Established gardens gradually accumulate work. Borders become deeper, shrubs outgrow their positions, trees begin to dominate spaces that once felt open, and small maintenance tasks quietly become a significant annual commitment. When this happens, the instinct can be to employ more people, increase gardening hours or simply keep maintaining the garden as it has always been maintained.

Automation should not, however, mean switching the system on in April and forgetting about it until October. Seasonal adjustment remains important. A system operating during cool, wet weather at the same rate as it does through a July heatwave can waste significant quantities of water and potentially damage plants.

The shape, colour, scent and structure of a flower all influence which insects visit it, and in turn, how successfully that plant reproduces.

A truly stunning landscape is not merely planted; it is curated through a rigorous, systematic design process

The relationship between balance and proportion in garden design

Five easy steps to keeping roses looking at their best