Widely regarded as the Vogue of the gardening press, Gardens Illustrated aims to inspire you with an eclectic and international editorial mix of remarkable places, plants and people. With superb photography, authoritative journalism and exceptional design, this award-winning magazine is a style bible for garden designers, garden lovers and enthusiasts alike.
Welcome
Contributors
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Gardens Illustrated Magazine
DIG IN • What’s new, what’s growing and what’s going on this month
News
DIARY: APRIL
Events and shows 2022 • From the glamour and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to the laid-back charm of the Great Comp Summer Show, here’s our round up of this year’s best flower shows and festivals
THE CONSTANT GARDENER • In the first of a new practical series, head gardener Benjamin Pope looks at what you need to be sowing and growing in April to make sure your garden looks great all year round
GARDEN JOBS for April
April plants • Two very different tulips, a delicate daffodil and a profusion of blossom and early foliage dominate Tom’s selection of plants that are perfect for the April garden
Places to visit • Tom’s recommendations for places to see seasonal plants at their best
KITTED OUT • For a sustainable and wild garden
IN BRIEF
AGED TO PERFECTION • When Ian and Caroline Bond first came to Upton Wold, they knew it would be years before they would see the garden as they envisioned it
ED ALDERMAN • A former Dixter scholar, Ed is a passionate plantsman and head gardener at a private garden
PLANT PROFILE
POLYGONATUM • Better known as Solomon’s seal these elegant woodland plants combine beautifully with ferns and other woodlanders
How to grow Polygonatum
GLORIOUS COLOUR • In April, mass plantings of bold tulips add a burst of bright colour to the tranquil garden of Europe’s first eco-mosque
CHRIS CROWDER • The head gardener at Levens Hall on the pull of its world-famous ancient garden, the planting and shaping that make it relevant today, and why a creative eye keeps it looking picture-perfect
A space revived • Landscape architect George Cullis has transformed a dark, enclosed London courtyard into a green oasis, alive with birds, insects and the subtle rhythms of nature
Small garden success
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE • In an extract from her new book, designer Marian Boswall argues that planet-friendly garden design can be natural and nurturing – so be inspired and let the magic happen
How to create a layered border • A layered border not only looks beautiful but will become its own mini-ecosystem, providing support and nourishment for itself and the creatures that come to live in it
IN BRIEF
Into the woods • Surrounded by mature coniferous forest in the Brecon Beacons, the organic, natural garden of Sue and Ian Mabberley has been a 40-year labour of love
8 FAVOURITE PLANTS
Take seven flowers • Three leading cut-flower growers suggest the ingredients for three fabulous floral arrangements, gorgeously curated for colour and style in a vase or bouquet – each using plants you can easily grow at home as annuals, perennials and not forgetting sumptuous roses
WHERE TO BUY • Recommended suppliers
GROWING SKYWARDS
News
DESIGNED FOR LIVING • Ideas for creating a stylish garden the whole family can enjoy
Essential elements • Six key elements that have turned this south London family garden from a gloomy and unappealing space with concrete, artificial grass and tall bay hedges into a stylish garden the whole family loves and where both children and adults can have fun and relax
family gardens
Garden edging...