Geums the resilient semi-evergreen stars of the garden
Geum plants, also known as Avens, are a classic feature in British cottage gardens. Gardeners value them for their ruffled flowers and dependable growth. These perennials are semi-evergreen; they usually keep a low rosette of fuzzy, lobed leaves through winter….
Growing a mixed cascading Schlumbergera hanging basket indoors
If you’re looking to create a living chandelier of vibrant blooms within your home, few houseplants do it better than the Schlumbergera family. Known affectionately in the UK as Christmas or Thanksgiving Cacti in the US, these forest-dwelling succulents are…
The misunderstood dandelion
To many, the dandelion Taraxacum officinale is nothing more than a stubborn, yellow-headed weed, a relentless invader of manicured lawns, and a nemesis to the dedicated gardener. Yet, this perception is a profound disservice to one of nature’s most resilient and…
A unique way to display Christmas cactus
The vibrant blooms of a Christmas cactus bring a splash of colour to the winter months, and finding a unique way to display them can add a touch of personal charm to your home decor. One ingenious and sustainable method…
Growing hyacinths in water
Growing fragrant hyacinths indoors, especially during the cold winter months, is a delightful and easy form of ‘forcing,’ a technique that encourages bulbs to flower earlier than they would naturally. For the best and quickest results, start with ‘prepared’ hyacinth…
Stop wasting your money buying multi-purpose compost for borders
The gardening industry does not tell us everything about that expensive bag of shop-bought multi-purpose compost! It’s not like home-made compost and certainly is not a long-term soil amendment; it’s a quick fix that promotes a dependency cycle. This is…
The secret to healthier soil and thriving gardens
When autumn leaves cover your lawn, hold off on raking and tossing them away. Those colourful leaves can become valuable mulch for your garden. Spreading chopped leaves around your plants is a simple way to boost your garden’s health, improve…
How to make your store-bought amaryllis bloom once more!
The beautiful Amaryllis that once brightened your home is not merely a one-time wonder. This resilient bulb has the potential to bloom again. With a little patience and a few simple steps, you can enjoy stunning flowers year after year….
Why you should plant Sarcococca Confusa in November
When autumn arrives and the garden starts to quiet down, it’s easy to think winter will be dull and scentless. That’s when Sarcococca confusa, or Sweet Box, can make a real difference. Planting this evergreen shrub in November is a…
The smart way to plant bulbs
If you love spring bulbs, using an aquatic pond basket is a smart and easy way to plant them. Instead of putting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, or alliums straight into the ground, you plant them in a mesh-sided basket usually…