If supermodels were insects, they’d be butterflies – deceptively fragile-looking and impossibly gorgeous, turning heads whenever they appear. But there’s more to butterflies than just good looks. They do sterling work as pollinators, and a thriving butterfly population is a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Sadly, due to loss of habitat, pesticide use and changing weather patterns, many butterfly species are in decline, so making your garden butterfly-friendly has never been more important.

It is easy to encourage late summer flowers for as long as possible, all year round, and whilst it can be a little more tricky during the cold winter months, there are definitely ways to extend the flowering season in your garden to as late in the year as possible. We’ve put together these ideas to help you encourage those last summer flowers to enjoy for as long as you can. 

Late in summer, as other flowers start to fade, Japanese anemones come into their own. With their elegant sculpted flowers on long graceful stems and their bold maple-like leaves, they’re an unmissable presence in the border well into autumn. Happiest in partial shade, they’re ideal for brightening up dull spots in the garden, and once they’re settled they’ll spread and come back year after year. Here’s how to make sure your Japanese anemones grow and flourish.

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is like no other, from 2nd to 7th July. For a relaxed, fun and inspirational day head over to the show this weekend and enjoy the incredible show gardens with a Pimms in your hand. Here are our top picks for you to enjoy at this year's show.

If you’re looking for an eye-catching and sturdy houseplant, the Monstera is your best option! With its big green and exotic leaves – of which the older ones develop holes, you are sure to bring the jungle into your home.

After a lengthy period of blogging silence and in response to continued hectoring from Olivia, my daughter, (certainly my most avid and quite likely my only follower) I have been galvanised into putting finger to keyboard once again. Since my last post I have been keeping busy down at my allotment during what has been a good gardening season. The recent deluges were much needed and will hopefully help avoid the hose pipe restrictions that were otherwise looking very...