Editorial Policy

This policy describes how HomeIdeaGarden decides what to publish, who writes it, how it is reviewed, and how we correct mistakes. We publish it openly so readers can hold us to it.

Independence

HomeIdeaGarden is editorially independent. Advertisers, affiliate partners and sponsors have no input into what we publish, how we cover a topic, or which products we recommend. Our editorial team has full authority to refuse coverage, decline products, and remove sponsorships that conflict with the public interest.

Who writes here

Every article is written or commissioned by a working garden designer, horticulturist, or specialist contributor with demonstrable experience in the subject. We list each writer's credentials and full byline. Where outside experts contribute, they declare any relevant conflicts of interest at the top of the article.

How we choose topics

• Questions readers actually ask, drawn from our inbox and reader research.
• Topics where the existing online coverage is inaccurate, oversimplified, or outdated.
• Emerging issues in garden design — climate adaptation, sustainable horticulture, biodiversity.

Sourcing standards

• Plant performance claims are sourced to RHS, BBC Gardeners' World, peer-reviewed horticultural research, or our editors' direct field experience on documented projects.
• Environmental and biodiversity claims cite peer-reviewed studies or recognised research bodies (RHS Plants for Bugs, Buglife, RSPB, equivalent in other regions).
• Statistics are dated and linked to the original source.

Conflicts of interest

Editors and contributors disclose any commercial relationship with a product, brand or nursery mentioned in an article. We never accept payment in exchange for coverage. Review samples are accepted but never required, and never guarantee a favourable review.

Corrections

If we publish an error, we correct it promptly. Substantive corrections are flagged with a dated note at the top of the article. To request a correction, email editors@homeideagarden.com. We respond within 48 hours.

Updates

We revisit cornerstone articles at least annually and update them whenever the underlying horticultural evidence changes. The publication date and last-updated date are visible at the top of every article.

AI use

We do not publish AI-generated articles under a human byline. AI tools are sometimes used for spelling checks, draft outlines, or research summaries — always reviewed, rewritten and fact-checked by a human editor before publication.

Reader feedback

We take reader corrections, additions and criticisms seriously. Material reader contributions to a correction are credited in the published note.