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

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

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

Explore gardens by day and escape into motivating reads by night

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

Mike Palmer explains how to prune, plan, polish and prepare for 2026