Reviews
War of the roses: which new book about the history, lore and love of roses is better?
Two new books examine the place of the rose in art and literature, and in our own personal psyches – and both leave the reader with plenty to enjoy, says Matt Collins
Peek inside the private gardens of some of the UK’s top designers
This beautifully photographed book on designers’ own gardens is a fascinating insight into some well-known designers’ working practices, says Charlie Harpur
There's a new hip and kind of weird gardening tool on the market. But what on earth is it for and how do you use it?
A new copper tool promises to be great for planting, weeding and more - but what is it like to use?
The New Romantic Garden by Jo Thompson: the modern way to do the classic garden style
In her thoughtful new book, designer Jo Thompson shows how her trademark style can be modernised with a commitment to biodiversity, says Claire Masset
I got a hori hori knife – and became a gardening ninja: here's what they are and why you need one
A hori hori is a knife many gardeners swear by. But what exactly is it and why is it so great? Veronica Peerless tests Niwaki's hori hori knife and explains what happened.
Bloom & Wild flower deliveries: our honest review
Here's what we thought of Bloom & Wild's flower delivery service and subscription model when we put it to the test.
A World of Sweet Peas: A new book on the history of this remarkable plant
A new book on one of the UK’s favourite flowers is filled with beautiful photography, but is more than a coffee-table tome, says cut-flower grower Georgie Newbery
The best gardening books in 2024: leaf through these highly-rated reads
Discover the best gardening books to read in 2024, recommended by a range of horticultural experts for Gardens Illustrated
The film of Wilding is an inspiring call to arms to transform our relationship with nature in this country with idyllic shots of piglets
We review the new WIlding movie, based on Isabella Tree's best-selling book of the same name about Knepp Castle
The best floristry books to read in 2024
Our reviewers give their verdict on floristry books, giving advice on growing flowers for cutting and arranging.
Bunches flower deliveries: reviewed
We reviewed a flower subscription delivery from Bunches to see how it compared to other leading brands.
Serenata flower deliveries: we reviewed the popular brand
Here's what we thought of the Serenata Flowers subscription model when we put it to the test.
Smart Garden: what is a smart garden and do you need one?
The Smart Garden is beginning to increase in popularity, with technology that makes it easy to grow indoors. But what exactly is a Smart Garden and are they any good? Our team investigates
Click and Grow's Smart Garden 27: can it feed the family?
We review Click and Grow's Smart Garden 27 to see if this really is a nifty way to bring fresh produce into the home.
RHS Grow app: what do we think of the RHS's new plant app?
RHS Grow has just launched their new gardening and plant identifier app, but does it work? We test it and find out
An artificial intelligence robot lawnmower: but does it work?
The latest release in robot lawn mowers from STIGA uses artificial intelligence to make grass cutting easier. But does it work?
Book review | Tough Plants for Tough Places by Sharon Amos
Plantswoman and nursery owner Rosy Hardy reviews Tough Plants for Tough Places: Invincible Plants for Every Situation by Sharon Amos.
Book review | RHS Companion to Wildlife Planting by Chris Baines
Wildlife expert and writer Kate Bradbury reviews RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening by Chris Baines.
Book review | Terrain: The House Plant Book
Terrain: The House Plant Book is reviewed by Claire Masset, a garden writer and publisher.
Book review | No Dig by Charles Dowding
A comprehensive guide to no dig from the guru of vegetable growing, Charles Dowding, that has been refreshingly updated with an ecological approach. Reviewer Alison Jenkins is a designer specialising in edible gardens.
Book review | Wild Edens by Toby Musgrave and Chris Gardner
A lavishly illustrated botanical travel book that is stylish enough to tempt casual perusal and detailed enough to merit taking a few notes. Hannah Gardner is a horticultural consultant and botanical writer.
Book review | Wild: The Naturalistic Garden by Noel Kingsbury, photographs by Claire Takacs
An ambitious and lavishly produced book of 40 diverse gardens from around the world, all united by their ‘wild’ aesthetic and biodiverse drive. Reviewer Sarah Price is an award-winning garden designer
Book review | RHS How to Garden When You Rent by Matthew Pottage
An enjoyable guide to gardening in rented spaces by the youngest-ever curator of RHS Garden Wisley, also known as the gardener for generation rent. Reviewer Jack Wallington is a garden designer and author.
Book review | RHS Roses: An Inspirational Guide by Michael Marriott
Roses are versatile shrubs and Michael Marriott’s brilliant practical guide demonstrates how to use them to their best effect. Reviewer Matthew Reese is head gardener at Malverleys.