Waterwise gardening is coming to the fore, with gardens devoted to it at garden shows as well as a number of new books on the subject. This book, "Waterwise Gardening" by Tom Massey is a good introduction to the subject with plenty of practical tips and ideas. It looks clearly at the reasons that we might want or need to have “waterwise” gardens, and acknowledges the real challenge for many gardens, that they either have too much water or not enough. The book looks at both active and passive...

Greenhouses seem to be making a comeback this year, I've had two requests from clients for greenhouses or cold frames and this book is perfect for anyone interested in growing with a greenhouse. " The Greenhouse Book" is by Tom Brown, published by Dorling Kindersley, and deservedly won a prize recently at the British Garden Media Guild. The book is clearly laid out by topic, from everything to “the anatomy of a greenhouse” to overwintering tender plants, how to lay a path in a greenhouse and...

Cheap and cheerful Secret Santa If you are still looking for gifts, and your giftee is a gardener, then how about a little watering helper? Globe watering kits are plastic or glass globes on a stem that you fill up with water and then upend into a flower pot to ensure a regular water source for up to a couple of weeks. Houseplant gloves These are the easiest way to clean houseplant leaves of dust, just put them on and gently wipe your hands over the houseplant to remove the dust or debris....