Richard Orton is feeling up beat as he reports on some unexpected successes in his garden.

On June 24th and 25th Lewis Cottage Garden, near Spreyton, will open its gates to visitors as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

A look at the extraordinary array of wildflowers.

Top tips to maximise your chances of successful germination.

This month Richard Orton shares some advice for growing tulips successfully in our heavy Devon soil, his thoughts on whether or not to tidy your garden in winter and his delight at a spectacular display by his Ginkgo biloba tree. He also suggests a few final gardening jobs before the year comes to an end.

Our gardens can provide solace at times of loss or crisis, including for King Charles who sought refuge in his garden at Highgrove during the gruelling events of recent weeks. Here, Richard Orton reflects on a visit to Highgrove and how this influenced the development of his own garden at Lewis Cottage. He also reports on what to enjoy and do in the autumn garden, as well as gardens to visit locally.

Richard Orton reports on their plans for the new area in Lewis Cottage Garden as well as jobs to be getting on with in your own garden this month.

Some plant choices at this time of the year and some jobs for this busy month