Solve a problem, find a plant or look for a design inspiration
Bedding or fibrous rooted begonias are trusty old timers which deserve greater recognition, particularly as useful elements in garden design. They are among the most hardy and dependable of plants, and they will flourish despite almost total neglect. Plant details...
There are over 400 species of clerodendrums, including climbers, shrubs, herbaceous plants and trees, and they are mostly from warm climates. Many, like the Bleeding Heart Vine, have very showy flowers. Plant details Common name: Bleeding Heart Vine Botanic name:...
Don looked at one of the best of the bougainvilleas, a spectacular red flowering variety called ‘Scarlett O’Hara’. This particular plant was growing in a dry, narrow garden bed. Bougainvilleas are very hardy and will survive without much water or...
These fascinating tropical American natives come in a wonderful variety of sizes, shapes and foliage colours. They seem very strange and exotic, but one of our most common fruits, the pineapple, is actually a bromeliad. Many bromeliads are epiphytes (ie they live on...
A landscaping trend over the past few years is for happy, strong colours in gardens. After years of a vogue for soft pastel tones in garden plants, the mood is now more adventurous so you can enjoy vibrant, strong colours and be fashionable. Camellias are often...
‘Gay Baby’ is a cross between the hybrid camellias ‘Ruby Bells’ and ‘Tiny Princess’. It flowers from around early June to about mid September. Plant details Common name: Gay Baby Botanic name: Camellia ‘Gay Baby’...
Abutilons (Abutilon x hybridum) are commonly known as Chinese lanterns, because they have pendulous, lantern-shaped flowers. These beautiful evergreen shrubs grow from 2-3 metres (6-10′) tall, and have attractive, maple-like leaves and a wispy, delicate form....
The sound of running water is wonderful to have in a garden. The downside is that water features are difficult to fit together, they sometimes leak and they can be a nightmare to maintain. The pillar fountain shown in our segment is a very attractive solution to the...
Water is wonderful in the garden, but many people simply don’t have the space for waterfalls, lakes or large water features. In our segment Don showed that where space is limited, it’s still possible to have a water garden in pots. Pot preparation Choose pots without...
If you want to make a difference to the environment it is critical to have some local native plants in your garden. Don planted she oaks in his garden to attract native birds. They have woody, barrel-shaped cones containing winged seeds, which birds like glossy black...