The Journal
Flowers & garden
A florist's guide to flowers and gardens: when your favourite flowers are in season, what they mean, how to make cut flowers last and how to bring the garden into your home.
Flowers & garden articles
How to Grow Zinnias: Planting, Seeds and Cut Flowers
A florist's guide to planting zinnias in the UK: when and how to sow zinnia seeds, planting out, spacing, pinching, the best varieties for cutting and how to make cut zinnias last.
Cosmos Flower: How to Grow Cosmos From Seed
A florist's guide to the cosmos flower: when to sow cosmos seeds in the UK, caring for cosmos seedlings, pinching, staking and deadheading, the best varieties, chocolate cosmos and cutting for the vase.
When Are Peonies in Season? A Florist's UK Guide
A florist's guide to when peonies are in season in the UK and around the world, with a month-by-month availability chart, how to buy and open peonies, the best varieties and out-of-season alternatives.
Yellow Flowers Meaning: Victorian vs Modern Guide
What do yellow flowers mean? A florist compares the Victorian and modern meanings of more than 20 yellow blooms, plus cultural traditions, the best yellow flowers for every occasion and season, and care tips.
November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum Meaning and Gifts
The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum. A florist explains its meaning, colours and history, the types you'll find at a florist, November birthday bouquet ideas and how to make chrysanthemums last.
Deck Railing Ideas: 30 Stylish, Safe and Cheap Options
30 deck railing ideas, from timber and black metal to cable, glass and cheap DIY options, plus US and UK safety rules, a material comparison and maintenance tips.
Fresh Christmas Wreaths: Ideas, Care and Faux Alternatives
Fresh Christmas wreath ideas from an interior designer: the best greenery, how to keep a wreath fresh all season, and how to choose faux wreaths and Christmas faux floral arrangements that look real.
20 Cheap Garden Fence Ideas That Still Look Beautiful
Budget-friendly fence ideas for gardens and backyards, from pallet and bamboo fences to hog wire, hedges and climbers, plus a designer's tricks to make a cheap fence look expensive.
Blossom and Bloom: The Art of Decorating with Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can instantly breathe life into a room. Here's how to choose, arrange and care for blooms that elevate your home throughout the seasons.