This spring jewel is so wonderful when it pops up in gardens, whether it is planted in borders or in areas of grass – as it is just as happy in both. The foliage will start with a slight purple tone a

Purple punctuates the planting: here an acer, verbena and some pinky-purple crinum, or swamp lily, stand out

Planting schemes should never stand still, so let’s reassess, reshape and reinvigorate

Nick Hamilton explains why getting to know your garden’s sun, soil and shade situation will better help plants thrive

Discover the most beautiful and beneficial trees, shrubs and ground-layer plants to cultivate your own woodland oasis – however large or small your garden

REAL readers' gardens!