Becky Bowden
Freelance journalist
Becky is a freelance journalist based in Somerset, UK, specialising in all things home, gardens, lifestyle, and entertainment. With a love of classic rom-coms and a penchant for romanticising her own everyday life, she enjoys embracing cosy, slow living with her family and their crazy Welsh collie, Cookie. Becky has been published in publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Independent, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, Collider, Happiful Magazine, OK! And many more.Â
David Hockney’s enduring love of nature: The works and exhibitions that celebrate it
Key exhibitions and art pieces, depicting the late artist's love of nature
Most common finches found in UK gardens — and how to recognise them
Their key characteristics along with how and where to spot them...
How to tell the difference between a sparrowhawk and a goshawk
With buzz around H is for Hawk, how can we tell the difference between these two birds of prey?
14 vegetables to plant in February – indoors, under cloches and direct
The top tips on what to sow (and where) this month
Now is the best time to chit early potatoes — here’s how
Want to learn how to chit potatoes? Here's our step-by-step guide for success, with expert advice
3 dahlia varieties to plant in February for a colourful summer garden
Complete with advice from a gardening expert
How to garden through 'unpredictable' February: 5 lessons to set you up for spring
Essential February gardening tips, from patience and planning to selective sowing and more...
How to prune wisteria now for better spring blooms
Everything to know about tackling your stunning garden climber
These simple garden tweaks attract great tits and blue tits
As the winter storms rage on, here's how you can help
4 boring but brilliant home organisation tips that will change the way you tidy
How to put a brilliant spin on organising your home for 2026, along with some top buys to make the process easier
The nervous system garden: Plants that genuinely help us feel calmer
These plants – and features – will help create a calming garden space that's perfect for reflection and relaxation
Red-breasted bird guide: 6 birds commonly mistaken for robins
Here's how to tell the difference between robins and other red-breasted bird species
6 'unfashionable' garden plants making a comeback in 2026
As we step into 2026, the 'unpopular' plants experts say are set to make a comeback...
How to sow sweet peas in January
Keen to get a head start on the gardening year? Here's everything you need to know
3 common radiator mistakes that could be pushing up your heating bills
If your home still feels chilly, one of these radiator mistakes could be to blame
How to keep pruning tools in good condition
Tips to ensure amazing results in your garden this winter and beyond
Do dogs need extra bedding in winter? The breeds that do – and don't
With temperatures dropping and the nights getting colder, here's how to help your dog stay warm and cosy
5 vegetables to sow in January for a head-start on growing season
Winter gloves at the ready – these are the best vegetables and herbs to sow now
Do robins make us feel happier? Almost half of the UK says so
With National Robin Day approaching, nearly half of adults say spotting a robin makes them 'cheerful or happy'
13 household items to declutter before 2026
Decluttering experts weigh in on the top household items to declutter before the new year
Britain’s ponds are disappearing – here’s how you can help bring them back
What we can do to cultivate more wildlife and natural ponds – and why it's so important
Can dogs eat Christmas dinner? What’s safe – and what to avoid
Food is a huge part of Christmas – here's how to make sure your dog stays safe over the festive season
​Big, sloppy kisses from dogs can help make teenagers happier
Research suggest teenagers in homes with a dog have a gut bacteria constitution that boosts mental wellbeing
How to deter foxes from your garden – safely and humanely
From securing garden favourites to minimising food waste
4 plants to propagate in December
Handy advice on some of the best plants to propagate in December by taking hardwood cuttings
5 lesser-known British native dog breeds to know about
Everything you need to know before welcoming one of these lesser-known British dog breeds into your family
December’s full moon is a 'cold supermoon' - here’s what it means and how to see it
How to see December's extra special Cold Moon, with expert advice from astronomers
5 vegetables you can still plant in December
Things in the garden are slowing down before Christmas, but there are still some fantastic vegetables to plant
4 plants to prune in December before it’s too late
Expert advice on plants to prune in December, while there's still time to make an impact
How to pick the best real Christmas tree for your home
Your guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree and giving it the proper care this festive season
How to prevent shed rot this winter: 3 essential tips
Take these steps to prevent shed rot from destroying your garden shed this winter
4 garden plants that struggle with frost – and the hardy replacements to try
Plus, handy tips to help keep an eye on plants this winter
The 4-degree rule every gardener should know this winter
Keep an eye on your weather forecast and make the most of this plant-protecting winter tip
From cleaning tips to smart storage, here's how to protect your garden furniture over winter
The best ways to protect and care for your garden furniture during harsh winter weather conditions
3 warning signs your dog is getting too cold on a walk
As the frosty winter weather arrives, be aware of these key signs that your dog is feeling the chill
Inspired by the library in Celebrity Traitors? 3 stylish ways to display books at home
Forget deception, we can't stop thinking about the interiors
How to give your garden a glorious end-of-year finale
Expert share how to make your garden shine during the final months of the year
4 migrating birds to spot in the UK this October – and how to attract them to your garden
Tips and expert advice for welcoming migrating birds into UK gardens this month
Who is Clare Balding? Everything to know about the Celebrity Traitors star
Everything you need to know about broadcaster, journalist, author and Celebrity Traitors star...
King Charles shares 'deeply personal' vision for protecting planet in new documentary
In his upcoming documentary, King Charles is set to highlight the importance of protecting our planet
The most dangerous Halloween treats for dogs — and what to do if yours eats one
Some of the sweetest Halloween staples hide toxic secrets for dogs
5 daffodil varieties to plant now for a beautiful spring garden
A little planting now means a garden full of golden blooms later
6 perennials to plant in October before the first frost hits
Your guide to the best perennials to plant in October, as the weather begins to shift
A paving boom threatens the UK's lawns — and its wildlife
Around 23% of adults intend to install paving or decking during the next five years
5 plants to propagate in October
Plus, tips and tricks from an award-winning horticulturalist
The simple action you can take this month to support garden birds
Autumn is the sweet spot for this clever trick
4 plants to prune in October before it's too late
Plus, where to focus your attention for the best results
Plant crocus now: 4 easy, colourful varieties to grow
These petite yet striking flowers are loved by UK gardeners - here's why...
Ex-hurricane Humberto to bring wind and rain this weekend – as UK storm season begins
Here's why you should keep an 'eye on the forecast over the coming days
8 bedding plants to brighten your garden this autumn and winter
Plus, exactly when to plant them for optimal results
Alabama rot: Dog walkers warned of deadly disease picked up in muddy spots this autumn
Plus, the areas of the UK that cases have been confirmed in
Planting bulbs for spring? Alan Titchmarsh reveals exactly where to position them in the garden
The gardening expert on where to plant your spring bulbs this autumn and winter for the best results
Are the mushrooms in my garden poisonous? Here’s what you need to know this autumn
Although they may look magical and appealing, it's important to be cautious when foraging for fungi
How to storm-proof your garden this autumn
Important tasks to help protect your garden from any wet and windy spells on the horizon...
Are acorns poisonous to dogs? The warning every pet owner should know
Some seasonal hallmarks are a health risk to our pets
This is exactly when the UK's autumn colour looks its best
Plan your seasonal strolls around the peak colour, before it fades away
5 essential steps to 'put your garden to bed' for winter
As the year comes to an end, find out what jobs still to be tackled for the "winter wind down"
7 Jane Austen-inspired Airbnbs that are a literary lover's dream
Get one step closer to the writer's world with a stay in these properties
The best time to stop mowing your lawn before winter
Cutting your grass too late in the season can actually damage your lawn
The easiest way to crate train your dog and the mistake to avoid
Everything you need to know about crate training your dog, with simple and effective expert advice
3 reasons your dog is eating poo – and how to stop it
It might not seem like it to us, but it's actually normal canine behaviour. Here are some possible reasons behind it
4 autumn wedding flowers for stunning seasonal bouquets
Plus, the floral alternative that could be your secret wedding weapon
6 perennials to plant in September for a gorgeous spring garden
Your guide to the best perennials to plant in September for a gorgeous garden next spring
Planting spring bulbs soon? This new sensory collection at Dobbies is for a brilliant cause
September – as well as being the month to start planting spring bulbs – also marks World Alzheimer’s Month