Your gardening questions answered: Why are my trees dying?

Here are key autumn garden tips plus 7 top suggestions of plants to plant now.

Q: You mentioned a while back that you were creating a flowering hedge. I would love to know what plants you picked? MF, Co Leitrim

We’re in Holland, Michigan, today visiting Terri Holden’s beautiful garden.

Q: A honeysuckle and an elder tree in the garden have been ravaged by aphids. I was hoping natural predators might have a feast but there’s no let up so far. Is it a seasonal occurrence due to spring weather conditions or should I get pruning? JMcK, Co Dublin

Collaborative post

Collaborative post

It’s at this time of year that our little farmhouse begins to be love-bombed by butterflies, which flutter into its rooms through open windows to perch on the centuries-old walls and bask on its sunny windowsills. They are small tortoiseshells, a common species easily identified by the tiger-like stripes and series of tiny, pale blue dots stippled along the edges of its dark-orange, paper-thin wings. In early autumn the adults go in search of somewhere safe to overwinter, during which time our house is strangely irresistible to them. Clearly the building has always had this special charm. When we first bought it, its old, sun-filled rooms were filled with their tiny, dusty remains, poignant reminders of summers long gone.

Today we’re in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting with John Matthews.

On the hunt for the ultimate garden centre or service in the UK? It's not just about jazzing up your garden – it's all about crafting your very own green paradise! 

Tiny objects are everywhere, as you see tiny toys, houses, and gardens, but have you also seen some tiny vegetables and fruits? If not, you need to search them and look at these plants as they have a very Instagrammable appearance which you will absolutely adore. There is something fascinating about looking at small objects, and no matter what you see in a small dimension, you will feel happier, especially if these are represented by cute and tiny fruits and vegetables that you don’t have the opportunity to see every day. Growing something in your garden will always be a satisfying process, as you can watch how your plants transform, and you will also be able to taste them once your plants are harvested. But we think it is funnier to grow plants in miniature and try something new from the usual alternatives you find on the market. And if you thought that they don’t have the same nutritional benefits because of their small look, you are mistaken, as even if they are so little, they still give plenty of vitamins and minerals. 

Looking for interesting, unique and unusual plants to grow in your garden? Something that will amaze each visitor who comes to your house and make your garden an oasis of beautiful and different greeneries? While sometimes it is good to grow the normal flowers and vegetables that are considered by the majority of people, you can always spice up your garden with some out-of-the-ordinary plants that you will have more fun growing. And if you want to make a change, you need to know that you are not limited to those old and boring choices you find in supermarket stocks. Although experts recommend growing what you like to eat, how do you know you will not find something amazing if you don't try it in the first place? 

Biodiversity and sustainability have become buzzwords in horticulture of late. Encouraging wildlife, using items in a sustainable manner and reducing our waste is crucial for a healthy garden and planet – but for many of us, working out how to do this can feel overwhelming. Here’s my simple steps to starting your journey to a more sustainable and wildlife-friendly growing space…