Save this
The 35mm film canister – now virtually defunct – was once my container of choice for storing self-saved seeds. Instead, try stockpiling those little sealed plastic bags that things like buttons come in. (The less patient among you can buy them in bulk on eBay). The sachets of silica gel you find in new handbags and shoes can help to remove traces of moisture from seeds, so pop a couple in with your seed stash.
Visit this
If you’re looking for a child-friendly outdoor Halloween haunt, try the Horniman Museum in south-east London. Reopened this year after a £2.3m upgrade, its gardens boast a musical play area and an animal walk with alpacas, goats and chickens. This weekend there’s a Halloween trail, too. Details at horniman.ac.uk.
Plant this
If you like your bulbs big and bright, try Tulip ‘Spryng Break’. The flowers appear in April and May, starting white with red streaks and maturing to flaming red and gold. Height and spread: 75cm x 15cm. Bulb size: 12+. Buy 16 bulbs for £9.99, or 32 for £14.98 (prices include free UK mainland p&p). Call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU397, or go to our Readers’ Offers page. Dispatched in November.
