New beginnings
In the first of a new practical series, Tim Stretton, head of gardens at Mounton House in Monmouthshire, shares the tasks that he and his team tackle in spring
STARTING OUT
Young collector David Carver's new nursery in Devon specialises in the brightest of early spring delights – crocuses
JAMES HITCHMOUGH’S 50 top plants to grow
James Hitchmough has created gardens around the world using sustainable, long-term, naturalistic and often seed-sown plantings. He is best known for projects such as London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Knepp Walled Garden, and is an emeritus professor of horticultural ecology at the University of Sheffield. James is currently developing his own garden in Somerset with particular focus on a planting palette for a changing climate.
VIOLETS
Rich fragrance and early colour have ensured the enduring appeal of these spring flowers - long-time favourites in wild plantings and cottage gardens
MAHONIA
Content to grow in shady spots and poor soil, these unfussy evergreen shrubs with bright, fragrant blooms are excellent for lifting the winter gloom
Winter haven
John Little's experimental garden is a sanctuary for wildlife in winter, when the structure behind its summer abundance is revealed
New beginnings
In the first of a new practical series, Tim Stretton, head of gardens at Mounton House in Monmouthshire, shares the tasks that he and his team tackle in spring
STARTING OUT
Young collector David Carver's new nursery in Devon specialises in the brightest of early spring delights – crocuses
JAMES HITCHMOUGH’S 50 top plants to grow
James Hitchmough has created gardens around the world using sustainable, long-term, naturalistic and often seed-sown plantings. He is best known for projects such as London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Knepp Walled Garden, and is an emeritus professor of horticultural ecology at the University of Sheffield. James is currently developing his own garden in Somerset with particular focus on a planting palette for a changing climate.
VIOLETS
Rich fragrance and early colour have ensured the enduring appeal of these spring flowers - long-time favourites in wild plantings and cottage gardens
MAHONIA
Content to grow in shady spots and poor soil, these unfussy evergreen shrubs with bright, fragrant blooms are excellent for lifting the winter gloom
Winter haven
John Little's experimental garden is a sanctuary for wildlife in winter, when the structure behind its summer abundance is revealed