Sun creeping through the wood to the bluebells on the ground.
Bluebells in wood
The Bluebells flowering season is nearly over here in UK. These shots were taken in Mid May. Sometimes, as gardeners we can’t beat the beauty of nature.
See how to Tidy up bluebells
Coneflower by EssjayNZ I love the detail and clarity
In the Shadow by Hamed
Flowers everywhere by Powi
Yellow daises by rAmmoRRisson
Pink Hibiscus by Anushruti
I was sitting in the University Botanic Gardens when some people passed by this tree and said it was called an upside down tulip tree. Well, I don’t think they really knew because I can’t find any reference to an upside down tulip tree. I wish I had looked at label now. It can be so frustrating when you can’t remember the name of plants!
Anyway it looks nice whatever its name
Now, is the peak time for bedding plants. Even supermarkets and petrol stations will have a selection of bedding plants for your garden. If you want to buy a lot then you can get some discounts from buying direct such as Jersey Direct Bedding plants
Keep an Eye on Weather. In the south of England the risk of frost is all but gone by this time of the year. In the north keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready with some fleece should a cold night be forecast. Remember a sudden drop in temperatures can affect plants even if it doesn’t goto zero
Protect from Slugs. Other than the ubiquitous slug pellets, you could try egg shells around plants, beer traps, even nemotodes watered into the garden.
Get Right Planting Space. There’s often a temptation to squash bedding plants up forgetting how much they can grow during the next few months. When planting out Fuchsias imagine you are planting full grown Fuchsias. It will mean a bit more weeding until they are fully grown, but, it will give better value in long run.
Be Bold. Don’t just plant the many different varieties in small numbers. A good swathe of one or two colours / plants looks good. Especially, when it is contrasted with one or two other plants. Take inspiration from local public gardens, but be willing to go beyond their formulaic designs. e.g. mix Tall flowing plants amidst a bed of low growing petunias. e.t.c
An interesting article at the Independent – Is Gardening the New Cooking?
Many top class restaurants are using a variety of flowers to spice up their menus. It has led the public to remember old fashioned methods of collecting flowers to add to salads or meals. A free and colourful way to add a little extra to your meals.
Whilst many flowers are edible, it is always important to remember a child could become very ill if they were not educated about the dangers of plants such as foxgloves and laburnums.
Which Flowers can go in Salads?
A pond makes a great addition to any garden creating new interest and providing a foil for the plants and flower.
Tulips next to fountain
A pond also helps create a greater sense of life and vibrancy attracting more insects, frogs and birds to the garden.
This wonderful variety of Orchids is known in its native Japan as ‘Butterfly Wings’ Its delicate and beautiful flowers bely its relative hardiness. This variety can stand temperatures down to 0 degrees or even lower if not over watered.
Like other orchids it benefits from bright conditions but needs to be sheltered from direct sunlight. An east facing window is ideal.
Orchids need careful watering in free draining soil.
In the growing season, you want to feed them with a proprietory orchid feed once a month – following instructions to avoid over feeding.
This variety of Ponerorchis are supplied as naturally small tubers. Their flowering season is from April to early June. As well as beautiful flowering, they provide a delicate vanilla fragrance to fill any room.
Always use special (usually bark based) orchid compost. These composts help provide the free draining conditions orchids need.
Extended Flowering Season. One of the delights of orchid growing is the length of blooms that can be maintained. After a flowering stick has faded, try cutting it just above the second node to try and encourage a second bloom.
The Orchid family is very large and diverse and it is advisable to take note of particular requirements of different varieties. But, don’t let their reputation of being difficult put you off!
Special Orchid Offer
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Roses enjoy a rich well fertilised soil. They have deep roots, but, in dry weather they may need a heavy watering to avoid drying out – especially when in flowering season.
Roses are prone to a variety of diseases such as black spot and more serious fungal diseases. The most common cause of disease is infestation by greenfly or black fly. To keep roses clear of disease it is important to tackle any greenfly problems.
Blackspot is a common problem, you can diminish this problem by picking off leaves and keeping area free of any fallen leaves.
Before planting roses it is important to prepare the soil with a good organic mulch. This will feed the soil and improve water retention.
Roses need to be planted at the right depth. Make sure the hole is big enjoy so that the crown of the plant is above the soil level. In colder climates it is advised to plant roses a little deeper than usual
Water features offer one of the most effective ways to create a new dynamic in a garden. They add movement and dynamism and subconsciously help create a feeling of relaxation and lushness.
For the photographer or garden enthusiast, a water feature can provide a key focal point, which enables the plants to be effectively displayed. This particular water fountain (in Oxford Botanic Gardens) has been planted with tulips around the edge.
The tulips provide an interesting contrast. Here the tulips are neat, ordered and erect. – A perfect foil to the cascading nature of the waterfall.
When designing gardens, don’t forget the power of architecture to frame inspiring shots. These two brick columns create the impression of a ‘window into the garden’. Windows such as this lead the eye to a certain aspect of the garden creating an additional sense of drama and interest in the garden.
One thing about his photo is that you want to instinctively go through the archway in order to see the whole garden.
It is a powerful technique to break up a garden into different rooms – keep creating different sections and layers of interest.
The other interesting thing about this photo is the contrast between light and darkness. The top of the archway is very dark and this serves as a contrast to the beautiful pink light of the apple blossome