In recent years dahlias have seen a revival, and are particular popular in bride’s bouquets. Pheasant Acre Plants near Bridgend in South Wales grow over 600 different varieties, and more than 40,000 plants. Rob Evans explained to Ken Crowther how the business has grown over recent years.

Local residents in the Essex town of Stanford-le-Hope are responsible for brighten the place up thanks to the addition of 28 hanging baskets which have been dotted about. James Bayford told Owen Ward how the scheme got off the ground.

A familiar sight across the Essex countryside is the fields of blue borage. With the drop in price of oil seed rape, borage is a good choice as a break crop for farmers who harvest it for its seed. The seeds are crushed and the oil extracted and used in pharmaceuticals, baby foods and cosmetics as farmer Hugh Pegrum told Ken Crowther.

One of Ken Crowther’s favourites tipple is gin and tonic. But, have you wondered where the juniper berries that make your gin come from? Recent stories in the papers have suggested the British juniper is under threat as farming habits have changed over the last 50s years. Ken finds out more.

One of Ken Crowther’s favourites tipple is gin and tonic. But, have you wondered where the juniper berries that make your gin come from? Recent stories in the papers have suggested the British juniper is under threat as farming habits have changed over the last 50s years. Ken finds out more.

As winter heads into spring in Australia, there is one plant which really heralds the changing season, the deciduous magnolia. Judy Horton has fallen in love with them especially when they are in full flower and explains how to look after them.

As winter heads into spring in Australia, there is one plant which really heralds the changing season, the deciduous magnolia. Judy Horton has fallen in love with them especially when they are in full flower and explains how to look after them.

In the weed world bindweed is King growing unnoticed amongst other plants then bursting into bloom in July. Whilst it’s not a problem growing on wild neglected sites, most gardeners don’t want it in their gardens. Adam Pasco has advice on how to remove it from your garden.

In the weed world bindweed is King growing unnoticed amongst other plants then bursting into bloom in July. Whilst it’s not a problem growing on wild neglected sites, most gardeners don’t want it in their gardens. Adam Pasco has advice on how to remove it from your garden.

A lecturer at Writtle College in Essex has bred a new variety of Osteospermum. It has taken five years to breed, is hardy and needs very little care. Breeder John Cullum told Tim Gillett how the plant, called the Little Writtle was developed.