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Hydrangeas were discovered in Japanese forests by early European explorers, who took plants back to Europe and used them to develop the hydrangeas we know and love today. Japanese grower/breeder Hiroshi Ebihara decided to import ‘European’ hydrangeas back...
One of the best known of all garden flowers: the common marigold. Plant details Common name: English or pot marigold Botanic name: Calendula officinalis cvs Description: Annual plant with pale green leaves, a bushy habit and single or double flowers. Tall and dwarf...
These elegant, South African natives are amongst Peter Valder’s favourite bulbs. They are hardy, easy to grow and they add a splash of colour to otherwise drab, autumn gardens. Peter particularly likes the white Nerine flexuosa ‘Alba’, but there are...
In recent years an exciting new range of cordylines has become available. They are hybrids of the tropical Cordyline fruticosa (also known and sold as C. terminalis). They come in a wide range of fabulous leaf colours, including bronze, purple and even pink. In Hawaii...
Many plants are associated with Easter and the passion of Jesus Christ, although nobody really knows what sort of wood the cross was made of, or what plant was used to make the crown of thorns. In our segment Peter Valder looked at two South American plants that were...
Many people make the mistake of trying to grow the Australian native bauera, or dog rose, in ordinary garden positions. Don explained that in the wild these plants thrive in boggy situations, so the trick is to plant them at the edge of a pond, with a thin layer of...
According to legend, four-leaf clovers are incredibly lucky and they help you to see the fairies in your garden. One leaf for fame and one leaf for health, one leaf for a faithful lover and one leaf for wealth! If you’ve had trouble finding a four-leaf clover,...
Plant selection is very important if you want a low maintenance garden. Some plants are high maintenance nightmares. At the top of the list is lawn, which needs regular mowing, fertilising and edging (paving is a much better low maintenance choice). Azaleas need...
There are many new forms of Geraldton wax available, which are hardier than the species and vary in height, flower colour and flower size. Don looked at a beautiful new variety called ‘Dancing Queen’. Plant details Common name: ‘Dancing Queen’...
Agave If you want bold, architectural plants in your garden, Peter Valder thinks that it’s hard to go past agaves. This fascinating group of perennial succulents occurs naturally in southern USA and Mexico. There are over 300 species, and many have dramatic,...