News - Page 74

Many of us met our first badger in a bed-time story, whether it was the kindly and wise Mr Badger from The Wind and the Willows, Fantastic Mr Fox’s legal-minded Clive Badger Esq. or The Chronicles of Narnia’s loyal Trufflehunter. But anyone who’s woken to find their bins knocked over and holes dug in their lawn by badgers in search of supper may have a less rosy view. Badgers and their dwellings (setts) are protected by law, but there are some steps you can take to protect your garden.

Roy Lancaster is well known for presenting Gardeners World and appeared on other horticultural shows such as Gardeners Question Time. He is a prolific horticultural writer and speaker and he could be called a ‘Plant Hunter’ as his career took him all around the world discovering new plants. So what can we learn from Roy Lancaster?

Rock cress is one of the best-kept secrets of spring. A low-level, groundcover plant, it grows quietly in the garden, easily overlooked for most of the year. Then in early spring, it suddenly bursts into bloom and makes you sit up and take notice. Rock cress is the common name for several different plants, all of them species of either Arabis or Aubrieta.

Valentine’s Day DIY's are a great way to show your love for someone special because you are putting that extra special personal touch into your gift. From petals to paper, have a read of these romantic DIY ideas to create your own Valentine’s Day project!  

It might be cold out there, but in February the first hints of spring are everywhere. The daylight lasts that little bit longer each day, snowdrops start to flower and clumps of cheerful daffodils reappear. When the sun shines, it’s time to get outdoors and get a head start on the gardening. And when that icy wind blows, there’s still plenty for gardeners to do indoors in February.