The trick with plants is to grow them in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible

They are one of the most popular plants and do well in a wide range of soils and positions, including gardens by the coast

With the popularity of growing some vegetables and fruit, there comes some slick buzz words which are dropped into the conversation about this popular hobby.

There are certain flowers that we suggest for beginners and school projects as they are almost foolproof and can be sown directly outside where they are to flower

Growing vegetables would have at one time been regarded as down in the social scale of gardening but it has been elevated to a higher level

This month is a period of relative calm in which to get aspects of the garden going, such as preparing areas ready for vegetables and flowers but holding back on planting those that are not frost hardy

Anyone who is interested can be good at gardening and in time earn the coveted title of ‘Green Fingers’

Green Fingers: Gardening should be fun and satisfying

It is quite possible to integrate food crops within your general garden

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

Being out in the fresh air is a great way to get energised

Once upon a time there were few organised festivals in Ireland during the summer months. You could name most of these events, such as country shows for the entire year, except perhaps the travelling circus, which came around reasonably regularly.

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

The feel good factor of being in the great outdoors

This is Chelsea week, one of the greatest garden shows in the world