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

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

Spindly to splendid These are my ‘Earthwalker’ sunflowers ...

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS MONTH WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE CHANGING SEASONS

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

Break with tradition and give your festive floral ...