5 great garden plants with large flowers

 


There are few things as gratifying as admiring a huge, beautiful flower in your garden. Flowers bring colour, life, and beauty to any garden, and it’s always exciting to see them bloom.

If you’re looking to add some flowers with serious impact to your garden, look no further than these five varieties. From towering sunflowers to huge roses, these flowers will definitely make a statement.

Giant Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

As its name suggests, the giant sunflower is an incredibly large variety of sunflower. These flowers can grow up to 12 feet tall and produce blooms that are over a foot in diameter.

If you have the space to accommodate them, giant sunflowers are a bold addition to any garden. They’re also relatively easy to grow, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Tree Mallow (Lavatera arborea)

Tree mallows are a type of hibiscus, and they’re known for their huge, showy flowers. These flowers can reach up to 8 inches in diameter and come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white.

Tree mallows are fast-growing plants that are relatively easy to care for. They’re also drought-tolerant, which makes them a good choice for gardens in dry climates or where watering the garden often, is not practical.

Giant Allium (Allium giganteum)

Giant alliums are a type of ornamental onion that produces huge, globe-shaped flowers. These flowers can reach up to 12 inches in diameter and are typically a deep purple colour.

Giant alliums are relatively easy to grow and make a dramatic statement in any garden. They’re also deer-resistant, which is a bonus if you live in an area with a lot of deer.

Giant white arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Giant white arum lilies are a type of calla lily that produces large, white flowers. These flowers can reach up to 12 inches in diameter and have a beautiful, trumpet-shaped bloom.

Giant white arum lilies are relatively easy to grow and make a beautiful addition to any garden. They’re also deer-resistant, making them a good plant if you live in an area with a lot of deer.

Giant rose (Rosa gigantea)

Giant roses are a type of rose that produces large, showy flowers. These flowers can reach up to 12 inches in diameter and come in a variety of colours, including pink, red, and white.

Giant roses are relatively easy to grow and add beauty and colour to any garden. They’re also deer-resistant.


Images:

Creative commons;

1st image - Giant white arum lily / Joaquim Alves Gaspar  - Wikimedia

2nd image from the top - Tree mallow / Jean Tosti - Wikimedia

First published. 29th December, 2022




6 Native British Trees for Small and Medium Sized Gardens

Here are six trees that are native to the British Isles that are suitable for small and average sized British gardens. As well as being great for wildlife, they will also look beautiful as they mature. When you think of native British trees, you might think of trees that grow huge, such as Ash, Beech and Oaks, but as you will see in the video below, there are certain trees that aren't so big, and can also be pruned to ensure they don't block paths etc. Help turn your street into a mini woodland, by planting one in your garden. Imagine if every house in your street planted one in their front garden!

Buy a Holly tree (Ilex Aquifolium) from Thompson and Morgan HERE



English countryside mid August.

 



English countryside late summer.

Stone owl garden ornament

 


During the day the owl turns to stone. At night it comes to life and flies over the fields and woodland. At sunrise it lands back on the wall and turns to stone again.

Giant Sequoias in Britain



 

Interesting fact. In 2024, a study found that there is more redwoods growing in Britain, where they were only introduced in 1853, than in their native range of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It estimated that there is 500,000 Giant Sequoias and Coastal Redwoods growing in Britain, compared to 80,000 trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The big difference is that the trees in the USA are much older and larger than the British Redwoods, which are all less than 200 years old. However, as you can see from the photo, despite their youth, compared to the ancient American giants, they are already very large trees.

Climbing roses

 

A beautiful addition to any garden. Grow up house walls, fences, garden walls, and train on rose arches, over garden paths and front garden entrance gates.

Buy Climbing roses (various types) from Thompson and Morgan HERE


First published. 27th June, 2022

10 roses for a Victorian rose garden


If you live in a Victorian terrace or larger Victorian home and are looking for garden ideas, why not create your own beautiful Victorian rose garden, border, or even just a few pots on a balcony or steps, using roses that were popular during the Victorian era. Many of the modern rose cultivars have only been developed in recent decades. The roses below are old roses, that were all either already in existence when the Victorian era began, or were bred during the 19th century.

1. Duchess de Brabant Rose - This rose is a beautiful shade of light pink and has a delicate fragrance. It was first introduced in 1857 and is considered a classic Victorian rose.

2. Madame Isaac Pereire Rose - A deep shade of pink, this rose has a strong, spicy fragrance that was favoured by the Victorians. It was introduced in 1881 and is still a popular choice for gardeners today.

3. Alba Maxima Rose - One of the oldest roses still in cultivation, the Alba Maxima has pure white flowers with a subtle fragrance. It is a vigorous grower and is often used for hedging.

4. Mme. Plantier Rose - This rose is a pure white and has a sweet fragrance. It was introduced in 1835 and is still popular in gardens today for its hardiness and long blooming season.

5. Mrs. John Laing Rose - A deep pink rose with a strong fragrance, the Mrs. John Laing was introduced in 1887. It has large, full blooms and a long blooming season.

6. Souvenir de la Malmaison Rose - A pale pink rose with a strong fragrance, the Souvenir de la Malmaison was introduced in 1843. It has large, full blooms and is named after the Château de Malmaison, the home of Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Josephine.

7. Charles de Mills Rose - A dark red rose with a strong fragrance, the Charles de Mills was introduced in 1790 and is one of the oldest known red roses. It is a vigorous grower and is popular in cottage gardens.

8. Baroness Rothschild Rose - This rose is a pale pink with a strong fragrance and was introduced in 1867. It has large, full flowers and is named after the famous Rothschild banking family.

9. Comte de Chambord Rose - A pale pink rose with a strong fragrance, the Comte de Chambord was introduced in 1860. It has large, full blooms and is a good choice for use in floral vase arrangements.

10. Zephirine Drouhin Rose - This rose is a deep pink colour and has a strong fragrance. It was introduced in 1868 and is known for its thornless stems, making it a popular choice for use in gardens and for cutting for bouquets.

 First published - 4th August, 2023

IMAGE

Creative commons

Rose Zephirine Drouhin - WIKI / T.Kiya

Scottish Rock Garden Club Interview


If you think 'Rock Gardens' are an old fashioned feature to have in your garden, this interview with Margaret Young will make you re-consider that view after reading about her infectious enthusiasm and passion for Alpine plants! Margaret is the Vice President of the Scottish Rock Garden Club and editor of the International Rock Gardener (IRG) monthly e-magazine.

Can you tell us a bit about the Scottish Rock Garden Club and its aims?

SRGC is a club formed in 1933 in Scotland to foster interest in rock garden and alpine plants - we have now grown into a truly international group of plant lovers whose interests cover a wide range of plants from tiny alpines through every sort of bulb , corm and tuber, to trees and shrubs, and everything in between - with more of an emphasis on flowers which are nearer their "wildflower" ancestors than are many of the common garden flowers seen - but anything which contributes to a wonderful garden really.

What is the appeal of a rock garden, and why would you say that gardeners should create one in their garden?

There is still a core of devotion to rock plants and the diminutive mountain and moorland wildflower plants of the world by our members. Particularly in our competitive shows where the cream of the alpine plants of the world can be seen. Many members like to build "rock gardens" of various designs, from raised beds to crevice gardens to give their favoured plants a home in the ir garden that in some ways replicated their natural habitats - or just as a design feature to be enjoyed by the owners! The dwarf nature of most alpines makes them the perfect plants for use in the smaller gardens so prevalent today - it is possible, using these plants, to have a display with year-long interest in even the smallest area. Not something that can be said for most standard garden plants. Plus the fact that so many rock garden and alpine plants are so small and pretty, and so tough, in spite of looking so fragile is a real draw – dare I say most of them are just so darn “cute”!?!

What rock garden plants are the most visually appealing?

It’s almost impossible to make a choice - there are so many which not only flower well but also have good shape and form, often evergreen with stunning foliage - it is this richness which is the general appeal of these tiny little plants with big personalities.

What plants do you recommend for a beginners rock garden?

There are hundreds – if not thousands! Saxifragas, Dianthus, Aubrieta, cushion Phlox, Primulas - most of the wonderful specialist nurseries (which sadly are not as numerous as in previous years) will supply plants specially selected to be easy to grow in most soils and situations.

The SRGC has a huge online site and forum ( www.srgc.net) where you can learn lots – and ask questions yourself or share your experiences.

Organisations such as the SRGC and the AGS, for example, have great shows where you can see the best of the best and be inspired by what is possible and also buy plants from the nurseries that know these plants really well and who may have travelled some distance to attend the shows outside their own area. The clubs also run annual Seed Exchanges where you can get involved in the fun process of growing your own plants from around 5500 types of seed.

Are there any rock garden plants that are native to the British Isles?

Yes, though many are quite rare in nature now. To give a few instances - there are forms of Lloydia, Diapensia, Saxifraga, Gentiana, Dianthus, Primulas and various orchids which are British natives and there are more besides.

Do you have any good tips for Alpine plant growing? Can rock gardens be created in containers for small backyards or balconies? If so what plants are good for a small rock garden?

Because of the diminutive stature of most rock garden plants, they are not really suited to being planted in "normal " garden beds and borders where they will tend to become overgrown and overshadowed by their neighbours. Because of this they are ideal for growing in a purpose built rock garden, or raised bed - or even in a small trough or big pot or window box on a balcony. It is possible to landscape such an area to both make the overall effect attractive and to give the plants used different aspects - such as a northern crevice or a west-facing overhang - to give them some protection from too strong a sun or too much wet -within a small space.

One of the easiest and prettiest rock plants is the "fairy foxglove"- Erinus alpinus - which comes in various shades of pink, lilac and white and makes little spires of minute flowers over rosettes of toothed leaves. The "stone breakers"- Saxifragas - and the succulent Sedums come in so many types, forms and colours it is possible to find one for any situation and are good beginners' plants.

There are dwarf Daphnes, Celmisias - wonderful Australasian plants with white daisy flowers and a remarkable range of green , silver, grey and evergreen foliage. there are forget-me-nots that have white flowers and furry foliage - all manner of dwarf bulbs - tiny shrubs and charming perennials of perfectly tiny proportions. In all, an immensely varied array of plants from around the world to excite you and to beautify your surroundings.

Which is considered the best rock garden in Scotland and can people visit?

Quite a few of the gardens open to the public in Scotland have good rock gardens - but the very best, and one which is known throughout the world for its quality is the rock garden at the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh. Not only is there an extensive outdoor rock garden with slopes, cliffs, a stream and some large plantings of extraordinary well grown and attractive flowers, the RBGE also has a traditonal "Alpine house" and its new and to some, controversial alpine house which contains a spectacular new tufa cliff full of t some of the rarest plants which are most challenging to grow. These sit in a charming area with a range of lovely troughs which show how well these plants can look in tiny containers displayed on a terrace.

How can people get involved with the Scottish Rock Garden Club?

Very easily! The SRGC Forum is open to all - and our website has a large range of resources which are open to everyone to read and study. Local group programmes are listed online, of course. The website has weekly and monthly additions, in the form of the Bulb Log Diary and International Rock Gardener e-magazine as well as many archived resources, including all the back issues of the Journal - a wealth of information, freely shared with all.

Membership of the Club - and our members come from around fifty countries around the world - offers the choice, to have our twice yearly journal, "The Rock Garden" posted to you or an electronic version, where the journal is accessed online at a reduced super-rate.

www.srgc.net

What is your favourite Alpine plant and why?

Answer to this probably varies from day to day - hard not to favour whichever plant was the most recent to flower or "hit the spot" with a spectacular leaf display! I have a great fondness for rhododendrons - especially the small species, which only grow to around 30 -60cms high and which can bloom twice a year, like R. saluense chamaeunum, and also all the other hardy Ericaceae from native heathers to the glorious and dainty Kalmia polifolia compacta alba -( a little stunner with a name bigger than it is!) but I also have a real passion for all sorts of bulbs corms, tuber, rhizomes - the plants which we can loosely call "bulbs". On the Ist January and coping with a deep frost, a favourite is Narcissus 'Cedric Morris" a pretty little daffodil, about 15cms high with perfect trumpet flowers about 3cms long which has been flowering outside for several weeks already and which will continue in flower for many weeks yet. The spring is a joy to me with so many alpine and rock garden plants having their major flowering season at a time when most garden plants are only beginning to wake up from winter dormancy. Masses of plants burst into flower and make the rock garden a joy to see. In May I adore the many forms of the South African corm, Rhodohypoxis -the whole plant only 10cms high at most but which can produce a huge number of flowers from a tiny corm, over many months through the summer. Woodland plants, such as Anemones, Trillium and Pododphyllum are irresistible. Summer orchids and Arisaemas delight - then we have autumn gentians, crocus and colchicum to join the cyclamen.

Through the winter we have shrubs and yet more bulbs to see us through the darkest days. So, you can see, really hard to pick any all-time favourites from the palette available to the rock gardener. We're spoiled for choice!


For more information visit - srgc.net

IMAGES - Copyright. Scottish Rock Garden Club.

First published -  8th January 2015

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

The Hummingbird Hawk Moth is a fascinating daytime flying moth, it mostly migrates from southern Europe and Africa to Britain during the summer. Its wingspan is 5 to 5.8cm and can resemble a hummingbird, when it hovers, whilst it feeds on nectar. If you want to attract them to a wildlife garden, or nature area, try planting its caterpillar food source plants, which are; Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and Wild Madder. Also, plant nectar plant honeysuckle, red valerian and buddleja, which they will feed on as they hover in the air. They are mostly seen in southern England, especially in coastal areas.

Credit - https://butterfly-conservation.org - Donate & volunteer to help them conserve British butterflies & moths and their habitats. 


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Garden Waste Brown Bin Save Money



If you are now having to pay extra for a garden waste brown bin there is an easy way to save money. The councils take the brown garden waste bin green waste away and the contents is used to make compost. So, the easy solution to not have to pay for a garden waste brown bin collection is to instead buy a compost bin, and empty your shrub prunings, dead flowers, grass cuttings etc into it, and over months this decomposes down into compost, which you can access from the base and then use your freshly made compost for your hanging baskets, planters and garden borders. This means you can also save money by not having to buy as much commercial compost. Composters available here >

https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/grow-your-own/products/220-litre-green-plastic-composter

10 Fast growing flowers


If you want to add some colour to your garden, using seeds, and want flowers to grow as fast as possible, below are some suggestions, with how many days approximately it will take from seed germination, to flowers blooming in your garden.

1. Zinnia (40-60 days): Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and come in a range of colours. They are great for cutting with long stems, and attract butterflies to the garden. 

2. Sunflower (70-100 days): Sunflowers are known for their towering height and large cheerful blooms. They are great for attracting bees and birds to the garden. 

3. Cosmos (50-70 days): Cosmos are low maintenance annual flowers that come in shades of white, pink, and red. They are a great addition to any garden and attract butterflies and bees. 

4. Marigold (50-80 days): Marigolds come in a range of colours and are known for their ability to repel pests, such as whitefly on tomato plants. They are great for borders and containers. 

5. Sweet Pea (60-90 days): Sweet Peas are fragrant climbing plants, with pretty flowers, that are great for trellises and fences. They come in a range of colours and attract butterflies. Great as a cutting flower for small vases.

6. Nasturtium (50-65 days): Nasturtiums are easy to grow and come in bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are ideal for borders and containers and attract bees and butterflies. 

7. Snapdragon (50-75 days): Snapdragons come in a range of colours and heights. They are great for borders and containers and are nectar rich for bees and butterflies. 

8. Petunia (50-70 days): Petunias come in a range of colours and are great for containers and hanging baskets. 

9. Morning Glory (60-90 days): Morning Glories are fast-growing climbing plants with colourful blooms. They are great for trellises and fences and attract bees and butterflies. 

10. Alyssum (50-60 days): Alyssum is a low-growing ground cover plant that comes in shades of white, pink, and purple. They are good for covering empty patches in  borders, window boxes and hanging baskets and attract bees and butterflies.


 First published / 27th July, 2023

Goldfinch singing



Goldfinch singing at the top of a larch tree.

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British wildflowers - August

 


A video showing what types of wildflowers can be found on an English country lane in August.

10 Ways to Make Your Garden More Wildlife & Environmentally Friendly


Combined, British gardens cover an area hundreds of thousands of acres in size, so how they are managed has a big impact on wildlife such as birds, amphibians such as frogs, insects such as butterflies and small mammals such as hedgehogs. As well as impacting wildlife, gardens can also impact the environment, and if gardeners switch to some green gardening methods, this can also greatly help the environment. Here is 10 ways you can ensure your garden is working for nature rather than against it.


Water Butt - Install a water butt in your garden to capture rainwater before it disappears down the drainhole. A water butt means you can fill your watering can in the garden, and it won't add to your water bill, if you have a meter. Collecting water can help slow the flow of water, going through the drains after heavy rainfall, reducing the chance of flash flooding. Gardenis.co.uk sells a range of water butts from 114 litre to 350 litre in size and they can also be bought as double and triple barrel kits. They are all made from recycled plastic from household waste, old car bumpers etc.

Available HERE


Composter - Having  a compost bin in your garden can help reduce the number of trucks on the road,using energy, as all those garden clippings and veg kitchen scraps will not be sent away to either be thrown into landfill in plastic bags, or to a council composting depot. Instead they can be used to create rich nutritious soil to use in your garden. It also means there is less need to buy compost bags at the garden centre, some of which contain peat, that has been extracted from natural areas. Peat bogs are 'carbon sinks' that store large amounts of CO2 in them. If you do buy ready made compost, try and make sure it is peat free. 220 and 330 litre recycled plastic composters in green or black (with or without a base) available at Gardenis.co.uk HERE


Wildlife Pond - Adding a pond to your garden is one of the best things you can do to make your garden wildlife friendly. A pond can attract frogs, toads, newts, water insects, and birds. One of the quickest and easiest ways to install a pond is to use a ready made preformed pond mould, that can be added to a hole, then filled with water and then plant some native aquatic plants in the pond and around the edges. Sizes 85 litres, 200 litres, and 420 litres available to buy at Gardenis.co.uk HERE


Use eco friendly weed and pest control - Imagine how many litres of chemicals are sprayed and poured in British gardens every year. Probably hundreds of thousands of litres. There is now much more environmentally friendly alternatives to use. For example, there is an established brand of rose insecticide that actually says on the label - HARMFUL TO BEES. What a disaster for gardeners to be using such a thing, when there is nature friendly alternatives that do not harm bees. Ecofective is a new range of products that are great to use. They sell a rose insecticide, weed killers, lawn care etc that are safe and natural, and contain no chemicals such as glysophate. Available to buy online at Thompson & Morgan HERE


Plant a tree - A tree can help make a garden beautiful, and if most houses in a street have a tree, then the street will also be very appealing. It's well known that 'leafy suburbs' are very desirable places to live. As well as being visually attractive, a tree will take some CO2 out of the atmosphere, and provide a home for insects and possibly birds, as well as being a potential food source.There is trees suitable for all sizes of garden, even the smallest garden can have space for an Olive tree or Acer growing in a planter. It's important to get the right tree for the place it is being planted. Here is 5 great trees for a small garden.


Add a bird box - There is bird boxes for a wide range of birds, and adding one to your garden can help attract birds to your garden. If you have a large garden in the countryside why not install a large box for owls, or if you are in area where Swifts spend the summer, install a specialised Swift Box. Robins like nest boxes with a large entrance. You can buy nest boxes made for robins, but you could also use an old teapot or metal kettle. Traditional nest boxes with a small circular entrance hole are used by Blue Tits and Great Tits. Available to buy online at Amazon HERE


Green roof - If you have a shed, workshop, detached garage, or other outbuilding, then why not add a green roof. Not only will it look fantastic, it can provide nectar for bees and butterflies. The easiest way to create a green roof is to buy ready planted trays that contain low growing Sedum plants and moss. Enviromat is available at Turf Online HERE


Switch to solar - If you are buying decorative lights, shed lights, security lights, water features, or pond fountains for your garden try solar powered versions. Using the power of the sun to recharge the batteries during daylight hours, so they can be used at night, means that no mains electricity or disposable batteries are required. If you have a shed or workshop, it's possible to install a solar panel on the roof, which can be used to power an internal battery, which can be used to power lights and electric tools. Solar garden products available to buy at Amazon.co.uk HERE


Leave an untidy corner with  nettles etc and plant nectar rich plants - If possible leave a part of the garden wild, and let nettles etc grow without disturbing them. An ideal place is down the side of a greenhouse or shed. This can provide a small habitat for caterpillars and butterflies, and other insects. Create a small wildflower meadow by sowing wildflower seeds. This can be in a window box, patio planters, in place of a lawned area, or down the side of a driveway. They are low maintenance and just need to be cut at the end of the summer. In borders and planters increase the number of nectar rich plants, such as Lavender and Russian Sage, to attract pollinating insects. You can nectar rich garden plants from Thompson and Morgan HERE


Add raised beds, planters or remove some slabs in concreted over gardens - If you have a front garden that has been concreted over and replaced with a drive, consider adding some raised beds, or planters, or remove some of the paving slabs to create a small border. Then plant some low maintenance flowering perennial plants such as Lavender, Russian Sage and dwarf Buddlejias. Fully paved areas increase the chance of flash flooding in areas, after heavy rain, as the water drains away very quickly as it can't seep into the ground. Not only will the drive be more attractive with plants, it will also provide some nectar for passing bees and butterflies. Planters available to buy from Gardenis.co.uk HERE


 Photo credit - Eirik Olsen

First published 9th January 2020