Val Bourne
Val Bourne is an award-winning garden writer, organic gardener and lecturer and she gardens on the wind-swept Cotswolds at Spring Cottage – high above Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire. Her third of an acre garden is managed without using chemicals – something Val has always believed in. She is a hands on gardener and a committed plantaholic.
Recent articles by Val Bourne
The best varieties of thalictrum and how to grow
Often thought of as tall, airy plants with finely cut foliage and a froth of flower, thalictrum are, in fact, much more varied. Organic gardener and plant expert Val Bourne is your guide to growing thalictrum and recommends the best varieties. Photographs Lynn Keddie
18 of the best cherry blossom trees and how to prune and care for them
Ornamental Japanese cherry blossom trees are one of the delights of spring, with their clouds of pink or white blooms. Garden writer Val Bourne recommends some of her favourites at Batsford Arboretum. Photographs Lynn Keddie
Planting and caring for wallflowers, plus the best varieties to grow for colour from spring to summer
Erysimum, also known as wallflowers, can brighten your garden, bridging the months from spring through to summer. Here, garden writer and plant expert Val Bourne recommends the best Erysimum to grow. Photographs Sharon Pearson
Campanula: how to grow bellflowers
The richly varied campanula or bellflower is superb for providing English country garden charm to wilder areas. Plant expert Val Bourne shares her advice on how to grow campanulas and recommend the best varieties
Trillium: The best trilliums to grow in your garden, plus growing advice
Trilliums are captivating, shade-loving plants. Plant expert Val Bourne recommends the best trilliums and gives advice on growing them in your garden. Photographs by Lynn Keddie
Hostas: the best to grow for foliage
Ranging in size from the tiny to the lusciously large, the sculptural shape and rich colours of hosta leaves make this hardy shade lover a firm favourite with gardeners.
Verbascum: how to sow, grow and propagate
Verbascum are colourful perennials or biennials with tall flower spikes that are attractive to bees. Plant expert Val Bourne shares her advice on growing verbascum. Plus recommended varieties. Images Jason Ingram