Pruning lavender

TV and radio broadcaster Martin is an RHS judge and former head gardener

OCTOBER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TRIM BACK YOUR GARDEN’S HEDGE GROWTH – HERE’S HOW…

Mimic their natural behaviour and get them going now to flower in spring

Bringing order from chaos is fundamental to gardening, especially after the summer holidays, so get stuck in, says Joe Swift

Laurel is a common garden plant, which can take over a space if left to its own devices. If you visit a stately home, local parks or woodlands, you’ll see how dominating they can become, blocking out

September is a sweet spot for gardeners. There might not be the frenzied burst of activity you see in spring or the bold drama of midsummer in full bloom, says Martyn Cox , but there’s plenty to do before the colder months come round