NEW TOOLS Gardening supplier Burgan & Ball has added two new tools to its range - both ideal for tidying vegetable beds and flower borders. The Culti Rake (27.95) is a hybrid rake and cultivator with the outer tines in double strength steel th.at allows for a spot of quick weeding as you rake. For more substantial weeding try the new '!\feed Slice

(24.95), which lets you cut th.rough weeds on both the

ACCESSORIES

push and pull of the tool along the soil's surface. Tel0114233 8262, burgon andball.com

A good, clean job Th is gardener's '1p(On from designer and pattern maker Palrick Thomson is made ot sturdy waxed cotton '"'th slrong. herringbone cotton. wrap-around straps. It features two large front pockets. C'I reinforced pocket for your secateurs, as well as pockets for phone. hvine and pencils. The apron is 70cm long and costs 200 from The Nevi Craf tsmen. London WI K GOG. Tel 020 7148 3190. thenewcrattsmen.com

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PlANT NOW FOR SUMMER

Plant more bulbs There are more wonderful bulbs to plant 1n spring. Browse speciahst de Jagers catalogue of summer-flowering butbs for a range ot favourites. such 'IS dahlias and CC'lnna Illies. plus more unusual choices includ ing the bog orchid. Haber'UJria radi.ata. and x HippetJstrel1a - a C(OSS between Hippeaslrum and Sptekelw - with intensely red tlowers. Catalogue available via 01622 840229. dej ager.co.uk

CELEBRATING HISTORY

Yesterday, today and tomorrow In 2015 the Buchanan family cerebrates 250 years of continuous r&s1d&nce at Hodsock Pnory 1n Nottingham shire. The historic countr y estate 1s known for i ts displays o f snowdrops. which can tie see" in the garden's annual four week opening from 31 Janua1y to I Yarch. ThrS year \viii see some four m 1H1on snowdrops 1n bloom . plant sales. a campf ire in the glade and daily free histo(y talks. plus the p lanting o f a sestercentennial snowdrop lawn for future generation s to enjoy. Tickets can be pre booked online. Tel 01909 591204. snowdrops.co.u k

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