Bloom

Bloom is a seasonal magazine for gardeners, plant admirers, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Each issue is packed with practical gardening projects, explorations of the natural world and celebrations of the beauty of all green spaces, whether they’re in the wilderness or on a windowsill. Beautiful and useful, Bloom inspires you to harness the power of nature and to get out there and be a part of it.

Nature is sustaining.

Bloom

bloomloves carnations • The classic carnation may have fallen on hard times – these days associated with a cheap bouquet picked up in desperation at a petrol station – but there’s so much to love about this softly ruffled, gently scented beauty. One of the earliest cultivated flowers in the world, Dianthus caryophyllus has been grown for pleasure for more than 2,000 years. Since its mention in Christian history (on witnessing the death of Jesus, carnations fell in place of Mary’s tears), it has become infused with symbolism. Thought to be native to the Mediterranean, carnations love a spot in plenty of sunlight and reward with a long summer display. In hues of sugary orange and pink to velvet red and white, their finely fringed pompoms add retro chic to borders and vases. We say it’s about time the carnation reclaimed her crown.

THE SEASON • What to forage, spot, harvest and grow this summer

THE PLANTLIFE AQUATIC • Summer seaside swims and rockpooling are a chance to get to know Britain’s astonishing underwater plants. Matt Slater, marine biologist at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, explains why we should all be seduced by seaweed

Seaweed SOS • Three ways to help your local underwater algae

THE PRACTICE OF evolution • Fashions come and go, but the cottage garden has endured. Award-winning landscape designer Chris Moss shares his hands-on experience of creating a modern homage to tradition

THE SUPER PLANT! • Comfrey is the hero plant every grower needs – gardening pro Dr Anton Rosenfeld of horticultural charity Garden Organic unlocks its power

FULL SUN EMPTY WATERING CAN • Climate change could mean that long, dry summers are here to stay. David Ward, garden and nursery director at Beth Chatto Gardens, explains how to avoid sizzled plants and baked earth – without resorting to the hosepipe

DRY, NOT CRISP • Ten essential drought-tolerant plants

Succ it to me! • Exotic plant enthusiast and gardener Conrad McCormick shares his passion for growing succulents outdoors – and his top tips for success in all seasons

WEATHERPROOF • Five hardy succulents

KITCHEN SILL ESSENTIALS • Chilli, lemongrass and ginger are at the heart of curries, laksas, stir fries, marinades and more, making them the ideal houseplant trio, says gardener and exotic veg grower Rekha Mistry

PELAR GONIUMS • Nursery and specialist Woottens of Wenhaston in Suffolk has been growing pelargoniums for 25 years. Co-owner Luci Skinner tells us everything you need to know about nurturing these bursts of colour

5 PELARGONIUM GROUPS TO KNOW

PERFECT PELLIES • The pick of the best

For gardeners, plant admirers, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers

PICKLE, FERMENT AND KEEP • There’s so much more to the preserving world than strawberry jam and pickled onions. Stephanie Hafferty – an organic no-dig kitchen gardener and cook – shares some unusual produce that’ll jazz up your store cupboard

Want to make your pansies pop • and your fennel look even fancier? We asked our favourite pro photographers to share inspiring advice on how to capture garden plants in all their glory

BACK YARD BUFFET • Acclaimed forager and horticulturist David Hamilton picks five classic garden ornamentals you didn’t know you could eat

LAND OF THE BEE • Single-origin honey has terroir: it tastes of the land...