IT’S around this time of year we often have some BIG landscaping plans in mind for our gardens.
From pathways and patios to pergolas and upgrading pots, there’s always something to achieve from your to do list.
But sometimes those plans become unwieldy, overwhelming and time-consuming, and we give up to focus on more simple tasks.
Step forward Henry Agg, who’s written The Weekend Gardener — a book detailing all the jobs you can do at the weekend and how long they should take.
He told Sun Gardening: “When we moved into a house where we could transform the garden, I couldn’t believe how expensive the landscaping quotes were.
“So I taught myself all the fundamental aspects of landscaping.
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“A book that covered everything, from planning to building to planting design in a really digestible way, would have really helped.
“So I did one.
“It’s all about trying to instil confidence and to make garden design and landscaping accessible.”
The book covers jobs like laying a patio (four weekends), paths (three weekends) and plant support (one day).
Split into four sections — plan, build, plant and maintain — it includes DIY projects, design tips and seasonal jobs.
Throughout, Henry helps you understand your space — whether that’s just a section of your garden or a total redesign. And he talks through crucial environmental, legal and practical elements.
‘Nice form’
Plus, there’s helpful guidance on budgeting and design, as well as useful tips on time management.
In his own garden, Henry would be advising the “chop and drop” for February.
He said: “Instead of cutting everything down to ground level, I’d keep all the grasses and perennials that had nice form and held their structure over winter.
“Then chop them down with a hedge trimmer in one-inch bits and let that mulch the bed.
“It means you don’t need to add compost on those borders — let nature take its course.
“It’s a real game changer.”
Also in Veronica’s Column this week….
Top tips, gardening news, Plant of the Week and a seed-sowing bundle competition.
For more gardening content, follow me @biros_and_bloom
WIN! A MARSHALLS GARDEN seed-sowing bundle worth over £200.
Prize includes tomato, chilli pepper and nasturtium seeds, a heated windowsill propagator, John Innes seed-sowing compost and a Grow It wooden growhouse.
For your chance to win, scan the QR code on the left, visit thesun.co.uk/marshalls or write to Sun Marshalls Garden Seed competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Include name, age, email or phone.
- UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. Feb 21, 2026. T&Cs apply.
JOB OF THE WEEK! IT’S not too late for garlic. Start chitting potatoes.
Cut back cornus and old foliage from ornamental grasses down to the ground.
PLANT OF THE WEEK! HARDY shrub Daphne odora (Winter Daphne) blooms now with intensely scented pink-purple or white flowers. Perfect for patio containers.
For 20 per cent off, see thompson-morgan.com/sunoffers. T&Cs apply.
HEAD TO BEAULIEU: FIRST up in the BBC Gardeners’ World live event calendar for 2026 is the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair.
This vibrant celebration of spring gardening takes place at Beaulieu in the New Forest, Hants, from May 1-3.
Gardeners’ World presenters Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Ashley Edwards and Sue Kent will share their expert advice for the spring gardening season.
See bbcgardenersworld live.com.
BLOOM TOWNS NAMED: THE Royal Horticultural Society has revealed the community gardening groups who are finalists in this year’s RHS Britain In Bloom Awards.
More than a third are new to the contest, such as Poltimore In Bloom (East Devon) and Dover In Bloom.
Many champion bio-diversity, including North Berwick In Bloom, in Scotland, who clear mallow plants on nearby islands to protect puffins’ nesting sites.
Sarah Galvin, RHS head of community programmes, said: “Britain In Bloom opens the door for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the social and environmental benefits of gardening.”
Each finalist will be visited by judges this summer, with winners named in autumn. See rhs.org.uk/community.