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With the first signs of spring and that tantalising sense of sap rising, it’s time to venture into the garden. If it’s looking a mess, then don’t despair: these days the received wisdom is to let it stay scruffy over the winter, providing a much-needed habitat for all kinds of wildlife. So the good news is that you’ve been doing your bit, however unwittingly.
Now, though, it’s time to tidy up dead leaves, straggly growth and all those precocious weeds that are trying to get a head start. And if 2026 is the year that you want to up your gardening game – whether that’s planning a new border, or just plugging some gaps – you might be thinking about buying some new plants. We’re here to help.
Top of the crops
Whether you’re looking for beautiful perennials or disease-defeating roses, wanting to grow your own heritage fruit and veg or plan to make a statement with a new tree, our guide to shopping for plants online will demystify the different types on offer, from seeds to bare-root shrubs. It also rounds up the experts’ favourite, trusted online nurseries to source happy, healthy plants, and gives simple, straightforward advice on when and how to plant your new purchases – plus, how to keep them alive and thriving through that critical first year.
Meanwhile, we asked professional gardeners about the garden equipment and clothing they rate. They told us about their favourite tools (and how to look after them so that they last) – from lightweight hedge trimmers and supreme secateurs to the Japanese hori hori soil knife beloved of any true gardener-in-the-know. Also, the best warm, comfortable gardening clothes that will stand between you and uncomfortably soggy knees.
If the rain should continue to dash against the window as you read this, why not ease yourself into the growing season by following the advice of gardener and writer Andrew Timothy O’Brien: to simply stand and stare in anticipation of the coming spring.
This week’s picks
Editor’s pick
It’s hard not to feel cheerful in the first rays of spring sunshine. We’ve gathered 63 ways to celebrate the start of spring – many of them free – from trying a new sport to feeding the birds and foraging for your dinner. If you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh, our fashion team has rounded up the 50 best women’s spring style updates for less than £100.
Monica Horridge
Deputy editor, the Filter
In case you missed it …
March is a great month to celebrate women – whether that was for International Women’s Day yesterday or for Mother’s Day this Sunday. Our Mother’s Day gift guide is designed to celebrate any special woman in your life, whether that’s your mum, granny, auntie, wife, girlfriend or family friend. If you’re looking to send flowers, Zoë Phillimore tested 33 bouquets to find the best flower delivery services – worrying her local courier drivers in the process.
Get involved
This week, we updated our test of the best pillows with information on how often you should change them (it’s much more often than you think – and comes so soon after the bombshell that underwear also has an expiry date). But what can we do with all these products when we’re done with them? From filling planters with pillow stuffing to cleaning with used toothbrush heads, how do you get a second life out of your old things? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].
