Gift, Leisure & Entertainment

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Yukigotan’

We are delighted to feature Beth Chatto’s list of 100 must-have plants in the February 2012 issue of Gardens Illustrated (issue 182).

The nursery is offering readers a 10% discount on plant orders made from its mail order list. The offer covers not only the plants on Beth’s 100 must-have list, but any other plants you select.

DAPHNES
In the February 2012 issue of Gardens Illustrated (issue 182) Roy Lacaster gives his choice of favourite daphnes to grow. Here we bring you his advise to success in growing these worthwhile shrubs.
 

Inchbald School of Design is offering an aspiring garden designer a free place on one of its online courses.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’

This witch hazel makes a magnificent shrub that is more compact and less unruly than some Hamamelis. The narrow, twisting petals form spidery flowers with a strong, sweet scent; they look fragile but are tough enough to withstand the iciest weather. This Hamamelis can also put up with a windy location, but it dislikes shallow, chalky soil, and waterlogged conditions will kill it, so it is always worth digging grit into the soil when you plant it.

Garden writer Lia Leendertz has put together a selection of wholesome party delicacies made with fresh produce from the garden along with foraged fruit and nuts. You'll find the full selection of her dishes in the December issue (180). Here's just a taster of some of the exciting things she came up with .

Alongside her range of plants, herb expert Jekka McVicar has hand-blended three unique, soothing herbal teas. There’s Bright and Breezy Brew, 3pm Tea and Good Night Tea. Each contains a carefully selected mixture of organically grown leaves and flowers.

Jekka is offering readers three 50g packets of loose-leaf tea – normally £15 – for just £12.50 (inc p&p). Choose one packet of each type or three of the same.

Choose your favourite image from a selection of the best International Garden Photographer of the Year entries.

Garden supplier Har

Gardens Illustrated has joined the London College of Garden Design to set up this exciting reader day. Four speakers each choose a garden of this era that they believe people will still be talking about in 50 years’ time, and explain what makes their choice outstanding. The day ends with a debate – and the chance to vote on your personal favourite among the gardens nominated.

The gardens that have been nominated include: