How to Garden

We all aspire to a beautiful garden that suits our lifestyle, but it can be hard to keep on top of the day-to-day care that gardens often require to look their best. Perfect for those who struggle with the workload, who want a space to relax in but aren't especially green-fingered, or for those are simply too busy to get stuck in, Weekend Gardening shows how to create an achievable garden that lives up to your dreams with just a few hours of work a week.

* Explains the basic principles of labour-saving garden design
* Practical gardening projects that can be completed in a weekend
* Recommended easy-care plants
* Solutions for difficult sites, including tricky soil types
* Quick-reference seasonal tasks

Few elements add interest to a garden better than a well-placed tree, and even small gardens can accommodate one. But trees are long-term investments, so it's worth knowing exactly what you want before you plant. Here Alan Titchmarsh guides us through the selection and planting processes, plus how to look after trees to ensure optimum performance and maximum impact.

* Garden design ideas and where to plant trees
* Practicalities of location and aspect
* Ornamental effects for all seasons
* Pests, tree diseases and problems
* Illustrated gallery of recommended trees

An allotment can be a source of abundant fresh fruit and vegetables for the home, as well as an oasis of calm for all the family to enjoy, but taking one on and learning how to grow your own can be an intimidating prospect. Alan Titchmarsh makes allotment gardening easy by explaining how to get the most from your plot with easy-to-follow, practical information and advice on what to grow, when to harvest and how to store your produce.

* How to assess your plot and work with what you've got
* Advice on layout and crop rotation
* Expert guidance on care and maintenance
* Directory of vegetables, fruit and herbs
* Seasonal calendar of what to do when

We all enjoy having fresh flowers in the home, but they can sometimes be costly and the range is often limited. In this inspiring guide, Alan Titchmarsh shows how to grow a vibrant selection of plants to use in arrangements: flowers of many shapes, sizes and colours, and foliage, berries and seedheads too. With a little planning, you can have something beautiful in your home every day of the year.

* A–Z directory of Alan’s recommended plants for cutting
* Ideas for arrangements and planting plans for cutting plots
* Tips on choosing the right plants for your garden
* Expert advice on cutting and preparing flowers and foliage
* Seasonal recommendations and ideas for special occasions

One of the most exciting aspects of gardening is growing your own plants from scratch. In this definitive guide, Alan Titchmarsh shows how simple it is to propagate plants by following a few basic techniques. Learn how to produce a flourishing garden filled with ornamental and edible plants, at very little expense.

* Demystified, down-to-earth approach to propagation
* Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams
* A–Z directory with recommended propagation techniques for each plant
* Key tips on taking cuttings, sowing seed, layering and division
* Guidance on promoting growth of young plants

Water will bring a garden miraculously to life, drawing the eye more than any other feature. When still, its shimmering reflections create a peaceful mood, while moving water animates the garden scene and delights with its mesmerizing sounds. In this definitive guide, Alan shows you how to design and make a water feature to suit any size and style of garden, from a large wildlife pond, stream or rill to the tiniest pebble or wall fountain.

* Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step diagrams
* A–Z directory of Alan’s recommended pond and waterside plants
* Guide to choosing and caring for fish
* Key tips on encouraging wildlife to your pond
* Season-by-season guide to pond maintenance