Robin Lane Fox writes a gardening column for the FT Weekend supplement.
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On remote hillsides above ancient villages sacked by Romans, Tatars and Turks flourish the elusive blooms of crocus banaticus
Michaelmas daisies can offer continuous colour for months and many varieties are impervious to mildew
Lawrence Alma-Tadema painted classical themes adorned with contemporary blossoms
Tulips can possibly be spared from animal antics with the help of a plastic pot and a garden table
The gardens at Hidcote Manor have been obscured by a misunderstanding of their creator’s aims
Herbaceous borders are in full swing and now is the time to take back control
Soldiers of the first world war tended flowers and vegetables on their battle lines
Dead-heading flowers provides an instant tidy-up and prolongs blooming
The estate in Provence has opened its doors (and hills) to artists ranging from Tracey Emin to Ai Weiwei
Piet Oudolf’s Walled Garden in North Yorkshire could inspire even a sceptic to be more adventurous
Resist the continental drift towards planting plans and enjoy a more informal open style
There’s no need to raise the stakes with these self-supporting plants
They may not suit the impatient gardener but these verbascums, poppies and foxgloves can give gardens extra colour and shape
Exhibits at the ‘Jardins’ show range from the work of grand painters to old gardening boots and 400 soil samples
The Greek playwright’s drama, contrary to modern versions, was not all about orgies
‘One of the main reasons for gardening is to strive for beauty and I am cheered that rose breeder David Austin is doing the same’
A spell of good weather offers ideal conditions for planting salvia, fuchsia, gazania and petunia
The Italian city can offer ideas and inspiration for growers while the RHS has plenty of practical advice
This year will see 3,700 gardens in England and Wales opened to the public, offering something for all — plus refreshments
True inspiration is to be found in the smaller displays away from gimmicky set pieces
How Thomas Hanbury created what was once described as the finest private garden in the world
A horticultural spectacle is about to reopen — the restored fountains at Longwood Gardens in the US
This garden near Ventimiglia was created 100 years ago by an heiress from Essex — and her legacy lives on
Enough weeding — now it’s time to plant this year’s seeds, from Californian poppies to English marigolds
The best need the head of a 70-year-old and the body of a 30-year-old
