Want to know which plants and colours are hip and with it? Our gardening guru Carole Davies has done her research at Chelsea Flower Show and has all the answers.

 We’ve all seen them chirping their hearts out, looking dishevelled and frightened, with mother bird nowhere to be seen, abandoned in the big, bad world. But you might be wrong to try and help; the RSPB is urging people to leave baby birds alone as they make their maiden voyage - and warn that they could be doing more harm than good by intervening.

Residents in Southwark have signed up to combat bogus callers, high pressure salespeople and burglars who operate by distracting householders on the doorstep.

The Countryside Alliance has launched a 'Save the Wader' campaign to protect wading birds in the UK in response to a report revealing their sharp decline in numbers - and the failure of anyone in the conservation establishment to do anything decisive about it.

For many older and disabled people, a major priority is leading an independent life in their own home, for as long as possible.  However, much needed repair work on an ageing property or adaptations can be costly.  Houseproud Week, running from the 14th – 20th April aims to highlight how Houseproud, in partnership with local authorities, can help homeowners find the right, practical help or funding options to repair, improve or adapt their home.

A new variety of rose is available exclusively this summer only in Homebase stores, and Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive £1 from each plant sold.

The first national event to address impact of climate change on an ageing population is to be staged in York later this month. The Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York is hosting the ‘Growing Old in a Changing Climate’ at the Hilton Hotel in York on 26 March 2008.