The growing of runner beans is laced with tradition. I grow them the way my father does, in a row of crossed pairs of canes. Others prefer wigwams or upright frames. Like all traditions, I'm totally convinced that my way is the best.
On cushions, caterpillars, cats and fidgeting....
On the joy of not cutting back in autumn.
Several years ago I hosted a propagation workshop and we explored the topic of growing plants from seed. I talked about seeds waiting for the right moment to germinate, knowing that winter had passed, measuring the temperature or daylength, and sensing when they were at the right depth to break
Years ago at a National Garden Scheme event I got chatting to another garden owner about re-vamping tired borders. I explained that I was trying to carve out some pockets of space in an overcrowded bed, to add in some earlier colour. She shook her head slowly. ‘You won’t