Trees & plants
Simple hacks to adapt your garden to the increasingly hot and dry British summer
Look after your garden and the planet with these useful tips on rainwater harvesting and ways to make your garden more drought-resistant.
This pretty yellow flower is essential for pollinating insects, yet deadly for livestock and horses – causing severe, irreversible liver damage
Is ragwort dangerous to humans or animals? Learn what it is, where it can be found, its benefits for wildlife and the dangers associated with it in our expert ragwort guide.
This giant "horror movie" plant can cause skin burns and blindness – and it's taking over the UK
It lies in wait for the unwary and can cause serious skin burns, ulcers, even blindness. Richard Baynes reports from the frontline of the battle against giant hogweed, an invasive plant that’s remarkably hard to kill
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Did you know you can grow your own plants from slices of tomato? Here's how to do it
Grow new plants just from your weekly shop with tips from gardening expert Simon Akeroyd.
Robin Hood's world-famous Major Oak is dead. Here’s what happened to the 1,200-year-old tree
"I'm a toxicology expert: these are the poisonous plants and trees all gardeners and hikers should avoid this summer"
Make your garden a wildlife paradise with the 20 best summer plants for bees and butterflies
Make your garden a haven for butterflies, bees and hoverflies with our guide to the best summer plants for pollinators.
Beware the Spanish bluebell, a beautiful but dangerous bloom
Gardeners are advised to look closely at bluebells in their gardens to stop an intruder and save our native species, Maria Hodson reports
Blooming lovely: 9 meaningful spring flowers to brighten up the season (and where to find them)
Discover the symbolism behind spring flowers
The plant once linked to swingers is back, stealing the spotlight – and there’s so much you can do with it
Once burdened by a lingering urban legend, pampas grass is quietly reclaiming its place in gardens and homes
Which trees are most prone to lightning strike?
Is it the tallest tree that's most at risk of lightning?
It’s one of the simplest plants on Earth and blankets woodlands. And now it could help solve crimes
The importance of moss has been highlighted by a team of researchers who helped solve a homicide using the plant
First Sycamore Gap saplings planted after famous tree was illegally felled
National Trust begins planting 'Trees of Hope’ to ensure the iconic tree lives on.
Does a tree know it's being eaten? Is it able to defend itself – and warn others?
6 oldest trees in the UK – and the world, including one that's meant to be over 5,000 years old...
From ancient yews to legendary oaks, these are the trees that have stood watch over Britain’s landscapes for thousands of years
Add some greenery to your home with our choice of the best houseplants for all levels – and learn how to look after them so they stay alive and healthy!
Our beginners guide looks at easy ways to grow indoor plants, which types of houseplant grow best in the UK, how to care for your houseplants, the benefits of growing plants indoors and common houseplant problems.
Beautiful old tree trapped in urban jungle wins prestigious Tree of the Year contest
The results of the Woodland Trust’s annual competition have been revealed, and the winner might surprise you
What's the most common mushroom in the UK?
There is estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide, but only a small fraction produce mushrooms – but what is the most common mushroom found in the UK?
“A remarkable discovery”: Rare fern found in Welsh valley 150 years after being wiped out by Victorians
The young holly fern was rediscovered by a naturalist on the rugged slopes of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park.
What's the tallest tree in the world?
Did you know the tallest tree species in the world can grow to more than 100 metres?
It's incredibly fast growing, notoriously invasive and known as the demolisher of houses - but how true is this plant's deadly reputation?
Initially introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, Japanese knotweed has become a botanical bully.
10 dangerous weeds: If these criminal weeds are in your garden, or on your land, you could find yourself in legal trouble
We take a look at some dangerous weeds that could cost your pocket
"Cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree was an act of spite". Did “resentful cynicism” drive the guilty two or was it for "bragging rights and trophy-hunting”?
The felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree
appalled and saddened millions. Yet, as
Fergus Collins discovers, hope can spring
from the darkest ecological tragedies
From Robin Hood's hideout to a tree that's worth nearly one million pounds, here are the UK's most famous trees
A selection of the strangest, most significant and best-known ancient trees growing in the UK’s forests, parks and gardens.
