Pruning & Planting
The latest pruning & planting news, comment, reviews and features from the experts at Ideal Home
Pruning & Planting
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5 low-maintenance plants that will flourish in the trickiest spots in your garden with almost no effortI've found five low-maintenance plants that love bad soil, shade and neglect
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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5 plants that thrive on a north-facing balcony garden – the best flowering and evergreen varietiesThese plants don't mind the shade!
By Sophie King
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Nigella Lawson's garden lighting setup is pure magic – this is how to recreate itHer dreamy fairy light trick is surprisingly easy to copy
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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Experts say the deadline for giving your plants the Chelsea chop is looming – 5 plants to tackle nowExtra blooms? Yes, please!
By Sophie King
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The secret ingredient to help your roses thrive this summer is going to waste in your kitchenThis is how to use this free trick for bigger, better blooms
By Jenny McFarlane
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What to do with lavender in June – 4 ways to encourage masses of fragrant blooms that last all summerThey don't need fuss!
By Sophie King
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Monty Don has this beautiful rose and shares the simple tip to keep roses flowering for longerWant roses like Monty Don?
By Kayleigh Dray
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7 fast-growing trailing plants that will tumble over hanging baskets all summer longCreate a cascade of summer colour with these easy-grow trailing varieties
By Lisa Fazzani
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Jobs to do in the garden in June – 7 ways to ensure your garden thrives on hot summer daysWatering tips, planting advice and more
By Sophie King
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What to do with dahlias in June – 4 expert-approved ways to kickstart this year's flowersGet the showstoppers off to a strong start
By Sophie King
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What to do with peonies in June – 4 tasks that will preserve this year's flowersAnd start preparing next year's
By Sophie King
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8 drought-tolerant plants for front garden pots that barely need wateringMake watering easier in the heat with these no-effort potted plants
By Lisa Fazzani
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5 fast-growing climbing plants to grow around your front door for a blooming summer entranceFrame your entrance with colour, fragrance and plenty of kerb appeal
By Jenny McFarlane
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How to take root cuttings in water and save money on filling your home and garden with free plantsThe simple propagation trick that turns one plant into many
By Kayleigh Dray
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The easy 70/30 planting rule is the clever trick garden experts use to make your flower beds look fuller all year roundIt will transform your garden into one that's full of variety
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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This is exactly how deep to plant dahlias for bigger, better blooms and stronger stemsGet your dahlia tubers off to the best start
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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7 things people with cool gardens in a heatwave always haveThey know how to stay cool outdoors
By Jenny McFarlane
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6 sustainable garden ideas that support wildlife and our planetThese eco-friendly gardening practices guarantee a productive space
By Sophie King
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7 fast-growing seeds to sow directly outdoors in May for a garden bursting with flowersEnjoy colourful beds and borders for summer
By Lisa Fazzani
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5 easy and effective fixes to make an overlooked front garden feel more privateand without blocking out light
By Kayleigh Dray
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Pocket woodlands are the secret to transforming shady garden corners – 4 easy planting tricksThey're ideal for tiny spaces
By Sophie King
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Can you plant peonies in May? These fluffy peony varieties can still be planted now if you act fastInstant blooms? Yes, please!
By Sophie King
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5 unusual annual climbers to plant now to create privacy and hide ugly fences or wallsTake your pick from these fabulous annual climbers that have great coverage – enough to hide ugly fences, walls and provide privacy
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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3 plants that help prevent flooding – RHS Chelsea-approved recommendations for a floodproof gardenGarden flooding is a bigger risk than ever
By Sophie King
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6 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 garden trends that are actually achievable at homeThey work in small gardens, too
By Sophie King
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7 container flowers to plant in May for non-stop colour all summer longPick these vibrant, long-lasting blooms to ensure a colourful display that will see your garden all through the summer months
By Lisa Fazzani
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Where to buy seeds online – these 5 retailers have given me the best results in the gardenFlower seeds, vegetable collections and more
By Sophie King


