Soft landscaping
Learn what you need about planting and soft landscaping in the garden from the experts
The island bed is back in our gardens, with a chic designer update – here’s how to do it right for beautiful planting this summer
Designer Charlotte Harris reflects on the shift towards organically shaped ‘island’ planting beds, and reveals inside tips on how to get the right effect.
6 secret tricks of garden designers to make your garden look and feel better
Good gardens usually reference a few tried and tested design tricks – here's how to incorporate some of them into your own space.
You can have a sustainable garden that's also beautiful - here's how to design stylish ecological gardens
Charlotte Harris explains how to design gardens that are ecological and beautiful in her expert guide to sustainable garden design
Limited space? You probably still have room for a tree - discover the best trees for small gardens
Many people worry that a tree will overpower a small garden, but as garden designer Sarah Price shows, the key is finding the right place and the right tree
How to lay a hedge
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
Here's what companion planting means and why it can help plants thrive
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
Best grass seed for your garden
We round up the best grass seed mixes for all types of gardens, including seed for hardwearing lawns, fine lawns and difficult dry or shady spots
Sow a border from scratch
Designer Sam Taylor-Hunt shares his design for a vibrant,
perennial, meadow-style scheme you can sow direct from seed, and explains how to create this exciting new type of planting. Illustration by Hannah McVicar
How do garden landscapers and designers work together?
There’s confusion around what a landscape architect, garden designer and hard landscaper really is. Here Claire Vokins from Wilson | Vokins breaks down the connection
Annual climbers: 21 of the best annual climbers to plant
Annual climbers can be sown and grown in a year and are an easy and colourful way to cover walls or trellises. Plant expert Matthew Biggs chooses 21 of his favourite annual climbers
How to | Revitalise your hedge
Want to avoid ripping out an old hedge that's got leggy and patchy? Here's what designer Sue Townsend did in a garden with wild planting and an old yew hedge
Creating a private garden
Tips from designer Ula Maria's award-winning garden, which was transported to her father's small garden plot in Northampton
Pennisetum for late summer borders
Here's a list of the best grasses or Pennisetum chosen by head gardener Matthew Reese
How to design your garden
Award-winning designer Annie Guilfoyle explains everything you need to know before you start to design your outdoor space
Design Solutions: Topiary
If box balls and bay pyramids are all that spring to mind when you think of topiary, then it’s high time to sharpen your shears and think again. Here are some ideas to encourage some creative gardening
Forget Ilex crenata: this is the best alternative to box
Matthew Pottage, Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, believes he has found a worthy alternative to box – and it's not the widely hailed Ilex crenata
White garden ideas
Originated by Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst, the White Garden has spawned many imitations. Here's how to create one and more inspiration for your own
How to create an exotic garden
Head gardener at Great Dixter Fergus Garrett explains how to create an exotic garden in the UK
Garden border ideas: 16 for the garden
A selection of different ways to plant up a garden border, with tips from designers and inspiration from famous gardens. Photograph Richard Bloom.
How not to lose nature from your garden
Should you really make space for nettles? Is a wildflower meadow in your garden realistic? Here Ken Thompson explores how you can design your garden whilst supporting wildlife and busts the myths around what really works and what doesn't
Hedging: 30 top plants for a hedge
Wondering which hedging plants to choose for the best hedge? Here are top suggestions from designer Bunny Guinness on evergreen hedging and more
The best ivy for your garden - top variegated and decorative cultivars
Discover the best English ivies for your garden, recommended by plant expert Andy McIndoe. Photographs Dianna Jazwinski.
How to make a garden arbour and tunnel using natural materials
Inspiration and expert advice on how to make a garden arbour and tunnel using natural materials. Words Kristy Ramage and Jacky Mills, Photographs Jason Ingram
Garden border ideas | How to create a mixed border planting plan
Author and landscape architect Marian Boswell offers tips on how to create a layered, mixed garden border