BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: The Gardener’s Ultimate Guide for Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine holds a special place in my heart, serving as the Gardener’s Bible. It encompasses everything one needs to know about gardening: problem-solving, actionable guidance, and endless inspiration for your garden. My garden is my sanctuary, a space that has evolved significantly over the years as we’ve grown to understand it better. The principle of “right plant, right place,” popularised by Beth Chatto in the 1960s, is a recurring theme in BBC Gardeners’ World, emphasising that a plant will thrive if it’s happy in its location; if not, it’s time to relocate it.

Each October marks the beginning of my garden planning. This is when I tend to dahlias, cleaning and storing them for winter, and plant daffodil bulbs in anticipation of spring. As the weather cools, it’s time to plant tulip bulbs. The winter months are a waiting game for me, eagerly anticipating the return to my garden. Come spring, I tidy up and begin sowing seeds in my glasshouse. I pot up the dahlia tubers and keep them safe from frost until they’re strong enough to be moved outdoors, where they provide a stunning display from June until the first winter frost. Café Au Lait is my dahlia of choice; it’s simply breathtaking.

Despite the challenge of a north-facing garden, it is currently a spectacle of blooms, with camellias, magnolias, and cherry blossoms in full flower. The snowdrops have given way to daffodils, and the tulips are beginning to emerge, ready to bloom. Spring is a season of hope and wonder, a testament to the marvels of nature.

In the past, I’ve used seeds provided with BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine or purchased separately, but last year, I ventured into collecting my own seeds from the garden. I’ve planted these recently, and they’re growing well—an article in this issue offers excellent advice on potting on seedlings, which is my next project. The BBC Gardeners’ World TV programme taught me how to take rose cuttings; having pruned my roses last autumn, I tried my hand at this method and now have cuttings that appear to be rooting successfully.

Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned expert, I’m confident this magazine has something for everyone. It’s also a valuable reference for future seasons. With the clocks moved forward, we look forward to brighter, warmer days and more time spent in our gardens, enjoying the beauty of nature and the rewards of our efforts as our plants flourish.

Delve into our curated collection of gardening magazines, a treasure trove for enthusiasts eager to expand their horticultural knowledge and find fresh inspiration.