Fionnuala Fallon

A multipronged approach might be the best solution, writes Fionnuala Fallon

Gardening: Plant now for a world of beauty next spring

Last winter’s cold weather has hit trees such as the New Zealand cabbage tree

It’s the time of year when butterflies need nectar-rich flowers, in preparation for hibernation or migration

This plant probably arrived in your garden in the compost or soil of another plant, a bird dropping it, or on the soles of someone’s shoes

For competitive Irish growers, it’s all about size, shape, fullness, freshness, symmetry, colour and petal distribution

Get the pick of the crop by ordering your spring bulbs early

It may spread disease, but feeding birds can also help sustain and certain species of garden birds

The colour of the flowers depends on the acidity of the soil

‘Moist but well-drained’ – a garden writer’s stock phrase – is the gold standard of soil

Take note of what worked – and didn’t – to serve as a record to inspire and inform you next spring

Putting in the effort is a small price to pay for the great rewards of establishing a polytunnel

Jump on the trend by adding colour to your autumn garden

Portuguese laurel and yew offer year-round shelter and privacy

It’s intriguing that some of the most ordinary-looking species of plants have the most intensely perfumed foliage