Garden Answers

Now that we are firmly established in 2026 (Christmas feels like it was aeons ago!), it’s time to focus on our garden plans for the year ahead. Perhaps it’s just a question of business as usual – the same trusty plants in the same places – and after all, there’s much to be said for the old adage of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. But we also know that many Garden Answers readers have a passion for trying something new, whether that’s new plants, a fresh border or something more expansive – and in this issue (turn to page 40) we have some terrific designer tricks that will transform your garden in the coming year. Sometimes it’s just about looking at your plot with a fresh eyes and…

“Hoping for the appearance of the new snowdrops I bought last year.” Mike Palmer celebrates early scent on p22 “Top dressing my patio pots, gently removing the top compost.” Sue Fisher on the world of winter greens on p30 “Starting to sow seeds – the expectation it brings is just so satisfying!” Adrian Thomas looks at biodiversity on p44 “Trimming and tying in my climbing roses, then giving them a mulch.” Greg Loades tours a special Scottish garden, p58 “Manuring my beds, turning the compost pile and spreading woodchip on the paths.” Olga Grieves’ latest news, p70 “Dividing and potting overwintered cannas to start them into growth.” Geoff Stebbings answers your questions on p76…

1 Hybrid hellebores come in an intriguing range of colours and patterns and thrive in rich soils that hold onto moisture well. If they are left to self seed they make a natural, impressive display but they won’t come true to type. H: up to 50cm. 2 Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’ is a fine snowdrop; a larger plant with bigger flowers than the common snowdrop that create more impact but still with the grace and elegance that make these plants so beguiling and collectable. Grow in part shade beneath deciduous trees. H: 25cm. 3 Grow crocuses such as Crocus chrysanthus on the border edge where they can receive full sun. You will be rewarded with an electric blast of colour that lights up the ground when it’s sunny and announces that…

Patio project DEEP SHADES FOR THE END OF WINTER See winter go out with a bang by adding some strong hues in a container, primarily through contrasting foliage that’s big on colour. The backbone of the pot is the perky, strawberry-red buds of the skimmia but its moody, dramatic leaves make the display. The leaf colours of the euonymus are exaggerated in cold weather, taking on a pinky tinge, while glaucous blue dianthus is a handy little plant to add finesse to pot edges. Extra containers of heuchera and carex complete a scene that will stay colourful all year.…

Kneeler pillow £18.99 Cushioned foam garden kneeler with a wipe clean, water-resistant surface. debenhams.com Gardener’s gift box £18 Includes citrus zing hand salve and a sweet grapefruit lip balm.  nevesbees.co.uk Solar gnome £7.99 A fun ornament with twinkling solar lights to bring evening cheer. wilko.com Ceramic pot £10 This ceramic yellow-striped pot is handy for perking up houseplant displays.  lisaangel.co.uk Lemon planter £8.99 A fun and fruity container to add some lemon zing to the patio! therange.co.uk Lemon tree £13.99 for a plant in a 9cm pot A self-fertile tree for a frost-free place (pictured, pot not included). thompson-morgan.com…

Could your compost bin eventually run your computer? Scientists at Ohio State University have found that strands in mushroom mycelium (the vegetative part of fungi) can act as living processors, or memristors, transmitting electrical impulses like neurons in the brain and storing information with around 90% accuracy. Researchers built their living computer using dehydrated mycelium of shiitake mushrooms connected to electrical circuitry. Fungal materials are biodegradable and cheaper than conventional semiconductors that use rare minerals and expensive energy. The scientists now want to shrink the size of the fungal component and make them more efficient.…