Jon Webster tells Mandy Bradshaw why this evergreen beauty shouldn’t be relegated to the winter months