Your question for our expert — and readers’ advice

It is time to rethink whether such assessment really prepares us for life and work

The Evolution Garden takes visitors on a chronological walk through plant life, with some surprising associations

The Twickenham house and garden played a part in 18th-century life and literature

Whichford Pottery’s terracotta wares are as appreciated overseas for their English style as they are in the UK for their robustness

A book on the economics of gardening puts today’s spending into perspective

From hellebores to roses, our gardening expert selects the best for warmer winters

Reflections and revelations from a year of politics — direct from a spinney in the English countryside where the annual badger summit took place

Early magnolias, stress-tested dahlias and a supreme moment in Munich’s botanical garden

Here are choices to help you think outside the box (bush), avoid blight and encourage sustainability

Our gardening columnist offers guidance for making a practical, ethical and beautiful choice

Our gardens expert suggests some outstanding performers for summer blooms

Cotoneasters, a plant gardeners gravely underrate, have performed beautifully this mild ‘non-winter’

An exhibition at Tate explores grand, ornate houses and gardens à la Versailles

The surrealist art of Salvador Dalí is thought to embody all that is unnatural — but, in fact, the natural world is the wellspring of his work

Compost plugs let you bypass seed sowing and are cheaper than bedding plants

Pergolas to pythons: prisoners joined volunteers to create this wildlife haven

The Edo-era artist Hōitsu painted different floral panels for every month

Easy tomatoes, beans and lettuce to sow or plug in the garden or on a patio

Our columnist on spring glory

How plants, whether real or in the imagination, help calm fears and enhance our lives

Our columnist on why he has no plans to stop and the changes he has seen

These self-isolating desert fathers were connoisseurs of plants — and human nature

Robin Lane Fox on the best choices to sow now

Investors will be watching Christine Lagarde’s performance amid rising pressure on Italian bonds

It’s hard to find a single trade type who thinks failing to agree an extension is anything but a potential disaster

UK officials urge Brussels to move on three key areas ahead of crucial June meeting or risk breakdown

Germany accounts for half of state aid approved by commission during coronavirus crisis

Foiled €15m scam for face masks shows how organised crime is ‘quick to adapt’, says Ylva Johansson

EU-funded projects are returning migrants to a dangerous conflict zone, critics say

Gove unveils ‘customs agent academy’ and is talking to freight businesses

EU hosts online pledging event but €7.5bn target for vaccines, testing and treatment will only be first step

Pledging conference underscores urgency to develop vaccine and distribute it worldwide

Mistrust is rising over how to implement Brexit

German constitutional court blows open questions about ECB independence and the supremacy of EU law

Bloc faces worst recession in its history as report calls for pan-European recovery plan

EU push to incorporate Paris agreement adds to tension over post-Brexit relationship

Ministers expected to say use of coverings could stop virus spread in some circumstances

Exclusive: Disappointing results revealed in draft documents published accidentally by WHO

Supply chains at breaking point as surge of coronavirus patients with kidney side effects hits supplies

GPs and charities warn patients dying from coronavirus are suffering unnecessarily

Facilities were launched with a fanfare but medics complain they lack equipment for complex Covid-19 cases 

Akeso’s shares surge in Hong Kong as buyers brush off city’s economic downturn

Frail residents in overwhelmed sector emerge as the hidden victims of the Covid-19 crisis

The crisis exposed the system was on a knife edge, but the emergency changes are for the better

Warning of potential harm from tendency to use invasive equipment too quickly

English providers warn of funding shortfall as pandemic adds pressure to sector

Hospital changes and deployment of medical staff to provide specialist care pays off

Studies focus on Bame groups who are over-represented in Covid-19 cases

Indian entrepreneur claims a small group of executives were involved at the hospital group