A misheard lyric from everyone’s favourite Christmas songster provides inspiration for grow-your-own Christmas decorations

By MT’s gardening guru Carole Davies

Bulbs can be the easiest and most rewarding way to fill your borders - and your time says MT’s gardening guru Carole Davies.

If you, or someone you know, is visually impaired and has green fingers then why not enter the competition to find Blind Gardener of the Year, 2008

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.

Look beyond the tranquil scene of the gently buzzing lawnmower and the delicate snipping of the secateurs and you’ll see a silent battle of the sexes being waged across the nation’s gardens.

Far from being a bed of roses, gardening is causing a great divide between couples up and down the country - according to a survey by The National Gardens Scheme (NGS). Almost half of those questioned blame the problem on men and women’s very different gardening styles, with 78 per cent of these saying that this has caused friction or led to arguments.

The bluebell is one of our most beautiful  woodland flowers. But as our gardening guru Carole Davies explains, our native species is under threat from a foreign invader.

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.