Deadheading is one of the simplest garden jobs, and one of the most useful. It means removing spent flowers before they set seed, and it encourages many plants to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production. It also keeps beds looking tidy, reduces disease, and — for plants you cut for vases … Read more

Dahlias are generous plants. From a single tuber planted in spring, you can get months of large, colourful flowers through summer and into autumn, in almost every colour except true blue. They work in borders, in cutting gardens, and — with the right variety and pot — on patios and balconies. They do need a … Read more

Shade is often treated as a problem in gardening, but it is really just a different set of conditions. Many beautiful flowers prefer shade, or at least tolerate it, and a shaded bed can stay cooler, retain moisture longer, and look lush when sunny beds are struggling in heat. The key is to match plants … Read more

Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, and one of the most satisfying. A seed sown in spring can become a plant taller than a person by late summer, with a flower head that tracks the sun and later feeds birds. They are forgiving of beginner mistakes, grow quickly enough to … Read more

Lavender is one of those plants that looks like it belongs in a Mediterranean postcard and yet grows happily in many ordinary gardens, provided one condition is met: drainage. Give lavender sun and soil that does not stay wet, and it will reward you with scent, silvery foliage, and flowers that bees love. Grow it … Read more

Spring bulbs are one of the most rewarding things a beginner can plant. You put a plain, papery bulb in the ground in autumn, do very little over winter, and in spring you get tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths with almost no effort in between. The key is timing, depth, and letting the foliage do … Read more

A sunny garden is a gift, but it can also be unforgiving. Beds that bake in afternoon sun dry out quickly, and plants that love shade will wilt no matter how much you water them. The trick is to choose flowers that actually enjoy heat and light, and then give them the soil and watering … Read more

Roses have a reputation for being difficult, and that reputation puts many new gardeners off before they start. In practice, modern garden roses are far more forgiving than the old stories suggest. Choose a variety suited to your space, plant it well, and give it sun, water, and a yearly prune, and you will have … Read more