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You don't need to be a revolutionary to take a stand against climate change and plastic use. There are plenty of easy changes we can all make F or proof that gardeners cultivate those strictly in touch with nature, you need only look at the letters pages of horticultural magazines. Most readers are familiar with the decline of our wildlife and wildflowers, and the impact climate change is having on native species. There are winners and losers. The spotted wood butterfly does better because it produces more generations. However, the walled brown, once common in England, is now rarely seen as warm autumns have prompted late autumn hatching. As a result, colonies are restricted to cooler coastal areas. Intensive agriculture is another factor. Every inch of land has been used, fences removed, pastures and meadows ploughed. A regime of toxic chemicals often supports the crop and directly affects pollinators, amphibians, birds and small mammals. Standard procedures They say

Shades won't stop these flowers from shining brightly in your garden! Here are our top picks for perennial flowers for shade. Many of these plants have dark burgundy or lime-colored leaves, or bronze-orange in fall. Plant with brightly colored plants that help them stand out against light structures or in the shade of dark foliage. Choose a plant suitable for soil conditions: dry or wet. If you plant under a tree, it may be a dry area because rain cannot penetrate the canopy. Watering is especially important when establishing plants under shade trees. 1. Hellebore Deer-resistant hellebores thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, under deciduous shade trees or woodlands. These perennials for shade bloom in late winter and early spring with double or single flowers. At 2 feet tall, the glossy green leaves are attractive and are often evergreen in warm climates. 2. Columbine Columbines are nodding, pendulous flowers that rise above scaly green leaves fr

Autumn is a wonderful time in the garden. Cool, crisp air encourages plants toward dormancy; Evergreen foliage yellows and wilts as deciduous trees paint the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors. As we reluctantly accept the inevitable and begin preparing our gardens for winter, we can ease the transition by planting selections that provide color and excitement this time of year. Many gardeners traditionally start the gardening season with mums (Chrysanthemum spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9), goldenrods (Solitago spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), and sedums (Hylothelphium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9). By extension, many crave something else. Fortunately, there are many unusual, lesser-known fall-blooming perennials that offer gardeners wonderful opportunities to create dynamic, late-season displays. 1. 'Osawa' Allium (Allium thunbergii 'Osawa') Alliums generally make wonderful contributions to spring and summer beds and borders. Stunning globes in shades of pink, purple

 Create a covered container garden  While brightly colored flowers in containers are always eye-catching, darker colored plants and containers can be stunning. Choosing a dark-hued planter instantly gives a sleek, modern feel to a container garden, but filling it with equally bold red, purple or bronze plants really makes an impact. Here are the best thrillers, fillers and spillers for dark containers, and some of our favorite ways to mix and match these plants to create the perfect mood for fall or any time of year. Purple basil The dark colored leaves of purple basil are ornamental and edible (with a clove-like flavor). Place purple basil plants in full sun, making sure the soil is moist but well-drained. 'Red Star' Cordyline 'Red Star' Cordyline has deep red leaves that are 6 feet or more tall. But, in smaller containers, the fountain-like leaves are a bit shorter. This thriller plant requires full sun and is a low-maintenance plant suitable for temperat

Mix annuals with late-blooming shrubs and perennials for colorful fall flower borders. Try to fall flowers in cool shades Gardening season may be over, but that doesn't mean your borders are over. When you grow long-lasting annuals with late-blooming shrubs and perennials, the color and interest will continue until frost—even if you leave the foliage and seed well into winter. Fall border palettes are often filled with warm jewel-toned hues — oranges, reds, purples and burgundy — full of deep, moody shades. But the combinations here have a softer feel. Pale shades like peach, lavender, cream and silvery gray green will brighten up the shorter days and give your patio or sitting area a soft ambiance. Let's take a closer look. Peaches & Cream When you're in the market for plants that can tolerate hot, dry summers and still look great, this group is just what you need. Zinnia and St. John's Wort will benefit from a little extra water in the hot part of sum

This mega-sized bulb is actually part of the leek family and has a delicious, mild flavor 1. Get quality elephant garlic seed bulbs from garden centers or specialists rather than supermarkets. You need peat-free compost, modular trays or 6cm pots, a label and a watering can. 2. Half fill the pots with compost and break the garlic into cloves. Choose large ones and place a clove in each pot, pointed end facing up. 3. Top the compost and label them clearly. Water the bulbs lightly and place the pots in a greenhouse or cold frame where they will be cool and protected from the elements. 4. Keep the compost moist, but not soggy. Elephant garlic needs a long, warm growing season, so keep them indoors until spring, when they're ready to plant. 5. Find a sunny spot with good drainage; Soils that are too moist and wet can spread diseases. Remove weeds and add organic matter to increase nutrients. Plant seedlings 15 cm apart. 6. Remove the flowers as soon as you see them so the