Life at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester is as jolly as ever after 180 years, but the diverse degrees on offer reflect the challenges of 21st-century farming. Kate Green charts a history of seismic change for the industry and Mary Skipwith talks to students past and present

The search for still-life subjects led the artist Kate Friend to some of the greatest gardens and gardeners in the country, discovers Tiffany Daneff

Swerve the big-name gardens and put these dynamic alternatives on your must-visit list this year. Chosen by our garden writer Camilla Phelps, they offer plenty of fresh inspiration to bring back to your own plot

BUYING A RUN-DOWN BUNGALOW ON A LARGE PLOT ENABLED KATE AND ROSS TO BUILD THEIR DREAM HOME IN THE GARDEN AND EDGE CLOSER TO BEING MORTGAGE FREE

A chance purchase was the inspiration behind one gardener’s covetable country garden

FLOWERS are one of life’s joys – they make us happy whether they’re growing in a garden or given in a bouquet. However, at this time of year there aren’t many blooms to be found in our borders. Don’t