BBC Gardeners' World May-22

Meet Monty… on the eve of the Chelsea Flower Show, in our exclusive online event where he shares his garden design secrets – turn to page 38 for details of the evening. Join us… for an exclusive garden break to eastern England, with a special guest appearance from Adam Frost. Spaces are limited – see page 63. Win… a eucalyptus wood Chelsea Bistro set from RHS by Kettler, worth £419 – find out how to enter on Rewards, page 33. Last chance… to join us at the GW Spring Fair in Beaulieu, Hampshire, 29 April to 1 May. We’ll be joined by Adam Frost, Joe Swift and Frances Tophill – find out more and book at bbcgardenersworldfair.com Keep up to date with us at FACEBOOK @GWmagazine INSTAGRAM @gardenersworldmag TWITTER @GWmag PINTEREST @GWmag Looking How to get to get in touch? in touch? Turn…

Editor of the Year: Homes & Gardens Garden inspiration can strike when you least expect it – from neighbourhood window boxes to fragrant blossom in the park; from a self-sown plant in the pavement to flower-filled roundabouts, alive with colour. Plant-life is bursting out all over this month, greening up our city streets and country paths alike – and we all benefit from these nature moments. We know from the past two years of restrictions how we’ve benefited from the daily dose of green inspiration (‘green-spiration’ anyone?) to be found in our gardens, balconies and house plants. So here in this issue, we give you another 392 ways to be uplifted and inspired – out and about across the nation, through our muchloved 2 for 1 Gardens guide and card. Among the 392…

If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of being outside, connecting with nature and spending time with our family and friends. So, there’s no better way to celebrate getting back to normal than with 2 for 1 entry to some of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens. Providing a great-value day out, our 392 gardens are spread right across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whether you’re planning a staycation or some precious time with your loved ones; whether you’re looking for stately homes or seasonal gems, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect gardens for you. Make the most of your 2 for 1 Card and Guide by kicking off your year of garden visits now, and while you’re out and about remember…

“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive”Fennel Hudson I have just found a list of odd things that are celebrated in May. These include Grape Popsicle Day, Quiche Lorraine Day, International Hamburger Day, World Turtle Day, Hummus Day and Chocolate Chip Day. I applaud all these celebrations but feel that we don’t need a designated day to exult in our gardens. This month is always a joy as the spring bulbs fade and we go up a gear into summertime but every day, no matter what season or weather, is always a red-letter day for those of us lucky enough to have gardens. STAR OF THE MONTH Clematis ‘Meghan’ Many years ago, I lived in a house with a tiny concrete back yard: it had a corrugated…

Common foxglove We all see foxes more than we used to. There was one standing just outside my back door the other day, and my grandson, who lives in the London suburbs, often sees one sitting on his neighbour’s shed roof – surveying his or her demesne. But can we imagine a fox popping its paw into a flower? Well, it turns out that the reason foxes are so expert at stealing hens from rural and suburban henhouses is if they slip a foxglove flower onto each paw, it renders them magically silent so the hens don’t hear them creeping up on them. It also helps them to stealthily evade the poultry keeper! The moral of the story? Never plant foxgloves near the henhouse, because you’ll be helping the fox steal your hens.…

All supplied as plug plants, 3-6cm high WORTH £45.95 For more offers with no added postage and order details, see opposite page YOU MAY ALSO LIKE… Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ Burnt orange and yellow flowers over many months. Longlasting as cut flowers. H x S 75cm x 60cm F Jun-Nov 1 jumbo plug £11.99 £9.99 SAVE £2 3 jumbo plugs £35.97 £18.99 SAVE £16.98 Verbena bonariensis Tall, thin stems topped with purple blooms that attract pollinators all summer long. Self-seeds readily. H x S 1.2m x 60cm F Jul-Oct 24 plug plants £9.99 £7.99 SAVE £2 48 plug plants £19.98 £11.99 SAVE £7.99 Sunflower SunBelievable™ Brown Eyed Girl Very free-flowering dwarf annual sunflower for borders and containers. H x S 60cm x 60cm F Jun-Nov 1 plant in 9cm pot £12.99 £9.99 SAVE £3 2 plants in 9cm pots £25.98, £16.99 SAVE £8.99 Lavatera ‘Barnsley Baby’ Abundant flowers attract butterflies and…