As autumn arrives and temperatures begin to drop, the wildlife in our gardens faces its greatest challenge of the year. You may have hedgehogs preparing for hibernation, birds struggling to find food sources, and beneficial insects seeking shelter. Even though we may not be aware of it, countless creatures depend on our outdoor spaces for …
I often find it really hard to work in the garden in Autumn/Fall. I always feel a bit ‘gardened out’ at this time of year. I’m not sure whether it is a seasonal affective disorder, but I usually feel quite a profound sadness that the summer has gone. But, at the same time, I know …
Fall planting often surprises new gardeners, but it’s a great time to get things in the ground. Here are some of the reasons why autumn/fall planting is a good iea: Vegetables for Fall Planting Garlic: The Autumn Essential Garlic absolutely must go in during autumn for proper bulb development. I plant mine in October here …
The dwarf Korean lilac tree (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’) brings the romance and fragrance of traditional lilacs to gardens where space is precious. This compact charmer offers all the sensory pleasures of its larger cousins – intoxicating fragrance, beautiful flowers, and spring magic – in a size that fits perfectly into contemporary landscapes. The Lilac Legacy …
Crabapples represent one of the most rewarding flowering trees for temperate gardens, offering spectacular spring blooms, attractive summer foliage, colorful autumn fruits, and excellent wildlife value. Modern disease-resistant cultivars have overcome the problems that plagued older varieties, making today’s crabapples reliable, low-maintenance choices for gardens of all sizes. The genus Malus encompasses both edible apples …
The European hornbeam, often called the “muscle tree” due to its distinctively ridged bark, represents one of the most versatile and reliable trees available to modern gardeners. This deciduous hardwood combines exceptional durability with elegant form, making it equally suited to formal landscapes, naturalistic settings, and challenging urban environments where many other trees struggle to …
The paperbark maple stands as one of the most stunning small to medium garden trees available to gardeners, earning its reputation as the “aristocrat of maples.” With its extraordinary cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark, brilliant autumn foliage, and manageable size, this Chinese native has become a coveted specimen tree for discerning gardeners worldwide. Feature Image: Acer Griseum …
The little-leaf linden (also commonly known as the lime tree) stands as one of the most versatile and reliable small to medium sized shade trees available to temperate gardeners It combines exceptional urban tolerance with fragrant summer flowers, attractive heart-shaped foliage, and excellent adaptability to formal or informal landscape settings. This European native is great …
Small to medium sized garden trees are the perfect solution for gardens that need more than a shrub but less than a towering canopy tree. These versatile trees provide structure, seasonal interest, and focal points while remaining manageable in size. Here are 10 superb small to medium garden trees that will enhance your landscape without …
Trees are perhaps the most valuable investment you can make in your garden, providing benefits that extend far beyond their immediate beauty. Landscape trees create the structural framework of any landscape, offering height, seasonal interst, and a sense of permanence that transforms outdoor spaces from mere gardens into landscapes. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees provide …
Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia x grandiflora, brings vibrant splashes of red, orange and yellow to any garden with its daisy-like blooms that resemble brightly coloured blankets. Native to North American prairies, these cheerful perennials have adapted to thrive in rocky, sandy soils with excellent drainage and full sun exposure. Blanket Flower is easy to grow …
Your complete guide to choosing the right Australian native plants for your specific climate zone I spent 10 years living in Australia and during that time I never ceased to be amazed at the physical beauty and variety of the country – and its native plants play a big part in creating that stunning environment. …
If you’re searching for a plant with serious architectural presence and lush, exotic foliage, Melianthus major, commonly known as the Honey Bush, deserves a place on your shortlist. This striking perennial shrub, native to South Africa, is best known for its jagged, deeply-cut blue-green leaves and bold texture. But it’s not just a foliage star …
If you’re searching for a plant that offers bold colour, long-lasting blooms, and exceptional pollinator appeal, Salvia deserves a prime spot in your garden. With hundreds of varieties ranging from hardy perennials to tender sub-shrubs, there’s a salvia to suit every space — from traditional cottage borders to sleek Mediterranean schemes. In this guide, we’ll …
Your complete guide to the spectacular US Pacific coast native plants that thrive from the misty redwood forests to the sun-baked chaparral hills of the West Coast The Pacific Coast of North America hosts some of the most diverse and spectacular plant communities on Earth. It includes fog-shrouded groves of coast redwoods that tower 300 …
Your complete guide to the spectacular native plants of South-west USA that thrive in America’s most challenging landscapes. The American Southwest is a land of extremes – scorching summer days, freezing winter nights, months without rain followed by torrential downpours, and landscapes that can shift from lush mountain forests to stark desert within a few …
Geum, commonly known as Avens, is a cheerful, easy-to-grow perennial that brings long-lasting colour to gardens from late spring through early summer. With its vibrant blooms in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow, Geum is a cottage garden classic and a favourite of both beginner and experienced gardeners. In this guide, we’ll explore how …
Native plants of the Midwest: Your complete guide to the stunning native plants that built America’s heartland The American Midwest is the land of big skies, endless horizons, and some of the most resilient native plants on Earth. From the Great Lakes shores of Michigan to the rolling prairies of Kansas, this region was shaped …
Your complete guide to native plants of Southeast USA – stunning native plants that thrive in the heat and humidity. The Southeastern United States is a botanical paradise where azaleas bloom in spectacular drifts, towering magnolias perfume the air, and ancient live oaks drape themselves in Spanish moss. From the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina …
Your complete guide to stunning native plants of Northeast USA The Northeast corridor from Maine to Virginia offers some of the most diverse and beautiful native plant communities in North America. From the rocky coasts of Maine to the Appalachian foothills of Virginia, this region supports an incredible array of native species adapted to four …