Practical
Ideas for decorating the table for Christmas
Brighten up your Christmas table with these natural festive arrangements using evergreens and winter-flowering shrubs. Here's two simple examples to make yourself. Words and styling Bea Andrews
Make your own Christmas decorations from your garden
Festive ideas and inspiration for stylish Christmas decorations such as baubles and garlands, easily handmade at home using foraged and natural materials from the garden
How to make your own outdoor Christmas lights using natural materials foraged from the garden
Make your own outdoor Christmas lights for the garden this year with one of these enchanting designs.
null
undefined
Parking space vs front garden? It is actually possible to have both
Off-street parking and an attractively planted front garden needn’t be mutually exclusive – there are lots of designs that combine the two.
Want a stunning summer border? Here are four beautiful flower combinations with lots of wow-factor that you can plant in your garden
Four plant combinations to add colour and drama to your summer borders with inspiration from Malverleys head gardener Mat Reese
Tips on creating a dog-friendly garden, with expert advice from the RHS
Design ideas for a dog-friendly garden from experts at the RHS and Battersea - the dogs and cats home
The best garden design courses to join
Looking for a garden design course? Here's a selection of the UK's leading garden design schools and details of the training they offer.
How to make your own plant supports and protection that are easy, cheap and full of charm
Ideas for homemade plant supports using natural materials, to give plants support and protection during the growing season.
12 of the best bird feeders and hanging bird feeding stations
Make your garden an avian haven with our pick of the best bird feeders and tables
Stuck with a slope? Top ideas and inspiration for steps and ramps in the garden
Expert advice from Andrew Wilson on how to cope with level changes in the garden, with ideas on including steps and ramps with safety and accessibility in mind
The best wood for burning on wood burning stoves and fires
As winter approaches, re-stocking your firewood supplies is on the agenda. We choose the best types of firewood, give advice on stacking logs and how to light a fire. Words Louise Allen, photographs Andrew Montgomery
How to make large Christmas baubles from the garden using natural materials
These baubles, made from natural materials gathered from the garden, look lovely hanging off the Christmas tree or from the mantelpiece, but are super easy to make by following our simple steps. Photography Jason Ingram. Styling by Kristy Ramage
Make a trailing ivy and crab apple garland for natural Christmas decorations
A creative way to add some festive charm into the house this Christmas is decorate picture frames and mirrors with a simple garland.
How to make a hazel ball with ivy berries for a great natural Christmas decoration
Ivy is one of the best plants to grow in the garden for year-round interest. This natural Christmas decoration celebrates its architectural berries.
Make a moss and berry hanging chandelier for natural decorations at Christmas
Made with moss, berries and flowers foraged from the garden are simple materials that make a big impact when paired together to make a festive chandelier.
Make a lichen-covered branch with crab apple baubles for natural decorations
In damp places you'll find branches of trees covered with the most magnificent lichen. At Christmas a branch like this, decorated with baubles and ribbon adds a natural touch.
How to choose a real Christmas tree
Looking to buy a real Christmas tree this year? Here's our guide on choosing the right species for you – and the three main ways that Christmas trees are grown. Photographs by Christian Barnett
Winter gardening jobs
Just because winter is here, it doesn't mean there's nothing to do in the garden. Rosie Fyles, head gardener at Chiswick House, and head gardener Benjamin Pope explain what winter gardening needs to be done
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
No-dig expert Charles Dowding recommends the best winter vegetables to grow
Organic vegetable grower, Charles Dowding chooses his favourite vegetables to grow in the garden or allotment in winter and offers his advice for getting the most from your crop. Photography Andrew Montgomery
What is soil? You may think you know, but there's a lot going on under your feet
Think of your garden soil as a living organism that needs gentle handling and you will reap the benefits in healthier plants, urges no-dig gardening expert Charles Dowding
Wondering what no-dig gardening is? Let the expert explain
Generations of gardeners have been told that digging is the best way to prepare soil for planting – but that’s a myth, according to grower Charles Dowding, who practises no dig gardening. Charles explains what no dig is and how it works
Where and how to celebrate Apple Day
Celebrate the apple, one of Britain's best loved fruits. Launched in 1990 by Common Ground, Apple Day is now an annual autumn event. Photos Andrew Montgomery
How to grow pumpkins and squashes
There is a huge variety of winter squash and pumpkins out there, all easy to grow in an allotment or garden if you know how. If you want to grow pumpkins for next year, here's a few of our favourites, plus some extra advice on sowing and planting. Illustration Kerry Lemon