Beautiful & useful

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

Marian Boswall seeks design inspiration in classic and new gardening texts

‘ Her dream house was surrounded by gardens: a berry garden, an apricot garden, a cherry garden, a persimmon garden, a potato garden, a vegetable garden and a huge compost.” Ana Roš, a passionate rock

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

FLOWERS are one of life’s joys – they make us happy whether they’re growing in a garden or given in a bouquet. However, at this time of year there aren’t many blooms to be found in our borders. Don’t