The best natural hidden gems to visit in the UK

39 of the Best Companion Plants for Camellias

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When it comes to gardening, organisation is key, and a seed storage box is a great first step, enabling you to easily access all the different seeds you hope to sow.

Claire Margetts is a senior gardener and the National Trust’s first-ever Sissinghurst Scholar, part of an 18-month programme designed to cultivate future head gardeners under Troy Scott Smith. “Vita wrote that ‘climbers are among the most useful plants in any garden’, says Claire. “I couldn’t agree more and could happily extol the virtues of any of the hundreds of clematis and climbing rose forms that adorn the medieval walls, farm buildings, homespun chestnut structures and which grow in the orchard here.” This month, Claire picks ten best climbers that will grow in shade or partial shade, are happy in most soils and are generally hardy.  

31 of the Best Sedum Varieties

If you're a lover of Halloween and all things scary, you may be prepping your home to celebrate the holiday. While searching for Halloween decorations, don't overlook one of the best decorations to have in your home for the holiday and year-round: plants.

A bird box provides a safe place for birds to build their nests and a specialist bird box camera can give you a closer look at the birds raising their families in your garden without causing disruption.

Gardening is incredibly rewarding but it can be tricky to keep on top of seasonal jobs such as sowing and harvesting, not to mention new planting plans, redesigns and wish lists from one year to the next.  

Garden cloches are low enclosures used to cover plants and, depending on their style, offer protection against a number of factors.

While bird feeders are common in Britain’s gardens, bird baths are less so. Bird baths are a brilliant way of providing birds with a regular supply of clean water for both drinking and bathing. Bird baths become even more essential in the colder months when natural sources may be frozen or in the height of summer when water can be hard to come by.

When the sun is shining, the garden is the place to be. Gardening with kids is a great way to get them outside and learning about the natural world. However, if your kids would rather spend time with a screen than a garden spade, it can be a struggle to get them outdoors. Luckily, there are plenty of kids’ garden toys to make being outdoors more fun – from toys they can play with by themselves to games for the whole family to enjoy.

Trugs are a must-have garden accessory, combining practical utility and ornamental value. They can used for collecting cut flowers and plant cuttings, as well as for harvesting your homegrown fruit, veg and culinary herbs. Plus, they can be used to create indoor displays and they make wonderful gardening gifts.