As gardeners, we love visiting and viewing other gardens and we spend many hours dreaming about and visualing what our perfect gardens might look like. Or, at least I do. Below are some of the gardens I have been dreaming up with the help of AI. The theme is is the modern perennial garden, inspired …
In this post, I’m covering two important studies that reveal some truly powerful benefits of gardening for our mental health and physical well-being. For experienced gardeners, this is the scientific evidence to prove what you’ve known about gardening all along. New and future gardeners – when you read this, you’ll have even more reason to …
Growing dahlias in pots and containers can be a truly rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy these stunning blooms even if you’re short on space. The key to success lies in understanding your dahlias’ needs and replicating as close as possible the conditions they’d enjoy in the garden. It’s not just about aesthetic appeal; dahlias …
As regular readers know, we love dahlias here at Gardening Step by Step. And that is because their vivid colours and varied shapes mean that dahlias offer tremendous rewards to gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. However, choosing the right dahlia variety can be a challenge, given the extensive range of dahlias available. But one approach …
Looking for a fast way to enjoy privacy in your garden? You’re in the right place. Selecting the right shrubs for your landscape can quickly create a natural screen, offering you a secluded oasis away from prying eyes. Whether you wish to enclose a private hide-away or line the perimeter of your property, fast-growing privacy …
Why you should water your house plants according to the light levels available. Light and water are probably the two most important factors when it comes to basic house plant care. The amount of light your houseplants receive directly influences their need for water. If you think about it, you don’t get as thirsty after …
House plants that can go outside in the summer can give you double service. They can brighten up your home in winter and decorate your outdoor spaces in summer. House plants that are robust enough to live outside in the warmer months can benefit from the fresh air, rainwater and natural conditions they will encounter. …
Chamaedorea seifrizii Chamaedorea Seifrizii, known as the Bamboo Palm, is a tropical palm from the rainforests of Central and South America. To be clear, it is not a bamboo but a palm, belonging to the Arecaceae family. But it takes its name from the bamboo-like stems that support its beautiful feathery fronds. In my opinion, …
Fishtail Palm: the verdict Originating in the humid forests of Southeast Asia, the Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis), is a distinctive and attractive houseplant. Its leaves, shaped like a fish’s tail, add an exotic flair to any indoor setting. In my opinion, it is a plant that is really worth growing. It brings a slice of …
Indoor palms bring a touch of the tropics and a sense of calm to any space. I always think that the best indoor palms are really valued as house plants because of the atmosphere they create. For those of us living in colder climates palms evoke thoughts of warm summers and exotic holidays in faraway …
Rhapis excelsa: the verdict There is something delicate and refined about Rhapis exclesa, which probably gives rise to its common name of the Lady Palm. Its leaves are palmate, but deeply divided, and the fronds are short, giving a compact appearance to its foliage. Rhapis excelsa is a clumping palm. This means it grows multiple …
Howea forsteriana: the verdict Howea Forsteriana, the Kentia Palm, is truly the classic palm tree. With its graceful, arching dark green leaves, it adds elegance and class to any room. That is why you’ll find it in expensive hotels (like the Ritz, pictured below), and why it it was even a feature plant on the …
Ficus elastica: the verdict Commonly known as the Rubber Plant, Ficus elsatica is a tough evergreen that brings a touch of the tropics into the home. It has thick, glossy leaves and that can reach up to 1 foot (30cm) long. The plant can grow to 8 feet (2.5m) or so indoors. It boasts air-purifying …
Chinese Evergreen varieties The Chinese Evergreen plant (Aglaonema spp) is one the best house plants for beginners, as it is easy to grow and can withstand a bit of variable care. It can tolerate low light and, although it prefers high humidity, can survive well enough in the average home. For more on Aglaonema generally, …
Best house plants for beginners to grow When I first began to fill my house with house plants, I had already started gardening. So I was building up some basic knowledge about what plants need to survive and thrive. But I had a couple of plants in an apartment I lived in before that. And, …
Haworthiopsis attenuata, formerly known as Haworthia attenuata and commonly referred to as Zebra Haworthia or simply just the Zebra plant, is a small succulent plant, native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The plant features dark green, pointed leaves with cream-coloured spots and bands, giving it a zebra-like variegated look. In its natural …
Monstera deliciosa: the Verdict Monstera deliciosa is a great house plant due to its striking appearance, relative eas of care, and its air purification abilities. Its quick growth rate and ease of propagation make it ideal for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. Basic Needs Light Moderate Water: growth period Moderate Water: dormancy Low Humidity …
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and the Caribbean, Philodendron hederaceum (the Heartleaf Philodendron), also often known as Philodendron scandens, is a perennial climbing and trailing plant. It is valued for its air-purifying qualities and its easy care nature. But the main reason that you’ll want to grow this plant is for its …
Aglaonema, commonly known as Chinese Evergreen, is a genus of highly decorative foliage house plants. There are around 25 species of Aglaonema, and multiple different Chinese evergreen varieties that are well worth growing. The lush and colourful leaves of Aglaonema give us a clue to its sub-tropical origins in parts of South-East Asia and New …
Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the dragon tree, is a familiar, but still very cool, house plant. It works in most settings, especially bright modern interiors. Its slim, sword shaped leaves and snaking woody stems bring to mind hot, dusty locations and rooms with cool tiled floors and slow turning ceiling fans. Originating from Madagascar, …