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Shrubs masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jul 25, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Award-winning Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’ is the perfect flowering shrub for a container
Image: Hydrangea RUNAWAY BRIDE® SNOW WHITE (‘USHYD0405’) (PBR) from Thompson & Morgan

If you’re looking for ways to add low-maintenance interest to your garden, shrubs are ideal. And if you need help to choose the perfect varieties, this collection of expert articles, Instagram posts and videos is the perfect place to start. Whether you want evergreen structure, winter colour or container shrubs to liven up your patio, here’s everything you need to help you choose, plant, prune and care for your shrubs.

For more inspiration, browse our wide range of online shrub plants including winter-flowering, climbing, scented, evergreen shrubs, and many more…

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 25th July 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Roses masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jun 13, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts, Roses | 2 Comments

Roses are quintessential English country garden plants
Image: Rose ‘Peach Melba’ (Climbing) from Thompson & Morgan

Delve into these gems of expert knowledge to help you grow fabulous roses. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best planting, propagating and pruning advice available. Whether you’re caring for a single bush or planning an entire rose garden of bare root plants, these top tips will inspire and inform you every step of the way.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 13 June 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Garlic masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | May 31, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Carcassonne Wight is one of the most successful garlic varieties for overwintering
Image: Garlic ‘Carcassonne Wight’ from Thompson & Morgan

If you love the taste of garlic and want to try growing your own garlic sets from scratch, here’s where you’ll find some of the best advice. These YouTubers and bloggers are garlic growing experts and will help you get the most from this tasty bulb. Here’s how to plant, care for, and store your own homegrown garlic…

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 31st May 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Fruit masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | May 28, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Try growing Raspberry ‘Little Sweet Sister’ in containers on the balcony for early crops of deliciously sweet fruit
Image: Raspberry ‘Little Sweet Sister’ from Thompson & Morgan

Do you want to grow fresh fruit in your garden, allotment or balcony? We’ve brought together a wealth of expert videos and articles to help you choose the best fruit plants for bumper crops of delicious produce. Everything you need to know to start growing fruit is here, whether it’s classic berries and currants or exotic melons and kiwi fruit.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 28th May 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Cucumbers masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Apr 24, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Group of cucumbers growing in the greenhouse

Cucumbers are prolific in the right conditions
Image: Cucumber ‘Carmen’ F1 Hybrid from Thompson & Morgan

Here’s a collection of the best independent content to help you grow your own crunchy cucumbers. These videos, articles and Instagram posts feature everything from sowing cucumber seeds through to pricking out and pollination. If you want to successfully grow cucumbers in your garden or allotment, you’ve come to the right place…

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 24 April 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Hanging baskets masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Apr 17, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Colourful hanging basket against brick wall

Hanging baskets are a great way to display colourful flowers
Image: Nurseryman’s Choice Hanging Basket Mixed Collection from Thompson & Morgan

Here’s all the advice you need to create the best hanging baskets ever. Packed with useful articles, videos and Instagram posts – these gardeners have generously shared the knowledge they’ve acquired through years of trial and error. If you’re new to basket growing or you’re keen to learn more, here’s how to successfully choose hanging basket plants along with tips to keep them blooming for as long as possible.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 17 April 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Dahlias masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Apr 4, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 1 Comment

Dahlias come in a range of colours and shapes
Image: Dahlia ‘Tropical Sheer Heaven’ from Thompson & Morgan (©Visions BV, Netherlands)

Here’s a masterclass on growing dahlias courtesy of some of our favourite gardening bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagrammers. When it comes to dahlias, not only do these growers know their stuff, but they’re also happy to share their knowledge and experience. Whether you want to plant dahlia tubers or raise them from seed, this is the place to start.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 4th April 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Peas and beans masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Mar 25, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 1 Comment

Neat & compact, Broad Bean ‘The Sutton’ is perfect for growing in containers or small gardens
Image: Broad Bean ‘The Sutton’ from Thompson & Morgan

In our search for expert advice on growing peas and beans, we turned to some of the best grow-your-own bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers. Whether you’re new to growing veg or a seasoned gardener looking for tips to get more from your pea and bean plants, there’s plenty of food for thought here.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 25th March 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Chillies and sweet peppers masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 29, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Chillies and sweet peppers both pack a colourful flavour punch
Image: Chilli Pepper ‘Fresno Mix’ F1 from Thompson & Morgan

If you want to grow your own chilli and sweet pepper plants indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in the garden, here’s the best advice from some of our favourite Instagrammers, YouTubers and bloggers. These independent posts and videos give you step-by-step guidance on how to grow your own crops of colourful peppers – both fiery and sweet.

Browse our full range of chilli and sweet pepper seeds for inspiration.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 29 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Petunia masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 22, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 1 Comment

This climbing petunia has been trained up an obelisk to create a spectacular focal point
Image: T&M

Here you’ll find the best expert content on raising petunia seeds or growing petunia plug plants. We’ve scoured the web to bring you insights from the experts who know petunias best – the experienced, green-fingered garden bloggers who love to grow them. Here’s a wealth of information and advice to help you successfully grow your own perfect petunias.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 22 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Shrubs masterclass: best expert content

Roses masterclass: best expert content

Garlic masterclass: best expert content

Fruit masterclass: best expert content

Cucumbers masterclass: best expert content

Hanging baskets masterclass: best expert content

Dahlias masterclass: best expert content

Peas and beans masterclass: best expert content

Chillies and sweet peppers masterclass: best expert content

Petunia masterclass: best expert content

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