There are certain types of plant that are invaluable in any garden, because of the qualities they bring to a bed or border, such as movement, focus and colour. Identifying these helpful heroes and wha

Liz Zorab lists the eye-catching plants she hopes to add to her garden this year

Stephanie Hafferty provides her pick of the more unusual perennials for tasty and nutritious meals

Plants that return each year create a framework for borders

At a time when much of the garden sleeps, winter flowers are all the more precious for their scarcity; an irrepressible bunch, undaunted by wind, frost or even a blanket of snow. Many are small, yet t

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