Fiona Cumberpatch
An experienced freelance journalist, editor and columnist writing for national magazines and websites, Fiona now specialises in gardens. She enjoys finding and writing about all kinds, from the tiniest town plots to impressively designed ones in grand country houses. She's a firm believer that gardening is for everyone, and it doesn’t matter if you have a single window ledge or an acre, there’s always peace and joy to be found outside. The small town garden of her Edwardian terraced house is currently a work in progress as she renovates the property, but her goal is always to fill it with flowers, climbers, colour, fragrance – and as many of her treasured vintage finds as she can possibly fit in.
Latest articles by Fiona Cumberpatch
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Types of roses: 11 beautiful varieties for your garden
Plants Our guide to the different types of roses has plenty of suggestions for stunning color and scent, including old and modern varieties
By Holly Crossley Published
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Best plants that repel insects: keep bugs at bay with these plants
Plants Avoid being bitten or pestered by bugs by choosing the best plants that repel insects for your garden
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Companion planting: a guide to growing crops side by side to keep them healthy
Plants Companion planting can bring a host of natural benefits to your garden, so find out what combinations of flowers and vegetables do better when planted side by side
By Fiona Cumberpatch Last updated
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How to plant a wildflower meadow in your garden: try this alternative to lawns and borders
How To Learn how to plant a wildflower meadow with our easy guide. From what flowers to choose and when to sow the seeds, we've got all the advice you need to get started
By Fiona Cumberpatch Last updated
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Best trees to grow in pots: top choices to add height to your garden planters
Plants With the best trees to grow in pots you can quickly add structure, height, color and blossom to patios, decking and garden paths
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best fruit trees to grow in pots: our top choices for your patio containers
Plants Find out which are the best fruit trees to grow in pots and reap the rewards of pretty blossom in spring and a bumper harvest in summer and autumn
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best pond plants: keep your pond healthy and looking beautiful
Plants The best pond plants will ensure your pond water is clear and free of green algae, plus they will transform a plain water feature into a haven of tranquility
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Growing fruit in pots: how to plant and care for container grown fruit
Grow Your Own Discover just how simple it is to start growing fruit in pots with our expert tips
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best flowering trees: 8 beautiful varieties to add color and interest to your garden
Plants Our pick of the best flowering trees will instantly take your garden up a level
By Fiona Cumberpatch Last updated
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Best climbing plants: take your garden to the next level with these top choices
Plants Our pick of the best climbing plants will help you to cloak a bare trellis or pergola, disguise an ugly wall or add height to your borders
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Essential rose care tips, according to the rose experts – including what not to do
Plants Ensure you always have beautiful blooms with these rose care tips from the rose experts at David Austin Roses
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Garden privacy ideas: 15 ways to create a private outdoor space
Ideas These garden privacy ideas will transform your plot into a personal retreat, because everybody needs a little solitude sometimes
By Fiona Cumberpatch Last updated
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How to grow pampas grass: follow our tips on when and where to plant this striking grass
Plants It's made a comeback in the popularity stakes, so learn how to grow pampas grass and add this striking perennial to your planting scheme
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best plants for window boxes: add these top picks to your displays
Plants From flowers to fruit, we reveal how the best plants for window boxes will add instant kerb appeal, colour and scent to your garden
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best ground cover plants: cover bare soil and save on weeding time with these top picks
Plants Include our pick of the best ground cover plants in your garden and you'll add interest to tricky areas of the garden with dense planting that looks good and is easy to care for
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Best plants for winter colour: our favourite picks for creating seasonal interest
Plants Add our top plants for winter colour to your garden for a space that's packed with interest throughout the colder months
By Fiona Cumberpatch Last updated
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Best foliage plants for your garden: give your outdoor space year-round appeal
Plants Put foliage plants centre stage for a stylish garden that's packed with interest, whatever the time of year
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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The best black plants: introduce dark and dramatic colours to your space
Plants Choosing black plants is a great way to add drama and give your garden a contemporary look. Here's how to do it...
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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The best edging plants: easy ways to define key areas of your garden
Plants Perfect for every style and size of space, our top edging plants will help you to highlight key features, flowerbeds and garden landscaping with striking results
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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Winter garden party ideas: celebrate outdoors in style this festive season
Ideas Planning an alfresco gathering this season? Our winter garden party ideas are just what you need to transform your space into a fabulously festive entertainment zone
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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North-facing gardens: your ultimate guide to design and planting
Ideas Maximise the potential of north-facing gardens with our expert design ideas, tips and tricks
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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How to plant a lavender hedge
Plants Follow our top tips on how to plant a lavender hedge and you'll create a beautiful, robust garden feature that is packed full of scent and colour
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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The best fast growing hedges for your garden: take your pick from these choices
Plants Our top fast growing hedges are ideal for creating the ultimate garden screen or an attractive boundary. Here's what you need to know...
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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The best plants for autumn berries: add stunning seasonal colour to your garden
Plants Go for extra impact and drama with the best plants for autumn berries and create a display of glowing shades of red, orange, purple and yellow
By Fiona Cumberpatch Published
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