What tastes funny to hungry bunnies

I live in the countryside and rabbits keep eating my plants. Help. Will, Devon DAVID: While nothing is entirely rabbit-proof, you can certainly plant things they dislike eating. They are not fans of plants with fuzzy leaves, such as lamb’s ear, or a strong odour, like creeping phlox. Ones with strap leaves, like lilyturf, or plants like mountain pine, with needles, are also not on their menu. Drought-resistant varieties and ornamental grasses could also be good options.

Garden centres are centres of excellence. As well as terrific plant and product ranges and fantastic cafes, they have the jewel in the crown – clued-up staff.

Many are qualified horticulturalists, yet customers often have no idea just how much they know and how they can help.

For the past few years, the best garden centres have been joining forces with my Cultivation Street campaign by designating an expert staff member as an ambassador.

This Cultivation Street ambassador serves as a dedicated point of contact to support community groups and schools with a garden. To find your local ambassador, visit

and pop in

your post code.

Ambassador of the year

Once again, our brilliant Cultivation Street ambassadors have rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in helping their local schools and communities.

And once again we have recognised those who have gone above and beyond, with £3,000 of prizes, sponsored by Calliope®.

I’m delighted to announce that Steve Purton of Dobbies Garden Centre in Milton Keynes has been crowned Ambassador of the Year, winning £1,000.

Steve said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win.

“It’s lovely that people appreciate what we’re doing.

“Garden centres can be just another soulless retail outlet but the Cultivation Street ambassador scheme turns us into something else – it makes us a part of the community.

“You have all the schools and clubs that you’re helping and teaching and you feel like you’re giving something back to the children and adults in the local area. It’s not just about the plants growing but the people growing too.”

This year, Steve has supported more than 1,000 children at his free gardening sessions at Dobbies.

He regularly shares his expertise with a local charity, four schools, a college and a hospital to improve their communal spaces.

Steve even uses his own car to transport supplies to groups that can’t get to him. Zoe said: “Being an ambassador