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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