BBC Gardeners' World

Gardeners' World Magazine is the authoritative voice in gardening, the clear market-leader since it launched in 1991. The award-winning editorial includes topical, practical advice in the readers' favourite 'what to do now' section, and regular contributions and features from the top names in BBC gardening. Packed with fresh ideas and clear advice - the innovative approach offers creative, practical and problem-solving solutions to all keen gardeners.

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Welcome

We love September • I may have said this before, but I love this month: it is an almost perfect mixture of hullos and farewells. New school shoes and crisply clean uniforms for children, a new day back at work after a hot summer holiday, and a new mellowness in the air after a couple of months of heat (I am nothing if not an optimist). At the same time the plants in our borders that have given us such pleasure over the summer are beginning to fade away to make room for the last harrumph of fowers before we drift into a glorious autumn.

Expert’s choice Tagetes • Easy to grow, these provide colour well into autumn, says Graham Rice

15 FREE Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ with every order of Sweet Williams Mix • Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ An eye-catching allium, with showy, intense purple, star-shaped blooms that form globes held high on upright stems in June. Excellent for cutting, the blooms will last two weeks in a vase. Winner of an RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding garden performance. Supplied as bulbs.

The Full Monty • Society has changed enormously since Gardeners’ World first aired in 1968. So, asks Monty, is there still such as thing as a ‘typical’ viewer?

Have your say • The view from your side of the fence

Clippings • Our roundup of the month’s latest gardening news and views

My gardening world Emma Bridgewater

News in brief

2 for 1 entry Highlands & Islands • This month we’re in Scotland, enjoying big savings with our 2 for 1 Entry Card. September is a great time to explore the wild and romantic west coast, with its many beautiful gardens but without all the tourists (and midges) of high summer

Subscribe and get Adam’s new book • Subscribe to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for only £26 every 6 issues – saving 29%†. PLUS receive a signed hardback copy of Adam Frost’s new book How I Garden, worth £22.‡

Beacons of spring • As we leave summer behind, it’s time to plan ahead, says Monty – and guarantee early colour in late winter and all spring by planting bulbs. Follow his guide to starting now for best results

How to naturalise bulbs in the lawn • To achieve a natural look, scatter springflowering bulbs such as camassia, crocus, daffodils or snake’s head fritillaries and then simply plant them where they fall. A long-handled planter saves bending.

Plant iris bulbs for early colour

PLANTS WITH PURPOSE Part 6: Shade • Not sure what to plant in shade? Then follow nature’s lead, says Carol Klein, as she selects fabulous plants adapted to low light

Surefire success with: shade lovers

5 favourite shade plants

Plant with: shade lovers

Where do I start? Containers

What exactly is a container?

Pick the perfect pot • Choose a material that suits your style and the place where the containers are to reside. It might seem boring to stick to one particular type, but be wary of using too many different materials. That can produce a scrappy effect, even though they may have cost you dearly!

ALAN’S TOP TIPS

CONTAINER CARE

Alan’s planting basics

SPRING TULIP COLLECTIONS • Bring bold spring colour to pots and borders with Sarah Raven’s specially selected tulip collections – all with FREE P&P, worth £4.95

Designer style...