Latest articles by Alison Jones
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Don't dismiss this prolific plant as an irritating weed – it's actually a climate resilient, secret superfood packed with health-boosting nutrientsDiscover how to grow dandelion greens for food, with advice from expert growers
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Tired of moles wrecking your lush lawn? These 7 humane methods will keep them at bay, say pest control expertsThese furry foes can ruin an immaculately tended yard as they tunnel underneath in pursuit of food
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10 best trees with unusual bark for year-round interest – don't let bright blossoms and colorful foliage take all the glory in your yardPick a variety with an uniquely patterned or peeling bark for visual interest even in winter
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Bucket gardening is one of the easiest, most practical ways to grow your own, even with a tiny outdoor spaceRepurpose your empty containers to create a flourishing garden of flowers and home-grown veggies and herbs anywhere, even when you don't have access to a yard
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11 must-have plants to include in a French provincial-style garden – for European charm and enduring eleganceThoughtful planting is the secret to bringing the flavor of France to your outside space, with aromatic flowers, herbs and grasses that fill it with color and texture
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How to design a French provincial garden – choose charming colors and elegant plants to recreate a Monet masterpiece in your own backyardAdd a continental touch to your yard with a garden that has all the colors, scents and sounds of a French countryside idyll
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How to overwinter bougainvillea – 5 ways to protect these glorious blooms from frostSimple steps to help this bushy and beautiful climbing vine survive cold snaps
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How to overwinter outdoor yuccas – expert tips to help them survive extreme winter weatherThese desert-loving plants need a little help during the winter months
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What is winter burn and how do you prevent it from blighting your evergreens?Sudden drops in temperature can make your hardy trees and plants appear as though parts of them are dying
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How to winterize rhododendrons and guarantee showstopping bloomsThese hardy plants that grow in the Himalayas are used to inhospitable conditions, but they still need cold weather care to help them thrive
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How to winterize black-eyed Susans – and ensure a joyful display for years to comeDiscover how to protect these sunshine-colored flowers over winter
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What is air layering propagation? Expert advice on how to do it, plus the mistakes to avoidThis alternative method of cloning plants has the key to successful root growing in the bag
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8 stunning lavender alternatives that smell incredible, and will look just as beautiful in your gardenThese multipurpose plants look and smell just as good as lavender, but offer an interesting alternative to this classic shrub
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Is the 'fridgescaping' trend a functional fail? We ask the experts if style matters more than storage in this spaceDecorating the inside of your fridge like a beautiful tablescape is taking off on social media. But will it get a frosty reception from your family?
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How to grow and care for sword ferns – and add a tropical touch to your yardIntroduce lush foliage to your outdoor space with a shade-loving, low-maintenance plant that is ideal for beginner gardeners
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These fast-growing climbers will transform your pergola into a romantic, botanical wonderlandSeek out bright, scented climbing plants to give your outdoor shaded space a show of color all year round
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Six reasons to use low VOC paints – experts reveal why they're better for you, your home and the environmentCutting down on chemicals when decorating will reduce physical side effects and be better for the planet
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Can I grow a tree from a branch? Expert advice on raising a tree from a cuttingExpand your yard the sustainable way by cultivating an offcut and growing a tree for free
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8 of the best scented plants to create a perfumed front porchGather together a mood-setting mix of plants for a fragrant entrance to your home
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How to safely remove bees from your home - humane tips to relocate a bees nestThese protected pollinators can be a threat to home and health if they make their hive in your walls. We look at ways to rehome them without harming the colony
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How to harvest lupine seeds – for sowing new plants next seasonThe spire-shaped lupine has an abundance of flowers, producing plenty of seeds to reap in the fall
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How to get rid of hornets in your home – humane and safe ways to deter these pestsDefensive of their nests and with a painful sting, a colony of hornets aren’t creatures you want to share a house with. We look at ways to remove them safely and keep them out
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Invasive ground cover plants to avoid – 8 species to watch out for in your yardYou may admire their pretty foliage, but left unchecked these plants can smother your flowers and take over in the backyard
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Is it antisocial to have an overgrown hedge? Avoid upsetting your neighbors with our expert adviceIs your yard a blot on the local landscape with its too-tall trees and scruffy foliage? We look at the etiquette of keeping your borders in check
