Cottagecore garden ideas for a soft flower border
Soft, hazy borders suit the cottagecore look beautifully: loose flowers spilling together, no hard edges, plenty of bees. If your…
Emily Carter
Emily Carter is the gardening editor at The Flower Expert. She writes and reviews practical guides on flower care, houseplants, seasonal gardening and common plant problems for UK readers.
How to deadhead roses so they keep flowering for longer
The key to long flowering roses is stopping them from wasting energy on seed. Once a bloom fades, the plant’s…
How to protect young plants when May weather suddenly turns cold
A warm May afternoon can tempt you to plant everything out – then a cold snap is suddenly forecast and…
How to grow strawberries in hanging pots and vertical planters
To grow good strawberries in the air rather than in a border, you need to think about roots, water and…
The first sign your container flowers need better drainage
The first sign is usually not dramatic yellow leaves or a plant collapsing overnight. It is much quieter: compost that…
Wildlife friendly garden ideas that attract birds, bees and butterflies
A wildlife-friendly garden does not need to be wild or messy. Even a small patio or front garden can offer…
How to help lavender bloom longer without cutting it back too hard
Lavender will flower for longer if you keep it growing steadily and avoid shocking it with heavy pruning at the…
What to plant now for a colourful summer garden
If your borders still look a bit bare and the pots on the patio are more compost than colour, you’re…
How to start a balcony herb garden with limited sunlight
A shady balcony can still give you a very decent herb harvest, as long as you choose the right plants…
Why wet compost can damage roots faster than dry soil
The problem often starts quietly: leaves droop, tips brown, yet the compost still feels soggy long after you watered. If…