The easiest plants to grow are those that like our soil and weather conditions, and from this we can choose those plants that will please us most.

I have gathered natural materials to provide decorations later on, and these include sprigs of holly, pine and larch, cones, some mossy twigs, scarlet willow, ivy and fir branches

Gardening in the spring has a sense of urgency about it, which can take the edge off totally enjoying the activity.

Native plants such as the guelder rose and spindle provide reliable orange-red colours and also have berries to complement the show

There are a whole range of possible fruiting plants that you can grow in your garden

The best plants for a show of gorgeous autumn colours

It is very satisfying to be able to pick some fruit from your own garden and eat them immediately

Melanie Dool in association with Orchardstown Garden Centre

If you love tulips and daffodils in spring they must be planted about six months ahead

With a little patience you will have the best of both worlds, which can mean a sea view garden with many pretty flowers

All gardens need some management otherwise they become unkempt and generally neglected

It has been one of the oddest years for anyone growing crops, including the legion of amateur gardeners

The vast majority of plants that we grow in our gardens are alien or non-native and are well-behaved

From pretty rock roses to swathes of floating lavender, here are some delightful plants for dry and coastal conditions 

The urgency or panic to get things done is over - now is the time for relaxing

There are still a limited range of young plants available for planting out direct

The mixture of premium perennials available now contains some that were popular years ago but had gone out of favour

The iris family is a beautiful group of versatile flowers 

There are 28 native species of butterfly in Ireland

The next four or five weeks are crucial to achieve a beautiful floral display