'Tropical Plants and How to Love Them' is the exciting new book by Marianne Willburn that encourages the reader to explore the world of growing exotics when you do not live in a tropical climate. This book is packed full of practical advice and opulent photos which demystifies the veil of confusion of caring for these exotic plants. 

As the name suggests, the Burgon & Ball rockery trowel is an ideal tool for rockery maintenance but I find it has a multitude of uses. It makes a particularly swift bulb planter, gliding through clay soil, it is exceptionally useful for weeding, transplanting and getting into difficult places. Its width minimises soil disturbance and root damage of surrounding plants. It is a tool I cannot garden without!

The Secret Lives of Garden Bees is the wonderful new book by author and bee champion Jean Vernon which has certainly caused a buzz. Entomologists, melittologists, apiarists, gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts are going to find this fun and informative book a delight. Read on to see what all the buzz is about...

I have started the new gardening season off with using the National Trust garden fork by Burgon and Ball and what a treat it is. This stylish vintage-looking high-carbon steel garden fork is solid and robust. I am smitten with the textured powder coating which adorns the fork shaft; from an aesthetics point-of-view it provides a highly attractive antique bronze look, never mind the practicalities that it actually protects against corrosion.

Gardeners, crafters, artists and organic enthusiasts alike will revel in this visual treat. Brimming with 35 exquisite projects, Tanya Anderson's simple step-by-step guides in her debut book 'A Woman's Garden' will show you how you too can create beautiful things from your own garden. Enjoy edible goodies like lavender shortbread, flower frittata, herb embedded pasta and floral ice cubes to jazz up your summer cordial.

I meet Jean Vernon, author and bee champion to discuss her debut book 'The Secret Lives of Garden Bees' and find out what inspired her to explore the world of our much-loved pollinators.