Lauren Hughes
Freelance writer

Inside Britain's most beautiful allotments – and 7 brilliant ideas to steal from them
Be inspired by these unique outdoor spaces that offer much more than a place to grow fruit and veg

9 essential garden jobs to do before September – including the best way to plan next year’s blooms
September is less than a month away; these are the jobs to prioritise this month

4 heatwave home hacks that could seriously backfire – plus what to do instead
Be warned: these common heatwave tricks could end up costing you thousands

Is this Cornwall’s answer to Catalonia’s Cadaqués? The arty seaside town with harbour views and brilliant seafood
Like the stylish Cadaqués, Port Issac in Cornwall is much more than just a sleepy fishing village

What to do with hydrangeas in August: 5 essential jobs for bigger blooms next year
Joyful and vibrant hydrangeas will really benefit from some extra care this month

8 garden red flags to look out for when buying a house – from cracked patios to potential boundary disputes
A garden is an attractive addition to a home, but it's important to look beneath pretty blooms if investing in a new property

What are your legal rights if a neighbour's hedge or trees are blocking your light? All the rules explained
These are the steps to take if your neighbour's trees are getting in the way of natural sunlight

5 autumn-flowering perennials to plant now — including pretty Gaura and bee-loving verbena
A little planning will help your garden thrive during the autumn months

This charming English town feels just like Normandy with timber-framed houses and bustling markets
Stalls piled high with local produce, a wealth of medieval architecture and rolling hills — it's all waiting this side of the Channel

5 jobs to tackle with star jasmine before autumn arrives so it thrives next spring
Star jasmine is a favourite with gardeners due to its sweet vanilla scent and distinctly Mediterranean appearance

How to prune and care for hydrangeas to get the most out of their flamboyant blooms
These cottage garden mainstays are fairly self-sufficient, but a little maintenance goes a long way

What to do with sweet peas after flowering for more blooms this year and next
From the correct way to deadhead to keeping seeds back for next year, try these helpful expert tricks...

'Warm, functional and a bit eccentric': 6 kitchen items set to rise in value in 2026
Your retro kitchen appliances and accessories could be worth more than you think

This corner of Wales feels just like Switzerland with an alpine feel and storybook villages – what to do and where to stay
With mountain views, storybook villages and an air of adventure, here's why Betws-y-Coed is the perfect escape

Warkworth: The Northumberland beach that's every bit as beautiful as Cornwall — but without the crowds
Warkworth Beach is a haven for dog owners, praised for its calm waters and dramatic scenery

Banish fruit flies from kitchens this summer with a £3 pantry essential
Pesky fruit flies are a nightmare for kitchen hygiene, but a simple trap can keep them at bay

Is this the UK's answer to Nantucket? The coastal corner with bustling harbours, independent shops and a slower pace
For Lydia Millen, Nantucket and Norfolk are kindred spirits, united by their stunning coastlines and a distinctly Nancy Meyers mood

'If I were investing today, I'd look at textiles': The 7 'next big' collectables to buy now
While the market may be notoriously hard to predict, antiques experts share their insights into rising trends

The best 'desk-to-trail' routes near London, Glasgow and other major UK cities for nature-led evening walks
There's been a surge of evening walkers in the UK taking advantage of the lighter, warmer evenings

What to do with spring bedding plants now that they've finished flowering
Summer is here! And that means some new jobs for our gardening to-do lists

5 garden features that instantly create privacy without planning permission
Create a calm and secluded space with these low-maintenance options

8 clever outdoor buys that create privacy without blocking light
Garden screening inspiration that will ensure your outdoor space still feels airy and bright

7 ways to make an overlooked garden feel more private – including the best fast-growing hedges
Create a secluded sanctuary with these garden privacy ideas for any style or budget

Best RHS wildflower gardens to visit in full bloom this summer
Explore these stunning locations to see spring flowers in full bloom

'Ornaments don't make sense in modern interiors now': 7 collectables that are losing value fast in 2026
Antiques experts on the items that have lost their appeal amid due to cultural shifts and oversupply

The UK's answer to Route 66? Try these 9 beautiful stops along the South West 660
This is arguably England's most beautiful coastal road trip – and we've sorted the itinerary

3 things to do with lilac after flowering, including the key pruning task
A little bit of care can go a long way with low maintenance lilacs

7 perennials to plant in May for beautiful summer flowers – including elegant aquilegia
May is the perfect time to establish these

How to grow gladioli in May for a bold late-summer display: 5 secrets to success
Gladioli is a distinctive flower that's part of the iris family

Spent flowers taking up space? Monty Don’s clever trick to free up best pots for summer planting
This handy hack will ensure spring blooms aren't disrupted

How to transform a lacklustre patio into a cosy second living room this spring
Transform your outdoor living area for summer with these low-maintenance tips

4 forgotten, old-English vegetables to plant for years of crops – including nine-star broccoli
These hardy vegetables are worth a try, offering different flavours and better staying power than the usual varieties