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William Robinson (1838-1935) was a revolutionary gardener and botanist whose ideas on naturalistic planting caused a stir amongst the traditional horticulturists of the time. He gained a reputation for innovative planting schemes that were deemed more in tune with nature, using mixed perennials to create beautiful herbaceous borders. Born in Ireland, he lived at Gravetye Manor from 1884 until his death. His travels around the world brought new insight into how plants could be used in naturalistic landscapes, rather than in strict bedding schemes and formal plantings.

Gravetye Manor
Vowels Lane
West Hoathly
Sussex
RH19 4LJ
Tel. 01342 810567

The gorgeous garden Carol went to see has been lovingly restored by Tom Coward, the Head Gardener. If you fancy a visit,听you鈥檒l need to book in advance by telephone.

(www.gravetyemanor.co.uk)

If you鈥檙e growing dahlias in containers, you can cut them back by a third to a half to encourage stronger, sturdier plants that are less likely to fall over. They will flower a little later in the season, but will last further into autumn.

(www.rhs.org.uk)

As grapes develop they need space to grow, so it鈥檚 best to thin them now. Use a pair of small, pointed scissors and remove both the smallest, individual fruits and those on the inside of the bunch. This allows the remainder to grow and swell to a good size.听

(www.rhs.org.uk)

If you鈥檙e growing biennials from seed, it鈥檚 time to prick them out. Gently tease the seedlings apart, holding them by a leaf rather than the stem, and transplant them individually into plugs or pots. They can then be grown on in a sheltered place and in about a month鈥檚 time, planted out in a spare corner of your garden.

(www.rhs.org.uk)