Molly Blair
content producer
Molly is a content producer at Gardens Illustrated. She writes for the magazine and website and creates social content, has an RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture and gardens on her rooftop plot in Bristol.
Recent articles by Molly Blair
Crocuses or croci: what is the plural of crocus?
Is the correct term for the plural of crocus crocuses or croci? Here's what we found out
Reviewed: best flower subscription and delivery services for 2025
Don't just surprise them with ONE bunch of flowers. Why not show how much you love them all year long?
20 of the best plants for shade - including a designer's recommendations
Discover 20 of the best plants for shade, including recommendations from garden designer Chris Moss
Looking for Scandi-style comfort in your garden? How about a sauna - these are the best we've found
Saunas are the latest must-have addition to our outside spaces. Sit back and relax with our pick of the best saunas for your garden.
Top 10 British birds to spot in your garden over the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025
With the Big Garden Birdwatch just around the corner, we recommend the top 10 garden birds to spot this year
Ones to watch: 25 people who will make waves in horticulture this year
From up-and-comers to veterans of the industry doing something new, this is our list of ones to watch in 2025.
Artifical lights at night do more harm than you realise: here's how to light your garden responsibly
How does artificial lighting in our garden effect wildlife; and what can we do to minimise the negative impacts?
Iconic London landmark the Barbican Conservatory set to be revamped in major restoration project
Barbican Conservatory is set to be revamped by Harris Bugg Studio.
28 gifts for plant lovers: a 2024 guide
We've collated our ultimate list of great gifts for plant lovers for 2024.
Trees at risk of extinction: six trees under threat
Forestry England's Westonbirt Arboretum is home to 15,000 specimen trees. Dan Crowley global conservation consortia manager at botanic gardens conservation international tell us about some of the species that are in danger of being lost. Cover image Johnny Hathaway
Think Christmas trees are wasteful? You can rent a living Christmas tree - here's how
Renting a Christmas tree is becoming more and more popular, here we talk you through the process and help you find a local supplier.
Why do popular rose varieties get discontinued?
Popular varieties of rose are sometimes discontinued by breeders. We unpack why and what you should do if your favourite rose is retired.
The best wreath making kit for Christmas 2024
Buy a wreath making kit to create your own door display this Christmas, plus all the extra tools you'll need.
Bonfire night is fun, but don't forget to protect your pets and garden wildlife
Our tips on keeping garden wildlife and pets safe on Guy Fawkes night
First details of Chelsea Flower Show 2025 revealed at RHS Autumn Conference: discover who is designing what
Everything we know so far about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, including who is designing gardens and the causes they focus on.
Monty Don joins the Talking Gardens podcast for season 4
Tune in to the new season of Talking Gardens, where Monty Don and a whole host of guests will join Stephanie to construct their dream gardens.
How late is too late to plant bulbs?
Ever wondered how long you can wait to plant your spring bulbs? We asked our readers and the experts, and these are the results.
Discover our 2024 Horticultural Heroes: 22 extraordinary people making a difference in gardening
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet. Words Molly Blair, Stephanie Mahon, Veronica Peerless and Alice Tuffery, photograph Lisa Linder
"Total washout!" - Was this the worst growing year ever for nurseries and gardens?
It's been a difficult year for growers - we find out more about the challenges people have faced and how they're looking to overcome them.
Why are we so obsessed with fake flowers? We break down the good and the bad in fake flower revival
We dive into the world of fake flower displays. Why are they so prolific and do people actually like them?
Planning your bulb order? Here's why you really should be buying organic
Some aspects of the mass-produced bulb industry are environmentally damaging. We find out how, and why we should all be considering going organic with our bulbs. Photos Dave Watts Photography
The best garden wall planters to buy: stylish designs for vertical growing
We've rounded up some of the best garden wall planters to help you start growing vertically
Gardens are the new black - why fashion is in love with horticulture, and what it could learn from gardeners
It seems gardening is truly en vogue right now, with fashion brands falling over themselves to go green. But why is horticulture suddenly so hip, and is there a murky side to this collaboration?
"Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen." Big Butterfly Count recording lowest ever numbers with one week to go
Butterflies recorded in the Big Butterfly Count are at their lowest numbers in the event's 14-year history. Read the full story below.