
Anne Swithinbank
Anne grew up in North Kent on the outskirts of London and from a young age was fascinated by plants and nature in general. Having trained at Kew, worked in parks department nurseries and as Glasshouse Supervisor at RHS Wisley, she has been a freelance horticulturist since 1986. The early days were a mixture of small landscaping projects, garden maintenance, writing and presenting alongside Geoff Hamilton on Gardeners’ World. Other TV highlights were two series of ‘Bloom’ for Channel 4 and ‘Gardens of The Caribbean’. Anne has been a regular panelist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time for 27 years and began writing for Amateur Gardening at the same time as moving from a dry, sandy soil in Surrey to clay with flints in East Devon 23 years ago. A large plot full of wildlife habitats, edible and ornamental plants is Anne’s workshop and inspiration.
Latest articles by Anne Swithinbank
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Best container plants: 14 top picks for pretty summertime pots
Plants We've rounded up the best container plants for creating a show-stopping display on your patio, deck, or windowsill
By Anne Swithinbank • Published
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16 varieties of garden pinks: stunning types of dianthus to grow
Plants There's so much to love about old-fashioned garden pinks with their gorgeous scent and pretty frilled petals
By Anne Swithinbank • Published
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16 beautiful penstemon varieties for your planting scheme
Plants Our favorite penstemon varieties are easy-going with a long flowering season, plus these excellent border perennials will attract many pollinating insects
By Anne Swithinbank • Published
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Types of dahlias: 23 beautiful varieties to grow
Plants Back from the fashion doldrums, these stunning types of dahlias are once more center stage for long-lasting displays of flower and foliage
By Anne Swithinbank • Published
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Types of asters: 15 beautiful varieties to grow for stunning summer blooms
Plants Popular once again, these bright and cheery types of asters are perfect for growing in a cutting garden
By Anne Swithinbank • Published
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Types of tulips: 21 stunning varieties to plant in your plot
Plants Discover the perfect types of tulips for your borders and containers with these beautiful options for amazing spring color
By Anne Swithinbank • Published