VIDEO (WEEK 6): When planting, work with nature as opposed to against it

Nature has a solution for acid-loving, low pH shrubs, which don’t thrive in limey soils, says Peter Dowdall.

WHY do we want what we can’t have? For example, the elusive plant that is just so rare it cannot be sourced: a specific-coloured Hellebore, perhaps, or the most dwarf of pines.

You may be restricted from growing certain plants in your garden, because of the environment: too windy, too shady, too sunny, or maybe your garden is no more than a balcony or a paved or decked area, and so your gardening is confined to containers.