I like the slow-quick-slow burn of early spring, with the leaves unfurling slowly but surely. Some plants are decidedly cautious; whitebeams and catalpa won’t show themselves for weeks, while impatien

When I was brought up in a tiny village in Hampshire in the 1950s and 60s, even the smallest cottages had gardens big enough for large vegetable plots. I remember one January day walking into a neighb

These days we try to leave the ‘mess’ of our ornamental garden for as much of the winter as possible for the sake of the biodiversity in our vital garden spaces and, therefore, the world at large. Now

In the garden, hellebores and snowdrop bulbs are emerging through the wintry ground, while beyond, in borrowed views, dangling catkins and blossom-laden blackthorn branches sway in the hedgerows. Thes

As days grow longer, the urge to sow seeds is almost impossible to resist. But if you dream of overflowing beds, the most important thing to do now is plan the growing year to help you meet its sowing

Bulbs planted in autumn come to life now and deliver vibrant bursts of colour – a joy to see after the dark winter months. Daffodils (more on those overleaf) and tulips are enduring symbols of spring