Lay the groundwork

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

Swerve the big-name gardens and put these dynamic alternatives on your must-visit list this year. Chosen by our garden writer Camilla Phelps, they offer plenty of fresh inspiration to bring back to your own plot

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

DREAM PLANT GROW PICK MAKE BUY

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

A confluence of styles and eras, Eltham Palace & Gardens in London is part art deco mansion and part medieval hall, with lavish interiors to admire. Outdoors, cross London’s oldest working bridge into