I SPENT a long time studying my old garden in Hook Norton in Oxfordshire in the late 1990s and early 2000s, trying to understand why that garden functioned without any chemical intervention. At the time I was trying to write The Natural Gardener, published in 2004. My main conclusion was that my healthy, organic garden was rich in insect life and these minibeasts underpinned lots of complex food webs within the garden. It was a self-sustaining ecosystem.
My second conclusion was all about plant diversity. Growing lots of types of plants pulls in more insect life. I found this out early on, including the fact that sheltered spots were particularly rich in spiders. There were sparrows galore back then and the hobby, a summer visiting bird of prey resembling a large swift, used to pluck one off the roof around midday during the summer months. Lunch on tap – well, on roof tile – although I doubt whether this happens today as there aren’t enough sparrows.
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
