Avocado Tree Image by Alanyadk from PixabayAvocado Tree Image by Alanyadk from PixabayThe smooth and buttery flesh of Avocados may be the main draw for many gardeners but they are also quite beautiful shade trees with their bright green foliage and magnificent stature, and today dwarf varieties are becoming more freely available, making Avocados suitable for smaller gardens and pot culture.

Cupressus macrocarp 'Wilma' Picture courtesy Kazimingi NurseryCupressus macrocarp 'Wilma' Picture courtesy Kazimingi NurseryCold weather intensifies the coloration of the foliage of conifers, and especially ‘Goldcrest’ and ‘Wilma’ cultivars, whose lemon scented  foliage changes from lime-green in mid-summer to a rich golden-yellow in winter, providing year-round interest in your garden.

White Correa Image by James Gaither from flickrWhite Correa Image by James Gaither from flickrThe White Australian Fuchsia, or White Correa is a classic Aussie native which is loved for its hardiness and ease of growth, as well as its beautiful foliage and pretty white flowers in autumn and winter when there is often little else blooming in the garden.

Stocks Vintage Mix. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyStocks Vintage Mix. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyAdding some colour to your winter and spring garden need not break the bank. Many flowering annuals are easy to grow from seed, and some even prefer to be sown directly into garden beds because they resent their roots being disturbed.

Late summer and autumn bloomers

Wednesday, 02 April 2025 09:17

Picture courtesy entireleaves from flickrPicture courtesy entireleaves from flickrIf most of your summer flowering plants are past their prime and your garden looks a bit dreary in late summer and autumn, consider planting a few of these rewarding and dependable late bloomers, they will reward you abundantly next season.

The African Mangosteen has many uses

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 12:36

Garcinia livingstonei Fruit. Picture courtesy Imbe 063 from flickrGarcinia livingstonei Fruit. Picture courtesy Imbe 063 from flickrMangosteens are known for their delicious fruits, and the African mangosteen is no exception. It grows slowly and saplings have a unique sculptural form, with young branches growing at right angles from the trunk in a pyramidal shape, allowing this feature plant to be grown for many years as a beautiful evergreen shrub.

Your garden in March

Monday, 24 February 2025 12:02

Cosmos Sonata 'Carmine'Cosmos Sonata 'Carmine'March is a wonderful month in the garden, and as the days grow shorter our thoughts turn to our winter and spring gardens. Gardening in the cooler months is a pleasure and if you do all your tidying, planting and sowing now, your flowers, bulbs and vegetable seedlings will have a chance to establish themselves before the cold weather arrives, ensuring a good winter and spring harvest and a beautiful show of flowers.

Pomegaranate Tree Image by Yuliya Yuliya from PixabayPomegaranate Tree Image by Yuliya Yuliya from PixabayAfter thousands of year’s humans are still cultivating pomegranate trees for their exotic looks, delicious fruit, and pretty orange-red blooms.  A pomegranate tree can make a perfect addition to your garden or patio as it doesn’t take up much space and grows well in large pots. Learn all about pomegranates and how to use and grow them at home.

Mature Pride of India. Image by Bishnu Sarangi from PixabayMature Pride of India. Image by Bishnu Sarangi from PixabayThe pride of India is widely cultivated for its long flowering period in mid to late summer, its beautiful bark and attractive autumn foliage. 200 Years of garden cultivation has resulted in cultivars with widely varying characteristics, making this spectacular plant suitable for a wide range of landscaping needs. Varieties vary from tidy street trees or dense barrier hedges, to fast-growing dwarf types.

Loropetalum chinense. Picture by Megan Hansen from flickrLoropetalum chinense. Picture by Megan Hansen from flickrThe Chinese Fringe Flower is a charming shrub, and a relative newcomer to the gardening scene. Gardeners are embracing it for its winning combination of showy evergreen foliage and brightly coloured flowers.  Learn how to grow and care for it at home, and how to use it effectively in the garden.

The quince is a lovely garden ornamental

Friday, 17 January 2025 17:38

Quince Image by Hans from PixabayQuince Image by Hans from PixabayIf you wish to add edible trees to the landscape you can’t go wrong with a quince. It’s very ornamental, producing beautiful fragrant blossoms in a shade of pink or white in early spring, and the fruits slowly develop through summer and are ready to harvest in late autumn or early winter. Learn more about growing, caring for, and using Quinces below.

Gardening Trends 2025

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 12:07

Image by congerdesign from PixabayImage by congerdesign from PixabayI love the gardening trends for 2025, and I like to think of them as "gardening with a purpose" as gardeners are choosing to grow what matters to them. Traditional methods are being updated, along with a fresh perspective on the role gardens play in our daily lives.

In 2025 gardeners are encouraged to plant deeply personal and environmentally friendly gardens that are a true joy to behold.

Growing Goji Berries at Home

Monday, 06 January 2025 10:26

Goji Berry Picture courtesy www.justberryplants.co.zaGoji Berry Picture courtesy www.justberryplants.co.zaThis hardy, deciduous shrub has increased in popularity in recent years. It yields a plentiful supply of nutritious red berries, which can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried. It's easy and fun to grow this superfood at home, and not only will this save you money, you can also rest assured that the berries are fresh and organically grown. Goji berry plants are versatile and can be grown directly in garden beds or pots, making them great for small or large gardens.

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