Garden Tips & Inspiration

Everything about garden design, planting and maintenance

Plant Encyclopedia

Explore 4000+ detailed plant guides with care tips, pruning calendar and winter hardiness.

Plant Encyclopedia (8550)
Beautiful green wall with climbing plants on wooden trellis against brick houseGarden Construction

Creating a living wall: climbing plants and green facade systems

Living walls give character and protection. Learn how to choose climbers, build support structures and install modular green facade systems.

8 min
White wooden fence with roses and clematis flowers, cottage front yardInspiration

Cottage garden with white painted fence and climbing plants: romantic frontage

A white painted wooden fence is perhaps the most iconic cottage garden feature. Learn which climbing plants suit it, how to care for them, and how to pull it all together.

8 min
Clematis purple flowers on climbing framePlanting

Why do clematis leaves turn brown?

Your clematis leaves turn brown and curl. This could be clematis wilt (fungus), drought, spider mites, or root problems. Diagnosis and solutions.

8 min
Purple clematis flowers on green climbing plant against wallPlanting

Clematis with bare bottom: how to fix it?

Your clematis is growing upwards but the bottom is completely bare. Learn why this happens and how to fix it.

8 min
Purple clematis flowers in full bloom against wooden trellisPlanting

When to prune clematis group 2: timing and technique

Prune clematis group 2 in June and August. Learn exactly when and how to prune these large-flowered varieties without reducing blooms.

8 min
Clematis viticella flowers in purple and white against summer skyPlanting

When to prune clematis group 3: autumn and late bloomers

Prune clematis group 3 (autumn bloomers) hard in March. These are late bloomers like Jackmanii, Viticella and Tangutica. Complete pruning guide.

8 min
Purple wisteria flowers hanging along house wall in MayPlanting

When to first prune wisteria: July pruning

Wisteria pruning begins in July with the first summer cut. Learn why July is essential for flower formation and how to do it.

8 min
Wisteria leafless in winter against wooden stakePlanting

When to prune wisteria for the second time: January pruning

Wisteria January pruning is maintenance pruning. After July pruning comes January. Learn how to keep wisteria tidy and compact.

8 min
White hydrangea flowers on a climbing hydrangea against a brick wallPlanting

How to prune hortensia petiolaris (climbing hydrangea): complete guide

Climbing hydrangeas bloom on old wood and grow on walls. Learn how to maintain this special climber without restraining growth.

8 min
Male kiwi plant with white flowers and heart-shaped leavesPlanting

How to prune male kiwi (Actinidia): complete guide

Male kiwi plants are pollen producers without fruit. Learn how to keep them compact and ensure optimal pollination for female vines.

8 min
Akebia quinata with five-leaflet foliage and purple flowersPlanting

How to prune Akebia quinata: complete guide

Akebia quinata (five-leaf chocolate vine) grows moderately. Learn how to shape this semi-evergreen climber and keep it under control.

8 min
Akebia quinata with dark purple flowers and green foliagePlanting

How to prune Akebia (chocolate vine): complete guide

Akebia grows wild and smothers fences and shrubs. Learn how to keep this vigorous climber in bounds with annual pruning cycles.

8 min

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