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37 Articles

Win a deckchair worth £275*

At this time of year, when team MG downs tools at the end of each day, it's so refreshing to be able to look out of the window and see daylight! It has sometimes felt as if the dark months of winter would never end, but, finally, we can look ahead to those warm, sultry evenings once again. After all, such things are all the sweeter when we are denied them, and we can't wait to get back outside. This issue is all about just how great gardening can make us feel, and allowing ourselves to love our outdoor spaces – if we get too hung up on jobs not finished or the fact that the weather might be about to change, it is very easy to lose sight of…

Win a deckchair worth £275*

EARTHY pleasures

MAKE LIFE LOVELY REFINED RANUNCULUS With its frills of delicate petals bunched atop long, slender stems, ranunculus is the more sophisticated sister of the common buttercup. These blooms are always a heart-soaring sight, no matter the colour, but ombré pink ones feel extra special. They make ideal cut flowers and have more than enough magnetism to be displayed simply in a handful of small glass bottles gathered together and placed somewhere where you can't miss them. Cool tools We're cooing over not one, not two, but all five of the new season ranges at sophieallport.com. From Wild Floral and Watercolour Dragonfly to Spring Cottage and Garden Vegetables, each collection is as charming and whimsical as the next, featuring an array of accessories, including trays, aprons, garden kneelers, mugs, and just…

EARTHY pleasures

Sun-baked oasis

Trending now With spring comes the promise of warmer and sunnier climes. Take inspo from the Med and use natural weaves and a sun-bleached palette to create a warm and welcoming oasis. Subtle Aztec and geometric patterns, be it on cushions, rugs or planters, bring style and interest, while a plethora of plants up the lush factor. Choose slimline seating and tables to maximise light and space. For the ultimate backdrop, light oak cladding or fence panelling is available from DIY stores. HIGH ACHIEVER A floor lamp like this adds depth and dimension, as well as substance and style (oh, and light of course!) Gadgy Outdoor LED Solar Floor Lamp, £36 amazon.co.uk BALANCING ACT Break up the tedium of a wide expanse of fencing or cladding in one colour and…

Sun-baked oasis

Blooming lovely IN APRIL

3 VELVET-BLOOMED anemones A nod to spring Three bold & bright bulbs TULIP ‘DOLL'S MINUET’ Magnificent magenta, lily-shaped blooms are licked with green flames. Height 55cm Spread 15cm. crocus.co.uk BROAD-LEAVED GRAPE HYACINTH Could Muscari latifolium win a prize for the bluest flowers? Height 20cm Spread 10cm. garthwaitenurseries.co.uk DAFFODIL ‘KEDRON’ This variety stands out from the crowd, with its neon-orange centre. Height 60cm Spread 10cm. coolings.co.uk GIVE IT A TRY HAPPINESS BLOOMS By thoughtfully combining different shades of a single colour palette, as well as textures and heights, you can create an eye-catching smile-inducing display. The soft, romantic vibe that oozes from ranunculus ‘Hot Pink’ (Height & Spread 30cm, £5.99/1L pot gardeningexpress.co.uk) is in stark contrast to the bold and spiky blooms of hyacinth ‘Pink Pearl’ (Height 30cm Spread 10cm, £3.49/9cm pot…

Blooming lovely IN APRIL

Do what feels good!

Now the warmer weather has arrived, who doesn't want to spend more time in the garden? Always our most favourite way to pass the time, it's no secret that studies* show gardening is a great way to boost our mental wellbeing as well as being good for our physical health. And there are plenty of ways to make the experience of being in the garden even more pleasurable. Perhaps you're a fan of ‘green exercise’ and love the idea of setting up your yoga or Pilates mat outside, or maybe you prefer to use your outside space as a place to relax while enjoying the flowers, butterflies and birdsong, or both! Whatever your choice, our easy joyful activities, ideas and buys will help you max up those feelgood al fresco…

Do what feels good!

“We've got a pocket of peace in the city”

GARDEN makeover The decision to commission the building of a bespoke multi-use garden room for home working inspired Jeremy Depauw and Anne Collard to redesign their West Ealing garden from a small and rather dark outdoor space into a contemporary courtyard to enjoy time spent relaxing or with family and friends. Jeremy and Anne moved into their Victorian terrace in 2021. They live here with their eight-year-old daughter, Jeanne, au pair, Heidi, and two five-year-old cats, Simba and Nala. “We've lived in the area since 2014 and were initially attracted to it because it was a good location for travelling to work. But we quickly liked the green and quiet vibe of the area while still being very close to the best things a city can offer, with such easy access…

“We've got a pocket of peace in the city”

Take off the pressure

USE ANYWHERE This compact and lightweight washer is powered by an interchangeable battery that can be used in any other machine in the Stihl AK System range. If you're not near a water connection, you can attach a suction hose and place this in a water container. The spray lance has an anti-twist, quick-release coupling, which prevents it from getting tangled while you're cleaning, and the washer has a 5m hose reel. REA 60 Plus Cordless Pressure Washer, £229 stihl.co.uk A powered pressure washer is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to deal with those messy outdoor cleaning jobs on your to-do list. Whether it's removing grime and unwanted growth from paths, patios, fences and walls, reviving crusty old pots, or getting the greenhouse, conservatory, bike or car clean and…

Take off the pressure

6 EASY PROJECTS TO DO NOW! Eye-candy hot pots! STRIPE A POSE Dig out an old terracotta pot from your shed and give it an Insta-worthy new look with primroses – we love ‘Zebra Blue’ for its eye-catching, stripy petals. Gather a few foraged birch twigs and wrap these around the top of the pot. Birch is very pliable, so thread the thinnest ends around the bunch to secure the loop to the pot. WHAT IT COST ❋ Primrose ‘Zebra Blue’, £1.15/9cm pot from the local garden centre ❋ Peat-free multipurpose compost with John Innes, Westland, £4/10L homebase.co.uk TOTAL: £5.15 WHAT IT COST ❋ Peat-free all plant compost, New Horizon, £6/50L homebase.co.uk ❋ Judas tree, £54.99/12L mailordertrees.co.uk ❋ Arabis ‘Little Treasure’ in deep rose, £7.99/5 x 5cm modules jparkers.co.uk TOTAL:…

“April, I am so glad to welcome you! It's not just the sugar-pink blossom covering the crab apple tree, the tulips that are lighting up my garden like blazing torches, or the seed packets stacked up on my kitchen table, waiting to be sown. For me, the real joy of this month is the sense of anticipation. I feel as if I can turn the page and reinvent my garden, making it anything I want it to be. Having a smaller space does limit the options, but I've never let that put me off. I may not be able to have a veg patch, but I can grow the crunchy courgettes I crave in a big rubber trug, punched with drainage holes and filled with rich compost. Cutting-garden flowers? They'll…

“It's a dream for fitness fans”

GARDEN makeover The owners of this Sussex plot had no regrets building their garden gym, but it dominated the grassy plot and felt disconnected from their house. A stunning L-shaped design, placed on the angle, the new building stretched across the rear of the garden but looked out of place sitting behind the lawn. Active and outdoorsy, the owners plus their dog, were keen to add other home comforts to their garden, but they knew it would take an experienced designer to realise their dreams. Enter Brighton-based garden designer Rachel Goozee, who could instantly see the site's potential. Although surrounded by other houses, the sunny plot was fairly secluded, with mature shrubs softening the boundaries on each side. “The brief from our clients was to create a garden that would work…

“It's a dream for fitness fans”

FOR YOUR eyes only

DESIGN solutions Want to know the secret to creating a private retreat while retaining a sense of openness? You're not alone! It's a common garden design request, so we've put on our detective hats to uncover some of the best ideas to inspire you. Whether you're after a secluded dining area or a tranquil setting for a spot of yoga in the fresh air, there are plenty of practical and stunning ways to create privacy, without a solid boundary. From lines of statement pots and artfully staggered screens to state-of-the-art pergolas and sheets of falling water, there are smart options to suit every taste, space and budget. Plus, these features look so good that you – and your neighbours – will be thrilled with the results. SHIELD OF STEEL Large steel…

FOR YOUR eyes only

10 BEST HAPPY hits

1 COLOUR HIGH Add a pleasing patchwork of bright shades to a bare wall or fence with this Colourful Honeycomb Hanging Decoration – Multicolour, H20cm, £9.99 therange.co.uk 2 OH YES YOU ARE! Enjoy a tea-time pick-me-up with this Sexy and I Mow It Pot Mug and Shovel Spoon, £9.99 shop.tenovuscancercare.org.uk 3 CHAIR FLAIR Waterproof, UV-stabilised, lightweight and stackable, these Vienna Outdoor Aluminium Stacking Chairs in mood-boosting orange, at just £80 each (peppermillinteriors.com), will have you laughing all the way to the bank. 4 PINK PLEASURES Transform chairs from bare to merry and bright with a hot-pink, floral Seat Pad, Mardi Gras, 40cm x 45cm, £28/2 theirnibs.com 5 BOOTY CALLS When your derrière is crying out for a comfy place to perch, this Marcy 2-Seater Sling Garden Sofa in Burnt Orange,…

10 BEST HAPPY hits

Selina's garden STYLE ENJOYING EASTER

Styling our garden for Easter celebrations brings me such joy. I've been looking forward to the Easter bank holiday weekend since the long grey days at the start of the year. If you're hosting any Easter gatherings in the garden, take a look at merimeri.com. They have such inspiring table and party accessories from bunny cups and cute cupcake toppers to pastel napkins and paper plates with bows and floral designs. I like to use classic spring pastels when styling areas of our garden, with pretty gingham tablecloths, floral designs on plates and glasses, and foil-wrapped chocolate eggs scattered for decoration on every surface. This will be our daughter Felicity's second Easter, and I'm planning on doing an egg hunt for her in our garden. I will no doubt string…

Selina's garden STYLE ENJOYING EASTER

“I garden myself calm”

GARDEN makeover Take a stroll with Oda Ackermann up the garden path in her London plot and the first thing you'll notice are the clusters of thyme ‘Pink Chintz’ bubbling up from the crevices. The puffy cushions were strategically placed to help soften the hardscaping but also to create an eye-catching vista from the kitchen. Along with sun-kissed seating areas, a babbling water feature, bird song and the gentle hum of wildlife as bees and butterflies stop by to help themselves to the pollen buffet on offer, the oasis of calm is the perfect antidote to Oda's taxing job as a clinical neuropsychologist. “I treat people who have dementia or have just had a stroke and it can be emotionally draining,” Oda shares. “Both working in my garden and just sitting…

“I garden myself calm”

GARDEN PLEASURES FOR your senses

SERENITY SEEKERS The soothing sound of running water can have a remarkably positive impact on our wellbeing, so incorporate a water feature into your garden design. It is also a great way to mask traffic or noisy neighbours, transforming an urban garden into an oasis of tranquillity. GROW YOUR OWN Nothing tastes better than homegrown food. Growing berries, edible flowers and herbs can be incredibly rewarding. Embrace the entire process from sowing seeds and planting to reaping the fruits of your labour. Pick delicious, juicy berries such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, pretty edible flowers such as violas, nasturtium, borage and calendula, and zingy herbs such as basil, coriander, mint, thyme and sage. Even if you have a tiny courtyard patio, pot up some containers; you will be surprised how…

GARDEN PLEASURES FOR your senses

Watermelon CRUSH

April is a time of rapid transformations in our gardens! The air still carries a crisp edge but is softened by the promise of warmer days ahead. On a sunny day, the gentle warmth on our skin has us craving a taste of summer, and this frosty delight delivers exactly that! Deliciously sweet and juicy watermelon is complemented by subtly floral honey and lifted by the zesty brightness of lemon – its tangy acidity sharpens the flavours, creating a perfectly balanced drink that refreshes and revitalises. Sipping this vibrant crush in your garden, surrounded by budding flowers and the fresh scents of spring, feels like a celebration of the changing seasons. It's a slice of summer in your glass; a joyful reminder that longer, sun-drenched days aren't too far away.…

Watermelon CRUSH

Foolproof April FLOWERS

This darling of a month is like a spring tonic. A time to open the windows, listen to the birdies and appreciate longer and lighter days. First April Fool's Day, then The Boat Race, Easter, St George's Day and the London Marathon… and my youngest daughter Esme's 25th birthday (oh my!) on the 11th. When she was little, we'd have Easter egg hunts, make nest eggs, go on bluebell walks, and have children's parties at home. I'd decorate the table with seasonal flowers; nothing fancy, usually jam jars of tulips and daffodils. Having grown up with a florist mum, Esme now adores flowers, so this year, I've dialled it up with hyacinths, tulips, classic roses and lisianthus, with lashings of foliage and handfuls of pretty eggs. A vintage wire basket…

Foolproof April FLOWERS

Get cracking FOR SUMMER

18 easy-grow stunners 1 DAHLIAS Nothing says late summer like dahlias in a gorgeous carousel of colours and shapes. It's too chilly to plant the tubers out yet, but give them a head start by potting up in multipurpose compost and placing on a window ledge. By late spring, they'll put out lots of green shoots. Pinch off the growing tip when you see four pairs of leaves. Plant outside in large pots or borders when frosts have finished. Try star-shaped ‘Honka’ varieties, spiky semicactus or cute balls. Height up to 150cm Spread 50cm-100cm. £15.99/3 tubers in the Vibrant Dahlia Collection crocus.co.uk 2 SURFINIA PETUNIAS Plant up petite plugs of trailing petunias in hanging baskets for a tumbling swag of flowers by June. Just keep the prepped containers in a shed or…

Get cracking FOR SUMMER

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR garden THIS MONTH

Fill pots with herbs Basil, coriander, curly and flat leafed parsley, peppery rocket and dill are easy to grow. Fill a 9-15cm pot with peat-free seed compost and firm it down. Dampen with water then thinly sow seeds across the surface. Sieve over a thin layer of compost and place in a light, warm room or propagator. When the compost feels dry, water from the base to prevent stems rotting. Once stems have 3-4 leaves, place pots on a bright windowsill. You can move them outside towards the end of May if you wish. COLLECT RAINWATER Install a water butt or leave out containers – every drop collected helps water your garden. Plants prefer rainwater, which is slightly acidic with a lower pH level than tap, with no added chemicals…

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR garden THIS MONTH

DETER PESTS Protect plants organically without impacting your plot's delicate ecosystem. 1 Cover fresh shoots with a clear container to stop slugs, snails, cabbage white butterfly and birds getting to them. 2 Blend a garlic bulb in 1L of water and seep for 12 hours. Strain into a recycled spray bottle. Spritz plants regularly. 3 Strongly scented plants such as marigolds will lure pests like whitefly and flea beetle away from precious crops. 4 Encourage natural predators by adding a bug hotel. Ladybirds, spiders and birds will help keep pests at bay.…

Make it this weekend From £111.80 YOU WILL NEED ❋ Saw & tape measure ❋ Treated sawn timber for beds: 22mm x 100mm x 2400mm, £8 wickes.co.uk ❋ Treated sawn timber for corner posts: 47mm x 47mm x 2400mm, £7.80 wickes.co.uk ❋ Incised timber fence posts: 3 x 75mm x 75mm x 2100mm, £16.50 each wickes.co.uk ❋ Paintbrush & garden paint: Cuprinol, £25/2.5L diy.com ❋ String, bamboo canes & spade ❋ Ready-to-use concrete: 2 x Blue Circle Postcrete 20kg, £7.50 each wickes.co.uk ❋ Spirit level & watering can ❋ Screw driver, 5cm screws, drill & drill bits ❋ Garden fork & soil improver: Verve peat-free, £6.50/50L diy.com ❋ Selection of plants including climbers & garden twine 1 Cut the timber to size, depending on the dimensions you choose. Give the…

Pick-of-the-bunch SAGE

EXPECT TO PAY £3/9cm pot Hero herbs Growing edible sage in your garden is a win-win for both your kitchen and your outdoor space. Easy to grow and tolerant of our British weather, sage is perennial, meaning it'll keep coming back year after year with minimal effort. Its soft, downy foliage adds texture and a subtle splash of colour to borders or pots, while its purple blooms are not only beautiful but also a magnet for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, keeping your garden buzzing with life. In the kitchen, sage is a true superstar! Rich in antioxidants, it aids digestion, boosts memory, and even freshens your breath. Adding sage to teas and meals lets you enjoy its health benefits with ease. Its earthy, slightly peppery flavour elevates everything…

Pick-of-the-bunch SAGE

Day-brightening LEMON BALM

EXPECT TO PAY £3/9cm pot Hero herbs Every garden needs an undemanding plant that quietly thrives, and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is exactly that. Its vibrant, crinkled green leaves bring a lush, textured charm to any border or pot. Its tiny white flowers can easily go unnoticed, but they're a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden. Pop it where you brush past it, and its fresh, citrusy scent will lift your mood in an instant. In the kitchen, lemon balm is a true multi-tasker. Steep the leaves in hot water for a calming herbal tea, infuse them into syrups for cocktails, or chop them into salads and desserts for a zesty twist. With its natural calming properties that help reduce stress and improve…

Day-brightening LEMON BALM

Take-care-of-you MINT

Hero herbs EXPECT TO PAY £3.50/9cm pot Mint is so easy-going, it practically grows itself! Spreading quickly (more on that later!), it adds a burst of lush greenery and punchy freshness wherever you plant it. Whether tucked into borders, thriving in pots, or cascading from hanging baskets, mint's vibrant leaves and gentle flowers bring texture and charm to any space. Like many herbs, its delicate blooms are loved by bees and butterflies. It also has a long-established place in the kitchen! Think soothing peppermint tea, refreshing Pimm's, tangy mint sauce, and anything else that will be elevated by mint's cool flavour. With so many varieties – such as chocolate, orange or spearmint – you can mix up both looks and tastes in your garden and kitchen creations. Your health may…

Take-care-of-you MINT

Pull up a CHAIR…

Share your upcycling with us on Instagram or Facebook TIP Use a heavy duty plastic bag or rubble sack that's strong enough to support the weight of the soil, plants & water From £6.21 YOU WILL NEED ❋ Old wooden chair ❋ Sandpaper & cloth ❋ Leftover garden paint & paintbrush ❋ Stanley knife, hammer & staple gun ❋ Heavy duty black bin bag ❋ Multipurpose peat-free compost, Westland, £6.21/10L amazon.co.uk ❋ Selection of leafy plants – we used Japanese tassel fern, trailing English ivy, Fatsia japonica & Hosta fortunei aureomarginata WHAT TO DO 1 To repaint the chair, if needed, rub with sandpaper and wipe with a damp cloth. Paint, leaving to dry between coats. 2 Cut open the seat using the Stanley knife and remove the inner stuffing. Turn the…

Pull up a CHAIR…

Q Can I grow herbs in pots on my patio? Jenny Barnes, email Absolutely! In fact herbs are great for pots and for some, such as mint, it's the best option to stop them spreading and getting out of control. You can buy pots of growing herbs in garden centres and these will all grow quickly if watered and fed well. There are also many annual herbs that can be sown now and rapidly give results. Coriander is popular and useful, while dill, basil and chervil can be added to a wide range of recipes. In fact, most grow fast and then flower so they're best sown every two months to give you a constant supply. Q Is there a climber that's suitable for growing against a north-facing wall? Sonia…

ASK THE designer

Q We've added a gym and barbecue to our overlooked garden, and want to use the space all year round. How can we integrate it all, and surround it with easy-care, immersive planting? Karen & Tom, London A Introducing game-changing garden features, such as a gym and barbecue area, are fab for instantly pepping up your plot and lifestyle, but with a limited footprint and a lack of privacy, you can be left scratching your head at how to unify the space and create a secluded retreat. Thankfully, this is where the skills of a garden designer come in. Step forward Miles Raybould (belsizegardens.com). This shady urban plot in London was ripe for a facelift, and the owners of the attached flat had just forked out on a wood-clad gym…

ASK THE designer

I'm in the GARDEN

❋ I share my garden with… David, my husband, and our cats, Belle, Bill, Harold, Maude, Ethel, Roy and blind Alan. A mesh-enclosed catio on our terrace means the cats can enjoy the outdoors, allowing wildlife free rein. ❋ Our garden was… a typical suburban plot with long, straight borders down each side and a lawn throughout, 24m long by 8.5m wide, when we moved in 27 years ago. It is one half full sun and the other half shade. Each year, we have changed, removed and added new features. We replaced the lawn with stone setts, and at the rear, through a rustic arch, is a shady fernery. Tucked away in the corner is my greenhouse. David converted our potting shed into a beach hut summerhouse, and when we…

I'm in the GARDEN

Open-air pampering

April is the month when spring gets springing and the outdoor world is bursting with colours, scents and bird song that are proven to boost your mood and to help you relax. So what better time to set up a spa zone in your al fresco happy place for some restorative calm? Start by deciding on three spa elements that you want to build your experience around. That might be a delicious, nutritious breakfast, followed by a 40-minute hot tub immersion, followed by a perfectly prepped nail-painting session. It might be an invigorating cold-water shower, followed by yoga, then an afternoon sleeping, reading or meditating in a blanket-draped hammock. Or it might be sitting in a cosy rattan chair, soaking your feet in a bowl of warm, Epsom-salted water, followed…

Open-air pampering

6 keep calm & spa on buys

BEAUTY & THE BRUSH Use this Wooden Facial Brush (£4.50 peacewiththewild.co.uk) to gently brush your face, giving yourself an exfoliating deep cleanse before you apply a face mask or nourishing cream. WRAP UP WARM Take your garden spa day to the next level of luxury, with your very own SereneLife portable towel warmer (£106.04 amazon.co.uk). Pop in your towel, turn on the warmer, get an evenly heated warm towel! MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Sleep, nap or relax with these LC-dolida Bluetooth Sleep Mask Headphones (£22.99 amazon.co.uk). The battery lasts for 15-16 hours so just choose your audio and snuggle down in your garden. WORTH THEIR SALT! Made for sensitive skin, these coconut and aloe-vera scented Skin Repair Bath Salts (£14.99/900g westlabsalts.co.uk) repair and protect your skin, soothing and calming any…

6 keep calm & spa on buys

CHIN UP 1 Put your tongue directly behind your teeth. 2 Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. 3 Hum until you have to stop. If you put your fingers gently under your chin, you'll feel the muscles vibrating. 4 Repeat 15 times. ON CLOUD NINE 1 Tilt your head back and look up at the sky. 2 Pucker up – as though you're giving a cloud a kiss. 3 Stop puckering and bring your head back to its normal position. 4 Repeat 10 times. KEEP SMILING 1 Wrap your lips over your teeth and give a little open-mouthed smile. 2 Place your two index fingers either side of your nose, on your smile lines. 3 Use your fingers to smooth out the smile lines and, holding the pose, tilt your head back. 4 Stay in…

MAKES & MOMENTS

Prize post We moved into a newbuild plot with no topsoil. I wanted to create different zones, so I laid paths to separate them. I now have a jungle area with fatsia, palms and tree ferns, and a Japanese section with acers and a cherry tree. I then painted the fences and summerhouse black to contrast against the green foliage. We have much wildlife, including squirrels, foxes and many varieties of birds, including gulls, as we live close to the seafront. My garden gives me so much joy. There is usually something to tend to, but it's nice to kick back and just soak it all in or meander through the pathways. I try not to stress about things that need doing in the garden and just enjoy it, although…

MAKES & MOMENTS

Love your… WISTERIA

Wisteria, with its cascading blooms and delicious fragrance, flowers from late spring to early summer, offering the ultimate sensory escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Gracing both city gardens and country houses, wisteria is rightly one of Britain's most cherished climbers. Native to China, Korea, Japan and parts of North America, the most popular species in Britain are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda). Both are admired for their prolific, pendulous racemes of lavender, purple or white flowers. Japanese wisteria was introduced to Britain around 1830, arriving shortly after Chinese wisteria, which was introduced in 1816. The Japanese variety boasts longer flower clusters and blooms slightly later, which is handy for having these darling blooms in our gardens for as long as possible! In…

Love your… WISTERIA

Settle in among the sunflowers

Search for this sunny-faced bloom on Insta and you'll be greeted by over 11.6m posts with #sunflower! While they're enjoyed in many different ways – as well as in the garden, you'll find them in and on everything from vases, fields and cakes to tattoos, wedding bouquets and even Christmas trees – posters are united in their love for this versatile super-instagrammable bloom. ‘Sunflowers are therapy’, sings one. ‘Such a happy flower’, cries another. ‘An instant moodbooster’, it's revealed. And when it comes to garden trends, their rustic tones of burnt orange, fiery reds and sunlit yellows mean sunflowers fit in with both super-modern and country-casual styles, especially in the blissful, sun-drenched days of August. The sunflower-growing incentives go on… you can toast the seeds to make a deliciously crunchy…

Settle in among the sunflowers

‘MONGOLIAN GIANT’ This will tower above flowerbeds, reaching the heady heights of 4m tall, with flowerheads 45cm wide. £3.95/20 seeds shegrowsveg.com ❋ ‘VELVET QUEEN’ Dramatic, deep claret flowers have a chocolate-brown centre. Height 1.5m Spread 50cm. £2.75/65 seeds chilternseeds.co.uk ❋ ‘SOLAR POWER’ This is multi-branched and multi-flowered, with golden petals encasing a spectacular maroon central ring. Height 1.7m Spread 50cm. £2.99/20 seeds dobies.co.uk ❋ ‘RUBY ECLIPSE’ is bicoloured, combining dusty pink hues with cream for a sumptuous mix. Height 1.8m Spread 45cm. £2.95/20 seeds sarahraven.com ❋ ‘TEDDY BEAR’ This dwarf sunflower produces multiple, fluffy, pom-pom flowerheads of dense petals. Height & Spread 60cm. £1.99/35 seeds suttons.co.uk ❋ ‘LEMON QUEEN’ At 2m tall, this impressive variety has masses of pale yellow blooms that will come back every year. Height 1.6m Spread…

Rooting for OCA!

Growing your own is a bigger trend than ever before, with many of us branching out into the more unusual – and the New Zealand yam, so named because of its popularity in this country as a root vegetable, gets our vote. Warmer weather in recent years has meant that growing oca (Oxalis tuberosa) at home has surged, and its popularity as an edible is on the up too. Originating from the South American Andes, it forms underground tubers, like potatoes, but they are smaller and crunchier. They range in colour, from creamy-white to bright red and bicolours. Oca can be used in the same way as potatoes – boiled, baked, grilled or fried or as an addition to soups and winter stews. It is nutritionally similar to potatoes too.…

Rooting for OCA!

OUR GARDEN CRUSH

There'd be no need to book a relaxing awayday – not when the perfect escape was just a short stroll from your house! Imagine a lazy, barefoot wander down to the bottom of the garden, then stepping into your very own bespoke little piece of paradise. Perfect for some solo downtime or a laid-back spot for friends to come visit, we're loving this little feelgood haven that ticks every box. The bespoke garden room sits on what used to be an overgrown corner of a woodland property in Epping, Essex. It was completely transformed by Cube 1994 (cube1994.com) into a space that's as practical as it is stylish, and is now fully kitted out for all kinds of entertaining, with a stylish bar, cosy lounge, cloakroom and kitchen. For crisp…

OUR GARDEN CRUSH

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