Houseplants with huge leaves

 

As houseplants go, there are few with leaves as big as those of the plants on this list. While large leaves can create a dramatic statement in your home, they also serve an important function. Plants with big leaves are often very good at purifying the air, so if you’re looking to improve your indoor air quality, these are the plants for you.

Monstera deliciosa

This popular houseplant, commonly known as Swiss cheese plant, is known for its large, unusual, glossy leaves. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, the monstera deliciosa is an easy to care for plant that does well in most indoor environments. In the warmest months of the year, it can be brought outside onto a patio or decking, if it is not in direct sunlight. With the right care, they can grow 2 to 3 metres tall, when fully mature.

Alocasia

The alocasia is a genus of flowering plants that includes several species with large, dramatic arrow-shaped leaves. These tropical plants are native to Asia and Australia, and they thrive in humid environments in the wild, so grow well in rooms the sometimes have some steam, such as the kitchen or bathroom. They like bright indirect sunlight. Avoid overwatering as they are susceptible to root rot.

Philodendron

The philodendron is a plant genus that includes several species with large leaves (Monstera deliciosa, above, is a philodendron plant). These plants are native to the tropical regions of the Americas and they are known for their ability to climb. Philodendron verrucosum is native to Costa Rica and Edcuador and has large heart shaped leaves, with prominent veins. The plant likes the soil to be kept moist, and to be grown in a room with indirect sunlight. Feed with houseplant feed once a month. 

Ficus

The ficus is a genus of flowering plants that includes several species with large leaves. These plants are native to the tropics, and they do well in warm, humid environments. African fig Ficus cyathistipula is available as a houseplant, and grows well in indirect sunlight in the warmer months, and placed nearer a window in winter, to get extra sunlight. It can be watered as normal, when the surface starts getting dry, and can be fed with a houseplant feed every month.

Calathea

The calathea, or prayer plant,  is a genus of tropical plants that includes several species with large, dramatic leaves. They are multi-coloured and often have purple undersides. These plants are native to the Americas, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. Keep moist, but not wet. Growing it in a kitchen or bathroom is a good idea, as it likes a more humid environment, that resembles the rainforest. Place the pot in indirect sunlight.

Images:

Creative commons;

1st image - Monstera deliciosa / Raul654 - Wikimedia

2nd image from the top - Ficus cyathistipula / Ji-Elle - Wikimedia

3rd image from the top - Philodendron verrucosum / Ragnhild & Neil Crawford - Wikimedia

First published - 7th January, 2022

Beautiful ornamental grasses for your garden

 

There are many beautiful ornamental grasses for gardens, but these are our top five favourites.

Ornamental grasses are a great way to add texture, movement, and interest to your garden. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your garden. Ornamental grasses are particularly well suited to modern contemporary style gardens, or outdoor spaces such as courtyards and roof gardens. They don't need much attention, making them a good addition to low maintenance garden borders or planters on decking, or patios.

Feather Reed Grass

Feather reed grass is a tall, slender grass with feathery plumes that dance in the breeze. It’s a great choice for adding height and drama to your garden.

Blue Fescue (2nd photo from top)

Blue fescue is a low-growing grass with striking blue-green foliage. It’s perfect for edging beds and walkways or adding colour and interest to rock gardens.

Japanese Blood Grass

Japanese blood grass is a beautiful ornamental grass with crimson foliage. It’s perfect for adding a splash of colour to your garden.

Purple Millet

Purple millet is a tall, dramatic grass with purple plumes that will add height and interest to your garden.

Fountain Grass (1st photo at the top)

Fountain grass is a low-growing grass with arching, fountain-like foliage. It’s perfect for adding texture and interest to your garden.

Images:

Creative commons;

1st image - Fountain Grass / Averater - Wikimedia

2nd image from the top - Blue Fescue Grass / Ping an Chang - Wikimedia

29th December, 2022

Growing olive trees in a temperature climate like Britain's

 

An iconic tree of the Mediterranean, it's also quite possible for Olive trees to grow successfully here in Britain (7 to 9b plant hardiness zones), or other places with similar temperate climates. They look great in Mediterranean themed gardens, or contemporary gardens. Here are some tips, top help ensure your olive tree thrives in a climate that is cooler than the climate in their native range.

1. Choose the right variety: Select olive tree varieties that are well-suited for temperate climates. Examples include Arbequina, Koroneiki, and Frantoio. 

2. Provide ample sunlight: Olive trees thrive in full sun exposure. Ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A south facing garden is perfect.

3. Soil quality: Olive trees prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil in your area is not suitable, consider amending with compost or other organic matter. 

4. Watering: While olive trees are drought-tolerant, they still require regular watering, especially during the first few years. Water deeply, but infrequently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. 

5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. 

6. Pruning: Regularly prune olive trees to remove dead wood, improve air circulation, and maintain a manageable size. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring. 

7. Fertilization: Olive trees have modest fertilizer requirements. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or use organic alternatives like compost or aged manure. 

8. Protect from freezing temperatures: During harsh winter weather, cover the roots and lower portion of the trunk with mulch or straw to protect the tree from frost. However, they can cop with freezing temperatures for periods of time that are typical in Britain

9. Pest and disease control: Monitor olive trees for common pests like olive fruit flies, scale insects, and fungal diseases such as olive knot. Treat infestations or diseases promptly with appropriate organic or chemical remedies. 

10. Harvesting: Olive trees typically start producing fruit after a few years. Harvest olives when they are fully mature and change color from green to dark purple or black. This usually occurs in late fall or early winter.

Small front drive border

If you have a drive that is all gravel or paving for cars, why not add a small border with some low maintenance perennial plants. It will make the drive much more attractive and will provide some nectar for bees and butterflies. If there is not enough space for a border you could get a large planter, and fill with some drought tolerant (planters dry out faster than ground soil), low maintenance plants.
 

Pyracantha for autumn red berries

 

If you are looking for an evergreen hedge that has red berries in Autumn, the Pyracantha is a perfect choice!

Pheasant (female)

When most people think of a pheasant, they probably imagine a male pheasant, with its distinct plumage. Of course, this is only half the population. Female pheasants look quite different. Although their plumage is less vibrant, it is still attractive. Whilst the male pheasant makes a loud call, the female pheasant will quietly move about the woodland in silence. 

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How to attract red squirrels

Creating an Inviting Haven for British Red Squirrels in Your Garden

British red squirrels, with their vibrant red coats and playful nature, have always been an iconic part of the British countryside. Sadly, their population has declined dramatically in recent years due to habitat loss and competition with their American grey cousins. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can encourage these delightful creatures to visit and hopefully thrive in your garden. Here are some ideas to help you create a haven for British red squirrels.

1. Providing suitable habitat:

Red squirrels prefer woodlands or areas with plenty of trees, so consider planting a variety of native deciduous and coniferous trees in your garden. Trees such as oak, hazel, beech, Scots pine, or non native spruce can act as a natural food source and shelter for them. The presence of such trees will instantly make your garden more appealing to them.

2. Offering nesting opportunities:

Red squirrels build dreys, which are leafy nests made from twigs, leaves, and moss high up in trees. Providing nest boxes or platforms, positioned at least a few metres above ground level, can encourage them to settle in your garden. Place these boxes in areas with good tree cover, ensuring they are hidden from any potential predators.

3. Food provision:

Enhance your garden's squirrel-friendly reputation by offering a range of natural food sources. Red squirrels enjoy a diverse diet consisting of nuts (especially hazelnuts), seeds, berries, buds, and insects. You can scatter some nuts or seed mix on the ground or use squirrel feeders to make food accessible. Avoid using peanuts, as they can be harmful to squirrels. Additionally, consider planting flowering plants or shrubs that produce nuts or berries, such as hazelnut trees, rowan, or hawthorn, to give them a varied feast.

4. Water sources:

Squirrels need to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Provide a shallow water source like a birdbath or a small pond with sloped edges to act as a watering hole for the red squirrels. Ensure it is easily visible and replenish the water regularly to maintain its freshness.

5. Creating a safe haven:

Minimising disturbances and creating a tranquil environment is crucial for red squirrel attraction. Try to reduce noise levels and avoid introducing potential threats to their safety, such as free-roaming cats or dogs. Removing feeders frequented by larger birds can help promote a peaceful setting for red squirrels to feel comfortable and secure.

Incorporating these measures into your garden, local park, churchyard, or farm,  can attract British red squirrels, providing them with a safe and appealing habitat. Remember, attracting wildlife takes time and patience, so persistence is key. With a little effort, you can contribute to the conservation of these wonderful creatures, ensuring their ongoing presence in the British countryside for generations to come.

Note - Unfortunately, some places are now red squirrel free areas, so the above ideas are unlikely to work, but if you live in a stronghold region, the above could really help attract them. If you live in a region that borders a stronghold area, do the above to maximise their chances of regaining territory this century!

In 1945 Red Squirrels were found in almost the whole of Britain, except for the tip of Scotland, Grey Squirrels were only found in parts of Southern England and Lincolnshire. By the year 2000, Red Squirrels had vanished from almost the whole of England and Wales, with Grey Squirrels rapidly expanding their territory, to cover almost the whole of England and Wales. 

Strongholds for the Red Squirrel in 2023 are 

Formby, Lancashire

Anglesey, Wales

Isle of Wight

Cumbria

Northumberland

Dumfries & Galloway

Scottish Highlands

First published -  29th December, 2023.

Image:

Creative commons - Rebecca Prest / Unsplash

Five great dwarf conifers for gardens

There are many reasons to love dwarf conifers. They are slow-growing, low maintenance, and compact, making them perfect for small spaces. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your garden. And, they are relatively easy to care for. They are ideal for rock gardens, amongst alpine plants.

Here are five great dwarf conifers for the garden:

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

This dwarf conifer is a popular choice for gardens. It is slow-growing and compact, reaching a height of just 3-4 feet. It has a pyramidal shape and dense, dark green needles.

Dwarf Blue Spruce

Dwarf blue spruce is another slow-growing conifer, reaching a height of just 4-5 feet. It has a compact, globe-shaped form and blue-green needles.

Dwarf Hinoki Cypress

Dwarf hinoki cypress is a compact conifer that only grows to a height of 2-3 feet. It has a dense, pyramidal form and dark green needles.

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Dwarf Japanese cedar is a slow-growing conifer, reaching a height of just 4-6 feet. It has a compact, globe-shaped form and dense, dark green needles.

Dwarf White Spruce

Dwarf white spruce is a slow-growing conifer, reaching a height of just 4-6 feet. It has a compact, globe-shaped form and dense, white tinged green needles.

Image

Dwarf Blue Spruce / Famartin

First published -  23rd December, 2022

Relaxation - English field on a summer evening

 

This 32 minute video is for relaxation. The lovely sounds of an English midsummer's evening, in the countryside. Play it in the background while you are meditating, studying, or reading a book. Whether you are on the top floor of an apartment complex in Sydney, Australia trying to get to sleep, or sitting in a Norwegian cabin in the middle of darkest winter, reading the Hobbit. This will bring to you, a little piece of tranquil English countryside in midsummer.

Grey heron in flight

 

A Grey heron in flight. Before you watch the short video, have a guess what the length of their wingspan is.

Common gorse - Ulex europaeus

 A video about Common gorse, a spiky, yellow flowered shrub that is commonly found on moorland.

Yew Hedging

Yew hedges are renowned for their beauty, and are often found in the finest historic gardens of Britain. Made from the native conifer Yew, they are also suitable for average sized residential gardens. Kept well pruned, they make an attractive, dense, robust, bushy hedge.

• Plant between October and March

• Once the young plants are in a straight line, only prune the sides, keep the tops of the plants, and do not prune so they are in a flat line. This will maximise the annual plant growth (about 30cm a year). Once at the height you want the hedge you can then remove the tips, so you have a traditional flat top hedge.

• Trimming Yew hedges will make them dense and bushy. You can trim at most times of the year without a problem, just not on the coldest of days.

• For any major changes to the hedge, prune in winter when the Yew is semi-dormant. Also, do one side only, and leave the other side for the following year.

• Unlike some conifers, Yew will sprout new growth on old wood, so even if severely pruned, the hedge will grow new leaves on the exposed old woody stems. (This might take a couple of years.)

• If a Yew hedge has been left to grow, to rejuvenate it, prune the long stems right back, to encourage new bushy, dense growth. 

• A robust native conifer, it will tolerate all types of soil and weather conditions, but does not do well in water logged ground with poor drainage.

• Yew can last for centuries.

View the video below to see a fine example of a well pruned, mature Yew hedge, in fantastic condition.

Buy Yew hedging from Thompson and Morgan HERE

Ground cover plants for low maintenance gardens

 

Looking to save time, water and money on your lawn this summer? Landscaping with ground cover plants, is a great way to create a beautiful outdoor space that doesn't require a lot of water or maintenance. Once planted they will create a nectar rich colourful tapestry of ground cover plants, that require no mowing. Fake plastic grass is expensive, terrible for nature and the environment, and can stink in the summer if you have pets. Ground cover plants are much cheaper than plastic grass, and look so much nicer than fake lawns. Here are five ground cover plants that make great substitutes for grass or plastic grass:

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny is a fast-spreading, low-growing plant that forms a dense mat of foliage. It's a great choice for covering large areas of ground, and its pretty yellow flowers add a splash of colour.

Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

Stonecrop is a hardy succulent that comes in a variety of colours and forms. It's perfect for hot, dry areas of the garden where grass won't grow well, and its fleshy leaves store water, making it drought tolerant.

Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb's ear is a soft, fuzzy plant that's often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens. It's drought tolerant and low maintenance, and its silver-grey leaves add a beautiful contrast to other green plants in the garden.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover that forms a dense mat of foliage. It's perfect for shady areas of the landscape where grass won't grow, and its pretty blue flowers add colour to the garden in spring.

Roman chamomile, (Chamaemelum nobile)

Best known for it's herbal use as a tea, Chamomile also makes a lovely, informal and low maintenance lawn, with apple scented, daisy-like, flowers. A perfect alternative to a grass turf lawn in small gardens.

First published. 30th December, 2022

Images:

Creative commons;

1st image from the top - Sedum anglicum / Banangraut - Wikimedia

2nd image - Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile / H Zell  - Wikimedia

Creating a garden in the shade

 

Are you looking to add some life to your garden but don't have a lot of space or sunlight? A shade garden may be the perfect solution! Shade gardens can range from a few potted plants near your front door, to a lush oasis in your back garden. No matter the size, a shade garden is a beautiful and low-maintenance way to add some greenery to areas with a lack of sunlight.

Creating a shade garden is easier than you may think. The first step is to choose the right plants. There are a variety of plants that thrive in shady conditions, so do some research to find the ones that will work best in your space. Once you've selected your plants, the next step is to prepare the soil. Shade gardens need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil in order to thrive. If you're not sure about the quality of your soil, you can have it tested by a local garden service or by using a DIY soil testing kit.

After your soil is prepared, it's time to start planting! When planting a shade garden, be sure to give each plant enough room to grow. Overcrowding will only stress the plants and lead to poor growth. Once your plants are in the ground, give them a good watering and mulch around the base of each one. Mulch will help to retain moisture, reduce weeds and keep the soil cooler in summer.

With a little care and attention, your shade garden will be thriving in no time. Enjoy your new green space!

Here are five types of shade-tolerant plants:

Japanese Maples

These beautiful trees, renowned for their attractive leaves, are perfect for adding some colour and interest to a shaded patio. Japanese maples come in a wide range of colours and sizes. They look fantastic in the autumn months, as their leaves turn to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.

Hostas

Hostas are a classic choice for shady areas, and for good reason. They're easy to care for and come in a variety of colours and sizes. Watch out for slugs, as these love feasting on hostas.

Ferns

Ferns are another great option for shady gardens. They come in a wide range of varieties, so plant a few different types, or choose one and plant in a line for maximum impact.

Impatiens

Impatiens are a great choice for adding some seasonal colour to a shady area. They come in a wide range of colours and are easy to care for. Perfect for planters, hanging baskets and window boxes on north facing walls.

Begonias

Begonias are another great plant for window boxes and hanging baskets. This annual also comes in many colours, such as soft pink, peach and white.

First published. 28th December, 2022

Image: Unsplash / Tim Cooper

How to attract Nightingales

 

Attracting nightingales to your garden, farm or local communal space, such as a village green, can be a wonderful way to enjoy their beautiful singing. Unfortunately, for most of Britain, this doesn't apply, as the south of England is their most northern summer range. However, if you live in Southern England, especially, the counties of Kent, Essex, Suffolk, and East and West Sussex, you are in the right location. If you are reading this in mainland Europe, it is also possible to attract Nightingales.

Here are some steps you can take to attract nightingales:

1. Create suitable habitat: Nightingales prefer dense, scrubby and thorny areas. Plant native shrubs and bushes that provide thick vegetation and cover, such as blackthorn, hawthorn, or rose bushes. Include a variety of plants to provide different heights and layers.

2. Provide water: Install a shallow birdbath or small pond with a gently sloping edge to offer drinking and bathing opportunities for nightingales. Keep the water source clean and filled regularly.

3. Preserve natural features: If you have existing woodland or thick hedgerows nearby, maintain and protect them. Nightingales often prefer nesting and foraging in undisturbed areas, so preserving these natural features can help attract them.

4. Avoid pesticides: Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden. These chemicals can reduce insect populations, which are an essential food source for nightingales.

5. Create nesting opportunities: Nightingales build their nests on or near the ground, often in dense shrubbery or hedgerows. Leave areas of your garden undisturbed to provide potential nesting sites. Avoid trimming bushes or hedges during the breeding season (April to August) to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

6. Play nightingale recordings: Playing nightingale songs or calls in your garden can potentially attract nightingales by mimicking rival males or signalling suitable habitat. However, prolonged or excessive use of recordings can disturb breeding birds, so use them sparingly and at appropriate volumes.

7. Be patient: Attracting nightingales may take time, as they are territorial and selective about their nesting and foraging areas. Continue creating a suitable habitat, and with patience and luck, nightingales may discover and use your garden.

Remember, if your efforts work, to observe nightingales from a respectful distance without disturbing them or their nests.

First published. 9th December, 2023.

Image:

Creative commons;

Nightingale /  - Orchi - Wikipedia