A Cumbrian garden gem, seasonal Q&A

Out of more than 200 gardens nationwide, only one can take the coveted crown of RHS Partner Garden of the Year. The 2021 winner has just been announced as Larch Cottage Nurseries in Cumbria's Eden Valley – we meet owner Peter Stott to find out the story behind his piece of horticultural heaven. Back at RHS Garden Wisley, horticultural advisors James Lawrence, Nikki Barker and Julie Henderson get together to answer queries on compost-making, wildflower growing and how to get year-round fragrance in your garden. Plus we talk to Sui Searle, curator of the alternative gardening newsletter Radicle, to hear about her journey into gardening and the changes she hopes to inspire within the horticultural world.

Useful links

• RHS Partner Garden of the Year
• Larch Cottage Nurseries
• How to make compost
• Radicle newsletter
• Join the RHS for free access to RHS Partner Gardens at selected times

Scented shrubs mentioned

• Winter honeysuckles (Lonicera fragrantissima and Lonicera x purpusii)
• Osmanthus x burkwoodii and Osmanthus heterophyllus
• Elaeagnus x ebbingei
• Daphnes