The latest garden products and horticultural advice

CROP COMPANIONS

WHAT: Onions and summer savory WHY: As you start to lift the first onions from this month, you might be disappointed to find that some bulbs are a little smaller that hoped for. Planting summer savory alongside is reputed to help stimulate the growth of onions, as well as encourage a sweeter flavour. PLANTING: An attractive herb with slender pinnate leaves and small white and lilac flowers, summer savory has a hot, peppery flavour, ideal for use as seasoning. Direct sow in spring or transplant seedlings in April or May once the risk of frost has passed, in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is about 12cm tall.

SISSINGHURST, KENT

One of the most famous and romantic gardens in the world, Sissinghurst Castle was home to the poet and writer Vita Sackville-west and her husband Harold Nicolson. Combining their skills, they created this garden of ‘rooms’ with effervescent planting that became a cornerstone of English garden design. Highlights include the Rose Garden, ‘a tumble of roses, honeysuckle, figs and vine’, and the summer colour in the South Cottage Garden contrasting with the White Garden, filled with irises, gladioli and dahlias. Open daily. Entry adult £10, child £5.

(Tel: 01580 710700; nationaltrust.org.uk)

STIR IT UP The secret to an interesting potted plant display is variety in flowers and foliage as well as containers. If you don’t have time to hunt the salvage yards for items to upcycle, this galvanised zinc milk churn, £34.50 from Nordic House, has all the rustic charm of a bygone age. Group with terracotta pots for a cottage garden container scheme.

WATER FEATURE As the garden requires more watering during the height of summer, avoid the eyesore and trip hazard of a hosepipe snaking across the garden or patio by storing it when out of use on this elegant cast-iron holder. Beautiful as well as functional, this ornate piece can be wall-mounted next to an outdoor tap for convenience, and will perfectly complement a traditional garden setting. £32 from Rockett St George.