Innehållsförteckning för November 2017 från BBC Gardeners' World

• Wildlife gardening With the hibernation season upon us and winter migrants on the way, discover new ways to help with our Gardening for Wildlife digital edition. Designed for iPad, you’ll find it in the App Store for £4.99. • Pick a winner The judges have chosen our category winners so now it’s your turn to vote, for the People’s Choice. See galleries of the three gardens in contention, at gardenersworld.com/ garden-competition • Monty on video Why not try growing something different this autumn? Follow Monty’s 3-part video guide to growing your own gourmet mushrooms in a hessian sack. See them at bit.ly/GW-mushrooms • Send us your 2-for-1 pics At the start of every month on our Facebook page, we share favourite reader images that you’ve posted from gardens in our…

“Bringing a few big trees or shrubs into the garden in show-garden style is huge fun” As I write this I am awaiting the delivery of six large Irish yews – Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Robusta’. They are large, in a 45-litre pot kind of way, and a good 6ft tall. In other words, big, showy, go-away-and-procreate trees. As well as anxious that they arrive safely, I am as excited as a six year old on Christmas Eve. During the last series of Big Dreams, Small Spaces, I tried to persuade one of the contributors to put one really big tree into her tiny Blackpool back garden. She had the budget, she had access for a crane and she had the overall design that – I thought – would have perfectly…

• It’s not 100% hardy and dying off may not have been your fault. I rely on self-seeded plants to keep them going, rather than keeping them alive over winter. nutcutlet • To make sure there’s every chance of self-seeding, I don’t cut mine back until the spring, then I cut them to about 9in tall. Dovefromabove • You can always pot up a young plant and overwinter it in a cold frame if you want to be sure, but they usually seed very freely. Posy • The tits seem to go for the seeds, so I leave them until the birds are finished with them. B3 • I cut mine back just enough to keep it looking tidy. This year they have seeded a lot. I have potted them…

Caroline Cassell Circular seclusion Location Waltham Abbey, Essex Size 11m x 4m What she did Transformed her traditional cottage garden by creating a series of rooms – there’s a dining area and a patio, and the lawn leads to a deck that catches late-afternoon sun. Circles give the illusion that the garden is wider than just 4m, and she’s used every available space, including the walls and fencing. “It’s very secluded, even though I’m surrounded on all sides.” Why we like it A private, romantic and exuberantly planted space. Her clever design makes the garden flow and every bit of space is used. BEFORE: 2001 1 Climbers, such as fragrant honeysuckle help to blur boundaries and create the illusion of space 2 Trees add height and structure, and draw the…

Christine Hill Sublime squares Location Penrith, Cumbria Why wildlife is attracted Organic gardener Christine took on an abandoned, walled kitchen garden 13 years ago. She stuck with the geometric layout, creating different uses for each square: a pond, a veg plot, and a forest garden planted with native berry and nut trees, which feed the birds. What creatures visit Tits, and sparrows, plus 70 starlings winter-roosted in the bamboo. Also hoverflies, dragonflies, damselflies, newts and beetles, plus a toad in the greenhouse! Why we like it A beautiful, practical garden that offers a range of habitats, and a balance of natural and formal areas. BEFORE: 2004 1 Marginal plants provide shade and protection for aquatic wildlife 2 A succession of plants feed pollinators, from crocus and primulas in spring, to…

DECIDUOUS TREES • Use long-armed loppers or a pole pruner to remove dead and congested branches in the crown of trees, cutting back to a healthy main branch. Now that deciduous trees and shrubs are devoid of leaves, it’s easy to see their overall structure, and to work out what and where to prune. Key tasks are thinning crowded or badly placed stems and branches, removing dead wood and improving the plant’s shape. Enhance the productivity of spring-flowering ornamental shrubs, fruit bushes and trees by cutting out some of the oldest wood. Leave the one-and two-year old stems produced recently, as these will go on to produce flowers next spring. Such pruning will also encourage strong, new shoots that will guarantee future productivity. Developing this type of growth and pruning…

Mild winters tend to breed complacency – they encourage us to take risks, especially with borderline hardy plants. That’s why many in the milder counties no longer dig up and store their dahlia tubers in a frost-free place over winter. But if the weather turns nippier this winter than it’s been over the last few years, and if you’re north of the Home Counties, then it’ll pay to take precautions. If you plan to leave them in the ground, protect them with a thick mulch of chipped bark, compost or manure. This will prevent frost damage by insulating the tubers to a degree. But if the weather turns really cold, with deep, ground-penetrating frosts, digging up and storing the tubers will increase their chances of survival. You’ll also be able…

Turnips Quick-growing turnips provide delicious roots and the leafy tops give some of the best greens the garden can offer 3 WAYS TO TRY • Slice thinly and roast slowly in cream and garlic • Simmer very gently in butter with the lid on • Mix 450g of fine sea salt with 3 egg whites to make a crust to wrap around whole turnips and bake Turnips Nutrition Turnip flesh is rich in vitamin C. The edible leaves contain good levels of calcium, as well as vitamins C and K. How to grow An easy crop, so long as growing conditions are cool and moist. Ideally grow on fertile soil enriched with plenty of organic matter, in sun or partial shade. Baby turnips can be ready in as little as…

Britain’s mild maritime climate can support a more diverse range of plants than most places on the planet. This blessing means we can push the boundaries of what is possible to grow as long as we choose plants that are adaptable to our climate or we protect the more tender ones. The hardiness rating system, from the Royal Horticultural Society, means you can assess the suitability of different plants to your garden. The scale runs from H1, for plants tolerant of no less than 15°C, to H7 for plants able to withstand -20°C. However, there are no absolutes when it comes to hardiness as many factors affect a plant’s resilience. Soil moisture levels along with wind, relative elevation and microclimates all make a difference. While we need to intervene with…

Why do we garden when, at times, it’s so hard? Sometimes it would be easier to give up. This question came up time and again as we reviewed the gardens you entered into our new category of Challenging Plots for our Garden of the Year 2017 competition. We thought we’d uncover stories of creative problem-solving. We didn’t expect such a response, from gardeners across the nation battling extreme elements, difficult terrain, and growing against the odds. It proves that resourcefulness is an essential skill for any gardener. Through the entries, we discovered that you don’t just want to garden, you must garden – to be fulfilled, to ease the stresses of daily life, and find a connection with nature that’s missing in our ‘always on’ society. Giving up on that…

Some shrubs delight us with one big burst of colour during the year. Rhododendrons, for example, and buddleias. But pyracanthas deliver a blizzard of summer flowers, their berries are dependably dazzling, plus they have three other important, but less obvious, features. In June, the flat heads of small white flowers cover the plants, shown off well by the rich, dark evergreen foliage. By September, and continuing through into the winter, the flowerheads have matured into clusters of scarlet, orange or yellow berries which, on a thriving plant, seem to drip from the branches like jewels. Not only do the berries shine in the low winter light but blackbirds, thrushes and fieldfares love them. Pyracanthas are also attractive to birds for their dense evergreen foliage and branching structure, which, especially when…

Is faking it the best option? I must say I’m a fan of artificial grass. We installed ours (above, right) in a very small garden three years ago. It means I don’t have to find space for a mower or spend precious time looking after it. The grass looks good all year, requiring only an occasional sweep. It was a hard decision but one I am pleased we made. Maria Adams, by email I enjoyed reading Over the Fence (October issue), particularly Lee Connelly’s valiant effort to promote artificial grass. He listed the yellow patches caused by dog urine as one of the disadvantages of real grass, but what he didn’t mention was the smell of dog and cat pee on artificial grass! Barbara Lovegrove, by email Reading October’s…

Growing out of poverty Gardening can help improve physical and mental health, cut crime and boost job prospects as well as local pride, says a new report by Tory MPs. The report, co-authored by Rebecca Pow MP, formerly a garden TV presenter and journalist, concludes that gardening is so beneficial it should be at the heart of Government policy. “Gardening and horticultural skills can have hugely positive effects,” explains Pow, in the report for Conservative Environment Network. “Providing people with the opportunity to green their communities can be a way of tackling deprivation – unemployment, lack of skills, and mental health.” Read more in our Over the Fence next issue. Lavender devastation fears The widespread availability of lavender plants at garden centres is at risk after wholesale nurseries signed an…

“By far the most successful small gardens do one thing very well” Most people live in towns and suburbs where space is at a premium, and gardens are getting smaller. So it has been pointed out to me – not always kindly – that my own garden is too large to have relevance to an ‘ordinary’ garden. But there is no hierarchy of horticultural pleasure. The smallest garden can be as rewarding and meaningful as the largest. A small garden is doubly precious precisely because it is small, so everything in it is treasured and noticed daily. Also, small gardens can, with careful planning and plant selection, be extraordinarily powerful and fulfilling, whatever their style or the expectations you have. Every single thing should delight you. There is literally no…

White delight Camellias light up the garden when they flower between early autumn and late spring with elegant blooms in white, pink or rich red. Their glossy leaves also provide year-round appeal. Give them ericaceous compost and water well with rainwater when the flower buds are forming, around nine months before the flowers open. Position the pot in a sheltered spot. Here, autumn-flowered Camellia sasanqua ‘Kenkyo’ graces a pale glazed container, with a pinecone mulch. 1 Pot choice The minimum size of pot for small shrubs is 45cm in diameter and a similar depth. Bigger is better, as it gives the plant a cooler root-run and will be less liable to drying out. The best pots for long-term plantings are made of frost-proof terracotta (glazed or unglazed), reconstituted stone, resin…

David & Mark Hampson A sense of drama Location Bedford, Bedfordshire Size 10m x 12m What they did When David and his son Mark moved into a new-build property they were faced with a blank canvas. They built green oak raised beds, decking, a fernery, lawn and water feature, and incorporated plants from their previous gardens. They wanted to create some privacy and chose plants that would give year-round interest. Why we like it We love the drama! A strong design, with good use of quality materials and attention to detail. The raised beds will weather well and the plants give a lush feel. BEFORE: 2014 1 A framework of evergreen shrubs and perennials creates privacy all year round 2 The immaculate central lawn makes the garden feel open and…

Caroline Critchlow Windswept wonder Location Mainland, Orkney The challenge Exposed location with 100mph winds. How she tackled it Battling storm-force winds, which often blew off her glasses while gardening, Caroline and husband Kevin transformed a derelict plot using stone walls, raised beds, sculptures and the spectacular pond. Plants are staked – including those in the pond – to stop them being washed away by waves in the pond! “The setting’s fantastic, with views over Scapa Flow,” says Caroline. “We used colours to reflect the sea.” Why we like it A great achievement and the design enhances the fabulous view. BEFORE: 2007 1 Windbreaks, made of wooden frames with mesh centres help to keep border plants upright 2 Stone walls create pockets of shelter from the winds 3 The straight pond…

Whenever I think about sweet peas, this cottage garden classic puts a smile on my face. They evoke fond childhood memories, with a scent that sings of summer. And they’re so easy to grow. Although you can wait until spring to sow or buy plants, there’s something special about growing them from seed now, when there’s a wide range of colours and scents available. Place in a bright spot, with clear polythene or glass over the pot (remove after germination), if you don’t have a greenhouse. Keep the compost moist. In mid- to late April I move my young plants into larger pots or borders and provide supports for them to climb up. They like a fertile, moisture-retentive soil or compost, and a sunny location. Once they flower, keep picking…

Kick-start a cactus Many cacti form offsets at the base, which can each become a new plant. Why not kick-start your child’s collection? Make it Using a sharp, clean knife wiped with alcohol, slice the plantlets from the parent plant at a 45° angle and set to one side for a few days until the cut callouses over. Replant in a gritty compost. Then wait a few days before you water. Provide instructions to ‘water sparingly’ and ‘keep in a warm, light place’. Child’s play! Steep herbs in vinegar Give the gift of a New Year detox! Flavour vinegar with herbs to drizzle over winter salads. Make it Half fill a clean glass container with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, tarragon or oregano, and fill with warmed wine vinegar.…

“More than 300 species are susceptible, including roses and lavender” Xylella is one of those diseases that has an effect way beyond the garden centre gate – a 10km radius to be precise. More than 300 plant species are susceptible, with no known cure, including many garden favourites such as roses, lavender, cherries, hebes, rosemary, wallflowers and olives. The implications for anyone who has an outbreak on their property, whether a home gardener or nurseryman, are very serious and could result in a ban on the movement of all host plants in that area for five years. So people whose livelihood depends on plant sales are now being very careful indeed. UK nurseries that in the past have brought in plants from areas with a known presence of the bacterium…

• The Wildlife Gardener From the pen of our Wildlife Editor, Kate Bradbury, this one-stop guide to gardening with wildlife in mind is a must-have for any gardening library. £16.99, pen-and-sword.co.uk • Largest bug hotel The Guinness World Record for the world’s largest bug hotel has been awarded to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Residents in the 18.46m3 hotel include bees, spiders, moths, a frog and even a bat. • Prison garden award HM Prison Parc in Bridgend [above] is the first prison in Wales to win the Windlesham Trophy for the best-kept prison garden in England and Wales. RHS judges praised its wildflower meadows, and vegetable and herb gardens. • Daffodil rediscovered An unusual double daffodil bulb, Narcissus ‘Van Sion’, thought to be planted by ‘Capability’ Brown’s gardeners at…

With a little imagination and creativity, it’s easy to add lots of extra interest to your garden to see you through winter. Concentrate efforts on a few key areas that you see on a daily basis to make the greatest impact. These include beds and pots close to the house or that are readily seen from your windows, as well as the front garden, which you walk through every day. Over the next few pages, my ideas should provide plenty of inspiration, and they’re all simple to achieve with little time or effort required. Some are great value for money too, meaning you can make an impact without breaking the bank. So, whether you step outside or look from your window, embrace the winter and enjoy your garden at every…

If you’re tired of refreshing your pot displays every spring and autumn, why not look to shrubs to give your containers real longevity? There are plenty of shrubs that can be used to provide structure and year-round interest over the long term, meaning it’s possible to enjoy them even if you’re tight on space. The secret to success lies in getting the initial planting right, followed by a timely care and maintenance regime. It isn’t difficult – just follow our guide to create permanently planted containers that are home to healthy, great-looking shrubs.…

It’s time to reveal the results of our Garden of the Year 2017 competition. We’ve travelled the country to bring you fantastic real gardens created by readers. And over the next 11 pages, you’ll find 47 inspiring ideas from the gardens of our nine spectacular finalists, from a tiny cottage garden and a new-build blank canvas to a spectacular coastal haven. But now it’s time for you to have your say. Go to gardenersworld.com/garden-competition to see more photos of the category winners and vote for your favourite – you’ll be entered into a prize-draw to win a Cobra lawnmower worth £324.99.…

Helen Rushton Sweeping meadows Location Inverurie, Aberdeenshire Why wildlife is attracted What started as derelict croft and rough farmland now, 26 years later, has three ponds, dozens of boxes for bats and nesting birds, and hidden spots for hedgehogs. Planting provides food for wildlife and Helen delays trimming hedges until the birds finish nesting. What creatures visit Birds, bats, hedgehogs, butterflies, moths and bees. The compost heaps attract pygmy shrews and roe deer like the wildflower meadow. Why we like it Very natural, with ponds, wildflowers and native shrubs – plus a diverse collection of habitats. BEFORE: 1991 1 Mature trees and shrubs provide food, shelter and nesting sites 2 A wildflower meadow is the ideal haven for bees, moths butterflies and caterpillars 3 Vital in any wildlife-friendly plot, a…

Gay & Jim Acres Water world Location Aberystwyth, Ceredigion The challenge Bleak, windswept moorland bog at 300m above sea level. How they tackled it It has taken them 29 years to create a four-acre water garden with two large ponds and smaller ones linked by waterfalls. It has many moisture-loving plants, plus raised beds and ‘mounds’ that support other plants. The garden attracts wildlife, but they’ve developed ways to deter pests such as rabbits and water voles. Why we like it A peaceful, naturalistic space with quirky details and plants that suit the acid conditions at altitude. BEFORE: 1988 1 Waterfalls make a feature of the uneven terrain rather than fighting it 2 Sculptures dotted through the garden add interest and create tranquil focal points 3 Tough plants, such as…

Prepare beds for winter Some flowerheads are worth keeping over the winter for their wonderful architectural shapes, particularly in the frost. The seeds also make good feed for the birds. So keep the stocky stems of plants such as asters, agastache, phlomis, helenium and rudbeckia. Cut back anything that flops over as it dies back or where leaves turn to mush. Weed and lightly fork the ground between plants. Leave it for a day or two for the birds to clear any grubs or slug eggs before mulching with a 5cm-deep layer of garden compost, leafmould or mushroom compost. Not only will the mulch make the bed look attractive, it will also conserve moisture, suppress weeds and add nutrients to the soil. Finish planting spring bulbs New spring-flowering bulbs and…

Plant rhubarb It’s a good time to plant pot-grown rhubarb and if your soil is well drained, crowns can be split now and small sections re-planted successfully. If your soil is cold, and heavy, the best time to plant is in the spring to avoid the fleshy crowns rotting over winter. Prepare the ground by digging in some well-rotted manure and firm it down before planting with the tips of the crown above the surface. Water the plants in and then just water again if the weather is particularly dry. Repot mint and bring indoors Mint is a vigorous plant and can quickly get pot bound, so now’s a good time to repot to improve the foliage for picking. Knock the plant out of its pot and split it with…

This collection of decomposing waste includes logs, wood chippings and leaves, making the perfect habitat for detritivores, such as earthworms and woodlice. Nature’s recyclers, detritivores attract those further up the food chain, from beetles (ground and rove) and centipedes, to hedgehogs, amphibians and birds. Many of these species also eat slugs and snails. A beetle bump will not only increase the biodiversity of detritivores and their predators in your garden, it will make your garden healthier as a result, reducing pest numbers and providing food for birds and other wildlife – it’s the perfect garden habitat. YOU WILL NEED • A small patch of garden about 1m2 • Old logs, chippings, leaves and twigs • Garden fork or spade for digging 1 Remove the top layer of soil or turf…

You recognise this one don’t you? It has many names, cleavers being the shortest. But why am I writing about this weed right now? If you have good soil I expect there are seedlings of cleavers (Galium aparine) popping up in your beds this month. The sow thistles, spurges and cresses that peppered summer beds have slowed down, but cleavers is looking as fresh as a daisy. Using a clever evolutionary strategy it germinates happily in the cooler temperatures of autumn. In fact, it won’t do so in temperatures over 15°C. It establishes itself with little competition from others and with a spurt of growth in spring is ready to swamp your plants during summer. Annoyingly then, if you try to pull it up, you’ll break the little hairlike thread…

Aspiring photographer My nan subscribes to your magazine so I get to enjoy it, too. I am currently studying for my photography GCSE and I love the images in your magazine. I am still developing my skills but I aim to do photography as a career or at least as a dedicated hobby. It would be an absolute honour to have one of my images featured in your magazine. Jessica Hannah Ballard, by email Stepping up I enjoyed your feature on city gardens (August issue) and the letter ‘A Walk on the West Side’ (Have your Say, October issue). New York’s High Line took its inspiration from the Coulée verte in Paris, the world’s first elevated park walkway opening in 1993. This delightful 4.7km trail, built on the old railway…

“I was astonished at their brilliance, with still more of it to come. Some will be hanging on even now” I love it when a plant or group of plants that I have taken scant notice of over the years suddenly looms large in my consciousness, thanks to the emergence of a new variety or a variety that isn’t so new but has somehow escaped my notice. It refreshes me, gives me a new enthusiasm and sends me off surfing the ’net to see if I can locate plants for my own garden. Such an experience happened late this summer at RHS Wisley. It is now almost 10 years since the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) trialled more than 40 varieties of Hydrangea paniculata – those cone-headed hydrangeas that have more…