I’ve been thinking about novice gardeners and how they learn. One morning in the autumn, I helped my daughter to dig out ‘bootlaces’ – the subterranean rhizomorphs of honey fungus…
Gardens
How to stop rabbits eating trees
“How to stop rabbits eating trees is like adopting the mantle of Mr McGregor” a forestry expert once explained to me. “If you want your own patch of woodland, you…
How to grow rhubarb: rescuing old plants
The rhubarb plant is almost indestructible and even better, it’s easy to grow in a kitchen garden. Here’s my advice on rejuvenating rhubarb you may already have, how to recognise…
Why there’s still hope for the UK’s hazel dormice
David Tomlinson takes a look at the state of hazel dormice in the UK, and finds out what is being done to protect them. The country house chicken comes in…
How to get more fruit from a mulberry tree
Does your mulberry tree look and seem healthy but fail to produce the goods? Mulberries are rarely found in shops but make exceedingly tasty treats – so those fortunate enough…
How to keep rabbits out of your garden
Long summer evenings are best spent bagging bunnies, but you cannot patrol all day and night. If evenings with the airgun are proving insufficient, rid your lawn of the bunny…
How to make homemade compost with newspaper
Bulk up the compost heap by using your old newspapers. Follow our advice on how to make homemade compost with newspaper. It is very simple and will put the used…
How to make a homemade natural pesticide
Are insects infesting your garden and pests plaguing your plants? This is the time of year for hungry slugs, so protect your pots and plants with our simple, natural method.…
How to stop weeds growing in borders
To get your borders looking their very best, follow our simple tips on how to stop weeds growing in borders. And attract more insects to your flower beds instead with…
How to grow Scotch roses: hardy, scented and reliable
Scotch roses were dismissed as old fashioned during Queen Victoria’s reign. But they are hardy, scented and reliable, they don’t need pruning and never get black spot. In short, they…