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

Exciting recommendations from our expert plantsman

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

From grasses to ferns and herbaceous perennials, these choice winter evergreens light up borders with colour and texture, says Sue Fisher

Matthew Pottage Matt is Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks. Anne Swithinbank A keen fruit, vegetable and house-plant grower, Anne was formerly the glasshouse supervisor at