As a gardener there are a few garden ‘pests’ that can wreak havoc on our plants such as caterpillars. But before you reach for that insecticide take a few moments to really think about what you are doing.
Wildlife
How to provide safe water for the birds
As a nation we love feeding the birds. But it’s just as important to ensure they have a safe and reliable source of fresh water says Jean Vernon.
Create a wildlife haven in your garden
Debi Holland suggests ways to attract wildlife into your garden.
Wonderful worms
Where would we be without worms? These soil dwelling creatures are responsible for soil health in our gardens. Without these wiggling creatures our soil would be compacted, starved of oxygen and probably waterlogged.
Nest box know-how
Spring is a great time to install a house for your feathered friends. Jean Vernon has some top tips and advice on siting a nest box in your garden.
Can I grow my own festive holly and ivy?
Geoff Hodge offers his tips and advice on growing festive holly and ivy.
Winter bird care
The garden is still rich in autumn fruit, seeds, nuts and berries and also insects, but competition is fierce. Here are 5 ways to help the birds over winter.
What do I need to know about feeding garden birds?
It might sound daft but there’s a bit more to feeding the birds than putting out birdseed. Jean Vernon offers some timely advice.
Bats in the garden
Don’t be scared, bats in the garden are a blessing not a curse. These little creatures mostly eat garden bugs as Wildlife World Bat expert Chantal Brown explains.
Are trees good for the birds?
There is something magical about watching birds feed in your own garden. But it’s not just about putting out bird food. What we grow in our gardens can be a vital lifeline too. As winter approaches there is much we can do to help wildlife get through the cold bleak months.
How to reconnect teenagers with nature
Prise the kids away from their screens and give them a reason to get outside into nature. Debi Holland has lots of ideas
How can I garden more naturally?
Jean Vernon suggests a few ways to garden more gently, lessening your impact on the planet and its precious resources
How to garden safely with your family
If you share your garden with children, pets and wildlife it’s important to choose products that are safe to use around them.
Give your garden birds a health check
Give your bird feeders and bird baths a health check before the winter.
Five ways to feed the birds
Feeding the birds brings your garden alive, adding a delightful, animated and colourful dimension to your garden, says Jean Vernon.
Guerrilla gardening for kids
Get the kids into guerrilla gardening by making seed bombs to add colour to the garden. This is an extract from a book on children’s gardening by Matthew Appleby.
How to help garden pollinators
Gardeners are well placed to make a big difference to pollinators. Jean Vernon suggests lots of ways to help these precious creatures
Five plants to attract butterflies
Encourage more butterflies into your garden by choosing plants with nectar rich flowers
Treating the garden birds
Feeding the birds can add a wonderful dimension to your garden. These delightful creatures will feed, bathe, dance and roost in your trees and shrubs filling your world with their beauty, grace and antics.
How can I help garden slow worms?
Finding a slow worm in the summer garden is like finding treasure, but these enchanting creatures are under threat and need as much care as you can offer.
Five things to enjoy at RHS Wisley Gardens in spring
Jean Vernon pays a quick visit to the RHS flagship garden at Wisley; here are five things to enjoy this spring
Birds literally flock to my garden
Watching the garden birds is a wonderful way to lift your spirits at any time of year. Michele Green invites us into her garden.
Five plants for bees
Bees pollinate a huge proportion of our food crops. Support your local wild and domesticated bees with some scrumptious summer flowers that provide energy rich nectar for pollinators
Planting for bees
Take a closer look at that buzzing creature in your garden. There are dozens of species of solitary bees as well as our honeybees and bumblebees and they all do vital work in the garden.
Toads in the garden
They might be warty, but garden toads are good for the garden, says Jean Vernon.
Wildlife, exotic butterflies and mint tea
It’s been a crazy few weeks in the garden and beyond for Jean Vernon as she enjoys the bounty of nature, travel and more
Owls in the garden
Gardens close to woodlands and countryside can offer ideal sites for owl boxes says Wildlife World expert Chantal Brown.
Butterflies in the garden
Bring your garden alive with the silent wings and elegant presence of beautiful butterflies. They are living ornaments to adorn your garden and enthrall young and old.
Grow sunflowers
Infuse your garden with some fabulous summer sunshine this season. Plant sunflowers for stunning, long lasting blooms and much more.
Ideas to take home from Chelsea
Not everyone can or wants to go to RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Simply spend a little while watching the show coverage on television, online and social media.
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