Planting Bulbs in lawns

BBC Gardeners World | 1 November 2011

When visiting large gardens during spring, I always admire the drifts of dwarf flowering bulbs growing up through wide expanses of grass.

Planting Bulbs in lawns

Jobs for November

The Mirror | 1 November 2011

Normally the time for slippers, cocoa and autumn fires, there’s too much to do in the garden for all that!

Jobs for November

It's all about the soil, birds and beasties this month

The Guardian | 1 November 2011

In November, Mother Nature recycles. The last leaves fall off the trees, plants wither away, insects and other wildlife die and all is returned to the soil to enrich it for the new life next spring.

Following this example, use your old compost to make a warm mulch blanket on the borders and build a new compost heap. Try the latest thinking and chop up everything first to speed up the process.

It's all about the soil

Rake's Progress

The Guardian | 30 October 2011

Rake the last of the leaves from the lawns to give the grass air and light, and clear paths and terraces once the magic has gone from fallen foliage. Leave foliage in beds where there is robust planting, as the worms will pull it to earth to complete the cycle.

Remove foliage from herbs, alpines and Mediterranean plants such as lavender, sage and santolina to promote free air movement. Wet and cold can be lethal in combination with plants not designed for our climate.

Rake's Progress

Know your onions

The Guardian | 17 October 2011

So despite protestations and plans to the contrary, seems I couldn't help but sow onions sets and garlic at the weekend.

Know your onions

How to buy a greenhouse

The Daily Telegraph | 13 October 2011

Choose a site that gets plenty of light, but is sheltered from strong winds. Avoid shade, particularly in early spring and late winter, and don't put it too close to any trees, as falling leaves will dirty the glass. If you intend to heat the greenhouse with electrical heaters, the closer it is to the house, the cheaper it will be to install

How to buy a greenhouse

Sucker for succulents

The Daily Telegraph | 12 October 2011

While I feel I can boast modest success growing plants outside in the garden, I seem to be the kiss of death to indoor plants. I always end up mistreating those sad desiccated sprigs; maybe it's their total reliance on me that I resent. Now, happy in their new home (a well-lit south-facing porch), the sole survivors of a once flourishing conservatory — my succulents are my horticultural guilty pleasure.

Sucker for succulents