Latest articles by Ruth Hayes
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Mulch vs compost – what is the difference between these two valuable garden ingredients?
Woman planting healthy bedding plant in a border
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Peat-free compost choices – how to get the best results in your yard without damaging the planet
Our expert advice for sustainably creating a dream garden without using peat
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Calendula varieties – 16 pot marigolds that will provide more than just a burst of sunshine all summer long
Discover the best calendula varieties and why these hard-working plants need to be in every garden
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Small raised beds can transform compact city plots and balcony gardens – expert advice for the best shapes and plants to maximize growing potential
Inspiring ideas for incorporating raised beds into small yards, courtyard gardens and on balconies to make the most of your space
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'We find the social element of gardening fascinating' – By telling captivating stories of plants through people, The Book of Garden Flowers will inspire you to reach new horticultural heights
This gorgeously illustrated and informative volume offers inspirational plant escapism, to help you create the yard of your dreams
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How to grow bee balm – and discover why generations of gardeners have added this brilliant herb to their plot for color, scent, and pollinators
Monarda is a must-have plant for your yard
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This deadly disease could destroy your spring blooms – expert advice for how to combat tulip fire and prevent it from ever coming back
What to do if you're faced with this common but destructive tulip disease
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How to grow and care for asters – extend your yard's color palette with these easy, daisy-like beauties
Asters are inter-seasonal stunners that will help summer move into the fall in colorful style
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How to grow bidens – to create effortless coverage of joyful color in your borders and planters
Enjoy months of vibrant color by adding bright, daisy-like tickseed to your yard
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Neglecting your greenhouse this winter? Here are 11 ways it can keep your yard productive during the colder months
From sowing seeds, to storing tender plants, and growing herbs, a greenhouse can actually be a busy place in winter
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Best wind resistant shrubs – 10 plants that bring protection as well as color to your yard
These shrubs can resist strong winds while adding structure and interest to the garden
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What is wind rock – and how to prevent it causing damage to your plants, yard and property
How to protect your plants from devastation caused by high winds in the fall and winter
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How to grow sanguisorba – to add ethereal beauty and winter interest to your yard
Everything you need to know about growing this low-maintenance yet beautiful hardy perennial
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How to prevent pruning shears and other gardening tools from rusting – 5 expert tips
Keeping tools free from rust will extend their life and maintain optimum performance
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Winter gardening checklist – 13 ways to get your garden through the coldest months
These essential tasks will get your backyard in shape and ready for spring
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How to improve drainage in raised beds – for optimum soil health
Expert advice for boosting raised bed drainage to keep plants fed, watered and healthy
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What is the best material for a raised bed? For a sustainable and stylish garden
Expert advice for choosing the best, most durable materials for a raised garden bed, for years of successful growing
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How to overwinter tender plants – and keep them safe until the spring
Overwintering tender plants and bulbs is an important fall task that will benefit your yard in future years
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How far apart to space bulbs in a pot – for healthy growth and fabulous color
Giving your potted bulbs enough space to grow well will produce brilliant displays in the fall
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Best winter flowers for pots – 10 stunning options to brighten the shorter days
Our choice of the best flowering plants for winter pots to add color to the garden right through to the spring
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Best plants for winter hanging baskets – 10 picks for long-lasting, joyful flowers
These winter bloomers will add uplifting color to your baskets through the colder seasons
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Plants never to grow in a raised bed – 5 varieties to avoid, and what to plant instead
A gardening experts shares the plants that will cause you problems if put them in raised beds
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How to harvest sweet pea seeds – expert advice for saving and storing seeds
Our top 5 tips for collecting and storing sweet pea seeds will guarantee floral scent and color for years to come
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Seed harvesting and collecting mistakes – 6 common pitfalls to avoid
Expert advice for avoiding seed harvesting mistakes, to ensure your hand-raised plants will thrive next year
