Fifty Things to Do in the Garden

By Matt Collins, Illustrated by Matthew Hollings

Make more of the outdoors with fifty new projects to engage in throughout the year. In this easy-to-follow illustrated guide, Head Gardener Matt Collins teaches us how to build, plant and enjoy our gardens.

The perfect gift for any green-fingered adventurer who wants to make the most out of their garden. Matt Collins lends his expert voice to help readers discover joy in the garden: transforming even the smallest of spaces into an exciting new activity. Engage with wildlife, discover the importance of weeds, and turn over a sustainable new leaf.

Includes:

  • DESIGN: Plan your garden journey, create ‘no-dig’ borders, make a gravel garden, get creative with containers and pots
  • PLANTS: Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, evergreens, bulbs, easy vegetables, succulent plants and more – plus create cut and dried flowers
  • FEATURES: Layer bulbs in a pot, make a cold frame, plant up a window box, wire a wall or fence, make a sandpit
  • WILDLIFE: Make a mini pond, create a log pile and other habitats, attract birds and pollinators, sow wildflowers
  • GROW: Sow seeds, grow climbing roses, divide and multiply perennials, take a root cutting
  • SUSTAINABILITY: Add mulch, make a water butt, harvest and collect seeds, make your own fertilizer, make a compost bin, make leaf mould, sow green manure

With projects suitable for a quick lunchbreak or a larger, more focused session, this beautifully illustrated book is the perfect gift for gardeners at any skill level.

Format: Hardback
Release Date: 26 Mar 2026
ISBN: 978-0-00-876239-1

Matt Collinsis a garden, landscape and travel writer, and Head Gardener at the Garden Museum in London. Trained at the Botanic Garden of Wales, Matt contributes articles and essays for publications includingGardener’s World, The Guardian, Daily Telegram, Gardens Illustrated,Spectator,The Times, RHS\'sThe GardenandHortus. He has contributed a monthly column for theDaily Telegraphand reviews books forGardens Illustrated.

Matt has several books published internationally by Pavilion Books. Matt’s interests lie at the intersection between cultivated and natural environments; his latest book,Forest, Walking Among Trees(Pavilion) traces an intercontinental pathway between British trees and their wild-wooded counterparts, and was shortlisted for an Edward Stanford Travel Writing award. Matt is a member of the Garden Media Guild.

‘Informative yet accessible, this book is both an inspiring gift and a practical companion for anyone looking to transform their garden into a thriving, joyful retreat.’ – DELIA ONLINE -

Scroll to Top