Jane Westoby

If you’ve ever wandered around the Chelsea Flower Show and wondered how those borders manage to look so full, natural, and flower-filled from spring right through to autumn, here’s a little secret: The best gardens don’t rely on annuals alone. Nor do they rely entirely on perennials. The magic happens when all three groups work together: annuals, perennials, and biennials. Yet biennials are probably the most overlooked plants in British gardens. Many gardeners don’t grow them at all simply...

Eucalyptus can be grown successfully in the UK — but it’s not a chuck-it-in-a-pot plant. Success depends on strong light, free-draining compost, minimal root disturbance, and careful watering in cool conditions. Most failures happen early due to cold, wet soil, not winter cold. Get the foundations right and eucalyptus grows fast, strong, and reliably.

Aubergines need heat, light, and time to thrive in the UK. This Grow Along explains exactly how to get the conditions right, from sowing to harvest.