Benjamin Pope
Head Gardener of a private garden in West Sussex, Benjamin lectures, writes and judges for the RHS plant trials, whilst creating a market garden in the South Downs.
Recent articles by Benjamin Pope
What vegetables and other plants to get into the ground in May
Head gardener Benjamin Pope explains what you should be planting in May. Illustration by Claire Harrup
What to plant in April in the garden
Discover which flowers and vegetables to plant in April with the help of head gardener Benjamin Pope
What to plant in March for beautiful blooms over the summer and beyond
Head gardener Benjamin Pope offers his suggestions for the best things to plant in pots and beyond this month
What to plant in February
Head gardener Benjamin Pope offers his suggestions for the best things to plant in pots and beyond this month
What to plant in January
Head gardener Benjamin Pope is keeping busy this month in preparation for spring. Here are his suggestions of what you could be planting through the month of January
Winter gardening jobs
Just because winter is here, it doesn't mean there's nothing to do in the garden. Rosie Fyles, head gardener at Chiswick House, and head gardener Benjamin Pope explain what winter gardening needs to be done
What to plant in November
Don't hang up your wellies and spade just yet. Put the work into your garden now and you'll reap the rewards come spring. Our columnist Benjamin William Pope explains what you can sow in November
What to plant in October
Here's what to plant in October including biennials, verbascums and hardy annuals
How to grow Eucomis and the best types to plant
Commonly known as pineapple lilies, these exotic-looking plants are generally hardier than they appear, and can bring a fresh burst of colour and scent to late-summer gardens. Words Benjamin Pope, photographs Richard Bloom
What to plant in September
Head gardener Benjamin Pope shares his advice for what you should be planting in September
What to plant in August
Head gardener Benjamin Pope shares his advice for what you should be planting in August
What to plant in July
Head gardener Benjamin Pope shares his advice for what you should be planting in July
What to plant in June
Head gardener Benjamin Pope explains what you should be planting in June. Illustration by Claire Harrup
Tropical planting display in a Victorian bird cage
Benjamin William Pope creates a stylish display from an old Victorian bird cage. Photographs by Andrew Montgomery
A succulent pot houseplant display for winter
Find out how to create this stylish houseplant display using unusual succulents.
Created by head gardener Benjamin William Pope. Photographs Andrew Montgomery
Paul Seaborne's garden at Pelham Plants
Nursery owner Paul Seaborne’s passion for propagation began as a way of filling the exuberant borders of his East Sussex garden, but seeded the idea for a successful business. Words Benjamin Pope Photographs Éva Németh
The winter garden at Wakehurst
The new Winter Garden at Wakehurst is full of inspirational planting ideas for seasonal interest. Words Benjamin Pope. Photographs Richard Bloom.
16 key plants from the Horniman gardens
Unconventionally contemporary in its planting, the grasslands garden at the Horniman Museum inspires visitors with its continuous colour and life. Words Benjamin William Pope, Photographs Richard Bloom
Rob Chew's designs for an evolving garden in Ascot
Encircled by a woodland of English oak, beech and cedar, structure and colour come to the fore in a beautiful and constantly evolving garden. Photographs Marianne Majerus
An enclosed garden with a natural pool in West Sussex
In the tranquil surroundings of rural West Sussex, a new house and garden are growing together in pleasing synchronicity. Photographs Jason Ingram