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Flowers

10 Best Shade-Loving Plants for a Thriving Summer Garden

by Donna July 4, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Shade-Loving Plants for Summer

What to Look For

When choosing shade-loving plants for summer, look for varieties with bright flowers or striking foliage. These plants will be more visible in the shade compared to darker blooms.

Top 10 Shade-Loving Plants for Summer

Here are 10 of the best shade-loving plants for summer:

Astrantias: These come in a range of colors, from white to deep purple-red, and enjoy moist soils in partial shade.
Japanese Painted Fern: This fern unfurls each year to reveal intricate fronds. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
Campanulas: Also known as bellflowers, most campanulas are well-suited to partially shaded positions.
Angelica: This biennial produces large flowerheads that attract pollinators. It prefers damp soil.
Foxgloves: These are quintessential shade plants with tall stems that make them ideal for the back of a border.
Himalayan Maidenhair Fern: With delicate, feathery foliage, this fern prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
Rodgersia: This plant has large, architectural foliage and white flowers. It’s a great choice for bog gardens.
Clematis x durandii: This climber is ideal for growing in partial shade. Remember to plant deeply and mulch generously.
Hardy Geraniums: There are many hardy geraniums that can grow in shade, including varieties with lighter-colored flowers.
Siberian Irises: These plants form large clumps and produce striking blue flowers in early summer. They prefer moisture-retentive soil in partial shade.

Tips for Growing Shade-Loving Plants

Know which areas of your garden are in shade before planting.
Choose plants that are suited to the amount of shade in your garden.
Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving shade garden all summer long.

Gardening

Growing Winter Pansies: A Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Care, and Propagation

by Gregory June 29, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Winter Pansies: A Guide to Growing and Caring

What are Winter Pansies?

Winter pansies are short-lived perennials that bloom during the colder months, adding color to your garden when little else is in flower. They come in a wide range of colors and have large, showy flowers.

Planting Winter Pansies

When to Plant: Plant in autumn or early spring, before the ground freezes.
Where to Plant: Pansies like sunny or partially shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Spacing: Space plants 15-25 cm apart, depending on the variety and planting time.

Caring for Winter Pansies

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells and when cold winds are blowing.
Feeding: Feed every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Deadheading: Remove dead flowers to encourage new blooms.

Propagating Winter Pansies

Winter pansies can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Sowing seeds in late spring or mid-summer is the most common method.

Pests and Diseases

Winter pansies are generally disease-resistant, but they can be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spots. Remove affected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the spread of disease.

Buying Winter Pansies

Winter pansies are widely available at garden centers and nurseries. Check plants for signs of disease or pests before purchasing.

Conclusion

Winter pansies are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. With proper care, they will provide color and cheer throughout the winter months.

Garden Experiences

Unforgettable Spring Garden Experience at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

by Gregory June 29, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: An Unforgettable Spring Garden Experience

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, England, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a Belmond Hotel renowned for its exquisite gardens, Michelin-starred cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. In April 2023, we had the privilege of hosting an exclusive event at Le Manoir, where guests were treated to a captivating garden tour, cooking demonstration, champagne reception, and a lavish four-course lunch.

A Walk Through the Gardens

Upon arriving at Le Manoir, we were greeted with a warm welcome and escorted to the breathtaking gardens. Accompanied by one of Le Manoir’s senior garden team, we embarked on a tour of the 11 enchanting gardens, each with its own unique character and charm.

From the vibrant herbaceous borders to the tranquil Japanese garden, the gardens of Le Manoir are a testament to the art of horticulture. We learned about the meticulous care and attention that goes into maintaining these magnificent landscapes, and we were captivated by the stunning array of flowers, shrubs, and trees.

A Culinary Masterclass

After our garden tour, we made our way to the state-of-the-art kitchen for a cooking demonstration led by Le Manoir’s talented chefs. We watched in awe as they prepared a mouthwatering dish, sharing their culinary secrets and techniques.

The passion and dedication of the chefs was evident in every step they took, and we left the demonstration feeling inspired and eager to try out the recipes at home.

A Lavish Lunch

Following the cooking demonstration, we were invited to a four-course lunch in Le Manoir’s elegant dining room. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The Michelin-starred cuisine was a true culinary masterpiece, and we savored every bite.

Exceptional Service and Hospitality

Throughout our experience at Le Manoir, we were treated to impeccable service and hospitality. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcome and special. From the moment we arrived to the moment we departed, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and genuine care.

Complimentary Goody Bag

As a special memento of our unforgettable day, we each received a complimentary Gardeners’ World goody bag filled with gardening tips, seeds, and other treats. It was a thoughtful touch that added to the overall enjoyment of our experience.

Feedback from Delighted Guests

Our guests were unanimous in their praise for Le Manoir. Here are a few of their comments:

“What a wonderful day that was! From the moment we stepped out of the car, we were treated like royalty.”
“The food was out of this world. Everything was perfectly presented and tasted amazing.”
“We had the best day out at Le Manoir, such a very special event & we loved every minute.”

Conclusion

Our exclusive event at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended. From the breathtaking gardens to the Michelin-starred cuisine and the exceptional hospitality, every aspect of our day was truly special.

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a luxurious and memorable experience, Le Manoir is a destination that should not be missed.

Gardening

10 Best Plants for Stunning Autumn Color in Your Garden

by Gregory June 27, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Plants for Amazing Autumn Color

Introduction

When the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, many plants put on a spectacular show of color before winter arrives. Here are 10 of the best plants to add vibrant autumn hues to your garden.

Trees

Crab apple ‘Evereste’: Produces rosy fruit and yellow leaves in autumn.
Judas tree (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’): Features purple heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall.
Acers: Known for their stunning autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Shrubs

Snowy mespilus: Coppery pink and pale yellow leaves turn scarlet and crimson in autumn.
Beauty berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’): Produces clusters of purple berries and golden purple leaves in mid-autumn.
Cotoneaster: Displays red berries and tiny evergreen leaves in autumn.

Flowers

Aster (Symphyotrichum ‘Little Carlow’): Produces vibrant purple flowers in late summer and autumn.
Autumn crocus (Colchicum ‘Waterlily’): Features pink-purple double flowers that bloom in September and October.
Nerine (Nerine bowdenii): Rewards you with a late display of lipstick-pink flowers outdoors in warm climates.

Other Plants

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana): Features delicate coppery leaves that turn crimson in autumn.
Sternbergia lutea: Produces bright yellow flowers in autumn and is native to the eastern Mediterranean.

Tips for Growing Plants for Autumn Color

Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming.

Gardening

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

by Donna June 23, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Guide for Budding Gardeners

Honeybees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. By planting the right flowers in your garden, you can attract these busy bees and help them thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best flowering plants for honeybees, organized by bloom time and specific needs.

Spring Blooms: A Sweet Start for Honeybees

As honeybees emerge from their winter slumber, they eagerly seek out early sources of pollen and nectar. These spring-blooming flowers provide a much-needed boost:

Willows (Salix species): These trees produce abundant catkins that are a rich source of early nectar.
Hellebores: These shade-tolerant plants offer nectar and pollen from late winter to early spring.
Spring blossom trees (apples, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, blackthorn, hawthorn): These trees provide a feast of pollen and nectar for honeybees.

Summer Blooms: A Buzzing Bonanza

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, a wider variety of flowers burst into bloom, offering a smorgasbord of pollen and nectar for honeybees:

Sunflowers: These towering giants produce massive flower heads that are a magnet for honeybees.
Comfrey: This vigorous plant is not only a favorite of honeybees but also attracts other pollinators like bumblebees.
Catmint: Honeybees and other pollinators flock to the small but numerous blooms of catmint plants.
Michaelmas daisies (asters): These late-summer bloomers provide a rich source of pollen and nectar for honeybees.
Heathers (Calluna and Erica species): These compact plants offer small but highly rewarding flowers for bees.

Fall Blooms: A Sweet Farewell

As summer transitions into fall, honeybees continue to rely on flowers for sustenance. These late-blooming plants provide a final burst of pollen and nectar before winter:

Wallflowers: Honeybees love the easily accessible blooms of wallflowers, which can flower all year if deadheaded regularly.
Centaurea species: This genus includes a number of bee-friendly species, such as cornflowers, mountain cornflowers, and common knapweed.

Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

Choose single flowers over double flowers: Double flowers often have extra petals that block access to pollen and nectar.
Plant a variety of flowers: This ensures a continuous supply of pollen and nectar throughout the year.
Include blue and purple flowers: Honeybees are particularly attracted to these colors.
Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm honeybees and other pollinators.
Provide water: Honeybees need access to water to stay hydrated.

By following these tips, you can create a vibrant and welcoming garden that supports honeybees and other pollinators. Remember, every flower you plant makes a difference in the lives of these essential creatures.

Gardening

February Gardening: Our Top Picks for Shrubs, Houseplants, Bulbs, and More

by Gregory June 23, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Our Favorite February Plants

Introduction

February is a great month for gardening, as there are many plants that are in bloom. Here are some of our favorites, chosen by the Gardeners’ World team and other gardening experts.

Shrubs

Loropetalum: This shrub has showy evergreen foliage and eye-catching pink and white blooms in winter.
Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’: This plant is perfect for a pot and has beautiful, highly scented pink flowers.
Rhododendron dauricum: This deciduous rhododendron has small, aromatic foliage and purple flowers in mid-winter.

Houseplants

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Tree Philodendron): This plant adds tropical drama to a room with its large, glossy foliage.

Bulbs

Crocus tommasinianus: These crocuses form huge mauve carpets and are great for naturalizing in lawns.

Other Plants

Forsythia: This shrub has vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in late winter.
Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage): This plant has weird seedheads in winter that resemble mushrooms on a kebab stick.
Snowdrops: These delicate flowers are a welcome sign of spring and are best viewed from the ground up.
Hazel: This plant has wonderful catkins that bloom in February.

Conclusion

These are just a few of our favorite February plants. With so many beautiful options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ones to add to your garden or home.