Robin Lane Fox writes a gardening column for the FT Weekend supplement.
The answer is plants that thrive, and so make us smile — here are three that lead the way
RHS Hyde Hall’s dry clay soil shows us what the gardens of the future could look like — to varying effect
It’s not all about the tulips. Taking a punt on autumn-sown annuals and biennials can boost next year’s blooms
’Tis the season to plant narcissi, snowdrops and other corms that triumph in the face of wildlife attacks
Weeding and deadheading now are among the quick fixes that will encourage a profuse second flowering in the weeks ahead
Cool conditions have set the scene for stupendous displays of crocosmia, hydrangea and phlox
Over 40 years, Lesley Jenkins has continually reshaped this Shropshire landmark with her painter’s eye — and recent changes are particularly superb
Despite a distinct lack of painted ladies and red admirals, the majestic butterfly plants are more popular than ever
Dahlia Parc Floral de Paris is being hyped as the flower of the Games, but France has many others more deserving of glory
The country’s flora, from the Caucasus mountains to the shores of the Black Sea, is a gardener’s invitation to rethink the possible
Look closely at the blooms in the medieval masterpiece the Wilton Diptych — they carry a significance far beyond mere decoration
Think horizontally with ‘flathead’ flowers, which tango with spikes to create an artfully shaped garden
There are 100,000 varieties of this irrepressible plant, at their best now — and a doddle to grow
Self-propagating flowers need strict oversight but some gems come courtesy of the former president’s Irish golf course
Ramondas and dawn poppies planted while working at the Munich alpine garden in the 1960s have seeded new generations
It has been another vintage year for the beloved flower, despite some spoils from heavy rain
A rich convergence of plants from the Alps to the Arctic to the Med grace this rocky limestone region of western Ireland
This year’s cool and wet weather has helped the plant’s vigour and proliferation at a wooded haven of rarities
Daisies, petunias, fuchsias and salvias are ready to inject colour and drama, as long as frost is at bay
The outdoor gardens show a variety and skill far wider than were on display in the 1960s
Detractors rue the event’s scale and waste but it still offers untold inspiration to gardeners
A visit to a Norfolk garden leads to a dramatic conversion regarding a trinity of lifelong hates
Excessive heat in summer and endless wet in winter have led to casualties — but there is hope yet
Rainfall has deprived us of the warmth and light of the sun, but a lack of frost has meant a prolonged period of early flowers
The possibilities have multiplied recently for gardens in tight spaces, from pots to patios, buckets to balconies
