Provision of gardens needs to be central to UK housebuilding targets to ensure liveability of Government’s 1.5 million new ...

These dramatic sun-loving border plants produce large spherical flowerheads, usually in beautiful shades of blue, from midsummer onwards. These sway on tall stems above clumps of strappy foliage. Some ...

Thyme (Thymus) is a compact evergreen shrub with small aromatic leaves. It’s easy to grow in a warm, sunny spot, in free-draining soil or containers. It’s also drought tolerant and needs little ...

Shrub roses are a large and diverse group of roses. They are usually larger than modern bush roses and have thornier stems, often with scented flowers. They may repeat flower or flower only once in ...

Plum trees (Prunus domestica) are easy to grow and a must for any garden, offering heavy crops of fruit in mid- to late summer, as well as pretty spring blossom that attracts bees and other ...

A variable, upright to spreading, branching, evergreen shrub which can reach a height of 10m. Leaves are a deep glossy green, oval to ovate, tapering to a short point and 7-10cm long. Solitary, white ...

With showy blooms in a range of colours, sizes and shapes, dahlias light up sunny borders through summer and into late autumn. They suit most garden styles, from tropical to cottage borders, and ...

In winter, deciduous plants shed leaves and send food reserves to their roots. If you prune in winter or spring they then have ample resources to regrow and balance their roots with their top growth.

Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, are the most popular indoor orchids, with exotic, long-lasting flowers. They are easy to look after and grow well in centrally heated rooms.