Dahlia
special
“Do you think of yourself as an ‘interactive naturalist’? That’s
how Alan Titchmarsh described amateur gardeners at the
launch of the RHS Welcome centre at Wisley (see News,
page 6). It highlights a truism that is not recognised enough:
in towns, cities and villages all over Britain, amateur
gardeners are making a vital contribution to the
environment. We’re not talking about it in trendy
bars or posh dinner parties – we’re out there doing
it by growing plants and creating environments
for insects and other wildlife. Well said, Alan!”
Garry Coward-Williams, Editor
6 JULY 2019AMATEUR GARDENING 3
18
“I’ll show you some great partners
for dahlias,” saysTamsin
Alamy
Cover photograph: Dahlia ‘Collarette Princess’ (pic: Alamy)
22
“The best foxgloves tower above
the others,” saysGraham
Alamy
26
“Brighten your borders with these
fl ame-tinted beauties,” saysAnne
Alamy
28
“Garden-ready dahlias will give
you instant colour,” saysSally
Alamy
Jobs for this week
4
GET SET FOR JULY
Key jobs to get stuck into – plus, essential greenhouse care
8
SUMMER DAHLIA CARE
What you can do about staking, watering, feeding and pests
12
DEAL WITH RAIN AND STORM DAMAGE
One year, drought – the next, rain! Ruth has some tips
13
COMBAT RUSTING AND WILTING
Ruth looks at problems aff ecting hollyhocks and clematis
Great garden ideas
18
PERFECT PARTNERS FOR DAHLIAS
Great perennials that combine to create beautiful displays
22
SIX OF THE VERY BEST: DIGITALIS
Graham Rice reveals the best foxgloves for you to grow
26
HOW TO GROW HELENIUM
Brighten your borders with these colourful blooms, says Anne
28
GARDEN-READY DAHLIAS
Add some ready-grown radiance with these knockout fl owers
32
FROSTY FAVOURITES FOR A WINTER WONDERLAND
What to plant for a blue, white and silver winter display
50
GET THE LOOK: A GARDEN ON THREE LEVELS
Why a small space is no barrier to a multi-purpose garden
Gardening wisdom
10
PETER SEABROOK
Shrubs can be star performers in your garden, says Peter
14
BOB FLOWERDEW
Timing is vital when you’re harvesting onions, as Bob explains
16
VAL BOURNE’S GARDEN WILDLIFE
Why you should be planting wildfl owers in grassy areas
20
LUCY CHAMBERLAIN’S FRUIT AND VEG
Pull young garlic, plant an edible basket, smart water use
36
ASK JOHN NEGUS
Sickly hydrangea, horsetail horror and scorched maple
41
ANNE’S MASTERCLASS
This week, Anne explains how to rescue an unhappy orchid
45
A GARDENER’S MISCELLANY
This week’s trivia and puzzles are all about chocolate
55
YOUR LETTERS
Smart tool advice, arty readers, Beechgrove disappointment
59
TOBY BUCKLAND
A murky past won’t stop Toby growing his castor oil plant
Garden news
6
LATEST NEWS
RHS opens a new garden centre at Wisley
39
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135 years of practical advice
The World’s Oldest Gardening Magazine
135 years of practical advice
The World’s Oldest Gardening Magazine
135 years of practical advice
The World’s Oldest Gardening Magazine
Amateur
1884
135 years of practical advice special
2019
in towns, cities and villages all over Britain, amateur
gardeners are making a vital contribution to the
environment. We’re not talking about it in trendy
bars or posh dinner parties – we’re out there doing
it by growing plants and creating environments
18
22