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

When you pull at the threads of clothing ‘take-back’ schemes, all may not be as it seems. We explore what happens when textiles reach the end of their life, and the environmental consequences of their disposal

Growing the Good Life is especially rewarding as we start to prepare for winter celebrations. Not only can we harvest food for the feast, but also berries, seedheads and foliage for festive decoration

Shade pictured Venetian Terrace Skein weight/length 100g/214m Needle size 4.5-5.5mm (UK 7-5/US 7-9) Tension 17-20 sts to 10cm Fibre content 100% extrafine Merino wool Care Hand wash RRP £36 Contact ww

15,523m² is almost the same size as the base of the Eiffel Tower (which is 15,625m²) 7,117m² of wildlife-friendly plants, which is the same size as a football pitch 1,438m² of ponds, which is the same