gardening

Read our expert advice on GROWING YOUR OWN in a small space; discover skills like REWILDING and vertical gardening; find out how to make the most of your OUTDOOR space; check out the best raised PLANTERS, and much more...

- MADDIE BALCOMBE

1 REWILD AN AREA IN THE GARDEN

If you'd like your garden to start taking care of itself, it's time to try rewilding - a process that restores natural habitats so that wildlife can thrive. Let nature take over a small area and hold off from cutting grass or tidying the plants. The result is a self-sustaining, diverse and eye-catching area where you can enjoy the buzz of nature.

2 GROW PLANTS IN RAISED BEDS

In a small garden, giving your plants the love they deserve can be difficult. Install raised beds to make gardening more accessible - not only do they add height for easy access, but you can fit more plants in a smaller area as they have more growing space and better drainage compared to planting in the ground. It also makes it easier to tackle any weeds that pop up.

3 CREATE AN IVY WALL

Looking to add some vertical planting in your garden? Encourage ivy to grow on outdoor walls or fencing. Be sure to pick a non-invasive variety that doesn't damage brickwork, such as Boston ivy, and be patient as it establishes itself. Not only will it look great, but vertical gardening can also provide natural insulation to your home.