Wildlife ponds, sweet peas, strawberries and going chemical-free

This week we’re discussing wildlife ponds with author Kate Bradbury and growing sweet peas with top breeder Roger Parsons. In our weekly GYO feature, Dr Sylvia Travers of RHS Garden Bridgewater shares tips on strawberry cultivation. Plus garden writer and wildlife expert Jean Vernon gives advice on controlling pests without chemicals.

Useful links & info

Pond plants mentioned – brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)

RHS advice on how to make a wildlife pond

RHS How to Create a Wildlife Pond – by Kate Bradbury

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees – by Jean Vernon

RHS website: Visit our new Gardening for the environment which includes lots of info on going chemical-free in your garden

Sweet peas: RHS website info on annual sweet peas and perennial (everlasting) sweet peas

RHS Plant Monographs

How to grow strawberries