Welcome to you all, for our summer issue of Your Garden
Summer can be a challenging season in the garden, with ever-changing weather proving difficult for many of our readers. We hope that when this issue is in your hands, you can take a few moments with a cuppa to relax and enjoy its pages – once again filled with advice, inspiration and great reading.
One of the biggest frustrations for gardeners is the inconsistency in potting mix. In my article, I separate fact from fiction to help you make more confident choices. If your garden becomes entertainment central over the holidays, you’ll love our feature with 20 great ideas to elevate your outdoor celebrations – from easy styling updates to clever hosting tips.
Time to put the drinks on ice! When the heat rises, we can take a cue from early Persian gardens and introduce water, to cool things down. We show you how to build a water feature in a weekend, plus how to landscape beautifully around an existing swimming pool. Salads are synonymous with summer. We share how to grow your own fresh ingredients along with delicious recipes.
I’m continuing my lawn series with a focus on protecting lawns from pests that typically strike in autumn. Get ahead now with new products designed to stop bugs before they take hold – no need to wait until it’s too late.
Our popular travel feature takes a royal twist this issue, with Brendan Moar leading our 2026 Gardens of Scandinavia tour. Highlights include Princess Mary’s family palace in Copenhagen, castles, palaces and botanic gardens in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Helsinki, and the home of Linnaeus, the father of global botany. There’s also canal cruising, Piet Oudolf’s dreamlike gardens and so much more. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Good gardening and go safely,
