Separating fact from fiction about native plant gardening – the real story about costs, maintenance, and results that might surprise you. Native plant gardening has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, but with that popularity comes a flood of misconceptions. Some people avoid native plants based on outdated myths, while others dive in with unrealistic …
Transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife while requiring less water, fertiliser, and maintenance than traditional landscaping. Featured Image: Native prairie plants blooming by Ronald Douglas Frazier is licensed under CC BY 2.0 What Are Native Plants? Native plants are species that evolved naturally in a specific region over thousands of …
Euphorbia mellifera, also known as Honey Spurge or Canary Spurge deserves a special place in the spotlight in my view. It is one of my absolute favourite garden plants and one I grow whenever I can. From its rich scent and striking foliage to its impressive architectural shape, Euphorbia mellifera is a must-have for any …
If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plant that brings architectural drama and year-round interest, Phlomis should be high on your list. This striking genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae) includes herbaceous perennials and evergreen shrubs, each offering tiered whorls of flowers and bold foliage. In this post, we compare three of the most garden-worthy …
Piet Oudolf’s revolutionary approach to garden design has created some of the world’s most celebrated public and private gardens. Here are five of the most famous Oudolf gardens, detailing their locations, characteristics, and the plant species that define each unique space. Featured Image: “Oudolf Prive Tuin – Hummelo” by westher is licensed under CC BY …
Piet Oudolf’s work often strikes viewers with how wild and natural everything looks. Yet closer inspection reveals an incredibly sophisticated planting plan beneath what appears to be nature’s own handiwork. This Dutch garden designer has revolutionised how we think about perennial planting, creating gardens that are both structurally sound and ecologically beneficial. Oudolf’s approach represents …
Cucumbers are among the most rewarding vegetables to grow in your garden, offering crisp, refreshing produce throughout the growing season. Whether you’re growing cucumbers to slice them for salads, pickle them for preservation, or enjoy them fresh off the vine, success with cucumbers comes down to understanding their specific needs and providing optimal growing conditions. …
I’ll be honest with you – we’ve all been there. You peek through the curtains at your garden and feel that familiar knot in your stomach. The weeds have taken over, the borders look chaotic, and you’re secretly hoping the neighbours aren’t judging the state of your messy garden. It’s even worse when you know …
Growing your own lettuce is one of the most rewarding experiences in gardening. They are not only delicious in salads, but they are beautiful when laid out in your veg beds. In fact, I think lettuces are such attractive plants, that it is worth incorporating them in your ornamental garden beds – especially if you …
Jade Plants, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, are stunning succulents native to South Africa where they thrive in arid conditions with plenty of sunshine. These charming houseplants have become incredibly popular not only for their attractive appearance – featuring thick, glossy oval leaves and sturdy woody stems – but also for their symbolic significance in …
Tropical Patio Planting Plans for Every Climate: Frost-Free and Frost-Prone Options Creating a tropical patio is a great way to bring a touch of the exotic into your outdoor space. With the right combination of plants, structure, and layout, you can transform even a small patio into a lush, relaxing retreat that feels like a …
A tropical patio offers the perfect escape—a space where you can relax, entertain guests, and feel like you’re on holiday without leaving home. With the right plants, materials, and layout, you can create a lush retreat full of colour, texture, and comfort. It doesn’t really matter if you have a large garden space or a …
Creating a classic cottage garden is about blending charm, functionality, and natural beauty into a unique and inviting outdoor space. These gardens are characterised by informality, an abundant mix of ornamental and edible plants, and a sense of old time romance. Rooted in tradition, a cottage garden is all about embracing a free-flowing approach by …
Clematis Montana, often called Mountain Clematis or Anemone Clematis, is one of the most popular and vigorous climbing garden plants. With its spectacular spring display of star-shaped flowers cascading over walls, trellises, and tree stumps, this hardy climber has earned its place as a garden favourite. Native to the Himalayan mountain regions of China, Nepal, …
Red campion is a delightful wildflower that adds a splash of bright pink to gardens and woodland edges. This versatile native plant brings charm and ecological benefits to any garden space. I’ll share key information about this beautiful species and practical tips for growing it successfully. (Featured Image: Red Campion (Silene dioica) by Peter O’Connor …
Growing tomatoes can be rewarding, but getting that bumper harvest requires a bit of know-how. These five quick tips on planting tomatoes are backed by research and will help you maximise your tomato yield and grow healthier, more productive plants. 1: Plant Tomatoes Deep and Sideways Unlike most garden plants, tomatoes have the unique ability …
In the realm of shade-loving perennials, few plants capture the imagination quite like Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’. With its striking silver foliage veined with green and delicate blue flowers, this award-winning cultivar has become a favourite among gardeners seeking to brighten shadowy corners of their landscapes. ‘Jack Frost’ offers months of visual interest with minimal …
Create a Haven for Bees, Butterflies and Other Beneficial Insects Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is one of the most rewarding ways to support your local ecosystem while enjoying beautiful blooms and fascinating wildlife. By dedicating even a small space to pollinators, you’re providing vital habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects that play a …
Small trees can transform a garden without overwhelming it, providing focal points, seasonal interest, and habitats for wildlife. These 10 outstanding small garden trees will add structure, colour, and charm to your outdoor space all year round. 1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Key Features: Japanese maples are prized for their elegant form, delicate foliage, and …
In a world of smart sprinklers and app-controlled greenhouses, there’s something deeply satisfying about returning to gardening methods that have stood the test of time. Our grandparents and great-grandparents didn’t have fancy gadgets or synthetic chemicals, yet they managed to grow flourishing gardens that fed families and brightened homes. These old fashioned gardening tips aren’t …