Most of the flowering shrubs which we lovingly cultivate have their origins in the cottage garden. Unfortunately few have retained the charm of former years, plant breeders having worked upon old favourites and turned them into bigger, better and more colourful characters with greater disease tolerance. Often scent has been lost in the process, but [...]
The use of containers for growing plants has a long history and their popularity has never diminished. Containers are decorative objects in their own right, but they are also practical. They allow the gardener to introduce plants to soilless areas like steps, patios and terraces, and facilitate a variety of fresh, seasonal changes in the [...]
For most people, the aim of ground cover in a garden is to minimize the number of weeds that seed themselves and grow rapidly, marring the appearance of the planting and competing with cultivated plants for moisture, nutrients and, in some cases, light. In the last 40 years or so, as labour has become more [...]
Never let it be said that container gardens are second best to gardens in the soil. They may be labour-intensive, but, as a reward, they can be as rich and extravagant as your pocket and patience will allow.
Containers solve many problems for would-be gardeners. They are the answer for a paved town courtyard and a [...]
The so-called subtropical garden is really a trick. We are used to seeing in our gardens plants from all over the world, from the most extravagant rhododendron to the most delicate alpine primula; but usually these plants come from a climate broadly similar to our own. In the subtropical garden, the aim is to present [...]
Not everyone is blessed with an easy, level site for a garden, and those who are often long for a more varied terrain. Whatever your preference, there is no doubt that level ground makes gardening easier and that changes of level create a set of problems, both in planting and with access. But however steep [...]
The way in which a hedge is intended to be used in the garden, whether it be for its aesthetic qualities or for purely practical reasons or a combination of the two, influences the species chosen to make the hedge.
Aesthetically, hedges compartmentalize a garden creating a number of distinct areas that can each be given [...]
To transplant, have the boxes or pots already filled with the potting compost and, holding the plant with the fingers of one hand, carefully loosen the roots with a piece of smooth-ended wood or cane held in the other hand. Then lift from the compost with one movement and transfer the plant to the new [...]
There are considerable avenue available to the individual that is willing of changing the look of their backyard. These can vary from easy task to more difficult ones. Just the addition of some new plants or garden items, such as landscaping stones, landscaping plants or landscaping rocks, if done in the right way can make [...]
Wherever you might be living, it does not matter, what could be better than being able to enjoy a warm and relaxing summer night in your outdoors as you see your new ideas for landscaping your backyard coming to life.
While landscaping your backyard all over again is possible, it is not possible to do it [...]