Advice for big gardens

Interested in the centuries-old skill of hedge laying? Follow our guide on how to lay a hedge and learn about the traditional ways to lay a hedge. Words Louise Allen, photography Andrew Montgomery, illustration Liam McAuley

Think of your garden soil as a living organism that needs gentle handling and you will reap the benefits in healthier plants, urges no-dig gardening expert Charles Dowding

As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds. Words Troy Scott Smith, photographs John Campbell

There is a huge variety of winter squash and pumpkins out there, all easy to grow in an allotment or garden if you know how. If you want to grow pumpkins for next year, here's a few of our favourites, plus some extra advice on sowing and planting. Illustration Kerry Lemon

Organic is a word used a lot in the gardening and farming world these days, and many people are trying to 'go organic'. But what does organic actually mean? It isn't as simple as you think

Head gardener of Stockton Bury Tamsin Westhorpe explains ten simple tips that will help you care for your lawn

We all know about planting for pollinators, says John Little, but when it comes to increasing biodiversity, it turns out that it’s not all about the plants. Illustration Rosanna Morris

David Ware, head of eco garden centre EdibleCulture, offers up his top tips for how to garden without using plaastic

The invention of plastic changed how we gardened forever. Now it is everywhere, here's why we need to deal carefully with our plastic usage and how to get closer to a zero waste garden. llustration Vicki Turner

The RHS offers up 14 things in your garden that you think might work, but which actually don't

Garden designer James Alexander-Sinclair gives his advice and tips on how to include a meadow in your garden

Sissinghurst’s head gardener Troy Scott Smith guides us through the jobs that he and his team do in summer. Images by John Campbell

Ever wondered how companion planting might help your vegetables and deter pests? Here expert grower Matthew Biggs breaks down the companion planting myths and explains how the system works

Peter Clay, co-director of Crocus.co.uk, explains his yearning for a magnificent landscape carpeted with orchids, and how he has made that dream come true. Photographs Carole Drake

A new poll demonstrates that more people than ever are planning on not mowing in May as part of Plantlife's No Mow May campaign

Plant expert John Hoyland gives advice on planting, sowing and growing hellebores. Plus, the best varieties to grow, recommended by some of our favourite plant experts. Images by Rachel Warne.

If you thought children's play areas and a stylish garden don't mix, here's our advice on pleasing the whole family in the garden.

A sunken garden can provide privacy and a new perspective for planting. Here designer James Alexander-Sinclair lists five key design elements to consider when planning to build your own sunken garden.

Ideas for adding a natural pond or swimming pool to your garden, whatever its size and inspiration for hard landscaping materials

Paths are not just a means of getting around – they can knit areas of the garden together and are as much a part of the overall design as any other feature. Designers James Alexander-Sinclair, Andrew Wilson and Arne Maynard offer solution