Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WHAT TO DO
Several different herbaceous plants such as papery-flowered romneya, oriental poppies, anchusas, perennial verbascums and gaillardias are most easily propagated by root cuttings. This month is the time to take them.
Dig up the clump you want to increase, chop up the roots into pieces 3-6cm in length and push the cuttings vertically (right end up) into pots full of a sandy light compost. Put the pots and trays in the greenhouse (or a cold frame) and keep them watered but not drowned. By early June, you should have young plants sturdy enough to be grown on in a nursery bed.
WHAT TO BUY
To celebrate his hundredth catalogue, Mike Park, supreme seller of old gardening books, opens its pages with 100 "unusual, rare or intriguing" titles. For just £50 you can get hold of a scarce copy of 'The Hunter Sketchbook – Birds and Flowers of New South Wales, Drawn on the Spot in 1788, 89, & 90', this edition printed in Canberra in 1989. For more information (and an online catalogue) go to mikeparkbooks.com or call 020-8641 7796
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments