Those clever little elves have been beavering away again at family-run Gates Garden Centre on the edge of Rutland, setting up a magical wonderland to delight one and all. Clare Rudd-Jones went along to get into the Christmas spirit…

For an injection of late-summer colour in the garden, you really can’t beat a dahlia. They come in all shapes and sizes, from pom pom to dinner plate, and are no longer written off as granny’s favourite. We love them…

If you think about bushcraft, you might envisage Ray Mears or Bear Grylls eating bugs in the jungle and wrestling desert snakes. But survival in the wild can be a lot closer to home. While you may not need the skills to endure wading in Arctic waters, Louise Goss finds out that there’s a lot that we can learn from living wild in the local woods

With so much in the garden coming into bloom 3 to 4 weeks later than normal, due to the unusually chilly spring, the great green outdoors is looking incredible right now. Thankfully, June has been lovely and warm, and plants such as peonies, poppies and roses are now out in all their glory; sweet peas are flowering too, with dahlias gaining in stature day by day

Lumison Lighting is an independent lighting design consultancy run by James and Pippa Morrison from their showroom base in Oakham. Highly sought after to consult on lighting projects throughout the UK and beyond, the couple share their thoughts on lighting trends, outdoor options and planning with Amander Meade

The daffs are out, the tulips are bursting through and the blossom will soon be reaching its glorious peak… Whether you have pots to fill, a patio to prettify or acres to tame, it’s time to get those gardening gloves on. Here’s a look at some of our favourite local lawncare experts, garden designers, landscapers and garden centres on hand to help you with your horticultural efforts, plus local gardens to inspire you

New allotment holders, Rebecca Downey and family, discovered the joys of getting to grips with their plot during a year of lockdown restrictions in 2020

Burghley Park is a brilliant place to walk in the winter months, with its hard surfaces and tranquil atmosphere. In this picture, Burghley House looks almost oriental through the mist….