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

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Oak Swill Baskets, small £130, medium £160, Freight; Joppari Secateurs, £239, and Tsubo Leather Holster, £48, both Niwaki. For all stockist information, turn to page 108. Facing page: Pine Hot Water B

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One of the top experts on pests and diseases, Pippa gardens using organic methods. Matt trained at Kew and has been gardening professionally for more than 30 years. Kirsty is Head of Gardens at Balmor