Growing
Decorate Your Doorway With 14 Eye-Catching Options For Any Home
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Geranium 2) Gerbera Daisy 3) Azalea 4) Carnations 5) Mountain Cowslip 6) Primrose 7) Dahlia 8) Hebe 9) Persian Buttercup 10) Wallflower 11) Treasure Flower 12) Sweet Alyssum 13) Cardinal Flower 14) Hellebore The Variables Habits & Hardiness Your front door is the focal point of your dwelling and perhaps you’d like to adorn it with floral decoration. But plants come in numerous habits and sizes, and blooms in diverse shapes and colours! Which to choose? We provide guidelines as to how to match plant to entrance, with a preference for cold-hardy evergreens, and also make specific suggestions for particular types of dwellings. Some plants are just tailor-made for positioning at the front door entrance. The size, habit, form, and colourations all combine to create that touch of aesthetic appeal, to signal a cheery welcome, or, perhaps, make a style statement. One has to account for all the many kinds and styles of dwellings, and we’ll try to offer some guidance on this point. Another point to consider is the size of your entrance and dwelling and the size of the plant. Though we do not suggest that you place a small pot of Forget-me-Not at a ten-foot-high oak door, if you do so it will seem like an exceptionally dainty touch. But if you have a small front door and a small dwelling, placing a big, tall, bushy plant by it will result in visual disharmony – it will ‘look awkward.’ Here we go then with our 14 plants in no order of preference, but with an indicator as to the type of home each selection is best suited for: 1) Geranium BOTANICAL NAME: GERANIUM HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Plenum Violaceum’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JUNE – JULY In a way Geranium is an automatic choice, and there are good reasons why dozens of them have been awarded the RHS’s AGM. Many of these super-hardy perennials are good to grow by the North Sea. Put them once in a planter by your front door, but you will have to prune them! As they come in quite a variety of forms and habits so be sure to choose the right kinds as only some are suitable for front door entrances. Geranium himalayense ‘Plenum’ Accounting for the flowering period, we suggest G. pratense ‘Plenum Violaceum’, G. versicolor, G. x oxonianum ‘Beholder’s Eye’, G. x oxonianum ‘Wargrave Pink’, G. ‘Latwijk Star’, G. erianthum, and G. ‘Elworthy Eyecatcher’. The simple, sweet flowers are usually in soothing, pastel tones – and don’t forget those unusually pretty lobed leaves. Place clumping or bushy types of a good height with long flowering season, such as the ones mentioned above, in a big planter or in the ground. Best for large, simple, uncategorisable family dwellings, especially in the northernmost reaches. 2) Gerbera Daisy BOTANICAL NAME: GERBERA HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Garden Jewels’ Series FLOWERING PERIOD: JUNE – AUGUST As a consequence of the United Kingdom’s regional climates and Gerberas’ tenderness-hardiness, these plants are considered half-hardy semi-evergreens in much of the UK. Not so the ‘Garden Jewels’ series – these plants are fully hardy, thus you get evergreens and can enjoy their greenery year-round. And it’s very pretty, comprising decorative scalloped leaves in neat basal rosettes. As for the large double disk-shaped flowers with those series and layers of long rays, they are a sight to behold. In vivid hues through the warm spectrum, they project joy and exuberance. Topping everything off, the blooms start sometime in spring and finish well into autumn! We recommend ‘Yellow,’ ‘Red,’ ‘Fuchsia,’ and ‘Frosted Hot Pink.’ Place Gerbera ‘Garden Jewels’ in any old clay pots. Best for any house that is full of noise, life, and children – or any home that is lonely and could use the joy of Gerberas. 3) Azalea BOTANICAL NAME: AZALEA (RHODODENDRON) HARDINESS RATING: H6 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Encore’ Series FLOWERING PERIOD: MARCH – APRIL, JUNE – JULY, SEPTEMBER What could beat a fully hardy, evergreen, bush with rich, dusky green foliage that bears bunches of the loveliest funnel-shaped flowers in fantastic colours of pastel shades or vivid tones, and is floriferous to boot? An Azalea does not have to be a large sprawling bush; you can get suitably-sized varieties including dwarves or you can simply keep pruning the desired variety. And there is no need to mess around with an Azalea from one season to the other – put it once by your front door and your entrance will be lit up forever. With that being said, Colin Skelly (Horticulturist) reminds us of the importance of using the correct growing medium. “When potting up plants for your front door entrance, make sure to use the right compost (the plant’s label should tell you what’s needed – so make sure to read it). “Azalea are ericaceous plants, meaning that they need acidic compost. “Be sure to get ericaceous compost as without it the plant will not be able to access nutrients and will yellow – not the first impression you want to give!” Encore Azaleas will bloom intermittently in spring, summer, and autumn. Choose whichever varieties that are to your taste, though we have specific recommendations for the type of dwellings identified below. Use ‘Encore’ Azalea varieties with white and off-white, and intense orange and intense red, flowers in a decorative container or in the ground. Best for Georgian houses or dwellings of substantial size. 4) Carnations BOTANICAL NAME: DIANTHUS HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘John Sandall’, ‘Brian Tumbler’, ‘Pennine Treasure’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JULY – AUGUST Carnations, delicate, frilly, and ruffled are a top choice for bouquets but they make among the loveliest container plants. The flowers are heart-achingly lovely and the tissue-thin intricately arranged petals seem to impart a sense of fragility. Some varieties’ flowers are flecked or even broken, delicately edged, or are picotee, and these attributes enhance the gentility of these flowers. Don’t forget the narrow leaves whose delicacy matches that of the blooms. And this chalky greyish-green foliage is evergreen and many varieties are fully hardy so you can place them at your entrance once, and not worry about them. The varieties we suggest are only nominally bushy, are classic specimen plants, and rise to a good 50-75cm. Carnation ‘John Sandall’, ‘Brian Tumbler’, ‘Pennine Treasure’, ‘Gran’s Favourite’, ‘Spinfield Joy’, and ‘Leon Tautz’ are among our favourites. Best for Tudor-style houses, and any dwelling that radiates the dignity of age. 5) Mountain Cowslip BOTANICAL NAME: AURICULA HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Gwen’, ‘Dill’, ‘Joyce’ FLOWERING PERIOD: APRIL – MAY Auriculas are very small plants so they are most suited for smaller townhomes and smallish entryways. These plants’ diminutive character actually enhances the charm of the tiny salver-shaped flowers that are often intensely coloured with a central disk (called the farina), and are frequently gradated, striped, flecked, or broken. The broad sea-green leaves are neatly arranged and are evergreen so the plant can stay year-round near your entrance. The supremely ornamental flowers occur in clusters during spring and if you feed the plants appropriately, you’ll get blooms through spring! Some have longer blooming seasons than others, among which are some delightfully pretty cultivars: ‘Gwen’, ‘Dill’, ‘Joyce’, ‘Taffeta’, ‘Arundell’, ‘Remus’ and ‘Red Gauntlet’. Utilise Auricula in small decorative pots or a large planter. Best for spick and span, trim suburban homes. 6) Primrose BOTANICAL NAME: PRIMULA HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Danova’ Series FLOWERING PERIOD: JANUARY – MAY The classic English Primrose is associated with spring but the long-blooming Danova Series’ varieties go one better because they bloom nearly through winter and spring so you’ve got both seasons covered with a single plant. ‘Danova’ Series Primrose plants are tiny at only 15-20cm but are floriferous and bear good-sized flowers in clusters. They are wide-open and salverform with the petals having that trademark distal notch. This Made-in-Japan series of plants associated with England offers 13 colours including gentle shades and vivid tones. All have a bright yellow eye, be it tiny as it is in ‘Blue’ or huge as in ‘Burgundy’. Any and all of them will adorn a front door with class to spare. Use Primrose ‘Danova’ Series ‘Mix’ or ‘Grower’s Select Mix’ in small decorative pots on a ledge. Best for any cottage-style dwelling that is quintessentially British. 7) Dahlia BOTANICAL NAME: DAHLIA HARDINESS RATING: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Ellen Huston’, ‘Marston Lilac’, ‘Karma Yin Yang’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JUNE – SEPTEMBER Dahlias are supremely popular as specimen plants on both sides of the Atlantic, and for good reason. The large flower is exquisitely wrought and its tidy, rigid, and symmetrical multi-petalled form as well as the way it ‘holds itself’ makes it look aloof and regal. This impression is accented by the height of the plant which ranges from half a metre to a full metre. They also have long blooming seasons spanning summer and autumn, provided they are deadheaded regularly. There are different kinds of Dahlias so we have selected varieties of the kind best suited for the entrance of a certain type of house. In general, we suggest clumping – which are essentially erect – or upright habits, and varieties that bear flowers of rich, deep tones. Dahlia ‘Ellen Huston’, ‘Marston Lilac’, ‘Karma Yin Yang’, ‘Arabian Night’, ‘Kilburn Glow’ and ‘Purple Picotee’ all work well in ornate containers. Best for Victorian-style houses and for mansions. 8) Hebe BOTANICAL NAME: HEBE HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Caledonia’, ‘Blue Clouds’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JULY – SEPTEMBER Though many Hebe varieties are unsuitable for front door entrances for one reason or another, two are ideal, and for every reason. These are ‘Caledonia’ and ‘Blue Clouds’. The former is of a mounding form while the latter is more upright. These evergreens even have pleasant foliage characteristics over and above the laid-back cool greyish-green colour: ‘Caledonia’ leaves are reddish when they emerge; ‘Blue Clouds’ turn purplish in winter. Both varieties bear a profusion of cute little inflorescences through summer and autumn, one in lilac, the other in purple. And they’ll bring a bonus: butterflies and bees at your front door! Hebe ‘Caledonia’ aka ‘Knightshayes’ and/or ‘Blue Clouds’ work well in any large nondescript planter. For any old large, not-exactly-tidy dwelling occupied by a big family. 9) Persian Buttercup BOTANICAL NAME: RANUNCULUS HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Tecolote’ and ‘Aviv’ Series FLOWERING PERIOD: JULY – SEPTEMBER The special appeal of the Garden Ranunculus bloom is in its refinement and symmetry. And those tissue-thin petals in countless concentric series rather make it appear as if the flower was wrought by a master craftsman in Old Europe. ‘Tecolote’ and ‘Aviv’ Series varieties are usually of a mounding form with feathery foliage over which the eye-catching blooms rise on 40-50cm stems with the flowers being 10-12cm in diameter. They are excellent specimen plants. Let’s call them ‘Floral Elegance.’ Place Ranunculus ‘Tecolote Pink’ and R. ‘Aviv Purple’ in decorative containers. Ideal for Edwardian style houses and for immaculately-maintained and finely-appointed homes. 10) Wallflower BOTANICAL NAME: ERYSIMUM HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Constant Cheer’, ‘Fair Lady’, ‘Red Jep’ FLOWERING PERIOD: MARCH – NOVEMBER The Erysimum genus of ‘Wallflowers’ comprise a very varied range of varieties including evergreens. Among these there are three that are small to petite in size, have long blooming seasons, and are very floriferous as well. ‘Constant Cheer’ will conjure up a six-month supply of clusters of little flowers primarily in pinks and purples. The ‘Fair Lady’ and ‘Red Jep’ varieties are about as floriferous though not with as long a blooming season but ‘Fair Lady’ beard flowers that are bi-coloured and brilliantly gradated mainly in the yellow through red spectrum while ‘Red Jep’ produces flowers in vivid, electric hues. Best for all styles of cottages and ‘simple’ homes. 11) Treasure Flower BOTANICAL NAME: GAZANIA HARDINESS RATING: H2 / H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Tiger Stripes’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JUNE – AUGUST Many Gazania varieties’ flowers are brilliantly-hued and project vitality and good cheer. Now a big plus point for a plant you’d like to set at your front door is a long blooming season, and ‘New Day Rose Stripe’ offers that in spades. It starts flowering well before summer and continues after it ends! Above clumps of deep green foliage emerge large open flowers with narrow, tapered petals. Each petal is off-white with a longitudinal crimson stroke, as if made by a brush! You can go with the very popular ‘Tiger Stripes’ or ‘Tiger Eye’ instead. Ideal for modern-styled suburban Millennials’ homes. 12) Sweet Alyssum BOTANICAL NAME: LOBULARIA HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Wonderland White’, ‘Rosie O’Day’, ‘Easter Bonnet Lavender’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JUNE – SEPTEMBER This may not seem like a top choice for the front door entrance but it all depends on several variables. If you live in a small cottage-like home with a constricted entrance, then put an ultra-short, trailing-form Lobularia or ‘Sweet Alyssum’ in a hanging basket and hang it by your door, and bang! – you’ll have the perfect entrance plant. Those fulsome bunches of white or light blooms will tumble out of the basket and billow in the wind. They’ll impart a sweet scent to your entryway, and even bring in a few butterflies! Though the flowers are small, they occur in incredible profusion for three-plus months. Sweet Alyssum ‘Wonderland White’, ‘Rosie O’Day’, ‘Easter Bonnet Lavender’, or ‘Golf Series’ look lovely in hanging baskets. Best for small, cottage-style dwellings. 13) Cardinal Flower BOTANICAL NAME: LOBELIA HARDINESS RATING: Mostly H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Starship’, ‘Monet Moment’, ‘Hadspen Purple’ FLOWERING PERIOD: JULY – SEPTEMBER No, Lobelia isn’t just a bedding plant – among the innumerable varieties there are a few that will make wonderful front door specimens. Cold-hardy Lobelia × speciosa and its cultivars are clump-forming with upright, ramrod straight, habits, and rise to 50-80cm. The foliage is especially neat with symmetric leaves which often provide their own colour interest. ’Starship’, ‘Monet Moment’ and ‘Hadspen Purple’ are three of the best varieties that are good to grow in largeish pots and will offer an abundance of flowers in summer and autumn with thrilling, intense hues of red and purple. Work well in a large country-style dwelling with a large entrance. 14) Hellebore BOTANICAL NAME: Helleborus HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘HGC Wintergold’, ‘HGC Pink Frost’, ‘HGC Ice ’n’ Roses Red’ FLOWERING PERIOD: DECEMBER – MARCH We can’t leave you without proposing a superb plant that will light up your front door entrance in the dead of winter right into spring when little else can, and that too with seriously pretty blooms. And it’s an evergreen with very pretty leaves – they’re deeply divided as if carefully cut, of a rich deep green, and glossy. Hellebores are quite diverse and not many have attractive flowers that bloom nearly through winter into spring but at least some do: ‘HGC Wintergold’, ‘HGC Pink Frost’, ‘HGC Ice ’n’ Roses Red’, ‘Bob’s Best’, and ‘Harvington Rebekah’, all of which have lovely salver-shaped flowers. The first is not ‘gold’ but is pure white, the second is pink, the third, rose-red to maroon, the fourth, white with pink tints, and the fifth, pink picotee. Welcome your New Year’s Day guests with these little charmers at your front door! Suited to any home for the winter-spring season. The Variables You should be alert to the fact that if the colour of your blooms is very similar to the colour of the wall around your front door, the flowers will not stand out from the background. So if the wall by your front door is lilac, it wouldn’t do to set a plant with lilac-coloured flowers there! On the other hand, you also need to avoid clashing or disharmonious colour combinations. Likewise, even though the hues may be different, if the respective saturation levels or ‘tones’ of the background and the flowers are about the same, it will look as if the flower is ‘greyed out’ instead of standing out. We propose a good rule of thumb to get the colour and tone combinations right. First, choose complementary colours or opposite colours. If you don’t know these readily, simply look at a colour wheel. And second, pair colours in contrasty saturations. So if the wall is in a gentle, pastel shade, the flower should be in a vivid, intense shade, and vice versa. Habits & Hardiness We have tried to favour, though not limit ourselves to, hardy evergreens and each of our selections is hardy to H4 or greater except Dahlia, Gazania and Sweet Alyssum hardy to H3. We include classic specimen plants of an erect, upright habit, mounding and clumping ones, and trailing and ‘billowing’ forms as well. If you have built-in or inset planters on either side of your front door landing, you may especially appreciate our hardy evergreen selections.
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Ouch! These 9 Spiky Plants Will Add An Interesting Edge To Garden Displays
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Yucca 2) Trachycarpus wagnerianus 3) Chamaerops humilis 4) Phormium tenax 5) Aloe polyphylla 6) Eryngium planum ‘Blue Sea Holly’ 7) Agave americana 8) Opuntia howeyi 9) Nolina nelsonii References Bring a touch of tropical charm to your garden with these spiky specimens. There’s something about a spiky plant that instantly suggests humid temperatures and exotic climes. Of course, many cacti, succulents, palms and their other prickly comrades only grow in hot and arid landscapes, so it’s only logical that they carry with them connotations of a tropical paradise. On the other hand, it may surprise you to learn that there are a handful of these spiky specimens that have adapted well to the Great British climate. Although they may be natives of warmer regions and prefer the heat, they can cope well enough with a sharp fall in mercury, many of them surviving sub-zero temperatures with ease. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t take precautions to protect them as best as possible. Potted varieties can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse during winter, while polytunnels are also an effective tool in keeping them safe from the more inclement elements. However, on the whole, this collection of sharp-edged plants are hardy enough to handle anything the colder months throw at them. So if you’re considering adding an edge to your outdoor display, look no further than the nine suggested specimens below. 1) Yucca Yucca recurvifolia Hailing from Mexico, this striking plant takes the form of a spiky ball atop a chunky trunk, with the potential for more than a single trunk to develop in the right conditions. With some species capable of reaching 2m in height, it’s a perfect way to make a statement with stature in your garden. The leaves of the tree are long, sharp and extend in all directions away from the central sphere at the top of the trunk. Depending on the species, they can take on a grey or bluish tinge to their greenery, with yellow variegations possible as well. This makes them an excellent option for adding colour and intrigue to their surroundings. Best of all, Y. linearifolia (pictured above) are hardy up to -15°C, meaning they should survive the extremes of winter even in the most northern parts of the country. As long as they enjoy a sunny location with soil that drains freely, they’ll be happy enough. 2) Trachycarpus wagnerianus A close relative of T. fortunei, this oriental specimen has been favoured by Japanese horticulturalists for generations due to the neatness of its architectural form. They were first brought to the UK in 1873 by Albert Wagner (hence their name) and have steadily grown in popularity since.1 Unlike most palms, T. wagnerianus actually thrive in windy conditions, though a coastal one which is constantly buffeted by gales may be asking too much of them. Aside from demanding good drainage, however, they’re a largely unfussy species which will need attentive hydration immediately upon planting, but can tend to themselves thereafter. In terms of appearance, they’re compact creatures which tightly fanned leaves of dark green, growing atop a hairy trunk that can exceed 5m in height. Although they cope better in containers than some other Trachycarpus, they’re ultimately better suited to being planted in the earth. 3) Chamaerops humilis Speaking of palm trees, no list of spiky plants that can handle UK temperatures would be complete without a mention of the only palm that’s native to Europe. Known as the European fan palm for that reason, Chamaerops humilis is a great option for creating an exotic focal point in your garden. It’s a more space-efficient option than the Trachycarpus mentioned above, rarely exceeding head height, while its profusion of fanned green leaves (extending up to 50cm in length) are located lower down the trunk, meaning its spread often outpaces its height. Although it can cope with strong winds more comfortably than the Trachycarpus, it’s not quite so adept at withstanding frozen terrain. As such, planting it in a pot which can be removed indoors during the winter months might be a good option if it’s available to you. 4) Phormium tenax Known as New Zealand flax, Phormium are hugely popular perennials for adding a splash of colour and a dollop of architectural excitement to any planting scheme. With long, evergreen blades in a variety of shades, they’re ideal for brightening up dull landscapes in the winter months. The ‘Joker’ cultivar is prized for its impressive foliage, which carries a delightful mix of green and pink that creates an unusual aesthetic impact. They’re especially effective when made the centrepiece of a gravel garden or oversized border, growing up to 1m in height and slightly more in spread. They’re impressively adapted to cope with high salt concentrations in the air, which makes them a good candidate for coastal locations. However, they’re not keen on extremely strong winds, so would benefit from a sheltered planting spot, while some mulch on their roots during winter would not go amiss, either. 5) Aloe polyphylla This stunning spiky specimen is known colloquially as the spiral aloe and it’s not difficult to see why. With five layers of stubby, egg-shaped leaves curling into an aesthetically pleasing spiral, it’s a form of the genus that’s beloved by gardeners across the globe. The symmetry of the rosette is particularly attractive in mature plants. It’s capable of reaching up to 50cm in height and double that in spread, while the yellow or purple tinge at the tip of its leaves adds another dimension to its appeal. For the best results, you might want to confine your Aloe polyphylla to a pot so that it can be moved indoors in the wintertime. During that period, treat it like you would any other houseplant, but it’ll handle outdoor conditions for most of the year without issue. 6) Eryngium planum ‘Blue Sea Holly’ Another European native, blue sea holly is a low-maintenance perennial that boasts tall flower stems shooting forth from dense clumps of dark green foliage at their base.2 At their head, conical flowerheads of a striking blue are surrounded by a bract collar of bluish-purple, white or silver, depending on the exact type. For this reason, they look somewhat akin to an oversized thistle, though the metallic glow that they take on in sunshine (changing hue depending on how the light catches them) sets them apart from their Scottish counterparts. They were once a fairly specialised commodity in the UK, making them tricky to get hold of, but these days they’re a common offering at garden centres around the country. They grow extremely quickly and will flower in the same year they’re planted, while they’re impressively resilient and long-lasting once established. 7) Agave americana As the name suggests, this popular agave is native to the USA and Mexico, meaning it’s not the most logical choice for UK planting. And while it won’t tolerate the colder climes of northern regions of the country, it’ll do just fine in warmer areas, especially if lent a helping hand. “Although it will cope with winter wet conditions in mild coastal areas, it can be damaged in colder regions of the UK,” adds Horticulturist Colin Skelly MHort (RHS). Agave americana ‘Variegata’ Mature specimens should be able to deal with the cold (but not the wet) weather, though you may wish to move them indoors if container-planted just to be on the safe side. Although that might sound like more effort than some of the others on this list, it’s well worth your exertion. The enormous rosette of elongated leaves, lined with dangerously barbed edges, are quite a sight to behold. At the same time, those patient enough to wait several decades for it to flower will be richly rewarded with green-yellow flowers, too. “The needle sharp, long leaf tips of the Agave americana can be very dangerous to work around,” warns Colin Skelly. “After painful first-hand experience when weeding around these plants, I save up some corks and place them on the leaf tips and then remove them when the work is complete. “This is also an option if the plant is near a path or you have young visitors to your garden.” 8) Opuntia howeyi Did you know that there are even species of cactus that can be cultivated in the UK? Opuntia howeyi is one of those, with its lemon chiffon flowers, spiky pads and red fruits making it much easier on the eyes than it is on skin contact! The multitude of spiky hairs that cover its leafy pads are easily dislodged when brushed against, then attaching themselves to the poor unfortunate who has upset them and causing the individual significant discomfort in the process. As such, consider planting them well back from paths to avoid accidental exposure. It’s fairly compact and shouldn’t spread too much more than 35cm, meaning it’s a good option for smaller gardens. It doesn’t like an excess of moisture, especially during winter, so take steps to keep it dry if you can. Other than that, it’ll handle neglect without too many problems. 9) Nolina nelsonii Another spiky plant from the north of Mexico, Nolina nelsonii is characterised by a sturdy trunk which can grow up to 2m in height. At its summit, it’s crowned by an impressive ball of protruding blue-green leaves that can reach 2m in diameter, as well. It’s known in some parts as the ‘Blue Beargrass Tree’ and despite its tropical origins, it’s developed to deal with British climes fairly well. Hardy up to -15°C, it demands good drainage and as much sun as you can afford it, but otherwise will thrive in most parts of the country. Its ability to deal with drought well makes it an ideal choice for drier soils in which other plants struggle. It’s also fairly fast growing and within a matter of years, you’ll have an impressive specimen on your hands. References 1. Trachycarpus wagnerianus. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=293639 2. Eryngium planum. (n.d.). North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eryngium-planum/
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10 Plants Mosquitos HATE According To Horticulture Specialist Gary Bachman
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Basil 2) Bergamot 3) Catnip 4) Citronella 5) Eucalyptus 6) Lavender 7) Lemongrass 8) Marigolds 9) Mint 10) Rosemary References Keep those pesky insects at bay with these mosquito-repellent plants. Perhaps the most notorious of all members of the insect kingdom, in the UK, there are 34 known species, and though they don’t carry the same maladies as in other parts of the globe, they can certainly be quite the nuisance. Indeed, their pesky presence during the summertime can turn basking in the sun from an indulgence into an ordeal for many British homeowners. According to research by MSU Horticulture specialist Gary Bachman and various authors at the USA National Institute of Health, some of the best plants to help to repel mosquitos include: Basil Bergamot Catnip Citronella Eucalyptus Lavender Lemongrass Marigolds Mint Rosemary Learn more about the effectiveness (and how to grow) each of these below. And remember that although the following plants aren’t 100% guaranteed to ward off mosquitos from your back garden, they certainly help to create a more hostile environment for these unwanted guests. 1) Basil As good for pasta as it is for pests One of the most popular herbs in the UK, basil is famous as a flavour enhancer for a range of culinary dishes, though it’s perhaps most closely associated with Italian cuisine. But did you know it’s also effective as a mosquito repellent? For best results, place a few basil plants throughout your house – preferably near doors and windows to deter mosquitos from entering the premises in the first place. They can survive outside, though they don’t tolerate frost and dislike waterlogged soil. 2) Bergamot Good for bees, bad for mosquitos Variously known as bergamot, wild bergamot, horsemint, monarda and bee balm, this colourful flower is also adept at discouraging the presence of unwanted insects in your back garden. As well as adding a splash of vibrancy to your outdoor display, bergamot will also attract butterflies and bees by the shedload. 3) Catnip More effective than DEET? While humans might be the preferred food source of mosquitos, they’re generally not that fussy. This means cats are at just as much risk of being bitten as we are. Thankfully, the same chemical (nepetalactone) in catnip which drives cats to distraction can help to keep them safe from the unwanted attention of mosquitos. It’s a good idea to plant several plants around your garden to keep the pests away. Just be mindful that the scent of catnip can turn cats into crazed maniacs, so be sure to plant them in areas that won’t overly attract felines. 4) Citronella The potent fragrance of citronella overpowers mosquitos Citronella is perhaps the plant on this list that is most used in commercial insect repellent products. As well as its extract being imbued in sprays and creams, it’s also widely used in candles to deter all sorts of winged interlopers. That’s because the strong lemon fragrance which the plant exudes is enough to overpower the sensitive senses of mosquitos and other insects. Since they rely on their sense of smell to detect the carbon dioxide (and sweat!) that humans emit, citronella can effectively mask our presence from them.1 Therefore, citronella is a strong choice for any garden environment which is plagued by bugs of all types. It can grow to a decent size but still does admirably well in pots, which may be sensible since it doesn’t do well with frosts. 5) Eucalyptus A mosquito repelling tree! A native of Australia, eucalyptus is perhaps most famous as the favoured foodstuff of koala bears. However, its oils also have a range of other benefits, including discouraging mosquitos, midges and ticks from setting up shop in your back garden. Be aware that eucalyptus trees can grow to almost 30m in height and not far off the same in spread, so bear that in mind when choosing a spot to plant it. You also don’t want to pick a variety that’s already taller than 1m before transplanting it to your garden, since this could run the risk of the foliage growing more quickly than the roots. Indeed, many people prefer to plant eucalyptus trees in pots rather than the ground due to their sensitivity to British frosts. This facilitates easy movement if they do need to be moved to sunnier spots or even indoors. 6) Lavender A comprehensive calming solution There’s nothing quite like the persistent buzzing of a mosquito to set your nerves on edge. So why not drive away their presence with one of the most calming horticultural essences known to man? Lavender has long been associated with instilling a sense of serenity in those exposed to its delightful aroma. It’s for this reason that it’s a common ingredient in many creams, lotions and scented candles. Despite this, and the fact that it’s irresistible to bees, butterflies and other pollinators, there are a litany of other insects which can’t stand its fragrance. These include moths, flies, fleas, spiders and – you guessed it – mosquitos, too. “Lavender would be my plant of choice for deterring mosquitoes,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Although, I fear I may have to sit in amongst it in my garden in summer to deter the mosquitoes. “Even if it wasn’t entirely successful, the calming smell would ease the irritation.” 7) Lemongrass Mosquitos presumably can’t stomach a good curry Perhaps most famous in the UK for its starring role in Asian (particularly Thai) cuisine, lemongrass is a great addition to curries, teas and soups. However, the citral oil found inside the plant is anathema to mosquitos, too. With that in mind, placing lemongrass around the home and garden is an excellent way to keep your property mosquito-free. Just be aware that due to its exotic origins, it won’t tolerate British winters well at all, so it’s best to keep it in containers to allow for easy transportation indoors during the colder months. While we’re on the subject of lemon plants, lemon balm, lemon thyme and lemon verbena are all other effective mosquito repellents that contain citral to varying degrees, as well. 8) Marigolds Not just a pretty face The distinctive rosette-shaped flowerheads of marigolds are ideal for adding some pizzazz to borders and flowering vegetable gardens. Yet they’re far more than just eye candy for green-fingered enthusiasts – some say they also contain “nature’s pesticide”. That’s because marigolds exude a pungent smell powered by the oil pyrethrum found within their flowers and foliage. Often used in organic pesticides, pyrethrum discourages the presence of not just mosquitos, but plenty of other pests as well.2 Aphids, whiteflies, nematodes and even deer and rabbits will all be repelled by its musky scent, while bees and butterflies find it irresistible. 9) Mint Mojitos not mosquitos Perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable fragrances in the world, mint is commonly used to flavour toothpastes, chewing gums and other cosmetics and culinary items. It’s fantastic in cocktails and salads, too. But while its culinary properties are well-documented, its ability to deter mosquitos is perhaps not quite common knowledge. There are a wide variety of different types of mint, including peppermint and spearmint to name but two, all of which are effective mosquito repellents. However, all mints are likely to spread through your garden like wildfire, so consider planting them in pots to restrict their movement and prevent a hostile takeover. 10) Rosemary Burn rosemary for an extra-effective mosquito deterrent Commonly added to chicken and lamb dishes to add an extra oomph of flavour, the delectable piney scent let off when rosemary is combusted is too much for mosquitos. That’s why burning it on the barbecue or simply by itself is an effective strategy for keeping them at arm’s length. Rosemary does prefer warmer temperatures, making it ideal for indoor cultivation, but it can handle the British climate just fine if treated appropriately. Just make sure it’s already well developed when planting outdoors and choose a sunny but sheltered spot that benefits from well-draining soil. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you may also be interested in our list of plants that deter bugs. References 1. Torgan, C. (2013, December 16). How Mosquitoes Detect People. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-mosquitoes-detect-people 2. Liu, F., Wang, Q., Xu, P., Andreazza, F., Valbon, W. R., Bandason, E., Chen, M., Li, H., Feng, B., Smith, L. B., Scott, J. G., Takamatsu, G., Ihara, M., Matsuda, K., S, K. J., Coats, J. R., Oliveira, E., Du, Y., & Dong, K. (2021). A dual-target molecular mechanism of pyrethrum repellency against mosquitoes. Nature Communications, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22847-0
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Here's An A-Z List Of Many Fruit Varieties - How Many Have You Tried?
IN THIS GUIDE An A-Z of fruit Apple Apricot Avocado Aubergine Banana Berries Blue Bean Fruit Butternut squash Cherries Chupa-chupa Crab apple Clementine Cucumber Courgette Custard apple Damsons Durian Dates Dragon fruit Eggfruit Entawak Fig Finger lime Grapefruit Grapes Guava Imbe Jackfruit Java apple Jambolan Jeruk limo Kiwi Kaffir lime Kumquat Lemon Lime Lychee Loquat Mango Mandarin Mangosteen Melon Nectarine Nyssa ogeche Nashi pear Olive Orange Papaya Persimmon Prickly pear Peach Pomegranate Pineapple Passion fruit Pluot Pear Pepper Pumpkin Pomelo Quince Rambutan Raisins Rose hips Star fruit Tomato Tangerine Tamarind Tamarillo Ugli fruit Voavanga Ximenia caffra fruit Yangmei Zig zag vine fruit That’s one heck of a fruit salad! References How many types of fruit can you think of? Fifteen? Twenty? At a push, we bet you’d struggle to think of more than forty. And does your list include different types of berry, or are you counting berries as one fruit? Then there are the fruits that most people would identify as vegetables – tomatoes being the prime example, but just one of a handful of sneaky fruits who fit this criterion. “In my garden, I grow strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries,” shares Journalist & Broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh. “I have grown a range of unusual fruits that are not regularly found in the supermarket,” says Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. “One I grew, Billardiera longiflora, has small, shiny purple fruits, which looked appealing, but had a dense, mealy flesh that was literally hard to swallow. I have had some strong successes with honeyberry, Lonicera caerulea, which has the flavour and appearance of blueberry but doesn’t need acidic soil. “A fruit is the ovary of a plant, existing to contain seeds. Sometimes other parts, besides the ovary, are included in the “fruit” – as with pineapples – and we call these accessory fruits. “The main categories of fruits are pomes, berries, drupes and hesperidia. Pomes, including apples, often have denser flesh as they are also accessory fruits – they’re not just formed from the soft ovary. “Berries usually contain multiple seeds from a single ovary. Drupes have a hard stone, so a single seed, like a cherry. As for hesperidia, they’re segmented fruits, usually of citrus plants.” An A-Z of fruit Below you’ll find 73 different fruits with a little information about each. Apple Commonplace spherical fruits, usually green or red or some combination of the two. These will be familiar to pretty much every Brit, whether picked from a tree or a supermarket shelf. Apricot Small, yellow-orange fruit usually with succulent sweet flesh, although sometimes dry and sour. Includes an inedible stone.1 Avocado A supposed favourite of the hipsters, this savoury fruit is technically a large berry with a single seed inside. Thought to hail from the Americas. Delicious in many formats Aubergine The first fruit in this list that masquerades as a vegetable, and it definitely tastes best cooked. Technically it’s a big berry!2 Banana Most bananas are genetically identical members of a specific genus, although other varieties exist including blue and even pink ones! Pink bananas! Berries Lumping together the common berries is a contentious decision, and we only made it because we’ve also written a comprehensive A-Z of berries. Berry interesting Blue Bean Fruit The long blue pods of Decaisnea fargesii split open to reveal a pale, melon-like flesh and a row of sparkling black seeds. It can be eaten raw or the high pectin content makes it good for jams and jellies. Butternut squash This pumpkin variant boasts a sweet nuttiness that lends itself best to savoury dishes, hence why butternuts live in the vegetable aisle. Cherries Prunus avium and P. cerasus are the two varieties you’ve probably tried, but there are tons of types of cherry. Small, red, and delicious. Chupa-chupa Quararibea cordata aka chupa-chupa is a yellow-orange seeded fruit with soft, sweet, juicy flesh. Looks a little like a fig. Not to be mistaken with Chupa-chups, the lollipop Crab apple A small variety of apple commonly seen in the UK, less familiar in food but still edible. Avoid the seeds and for best results cook first.3 They make fantastic jelly. Clementine This citrus fruit, technically a tangor, is a hybrid between an orange and a mandarin variety, named after the man who discovered it.4 Cucumber Long and green, and another resident of the veggie aisle that’s actually a fruit. Hails originally from South Asia but now loved worldwide. Hopefully people skimming don’t get too confused by all the ‘veggies’ Courgette This cucurbit is related to the cucumber, as you probably guessed, but also squashes and melons! Mature courgettes can be called marrows but technically they’re separate fruits. Custard apple Annona squamosa fruit AKA custard apple, sugar-apple or sweet-sop is a sweet and creamy tropical fruit with lots of segments. Worth a try Damsons Damsons are a variant of plum widely loved by foragers in the UK: they’re often too sour to eat raw but go a treat in jams, jellies and other home creations. Durian A tropical fruit notorious for its pungent aroma, to the degree that it’s banned from many hotels in Asia. Spiky, smelly, but also tasty. Dates Popular in Northern Africa and the Middle East, these dried fruits have a strong sweetness. Dragon fruit This vibrant-looking fruit is pink and fire-shaped with green tips – very exciting. Its subtle flesh with plenty of seeds goes great in a fruit salad. Stunning Eggfruit Pouteria campechiana is a South American tree whose fruit looks nothing like an egg.5 They’re sweet with a flavour echoing mango, sweet potato and various other fruits. Entawak Artocarpus anisophyllus is a very spiky, orangey red fruit. Inside you’ll find loads of seeds which are edible, and very tasty if roasted and tossed with salt. Fig This tree and its fruit are related to mulberries, and has been popular since ancient times (hence old sculptures using fig leaves to cover themselves in cartoons).6 Sweet and delicious. Finger lime Also known as the caviar lime because of the myriad small segments you’ll find inside, this citrus fruit is long, thin, and very unusual. “These segments squash in the mouth to give bursts of sharp flavour,” adds Peter. Fingers and caviar, what a treat Grapefruit The marmite of the fruit world, grapefruit is a big, bitter citrus that some people love enough to eat every day, while others spurn it for life. Grapes Green and black clusters of grapes are a common sight in UK supermarkets but this fruit comes in a spectrum of colours. Hugely popular worldwide in fruit form or, more so, in wine form. Guava This tropical fruit has a slightly floral flavour that makes it a popular treat in the regions it grows. You can find it in the UK but it’s less common than some other tropical fruits. Imbe Garcinia livingstonei is a fruit hailing from the southern regions of the African continent. The small orange fruits have peachy coloured flesh renowned for being very sour. Jackfruit This fruit is related to mulberries and figs but looks nothing like them. Instead, it’s a giant knobbly fruit filled with juicy, sweet flesh. Unusual but worth a look Java apple Syzygium samarangense, aka java apple, hails from Asia. The small red pear-shaped fruit with its white flesh can be sweet or sour, and is a little watery. Not very common here in the UK! Jambolan Syzygium cumini aka Java plum or jambolan is a tree which has small, purple fruits. Reputed to have a tart and sour flavour profile. Jeruk limo This small citrus resembles a common lime thanks to its inner segments, and is a popular way to bring aroma to dishes. Knobbly and seedy lime Kiwi The furry skin puts a lot of people off, but kiwis’ tangy sweetness rewards the effort. And guess what? You can eat the whole fruit with no ill effects, if you’re brave enough.7 Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix is often confused with jeruk limo, although it’s a different fruit. The fruit and leaves are great for bringing citrus aroma to dishes. Kumquat These small citrus fruits are interesting in that you can eat the skin as well as the fruit for a very intense, punchy citrus burst.8 Punchy and delicious Lemon Probably one of the most common citrus fruit thanks to its captivating and versatile flavour. Lemon works well in pretty much any style of cooking, from savoury to sweet, and even garnishing drinks. Lime A common citrus fruit you’ll find here in the UK: smaller and greener than lemons, and with their own subtle flavour. Lychee Small and covered in a thick red-pink skin, lychees are the quintessential exotic fruit. The white flesh is sweet and floral, making it delicious raw or incorporated into deserts. The seed and skin are inedible. AKA alligator strawberry Loquat This Chinese fruit is often grown ornamentally, but historically its leaves were sought after for tea.9 Fruits are small yellow pomes. Pomes are the same category of fruit as apples and pears. Mango Rich orange flesh wrapped in green-red skin, a ripe mango truly has a flavour to savour. Perhaps the most recognisable ‘tropical’ fruit. Mandarin This small citrus is considered a distinct species from the regular orange. Usually they’re smaller, sweeter, and far less acidic than their larger citrus cousins. Mangosteen Thick purple skin surrounds white, segmented flesh. This plant is hard to grow making the fruit fairly expensive, and not very commonplace as a result.10 Known as the queen of fruits Melon There are many types of melon, all of which are, technically speaking, a type of berry called “pepos”. You’re probably more familiar with names like honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon and others though. Nectarine These smooth-skinned fruits have flesh that’s either rock hard, or delightfully soft and juicy depending on the ripeness. The stone inside is inedible, so don’t try!11 Nyssa ogeche Another exotic tree also known as the white tupelo, river lime, or sour gum. The small, purple coloured fruit makes a good substitute for lime. Nashi pear Pyrus pyrifolia, aka Asian pear, Japanese pear, Chinese pear, or various other names depending on (presumably) the country where you found it. They have the crispness and shape of an apple, but are very much pears. A relative of the pear that looks more like an apple Olive Although they’re firm savoury favourites, olives are fruits most closely related to cherries, peaches, and other stone fruits in the drupe family. Do you prefer green or black though – that’s the question. Orange Oranges are the mother of all citrus fruits, and for good reason. They’re big, they’re juicy, and they’re delicious. Peeling off all the pith also keeps your hands busy for a while. Papaya Also known as the pawpaw, favourite of Baloo the bear from Jungle Book, this fruit is sweet and vibrant, and much loved around the world. Pick a pair of the big pawpaw, like Baloo told you Persimmon Disospyros kaki, or Oriental persimmon, is a vibrant orange fruit with shiny skin and a tuft of foliage at the top. Flavour-wise you can expect a sweetness akin to honey, in a fruit the size and shape of a salad tomato. Would probably do quite well in a tomato lookalike contest Prickly pear This cactus species is unusual in that humans eat the sweet fruit which looks, perhaps unsurprisingly, a little like a prickly pear might (if it were pink). Baloo also advises not to pick the prickly pear by paw Peach Like a slightly furrier nectarine, peaches are a mainstay of British fruit aisles thanks to their sweet and slightly tangy flesh. Lovely when perfectly ripened. Pomegranate If you like working hard to enjoy your fruit, here’s one for you. Pomegranates contain hundreds of tiny segments, each bursting with juice but each requiring manual excavation with a spoon or, if you’re feeling messy, a finger. Pineapple Tangy and delicious, and famous for the fact that pineapple digests you while you eat it (thanks to the enzyme bromelain it contains).12 We bet you didn’t know that pineapple grows in the ground, not on trees? Remember this at your next pub quiz Passion fruit Perhaps one of the prettiest fruits, this purple shell with its white pith and orange centre has a unique and completely delicious tropical flavour. A beautiful fruit. Pluot Mix plums and apricots and what do you get? Pluots. There are over 20 varieties, each with their own subtly different colour and flavour. Pear A British favourite, pears are delicious eaten raw (if sometimes a little powdery..?), but also goes a treat in crumbles, jams, chutneys, and if you’re feeling exotic, the alcoholic drink known as perry.13 Pepper Peppers and chillies are fruits as well, who’d have known? Both most commonly come in green, yellow, and red, but you can also find orange, purple, and even black varieties! Such a colourful family Pumpkin A member of the squash family that has become most famous for being hacked apart by children and adults alike each year at Halloween It’s quite a strange fate for a fruit, when you think about it. Pomelo This enormous citrus fruit sits above the grapefruit in the citrus evolutionary tree, and tastes fairly similar too.14 Most people are surprised at just how big pomelos are! Comfortably eclipses a grapefruit Quince This bright gold fruit looks like a pear, but is far more sour. To the point that not many people advocate eating it raw, preferring instead to use it in jams and similar.15 Rambutan These intriguing little fruits are covered in spiky pink tendrils, and have been described as having a taste something similar to grapes, perhaps with a more sour floral flavour in the mix. Similar to lychees Raisins Dry a grape for long enough and you’re left with a raisin. While it’s not technically its own fruit, raisins are popular all over the world so we thought it’d be rude to leave them out. Rose hips Rose hips can be eaten raw, but you need to avoid the hairs inside the fruit if so. Most people agree they’re better off in jams, syrups, or even tea.16 Star fruit Nature is an incredible thing, and the starfruit is a beautiful demonstration of the wonder it’s capable of. Slices of the fruit have a beautiful star shape. In terms of taste, the mild sour flavour isn’t that distinctive, but is still well regarded. Isn’t it beautiful? Tomato Tomatoes are the classic “aha!” vegetable, in that people delight in telling you they’re actually fruits. Next time you encounter someone like this, you can recount all the other various ‘vegetables’ that are actually fruits, and send them packing. Tangerine Tangerine is a type of orange that is sometimes treated as its own species, so depending on which side of that debate you align with, you may not consider it worthy of its own addition in this list. Tamarind This pungent, aromatic fruit is widely used for food flavourings. It is similar in structure to a bean pod. If you get a chance you can also try it dried: a delicious if incredibly sour snack. Sour tamarind candies: an eye-opening (and eye-watering) experience Tamarillo The small, egg-shaped fruits of the tamarillo plants are primarily tangy with occasional sweetness depending how ripe they are. The flavour is known for being very bold. They’re similar in shape, structure and genetics to a tomato. Ugli fruit This unflatteringly named plant is a big citrus fruit that arose as a natural hybrid of oranges and grapefruits. It’s also known, perhaps more fairly, as a tangelo. U G L I, you ain’t got no alibi, you ugli Voavanga Vangueria madagascariensis has many names, but voavanga is perhaps the most common. This fruit is orange, ovular and tastes a little like an apple. It’s not achieved as much global renown as some other exotic fruits, however. Ximenia caffra fruit AKA the sourplum, the fruit of this tree is small and orange or red in colour. It’s very sour, hence the name. Yangmei Myrica rubra is another fruit with several names, many of which allude to its flavour: something similar to raspberry or strawberry, with a slightly more herbal undercurrent. It has a raspberry like shape, colour and size. The flavour varies depending on the level of ripeness. Looks delicious, no? Zig zag vine fruit The final fruit in our list is a small orange contender that hails from Malesia and parts of Australia.17 Its sherbety flavour makes it a popular treat, and it’s also used to create tangy sauces. It has cylindrical, eye-catching orange fruits. That’s one heck of a fruit salad! There you have it: 72 of Earth’s numerous fruits. While there are undoubtedly more fruits than those in our list, the selection above is an expansive cross-section of the most popular in various regions around the world. References 1. Apricot kernels and apple and pear seeds are unsafe to eat. (2021, August 11). Ministry for Primary Industries. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/safe-eat/apricot-and-peach-kernels-and-apple-and-pear-seeds-are-unsafe-to-eat/ 2. Abadi, M. (2018, June 24). 14 vegetables that are actually fruits. Business Insider. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.businessinsider.com/fruits-and-vegetables-difference-2018-6?r=US&IR=T#eggplant-7 3. WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2021, May 10). Can You Eat Crab Apples? WebMD. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/can-you-eat-crab-apples#1 4. Gilad, E. (2013, November 21). Klementina: The fruit named for a French missionary in Algeria. Haaretz.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.haaretz.com/2013-11-21/ty-article/.premium/word-of-the-day-klementina/0000017f-da73-d432-a77f-df7b191c0000 5. Baehni, K. (n.d.). Pouteria campechiana. Plants for a Future. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pouteria+campechiana 6. Gotthardt, A. (2018, April 5). Why Fig Leaves Cover the Private Parts of Classical Sculptures. Artsy. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-fig-leaf-story-sin-censorship-catholic-church 7. Julson, E. (2018, April 11). Can You Eat Kiwi Skin? Healthline. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-kiwi-skin 8. McCulloch, M. (2018, July 2). What Are Kumquats Good for and How Do You Eat Them? Healthline. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kumquat 9. Liu, Y., Zhang, W., Xu, C., & Li, X. (2016). Biological Activities of Extracts from Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.): A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(12), 1983. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17121983 10. Peng, J. (2022, September 29). The Real Reason Mangosteen Is So Expensive. Tasting Table. Retrieved June 5, 2023, from https://www.tastingtable.com/1032433/the-real-reason-mangosteen-is-so-expensive/ 11. Fruit Pits. (2022, January 24). Missouri Poison Center. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/fruit-pits/ 12. Science Meets Food. (2019, November 26). Bromelain in Pineapple or Why Pineapples Sting Our Tongue. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://sciencemeetsfood.org/bromelain-in-pineapple/ 13. Beckett, F. (2020, November 6). ’Tis the season to drink perry. The Guardian. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/nov/06/perry-pear-cider-round-up-fiona-beckett-drinks 14. Wu, G. A., Terol, J., Ibanez, V., López-García, A., Pérez-Román, E., Borredá, C., Domingo, C., Tadeo, F. R., Carbonell-Caballero, J., Alonso, R., Curk, F., Du, D., Ollitrault, P., Roose, M. L., Dopazo, J., Gmitter, F. G., Rokhsar, D. S., & Talon, M. (2018). Genomics of the origin and evolution of Citrus. Nature, 554(7692), 311–316. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature25447 15. McCandlish, L. (2009, November 11). Demystifying The Quince. NPR. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2009/11/11/120288799/demystifying-the-quince?t=1639934900188 16. Harford, R. (2022, August 17). Everything You Need to Know About Rosehips. Eat Weeds. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/rosehip-faq 17. Melodorum leichhardtii. (n.d.). Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Melodorum+leichhardtii
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An A-Z List Of Mushroom Varieties - Try Spot These While You're Out And About
IN THIS GUIDE An A-Z Of Edible Mushroom Varieties Amethyst Deceiver Aniseed Funnel / Blue-Green Funnel Autumn Chanterelle Bay Bolete Beefsteak Fungus / Ox’s Tongue Blusher Brown Birch Roughstalk / Brown Birch Bolete Cauliflower Fungus Cep / Porcini / Penny Bun Bolete Chanterelle / Girolle Charcoal Burner / Blue-Yellow Brittle Gill / Parrot Russula Chicken Of The Woods / Sulphur Polypore Common Funnel Common Puffball Crimson Waxcap Cow Bolete / Bovine Bolete Deceiver Deer Shield / Fawn Shield Cap Dryad’s Saddle Fairy Ring Champignon Field Blewit / Blue Leg Field Mushroom Flesh-Brown Blewit Giant Puffball Glistening Inkcap Great Wood Mushroom / Scaly Wood Mushroom Hen Of The Woods Honey Fungus / Boot-Lace Fungus Jew’s Ear / Ear Fungus Larch Bolete Matt Bolete Meadow Puffball Meadow Waxcap / Buff Meadow Cap Morel Mosaic Puffball Oak Bolete Ochre Brittle Gill / Common Yellow Brittle Gill Orange Birch Roughstalk Orange Peel Fungus Oyster Mushroom Parasol Mushroom Pestle Puffball Red Cracking Bolete Saffron Milkcap / Red Cracking Bolete Scarlet Waxcap Shaggy Inkcap / Lawyer’s Wig Shaggy Parasol Slender Parasol Slippery Jack Snowy Waxcap St George’s Mushroom Stump Puffball Terracotta Wood Urchin / Terracotta Hedgehog The Miller The Prince Trooping Funnel Two-Toned Scalehead / Sheathed Woodtuft / Velvet Toughshank Velvet Shank Velvet Shield Wood Blewit Wood Mushroom Wood Urchin / Pied De Mouton / Wood Hedgehog Spending Time With The Fungis References Have you ever looked carefully at the ground (or the bases of trees) when walking through woodland? If so you’ve probably seen just how many different types of mushroom there are. It’s quite incredible when you notice the medley of shapes, sizes, colours and, if you’re particularly observant – textures and smells. There’s not mushroom for anything else in that bowl! Some mushrooms – like ceps, girolles, morels and similar – are renowned for being delicious. However, it’s really important that if you do fancy foraging yourself a basketful of mushrooms like those above, that you have the relevant expertise on hand. Whether this is a qualified mushroom picker, a well-recommended book, or your own expertise: just make sure you’re not going in blind. If you’re planning to go foraging for wild mushrooms we strongly recommend going with an expert who can confirm the safety of what you’re picking. To quote WildFoodUK: “don’t consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% sure of what they are…this is the most important rule”.1 An A-Z Of Edible Mushroom Varieties Below you’ll find 62 edible mushrooms, each of which has been cross-referenced against the National Library of Medicine’s study into edible mushroom species234 These have been arranged alphabetically by their common names. Some have several names, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for straight away, hit ctrl+f and type the name in the search bar: you may see it listed by another common name instead. Amethyst Deceiver A lilac mushroom that’s very common in woodland settings. Discard the stem before cooking, and don’t expect too much in terms of flavour! Season: Jul-Dec Aniseed Funnel / Blue-Green Funnel A pale blue mushroom with a wavy rim, commonly found in deciduous woods and tasting strongly of aniseed (hence the name!) Season: Aug-Nov Autumn Chanterelle Dark brown with distinctive gill ridges, common in woodland, and closely related to the famed chanterelle used often in cuisine. Season: Sep-Nov Bay Bolete Light brown underneath with a dark brown cap, very common in mixed woodland and tasty when used in cooking. Season: Aug-Nov Bay boletes ready to be ‘ate’ Beefsteak Fungus / Ox’s Tongue Broad-capped and deep red-brown in colour. Frequently found on oak and chestnut trees, although nothing to write home about in terms of flavour. Season: Jul-Oct Good eatin’ Blusher Edible but must be par-boiled then cooked again separate to the water. White in colour with faded pink shading, common in woodland. Season: Jul-Nov Brown Birch Roughstalk / Brown Birch Bolete Nicely flavoured but a bit slimy in texture, this off-white, walnutty brown mushroom works well in soups. Common near birch trees. Season: Jul-Oct Cauliflower Fungus Clean this large, pale cream-coloured mushroom thoroughly to remove dirt and debris from its fronds. Frequently found around pines. Season: Sep-Nov Is it a cloud? Is it a brain? No! It’s a fungus! Cep / Porcini / Penny Bun Bolete One of the most popular mushrooms thanks to its delicious flavour and wide versatility. Bottom-heavy base with a distinctive stem and a round brown cap. Frequent in mixed woodland. Season: Jul-Nov Sought after for its deliciousness Chanterelle / Girolle Common in cooking thanks to its great flavour. You’ll see its wavy yellow gills and stem on many a Masterchef bench! Season: Jun-Nov Great with butter and onion Charcoal Burner / Blue-Yellow Brittle Gill / Parrot Russula Atop a white stem sits a cap which can be dark brown, wine, olive, or a mixture. Common around deciduous trees. Season: Jul-Nov Chicken Of The Woods / Sulphur Polypore Don’t be fooled by the name: this isn’t poultry. Although apparently it tastes like it! Orange yellow profusions with no stem make this a visually intriguing mushroom. Common on oak and yew. Season: May-Sep An unusual specimen Common Funnel A white brown mushroom found commonly on the ground in deciduous woodland, the irregular shaped cap is slightly darker than the stem. Season: Aug-Dec Common Puffball The domed cap gives this puffed mushroom its name, and its weak flavour explains its lack of reputation. Very common in mixed woodland. Season: Jul-Oct Crimson Waxcap The red, frilly cap sitting atop a yellowy stem makes this an eye-catching mushroom. Common in pasture land. Season: Sep-Nov Cow Bolete / Bovine Bolete The colour of straw, this small mushroom is common near pine trees. Grows olive coloured as it matures. Season: Sep-Dec Deceiver A wavy tan mushroom with a frilly cap commonly found in groups in woodland. Doesn’t have the strongest flavour so mix with other mushrooms if cooking. Season: Aug-Nov Deer Shield / Fawn Shield Cap A tightly domed dark grey cap that flattens and browns as the mushroom matures, commonly found on rotting wood. Tasty but sharp if too mature. Season: Apr-Nov Dryad’s Saddle Can be very big: the cap has distinctive concentric ring markings, and this mushroom is very common on deadwood. Young mushrooms are edible; older ones are tough. Season: May-Aug Nature’s pancake. Or maybe crumpet? Fairy Ring Champignon Light brown in colour with bell-shaped caps that flatten with age. Frilly underneath. Very common on short grass. Season: May-Nov Field Blewit / Blue Leg Grey brown with paler edges, fairly large, good flavour although must be cooked thoroughly. Frequently found at woodland edges. Season: Sep-Dec Field Mushroom This white mushroom with deep brown fronds under its cap is very common in pasture land, and looks similar to common mushrooms you’ll find in the supermarket. Season: Jul-Nov Flesh-Brown Blewit A slightly unusual name that brings to mind death, but tasty when cooked (don’t eat raw!). Lilac and brown colouration, rare and grows mainly on rotting plant matter. Season: Sep-Dec Giant Puffball Up to 80cm in diameter, this mushroom deserves its name! Shaped like a ball and white in colour, tastes great when sliced and fried. Season: Jul-Oct One of the more unusual mushrooms you’ll encounter Glistening Inkcap Small and resembling bells, these brown mushrooms are very common on dead wood. Only pick and eat those with white gills, as other colours suggest too much age. Season: Apr-Oct Great Wood Mushroom / Scaly Wood Mushroom This frequently found mushroom tastes and behaves similarly to farmed mushrooms on supermarket shelves. Slightly less regular in shape, browner in colour. Season: Aug-Oct The wilder cousin of the supermarket mushroom Hen Of The Woods A central stem provides support for lots of grey brown, wavy-margined caps. Grows on bases of oak and beech trees. Only collect and eat young mushrooms as older ones smell and taste bad. Season: Aug-Nov Honey Fungus / Boot-Lace Fungus Honey coloured, hence the name, and grows in big bunches. It’s recommended to only pick young mushrooms. Season: Aug-Nov Jew’s Ear / Ear Fungus Despite the archaic name and lack of flavour, this mushroom is used a lot for texture in Asian cooking. Common on dead wood. Notable rubbery texture. Season: All year It does look a little like an ear Larch Bolete Yellow cap with irregular angling, and a slightly paler stem, this is frequently found near larch trees. Wipe the yellow off the cap before using in cooking. Season: Aug-Nov Matt Bolete A yellow bolete with tiny red dots on it, commonly found in deciduous woods. It’s edible but is not the most favoured of the bolete varieties. Season: Jul-Nov Meadow Puffball Check white throughout before cooking, as colouration indicates unsuitability. Much smaller than other puffballs, common in woodland border. Season: Jul-Nov Puff the Magic Mushroom Meadow Waxcap / Buff Meadow Cap A mild flavoured mushroom that improves the longer it’s cooked. Small, apricot coloured and with distinct ridges beneath cap. Common in woodland edges. Season: Sep-Nov Morel The gourmands among you will recognise this popular, delicious mushroom, favoured by chefs around the world. Clean thoroughly before serving. Season: Apr-Jun Distinctive, delicious Mosaic Puffball As with the meadow puffball, check for white colouration throughout and discard if absent. Grows 5-12cm in diameter. Frequently found in grass. Season: Jun-Nov Oak Bolete Another bolete with lemon yellow colouration on a cap with variable colours. Rare, found near oak. Edible, and behaves similarly to porcini mushrooms in recipes. Season: Aug-Oct Ochre Brittle Gill / Common Yellow Brittle Gill Cap flattens with age and has a lower centre. This pale cream mushroom has a bitterness that can be removed by parboiling, but may put people off. Very common at ground level in mixed woodland. Season: Aug-Nov Orange Birch Roughstalk Dome-shaped cap which can have scales, commonly found beneath birch trees. This large mushroom is best sliced before drying or cooking to ensure consistency. Season: Jul-Nov Orange Peel Fungus This unusually shaped mushroom is rich orange and definitely resembles orange peel. Grows on earth or grass, and is a great way to bring colour to mushroom dishes. Cook for a long time to soften. Season: Jun-Oct Who threw their orange peel on the ground?! Oyster Mushroom Very common in Asian cooking, this mushroom usually has a wavy cap and varies a lot in colour. Commonly found on trunks or stumps of deciduous trees. Season: All year Well-loved around the world Parasol Mushroom A great flavour makes this mushroom – with its unusual egg-shaped cap that opens into a parasol shape – a popular addition to cooked dishes. Get rid of the stems and focus on the cap. Common in pasture land. Season: Jul-Oct From egg to umbrella Pestle Puffball Starting white and getting darker with age, this mushroom has little width difference between cap and stem. Common in woodland, but only edible when white throughout. Season: Aug-Nov Red Cracking Bolete Yet another bolete, this brown specimen with yellow stem is common near deciduous trees. It’s not the most appetising mushroom thanks to its tendency to turn to mush when cooked. Season: Aug-Nov Saffron Milkcap / Red Cracking Bolete This mushroom turns dishes bright orange, so use with caution. The saffron coloration gives it its name, and you’ll find this at ground level near pines quite often. Season: Aug-Oct Scarlet Waxcap Another colourful specimen, this bright red bell-shaped mushroom might initially not look edible. It is, however, and you’ll find it commonly in pasture land. Season: Sep-Nov Red is usually a warning not to eat. Not here, though. Shaggy Inkcap / Lawyer’s Wig A tall, white mushroom that gradually turns black with age. Only edible when white. Very commonly found on grass, especially near paths. Season: Aug-Nov Shaggy Parasol Another that turns from egg shaped to parasol shape as it ages. White with mottling on the cap and blemishes along the stem. Season: Jun-Oct Evolution of parasol Slender Parasol Taller and thinner than other parasol varieties, as you’d expect from the name. A flatter cap, too. Frequent at ground level in open woods. Edible but not particularly exciting. Season: Aug-Nov Slippery Jack This intriguingly named fellow gets slimy if wet and stays shiny while dry. Chestnut coloured cap with yellow stem that browns with age. Common at ground level near pine trees. Season: Sep-Nov A notoriously slippery fella Snowy Waxcap Small, white, with fronds beneath the cap. Very common in pasture land, and edible but not hugely exciting in terms of flavour. Season: Sep-Nov St George’s Mushroom Just how St George came to possess this mushroom isn’t clear, but the white cap with its slightly wavy rim is distinctive. Common at the edges of woodland, edible but not renowned for much flavour. Season: Apr-Jun Stump Puffball A small member of the puffball family: white, spherical cap with a short stem that grows very commonly on dead wood. Check for white colouration throughout: discard if not present. Season: Jul-Nov Terracotta Wood Urchin / Terracotta Hedgehog The orange-brown cap gives this mushroom its name, and the spines beneath the cap (more rigid than gills) make it distinctive. Common at ground level in woodland. Season: Jul-Nov The Miller A diminutive but tasty mushroom with pale grey coloration and an off-centre stem. Has a distinctive scent and is common in grassy areas of woodland. Season: Jul-Nov Clitopilus prunulus AKA ‘The Miller’. We don’t know either. The Prince Fairly large with a yellow brown cap with scales. Tall stem, slightly scaly here as well. Almond scent distinguishes this mushroom. Rare, found in woodland settings. Season: Aug-Oct Trooping Funnel A dome cap that flattens with maturity, with the edges eventually pointing upward, hence the funnel name. Frequently found in open woodland. Season: Sep-Nov Dome on the left, funnel on the right Two-Toned Scalehead / Sheathed Woodtuft / Velvet Toughshank Grows in huge bunches, this mushroom sports a bell-shaped cap that eventually flattens. Ochre with orangey colouration, and an edge that delineates the two colours. Common in clumps, grows on dead deciduous wood. Season: May-Dec Velvet Shank A sticky feel distinguishes this mushroom, which is orange and fades into white. Also common on dead deciduous wood. Known as one of a handful of edible mushrooms that grow through winter. Season: Sep-Mar Velvet Shield A brown, ridged cap that starts as a shallow dome and flattens with maturity. The white stem has brown scales, and you’ll see this mushroom occasionally on dead deciduous wood. Season: Aug-Nov Wood Blewit Unusual colouration with brown mixed with purple. This has a great flavour but also enjoys growing in compost heaps, so you decide whether you can stomach it! Season: Sep-Dec Wood Mushroom Seen occasionally in mixed woodland, this mushroom tastes and behaves just like a mushroom you’d find in the supermarket. Looks similar too, with a slightly more domed cap. Season: Aug-Nov Keep an eye out for these: they’re good ones Wood Urchin / Pied De Mouton / Wood Hedgehog Colour includes pink and orange, and the cap has unusual edges. Can have more than one cap per stem. Commonly found on the ground in both deciduous and coniferous woodland. Season: Jul-Nov Spending Time With The Fungis As you can see, there are a phenomenal amount of mushrooms out there. And this list only includes edible ones, so it’s important that we emphasise again the importance of only picking and eating what you are sure is safe to pick and eat. Some edible mushrooms can still cause problems, which is a good indication of how careful you need to be. That said, picking mushrooms with an experienced forager (or, as an experienced forager yourself) is a deeply rewarding pastime. “I’ve been out mushrooming with a local foraging expert a few times and I’d definitely recommend it to get your eye in with identification as some do and don’t eats can be quite similar – a mistake you might regret!” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are also good at knowing where to look for the tastiest ones.” They are endlessly versatile, often surprisingly delicious, and readily available for much of the year. If you enjoy walking in the woods anyway, keep your eyes peeled next time and see what you can find! References 1. Biggane, E. (2014, April 29). How to Tell the Difference Between Poisonous and Edible Mushrooms. Wild Food UK. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.wildfooduk.com/articles/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-poisonous-and-edible-mushrooms/ 2. Li, H., Tian, Y., Menolli, N., Ye, L., Karunarathna, S. C., Perez-Moreno, J., Rahman, M. M., Rashid, H., Phengsintham, P., Rizal, L. M., Kasuya, T., Lim, Y. J., Dutta, A. K., Khalid, A. N., Huyen, L. T. T., Balolong, M. P., Baruah, G., Madawala, S., Thongklang, N., . . . Mortimer, P. E. (2021). Reviewing the world’s edible mushroom species: A new evidence‐based classification system. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 20(2), 1982–2014. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12708 3. Edible wild mushrooms. (n.d.). Foraging Guide. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.foragingguide.com/mushrooms/edible_by_common_name 4. Wild UK Mushrooms (Fungi): Guide to Identification & Picking. (2023, February 13). Wild Food UK. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/
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An A-Z List Of 46 Popular Flower Types - How Many Have You Heard Of?
IN THIS GUIDE African Lily Bellflower Bergamot Bird Of Paradise Black-Eyed Susan Bluebell Broom Buttercup Butterfly Bush Carnation Columbine Chrysanthemum Crocus Daffodil Daphne Daylily Evening Primrose Forget-Me-Not Foxglove Gladiola Hyacinth Iris Larkspur Lavender Lilac Lily Lily Of The Valley Love In A Mist Marigold Mimosa Monkshood Moth Orchid Peony Peruvian Lily Petunia Rose Sea Lavender Snake’s Head Fritillary Snapdragon St John’s Wort Sunflower Sweet Pea Tansy Thistle Tulip Windflower References Have you ever been stumped as to the name of a particular flower in your garden or around your home? This alphabetical list of the most popular flower names from across the UK should help to set you right. Poets such as William Wordsworth, Bill Shakespeare and Samuel Taylor Coleridge have all but exhausted the English language extolling the virtues of a garden in full bloom. But all their words would be for nothing without the names by which we identify these handsome horticultural specimens. It makes sense, then, for any green-fingered devotee to learn the names of the floral beauties which catch their eyes. Not only does it greatly facilitate finding new additions to your outdoor display, but it also provides you with the vocabulary necessary to boast about them to your friends, neighbours and anyone else who will listen. “Where do I start when picking my favourite plant?” asks Gardener Alan Titchmarsh. “Japanese maples, peonies, old-fashioned roses, hostas, ferns and scented-leaved pelargoniums are all up there!” Without further ado, then, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular flower names from across the British Isles, with their botanical names included for an additional frisson of informational intrigue. African Lily Agapanthus Variously known as Lily of the Nile, African Lily or Agapanthus, this stunning flower comes in a variety of sizes and colours. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to a border or container, while some strains are even evergreen. Bellflower Campanula As the name suggests, most bellflower varieties adopt a bell-shaped structure, though there are some which resemble flattened stars when in full bloom. They’re easy to grow and available in a range of hues, making them a popular choice across the country. Bergamot Monarda Easily distinguishable by its unique curving petals that grow tendril-like from the central flowerhead, bergamot has aromatic foliage that is often picked for use as potpourri. It enjoys an exceptionally long flowering season when deadheaded regularly, making it a great choice for an extended display. Bird Of Paradise Strelitzia The eye-catching blossoms of this native to southern Africa have earned it its deceptive moniker – as well as widespread popularity around Britain. However, its exotic origins mean it won’t tolerate night-time temperatures of below 10°C, so it’s really only suited to the conservatory or greenhouse in the UK. Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia With towering upright stems topped by bulbous flowerheads and starry petals, rudbeckias look great in borders, beds and containers. Annuals come in a variety of different colours, but perennials almost invariably take on the distinctive yellow mantle shown above. Bluebell Hyacinthoides A common sight in shaded woodlands or meadows across the UK, bluebells make for an excellent choice underneath trees or tall shrubs. Grown from bulbs, they demand little in the way of maintenance and dazzle with their blue blossoms in the springtime. Broom Genista Virtually synonymous with rugged Scottish landscapes, broom is found throughout the UK growing freely wherever the fancy takes it. It carries a faintly fruity aroma and makes for a pleasing addition to a border or as a standalone shrub. “The tree I can’t live without is the Genista aetnensis, which is the Mount Etna broom,” shares Garden Designer Jinny Blom. “It’s in flower in June and July, which is rare for trees and shrubs, and the smell is so amazing. It’s a light tree and doesn’t cast much shade. It’s quite weak-rooted but very tough. “It’s yellow in flower and the smell just fills the whole garden. I’ve always had one and the two that I’ve got at the moment I grew from seed.” Buttercup Ranunculus Hardy little critters, buttercups are found in meadows, marshlands and pastures across Britain. They’re also able to withstand the blades of a lawnmower, which means they crop up in domestic lawns, too. A favourite of children for their alleged ability to tell whether someone likes butter or not. Butterfly Bush Buddleja As an easy-going shrub that demands little attention but brings in pollinators by the shedload, buddlejas are a favourite among gardeners up and down the country. They carry a mild honeyed scent and are available in a range of colours, meaning it’s easy to tie them in with your existing aesthetic. Carnation Dianthus Although carnations are perhaps most commonly seen on the lapels of wedding-goers, they are a vibrant garden choice in their own right. With lush foliage and bright floral blooms, these semi-hardy perennials will make an attractive addition to any outdoor display. Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris Equally at home among the damp environs of fens and woodlands as they are on airy mountain slopes, columbines are cherished as a garden plant, too. The bonnet-like blossoms add a splash of colour to a border in summer, while they’ll also attract bees and butterflies to your property, too. Chrysanthemum Asteraceae There are few flowers more immediately recognisable than the bright and bouncy rosettes of chrysanthemums. Although they’re fussy plants which require handling with protective gloves – especially when dealing with “late chrysanthemums” – they will reward the effort invested in them with beautiful displays in late summer and autumn. Crocus Iridaceae Crocus generally blossom in late winter and early spring, bringing a dash of much-needed vitality to borders and rockeries at a time when everything else is still shaking off its slumber. Daffodil Narcissus Associated with the month of March, daffodils are spring bloomers that are among the most popular bulbed plants throughout the world. The distinctive trumpet-like structure of their blossoms is offset perfectly by the dual tones of yellow which characterise most strains. Daphne Daphne Though small in stature, daphnes are big on impact. Their diminutive clusters of delicate flowerheads are pleasing on the eye, while their delectable fragrance is a draw for the nostrils, too. Ideal for smaller gardens, mixed borders or even window boxes. Daylily Hemerocallis Daylilies are as lovely as they are short-lived. The clue is in the title: most species wither the same day as they bloom. With a wide range of colours to choose from, and repeated blossoms expected through the year, however, they’re still a hugely popular choice for any back garden display. Evening Primrose Oenothera A native of North America, evening primrose was first naturalised in the UK in the 1600s. It’s so named for the bright yellow blooms which only unfurl themselves in the evening, drawing drowsy bees and butterflies to wildlife gardens across the country. Forget-Me-Not Myosotis Perhaps the most romantically named of all the entrants on this list, forget-me-nots are a bold and vibrant spring flower. Their sizable green foliage serves as the perfect backdrop for the brilliance of their pastel blue flowers, hanging in the air like an unforgettably arresting cloud of petals. Foxglove Digitalis Characterised by spires of tubular flowers in pink, purple, yellow or white, foxglove plants are almost universally loved for their architectural and aesthetic appeal. Gladiola Gladiolus These impressive specimens hail from South Africa, western Asia and the Mediterranean, depending on the particular cultivar. With over 300 to choose from, you’re sure to find one which complements your existing colour scheme, though most Gladiola varieties grown today are modern hybrids. Hyacinth Hyacinthus The delightful star-shaped flowers of the hyacinth plant are crowded so tightly on their stems that there’s little elbow room between them. This, coupled with their pleasing aroma, is what makes them such a popular option in borders, pots or as cut flowers indoors. Iris Iridaceae Irises generally come in two varieties: those grown from rhizomes and those grown from bulbs. The former boast sword-shaped leaves while the latter are more lance-like in their structure, but both varieties come in a full spectrum of wonderful colours for their spring blooms. Larkspur With sturdy, upright stems and intensely bright flowers, larkspurs are a favourite for cottage gardens around the UK. Not only do they add dramatic height and colourful flair, but they’re also a magnet for bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space.1 They’re also easy to grow in containers. Lavender Lavandula This fragrant evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean is renowned for its calming qualities. It’s versatile enough to work as a hedge, wildlife garden or potted plant, depending on the variety selected. For the most easily-maintained results, choose a hardy or half-hardy cultivar. Lilac Syringa Available as both a shrub and a tree, lilac is a classic staple of gardens all over Britain. Its versatility means it can work equally well in a container as it can in the ground, while its soft pastel tones and subtle fragrance bring a touch of elegance and class to any environment. Lily Lilium Instantly recognisable by their distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, lilies are a positively charming addition to any garden. There are an extensive number of varieties available, some of which are capable of exceeding 6m in height, so be prepared for that eventuality when selecting your specimen. Lily Of The Valley Convallaria majalis By contrast, lily of the valley is a humble spreader which won’t get ideas above its station, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. The dainty hanging flowers and the intoxicating aroma mean that it’s popular throughout the British Isles. Love In A Mist Nigella This imaginatively titled flower is almost as impressive to look at as its moniker suggests. With fanned blue petals sitting atop a bed of spiky green fronds and presenting intricately shaped stamen, it’s an eye-catcher for sure. A native of Mediterranean and North African climes, it’s taken to the British weather remarkably well and requires little in the way of maintenance. Marigold Calendula These cheerful annuals are hardy enough and will tolerate mild frosts, before bursting into life in summer with their bold and vivid blooms. The flowers of marigolds are edible and are often used as a garnish for salads, cocktails and other culinary concoctions.2 Mimosa Acacia Originally from Australia, mimosas are available as trees, shrubs and climbers, though the former is the most commonly found variety in the UK. When planting, make sure you have enough space to accommodate your tree, since some strains can grow up to 12m in height and a similar spread. Monkshood Aconitum Also known as wolf’s bane, this plant is a close relative of larkspur. It’s a beautiful plant to include in your garden display. Moth Orchid Phalaenopsis One of the most readily available types of orchid in the UK, moth orchids are particular about the climatic conditions of their surroundings. For that reason, they’re generally an indoor plant in Britain, but there is a wide array of varieties available in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that complements the feng shui of your home. Peony Paeonia With some varieties offering blooms the size of dinner plates, peonies are among the most ostentatious garden flowers available. They generally come as herbaceous (which die away in winter) or tree (which maintain their upright demeanour but lose their flowers and foliage), though a hybrid of both is less commonly found, too. Peruvian Lily Alstroemeria As the name suggests, Peruvian lilies hail from South America. But despite their exotic origins, they cope with the British climate remarkably well and most gardeners find them both hardy and easy to grow. They come in a wide variety of colours and styles, all of which make for excellent cut flowers as well as garden additions. Petunia Solanaceae Another native of South America, petunias don’t handle British frosts quite as impressively as Peruvian lilies. Nonetheless, they remain a popular choice due to their knack for consistently creating a colourful bed of blossoms during the summer months. Lots of colours and flower shapes to choose from. Rose Rosaceae This far-reaching family of plants contains more than 3,000 members, including well-loved fruits such as apples, raspberries and strawberries. But it’s the humble rose which steals the majority of the headlines, of course, in part thanks to the scribblings of the Bard and his brethren. By any other name, it would still smell as sweet – but would it still be a rose?3 Sea Lavender Limonium The foliage of sea lavender is almost as big a draw as its flowers, given that many varieties will change colour throughout the year. Having said that, it’s certainly the papery petals of its flowerheads which steal the show in midsummer, while they also hold their colour and fragrance remarkably well when cut, making them an ideal choice for bringing indoors, too. Snake’s Head Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris One glance at the blooms of this unique plant will leave you in no doubt as to why it has earned its common name. Not only are the shape of its petals reminiscent of a viper’s head, but all varieties, regardless of their particular colour, carry an unmistakably checked pattern that recalls the mottled skin of a slithering snake. Snapdragon Antirrhinum Easy to grow and guaranteed to add a splash of colour and architectural intrigue, snapdragons are favourites among old-fashioned cottage garden aesthetics. Their flowering period is more prolonged than many of their counterparts, with blossoms (and the bees and butterflies they attract) going the distance from early June until late October. St John’s Wort Hypericum One of the most versatile flowers on this list, St John’s wort can be evergreen or deciduous, annual or perennial and a shrub or a tree. Whichever you opt for, you can expect showy yellow flowers that are revered for their aesthetic qualities. Sunflower Helianthus Their easy-going nature, oversized stature and iconic flowerheads make sunflowers an ideal growing project with younger members of the household. Although they are famously associated with brown and yellow blooms, there are other varieties that offer green, white and red flowers, too. Sweet Pea Lathyrus Sweet peas are just as effective as border plants as they are terms of endearment. Although they don’t bear any edible produce, they do boast colourful blooms in a range of colours and look especially impressive when several tones are combined in a single display. They also have a powerful and pleasing fragrance, too, with even just one vase of cut sweet peas enough to perfume a room. Tansy Tanacetum The bulbous, button-like flowerheads of the tansy plant, with their unmistakable yellow colouring, have meant they have been incorporated into many a decorative garden display. Thistle This iconic flower is the symbol of Scotland and is found growing freely throughout the wild verges, meadows and grasslands of that nation. But despite their feral nature and their prickly texture, many varieties have been adapted for inclusion in a contemporary garden display. Tulip Tulipa Tulips are intrinsically linked to the feelings of rebirth and revitalisation of springtime. Although technically a perennial plant, many modern hybrids have been over-engineered to achieve the best aesthetic result – but at the cost of longevity, with reliable blooms in consecutive years few and far between.4 For that reason, many gardeners simply replant tulip bulbs every autumn to ensure strong output. Windflower Anemone Windflowers are one of the few entrants on this list that is perhaps more recognisable by its Latin name than its common counterpart. “Commonly known as Japanese Anemone, Anemone hupehensis is a late summer and early autumn flowering perennial that is a popular garden plant in the UK and is not to be confused with the early spring flowering Wood Anemone,” shares Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly. They are forest flowers that bloom in spring and hibernate for all the other seasons, before coming back just as strongly the following year. References 1. How to attract bumblebees to your garden. (n.d.). The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-attract-bumblebees-your-garden 2. Marigold Uses in the Garden and on the Table. (1983, July 1). Mother Earth News – the Original Guide to Living Wisely. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/marigold-uses-zmaz83jazshe/ 3. ‘A Rose By Any Other Name’, Meaning & Context. (2020, October 7). No Sweat Shakespeare. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://nosweatshakespeare.com/quotes/famous/rose-by-any-other-name/ 4. Gilmer, M. (2019, April 27). The twisted, mutated history of the beautiful tulip. Palm Springs Desert Sun. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://eu.desertsun.com/story/life/home-garden/maureen-gilmer/2019/04/27/twisted-mutated-history-beautiful-tulip/3489404002/
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Tired Of Typical Red Toms? Grow Yellow And Orange Tomatoes With These Varieties
IN THIS GUIDE 1) ‘Galina’ 2) ‘Gold Nugget’ 3) ‘Golden Cherry’ 4) ‘Golden Crown’ 5) ‘Golden Sunrise’ 6) ‘Honeycomb’ 7) ‘Ildi’ 8) ‘Jen’s Tangerine’ 9) ‘Lemon Grape’ 10) ‘Orange Paruche’ 11) ‘Pear Drop’ 12) ‘Sun Baby’ 13) ‘Sungold’ 14) ‘Tumbling Tom Yellow’ 15) ‘Golden Queen’ 16) ‘White Cherry’ 17) ‘Yellow Submarine’ Colourful Toms References There are plenty of interesting tomato varieties out there to choose from and with all these great yellow and orange varieties, you don’t just have to stick to typical red toms – you can grow a rainbow in your garden. Though there are far too many yellow and orange tomato varieties to include them all in just one article, below you will find a selection of seventeen interesting options to consider. Orange and yellow tomatoes often have a great flavour, but will also enrich your garden with their glowing, summery hues. These bright yellow and orange types will look great on the plant, and also add colour and taste to summer salads and other recipes. 1) ‘Galina’ SOW: MARCH – APRIL PLANT: LATE MAY HARVEST: JULY – NOVEMBER This is a high-yielding yellow cherry tomato that can also be a good choice for UK growers. A heritage variety, ‘Galina’ is an indeterminate type, well suited to growing further north, It comes from Siberia and so is a great choice for those with a cold climate and a short growing season. One of the great things about these is that they start producing early, and also continue to crop until late in the year. Since this is a heritage variety, you can save your own seeds to plant the following year. 2) ‘Gold Nugget’ Image Credit: Mr Fothergills1 AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT SOW: MARCH – MAY PLANT: JUNE – JULY HARVEST: AUGUST – NOVEMBER Tender-skinned and tangy, ‘Gold Nugget’ could also be a good choice. These slightly oval-shaped cherry tomatoes are a brilliant yellow hue. This is a determinate variety with a compact and bushy growth habit. It crops reliably especially undercover here in the UK, and has been awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit. This heirloom was bred in Oregon in the US specifically for colder climates. “I only grow heirloom tomatoes,” shares Gardener Deisgner Lucy Hutchings. “I don’t grow any hybrids at all, as I don’t think there’s any point and there’s not enough reward if you’re growing for yourself and not farming them.” 3) ‘Golden Cherry’ SOW: FEBRUARY – MARCH PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – SEPTEMBER ‘Golden Cherry’ has beautiful orange cherry tomatoes, as the name suggests. This is a cultivar from Japan which is highly rated for its outstanding flavour, resistance to splitting, and performance. This is another F1 variety, which is best cordoned and which can outcompete even the famous Sungold (see below) on flavour. 4) ‘Golden Crown’ SOW: JANUARY – APRIL PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER ‘Golden Crown’, also known as Goldkrone, is another excellent yellow cherry tomato variety to try. They do very well under glass but can also grow well outdoors. People prize this variety too for its excellent flavour, thin skins and reliably good cropping. Choosing this tomato cultivar is another way to bring a splash of sunshine to your garden. 5) ‘Golden Sunrise’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT SOW: JANUARY – APRIL PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER This is another golden tomato variety to consider growing in your garden. Another cordon type, ‘Golden Sunrise’ produces attractive, medium-sized orange fruit which has a distinctive taste and balanced flavour – making them useful for colourful summer salads. 6) ‘Honeycomb’ SOW: FEBRUARY – MAY PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – NOVEMBER This golden coloured cherry tomato variety is another great option to consider. These fruits have a higher Brix rating (sugar content) than the famous ‘Sungold’. They are extremely sweet when fully ripe, and are said to have a honey-like aftertaste. They yield best in a greenhouse or polytunnel, cordoned, and are very reliable (though perhaps not as high yielding as Sungold and other varieties). The fruit splits less frequently than ‘Sungold’. As an F1 hybrid, they also have a small amount of blight resistance. 7) ‘Ildi’ SOW: FEBRUARY – MARCH PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER A small elongated, pear-shaped, yellow cherry tomato, ‘Ildi’ is a great choice to consider growing in hanging baskets or containers. The fruits are sweet and are fantastic for eating raw and for using in salads. They can be perfect for growing on a sunny patio, even if you do not have a very big garden. 8) ‘Jen’s Tangerine’ Image Credit: The Nettle Patch2 SOW: FEBRUARY – APRIL PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER This orange-coloured heritage tomato originated from the breeding program of mountain market gardener Jen Bonyck. Many UK gardeners have had great success with this cultivar. The fruits are large for a cherry type – around 3.5-4cm across. They have a balanced flavour and are produced prolifically over a relatively long growing season – starting to produce early and continuing on well into the autumn in the right conditions. 9) ‘Lemon Grape’ SOW: MARCH – APRIL PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER The Lemon grape tomato (Cytrynek Groniasty) is a Polish variety that produces lovely mini-plum tomatoes in abundance on cordons. The fruits last well without splitting, and they have a great flavour too. This could be another more unusual tomato cultivar to consider growing in your greenhouse, polytunnel, or elsewhere in your garden. 10) ‘Orange Paruche’ Image Credit: Bucket Hydroponics3 SOW: FEBRUARY – MARCH PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER Another F1 variety of tomato, ‘Orange Paruche’ has, as the name implies, deep orange tomatoes. These are very flavoursome and fruits appear very early in the year, which is great for those with a short growing season. Some say that these are now one of the tastiest orange cherry tomatoes around. 11) ‘Pear Drop’ SOW: MARCH – JUNE PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – NOVEMBER If you are short on space and are looking for a trailing, compact, bushy tomato variety for hanging baskets or containers, then ‘Pear Drop’ could be a good option to consider. The yellow-orange fruits produced on this cultivar are tasty and produced in abundance. 12) ‘Sun Baby’ SOW: FEBRUARY – MARCH PLANT: APRIL – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER ‘Sun Baby’ is a top cherry tomato variety. Though it is not the heaviest of croppers, the yellow fruits have excellent flavour and thin skins. They can be grown indoors in a greenhouse or polytunnel, but can also crop pretty well outside here in the UK. 13) ‘Sungold’ AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT SOW: FEBRUARY – MAY PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – NOVEMBER ‘Sungold’ has long been by far one of the most popular tomato varieties grown in the UK. This orange cherry has been extremely popular since being introduced to UK gardeners in the early 1990s. Its high Brix (sweetness rating) and great flavour have no doubt been the main reason for its popularity. As you can see above, there are plenty of other options said to rival this variety. But as a tried and tested favourite with an RHS AGM, this is certainly one option to consider. 14) ‘Tumbling Tom Yellow’ SOW: MARCH – JUNE PLANT: MAY – JULY HARVEST: JUNE – OCTOBER Tumbling Tom tomatoes come in both yellow and red versions. Tumbling Toms are known to be one of the best tomatoes for a hanging basket or another hanging container. These plants produce cherry tomatoes which cascade down around the edges of your basket or container. They are sweet and delicious – the yellow version is somewhat slower growing than the red one, but brings a welcome sunny glow to your garden. 15) ‘Golden Queen’ Image Credit: Bosavern Community Farm4 SOW: JANUARY – MARCH PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JULY – OCTOBER 16) ‘White Cherry’ Image Credit: Bosavern Community Farm5 SOW: JANUARY – MARCH PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: AUGUST – OCTOBER 17) ‘Yellow Submarine’ Image Credit: Bosavern Community Farm6 SOW: JANUARY – MARCH PLANT: MAY – JUNE HARVEST: JUNE – OCTOBER Colourful Toms These are just some of the many yellow and orange tomato varieties that it is definitely worthwhile considering growing in your garden. And once you have explored these options, you might also like to consider fruits with other colours and interesting patinations. When choosing a tomato variety, remember that there is more to consider than just colour, as Gardener Hannah Reid shares: “My favourite varieties are ‘San Marzano’, ‘Rosella Jumbo’ and ‘Firecracker’. ‘Rosella Jumbo’ is the most amazing rose colour (it almost shimmers), whilst ‘Firecracker’ are also lovely colourful tomatoes that are amazing for producing a high yield – last year I was harvesting up to 60 fruits off one plant! “‘San Marzano’ are great-sized tomatoes that make delicious sauces.” “In addition to the amazing range of cherry tomatoes, yellow and orange varieties of heirloom beef tomatoes such as ‘Brandywine Yellow’ and ‘Valencia’ are also worth a try for their delicious taste in salads or tomato sauces,” adds Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol. But by exploring tomato varieties of different hues, you can learn more about all the interesting hybrid and heritage options available, and branch out to try new varieties to grow at home. Just be sure to choose varieties suitable for growing in the climate, microclimate and other conditions in your particular garden. References 1. Tomato (Cherry) Gold Nugget Vegetable Seeds. (n.d.). Mr Fothergill’s. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.mr-fothergills.co.uk/RHS-Tomato-Gold-Nugget 2. Freezing Tomatoes. (2013, October 16). The Nettle Patch. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://greengreengoddess.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/freezing-tomatoes/ 3. Tomato – Orange Paruche. (2016, February 19). Bucket Hydroponics. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://buckethydroponics.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/tomato-orange-paruche/ 4. Tomatoes. (2015, September 27). Bosavern Community Farm. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://bosaverncommunityfarm.blogspot.com/2015/09/tomatoes-2015.html 5. Tomatoes. (2015, September 27). Bosavern Community Farm. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://bosaverncommunityfarm.blogspot.com/2015/09/tomatoes-2015.html 6. Tomatoes. (2015, September 27). Bosavern Community Farm. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://bosaverncommunityfarm.blogspot.com/2015/09/tomatoes-2015.html
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The Herbs That Can Be Planted & Grow Well Together According To Edible Bristol
IN THIS GUIDE Considering Garden Conditions Mediterranean Herbs For Free-Draining, Sunny Conditions Herbs For Moister, Sunny Locations Herbs For Partial, Light Or Dappled Shade Growing as Wide a Range of Herbs as Possible What Is A Herb Spiral? How To Make A Herb Spiral Bed Planting Herbs In A Herb Spiral Herbs That Don’t Grow Well Together Companion Planting For Herbs Growing herbs in your garden is an excellent idea but to get the best results, you need to understand which herbs grow well together and the conditions they each need. When growing herbs in your garden, it is important to consider where exactly you should grow them. One of the first things that you will need to decide is whether you will grow herbs among annual crops, in mixed perennial planting schemes, or with other herbs in a dedicated herb garden. “I absolutely love growing herbs,” shares Kim Stoddart, the Climate Change Gardener. “Not only do they provide the most delightful array of flavour options for cooking, these plants are hugely beneficial for wildlife and incredibly good for us to boot.” As mentioned by Kim, herbs can be beneficial throughout your garden. They can bring many benefits ecologically within a range of different planting schemes, for beneficial wildlife attraction and for pest control, for example. “I grow a lot of herbs at home as I’m fascinated by them and their uses,” shares Edible Bristol’s founder Sara Venn. Considering Garden Conditions Mexican Giant Hyssop, Catmint and more The main thing to remember when planning a dedicated herb garden, however, is that not all herbs will thrive in the same growing conditions. In order to grow as many herbs as possible in a herb garden, you need to give careful consideration to their growing needs – you need to consider which herbs can be planted and grow well together, and which do not. Remember, when we consider common herbs, there are herbs which prefer sunny, free-draining conditions, herbs that prefer sunny conditions but have higher moisture requirements, and herbs that can cope better in some shade. By grouping herbs into these broad categories, you can determine where best to grow each herb, and which others should grow well alongside them. Mediterranean Herbs For Free-Draining, Sunny Conditions The first category to consider are Mediterranean herbs, which require sunny and free-draining conditions. These are all great choices for a free-draining bed or border, dedicated herb garden (or container garden) in full sun, which is south or perhaps west-facing. Common herbs which need these conditions and which will grow well together include: 1) Rosemary 2) Lavender 3) Thyme 4) Marjoram 5) Oregano 6) Sage (and other Salvias) 7) Tarragon 8) Summer / Winter Savory 9) Lemon Verbena 10) Catmint 11) Agastache 12) Echinacea 13) Yarrow 14) Mace Herbs For Moister, Sunny Locations Many other herbs also like full sun, and usually fairly free-draining soils or growing media, but prefer somewhat more moist growing conditions than the above. Basil, Chives and more in a herb garden Some examples of herbs of this type include: 1) Basil 2) Thai Basil 3) Coriander 4) Dill 5) Fennel 6) Lemon balm 7) Lemongrass 8) Borage 9) Chamomile 10) Feverfew 11) Chicory 12) Bergamot 13) Garlic Chives 14) Anise 15) Salad Burnet 16) Valerian Herbs For Partial, Light Or Dappled Shade Finally, there are those herbs which can thrive in partial, light or dappled shade. Here are some examples: 1) Mints 2) Parsley 3) Chervil 4) Comfrey 5) Angelica 6) Lovage 7) Sorrels 8) Marshmallow 9) Tansy 10) Rue 11) Alexanders 12) Meadowsweet 13) Good King Henry 14) Herb Patience Among this list, Good King Henry is probably the best candidate for deep shade. Of course, thinking about the amount of sunlight herbs require, and their soil and moisture preferences will help you narrow down your choices and determine where to grow each one, and where they will grow well alongside one other. But whenever thinking about herbs to grow together, you also need to think about their root formation and growth habits, lifecycle and their specific characteristics and nutritional needs. So categorising herbs in this way is just a starting point. Growing as Wide a Range of Herbs as Possible Thinking about sunlight and soil/moisture requirements can also give you a starting point for creating and planting up a herb garden that can cater to the needs of as many different plants as possible. A simple, flat garden bed or planter could never provide optional conditions for all of the above. If you wish to create a dedicated herb garden with as many different herbs planted in it as possible, and want to include herbs from all the above categories, then you will have to get a little inventive. One interesting idea which allows you to grow herbs that would not usually thrive together in the same bed in as small an area as possible is the concept of a herb spiral. What Is A Herb Spiral? A herb spiral is a spiral-shaped 3D raised bed, which spirals down clockwise from the top to end at the base on the northern side. Herb spirals are usually around 1m high, and 1-2m in diameter, though even a smaller spiral could be beneficial. The idea behind this concept is that the spiral form creates a range of different growing conditions. The very top has the driest conditions (and the most depth for longer roots), the southern side of the spiral is sunny, and increasingly moist towards the base. And shady and moister conditions are created towards the base of the northern side. How To Make A Herb Spiral Bed There are a couple of different ways to make a herb spiral bed. The first method involves using the principles of hugelkultur to create a circular mound, rather than a long bed, with rotting wood at its core, and layers of organic matter around the outside. Topping this with soil or good quality compost, you can then decorate with stones or other natural materials to make a spiral form on this mound. Of course, this type of spiral bed will sink over time as the organic materials decompose. You can also make a more permanent herb spiral by building up a spiral form structure with logs, stones, bricks, or other natural or reclaimed materials. The walls of this structure (which are of course higher at the centre and lower towards the edges) are then filled with organic matter, compost or soil to create suitable growing conditions. Planting Herbs In A Herb Spiral Starting at the very top of the spiral, rosemary will appreciate the top position. Next, will come other herbs for free-draining conditions – perhaps thyme, marjoram and oregano, for example. On the sunny south side you might plant other common culinary herbs like basil, coriander and dill, and down and round to the less sunny sides, you may plant parsley and chervil. Finally, round to the north at the base, you might place some chives. Not all herbs will thrive in a herb spiral, and some may be too large or spreading for their inclusion to be a good idea. However, making a herb spiral is one way to grow a range of culinary herbs together, even when they have somewhat different environmental needs. Herbs That Don’t Grow Well Together One herb that does not always ‘play well’ with other herbs is mint. Mint Mints (and other related plants) are very vigorous, and can quickly grow and spread, outcompeting their neighbouring herbs and taking over an area. In some areas, mints’ ability to spread can be beneficial. They can be used to create good ground cover in the dappled shade in a fruit tree guild or forest garden, for example. But in a dedicated herb bed, they can be problematic. If you do decide to place mint into a dedicated herb garden, such as a herb spiral, be sure to place them in a sunken pot, so they do not spread. In a sunken pot, mint can be a good choice for the north and lower position in a herb spiral. “It also gives the option to plant many different types of mint together, in a more organised fashion, such as pineapple mint and black peppermint,” adds Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. Fennel Another herb that does not allow other herbs nearby to thrive is fennel. Fennel is a well known allelopathic plant – this means that it exudes chemicals that stunt or set back the growth of certain other plants close by. Fennel does not have a negative effect on all neighbours, and there are plants that are not affected by having it close by. But it is not usually a good idea to include fennel in a dedicated herb garden – though it is a good choice for your garden overall. Fennel should also not be planted close to dill, because the two can cross-pollinate, which you do not want if you want to save the seeds. You should also avoid sowing fennel close to coriander as the fennel can prevent coriander seeds from germinating, and the coriander can affect the germination of the fennel too. Others You should also avoid planting sage near alliums or common rue. And anecdotally, it is said to be best to avoid placing basil near rue or thyme. And note that summer savory may delay the germination of certain other herbs. Again, you can thank allelopathy. Companion Planting For Herbs Herbs obviously make excellent companion plants, aiding the growth and helping out a range of other plants. But herbs themselves can benefit from companion plants, as well as helping other plants and wildlife in your garden. “Gardeners are often fearful of planting large herbs in a space shared by smaller herbs,” shares Peter. “However, this overlooks innovative options for taming large herbs, such as bay. “Bay can be cloud pruned to form pom-poms of tight growth, contrasted against bare-stems. “You can attempt a similar approach with plants such as rosemary, which can become straggly over time. “Cloud pruning in late spring will allow these plants to filter light through and create useful dappled shade for growing other herbs.” Here are some beneficial herb combinations to consider: Plant anise or chamomile with other aromatic herbs as this is said to increase essential oil production. Yarrow may also increase the essential oil production of some aromatic herbs. Coriander is said to aid anise. Though dill and fennel can cross pollinate, this can be a beneficial combination if you do not wish to collect the seeds. Lovage is said to be a ‘nurse plant’ which promotes the healthy growth of plants (including many other herbs) close by.
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Can't Let Go Of Summer? Here Are 17 Autumn Flowering Bulbs For Late Colour
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Meadow Saffron (Autumn Crocus) 2) Dahlias 3) Autumn Snowflake 4) Guernsey Lily 5) Winter Daffodil 6) Surprising Snowdrop 7) Begonias 8) Devil Lily 9) Cilician Cyclamen 10) Abyssinian Gladiolus 11) Lucifer 12) Striped Flowered Wood Sorrel 13) Ivy Leaved Cyclamen 14) Purpleleaf False Shamrock 15) Scarborough Lily 16) Byzantine Crocus 17) Society Garlic Autumn Can Be The Prettiest Season Spring and summer are when we traditionally expect to see bright and flamboyant blooms of colour in our gardens. Looking out of my back door now, for example, in early August, I can see sunflowers, dahlias, and zinnias swaying in the breeze; their yellows and pinks competing against each other for my attention. How to keep the colourful blooms through to autumn? Also as I look out of my back door and into the garden, it strikes me that these blooms will soon start to fade. Their colours retreating away until next summer, bringing a completely different visual palette. It’s a shame in some ways, but really it’s just the inevitable truth of gardening, and rather than mourn the passing of each flower each year, it’s a chance to think about what comes next. And if you, like me, want colour in your garden for as much of the year as possible, the answer to “what next?” is simple: a selection of bright and beautiful autumn flowers for late garden colour! “Autumn has replaced spring as my favourite season,” shares Colin Skelly, a Horticulturist with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry. “It might be an age thing, but I no longer experience a sense of loss as summer passes. “Rather, I get a new burst of excitement as the garden transitions into autumn colour and winter structure. “Autumn bulbs are a fantastic way to add another layer of interest to this transition.” In this article, we’ll look at seventeen bulbs that fit the bill for a lovely burst of late-in-the-year colour. After reading you’ll have a good idea of which bulbs to plant in your garden to help ensure that the passing of summer isn’t the end of the captivating floral displays in your prized outdoor space. Let’s begin… 1) Meadow Saffron (Autumn Crocus) BOTANICAL NAME: Colchicum autumnale RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: Autumn Queen; Pink Goblet WHEN TO PLANT: JULY – AUGUST IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that the family Colchicaceae, to which autumn ‘crocuses’ belong, isn’t the family Iridaceae, of which true crocuses are members. If you can move past this deception you’ll find an attractive flower whose September and October bloom provide a perfect backdrop for the rest of your autumnal flower display to build from. The delicate purple flower which grows around a vibrant yellow core stands just a couple of inches off the ground, and looks great amongst grasses and other low-lying greenery. These flowers prefer a well-drained spot and do best in dappled shade: imagine them growing in a little glade section under tree cover and you’ll get a good idea of their ideal growing conditions. Simply plant the bulbs 5cm deep with 15cm between each in August, and you’ll enjoy their bloom that autumn. 2) Dahlias RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: Ellon Huston; Hart’s Autumn Splendour; Autumn Lustre; Wootton Cupid (Pictured) WHEN TO PLANT: JUNE IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER Another colourful bloom with plenty of versatility is the ever-popular Dahlia. If you’re looking for something with a range of colours and sizes to choose from, then you can’t go wrong with this flower. Dahlia ‘Ellen Huston’ boasts deep orange-red bloom with flowers clocking in around 9cm wide. Their distinctly autumnal colour palette will look fantastic in any late-year display. Or how about the ‘Wootton Cupid’? Similarly sized but with daintier pink flowers, these will look great alone or alongside other varieties. Then you have the yellowy ‘Cream Alva’s’, the white ‘Figurines’, or the sunburst ‘Wootton Impact’ – 15cm across with incredibly flamboyant bloom imitating bright sunlight. These few varieties represent the tiniest selection of Dahlias available for autumn displays, and we recommend getting yourself properly acquainted with the choices on offer. 3) Autumn Snowflake BOTANICAL NAME: Leucojum autumnale WHEN TO PLANT: JUNE – JULY IN BLOOM: AUGUST – OCTOBER These white lantern-like flowers which droop from intriguing red-brown stems clearly communicate the fact that they’re built to thrive in autumn. For the discerning gardener looking to send subtle signals with their displays, autumn snowflakes are a no-brainer: their entire palette evokes autumn and the absence of any green draws attention to the change in season in an unobtrusive but undeniable way. Find a spot with rich, well-drained soil and pop in a few bulbs, then sit back and enjoy the clusters of autumn snowflakes that burst forth from the ground. Combine with other autumnal blooms around their September/October bloom time and you’ll be rewarded with an appealing and attractive display. 4) Guernsey Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Nerine bowdenii WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER Browse a list of Nerine varieties and the accompanying images are a parade of pinks, from candyfloss through to flamingo. Names like ‘Bowden Lily’ and ‘Zeal Giant’ jump out from the page, each an inviting prospect for creating autumnal colour in your garden. If you consider pink to be an indispensable part of your garden’s aesthetic, then choosing a nerine or three is a must when designing your outdoor space. There are more than ten varieties well-suited for autumn blooms, meaning the handful we’ve named above barely scratch the surface of the options available to you. Your nerines will bloom from September onwards, lending support to other bulbs in this list that bloom in and around the same month. Grow alone for a stunning pink display, or combine with other flowers for balanced and harmonious bursts of colour. 5) Winter Daffodil BOTANICAL NAME: Sternbergia lutea WHEN TO PLANT: AUGUST IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER These yearning flowers look a little bit like crocuses, making them popular contenders for late garden colour. Sternbergia lutea, for example, also confusingly known as the winter daffodil, is a cup-shaped flower of vibrant yellow: a shade that you’d definitely expect more to belong to spring. Part of creating late colour in your garden is variety, meaning that a bold yellow can work very well alongside the purples and pinks we’ve seen so far. It’s also about establishing themes that run through the seasons, so that visual consistency exists within and between the different phases of your bloom. By using a bright yellow like Sternbergia, you can carry that spring and early summer strand of colour through to subsequent months. Doing this well will provide constant reward as you sit in your garden throughout the seasons and watch the gradual transition unfold. 6) Surprising Snowdrop BOTANICAL NAME: Galanthus reginae-olgae WHEN TO PLANT: MARCH – APRIL IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER Some plant names are adorably evocative of the way the plant looks and behaves, and the surprising snowdrop is a perfect example. Sharing some of their appearance with autumn snowflakes, these lantern-like flowers that droop from proud stems bring a completely different colour contribution to your autumnal displays. The white flowers dangling from bright green stems would look far more fitting in a spring display – perhaps where the “surprising” part of the name comes from. With what we’ve just discussed about carrying threads of colour and shape through from one season to the next though, and it’s easy to see why we’re recommending this plant as one to consider. Find a pot with full sun or partial shade and then sit back and enjoy the show. 7) Begonias RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: Santa Cruz Sunset (Pictured) WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER There are some flowers whose names will ring bells even for the non-gardeners amongst us, and we think begonia is on that list. The beautiful and fragrant Begonia flower is enough to catch the attention of anyone who sees (or smells!) it and we’d be remiss not to include them in our list. For a selection of autumn varieties let’s start with Begonia ‘Sutherlandii’. This recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit – indicating particular suitability to British gardens – has dainty orangey-yellow flowers that tumble forth in early autumn. Or how about Begonia ‘Fragrant Falls’, whose larger flowers boast a palette encompassing lemon yellow, peach, rich pink, and everything in between? If your key criteria when building an autumn flower display is variety and depth of colour, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better suited to your needs than begonias. 8) Devil Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Lilium tigrinum WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 9) Cilician Cyclamen BOTANICAL NAME: Cyclamen cilicium WHEN TO PLANT: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 10) Abyssinian Gladiolus BOTANICAL NAME: Gladiolus murielae WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER 11) Lucifer BOTANICAL NAME: Crocosmia RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: Late Lucifer WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 12) Striped Flowered Wood Sorrel BOTANICAL NAME: Oxalis versicolor WHEN TO PLANT: APRIL – MAY IN BLOOM: JULY – OCTOBER 13) Ivy Leaved Cyclamen BOTANICAL NAME: Cyclamen hederifolium WHEN TO PLANT: JUNE – JULY IN BLOOM: AUGUST – OCTOBER 14) Purpleleaf False Shamrock BOTANICAL NAME: Oxalis triangularis subsp. Papilionacea WHEN TO PLANT: MAY – JUNE IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 15) Scarborough Lily BOTANICAL NAME: Cyrtanthus elatus WHEN TO PLANT: MAY – JUNE IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 16) Byzantine Crocus BOTANICAL NAME: Crocus banaticus WHEN TO PLANT: MAY – JUNE IN BLOOM: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 17) Society Garlic BOTANICAL NAME: Tulbaghia violacea WHEN TO PLANT: AFTER LAST FROST IN BLOOM: AUGUST – SEPTEMBER Autumn Can Be The Prettiest Season While spring and summer definitely take pole-position in the eyes of most gardeners, the onset of autumn doesn’t need to be a forlorn occasion. Far from it, in fact. There are hundreds of flowers available that will continue to bring colour and stunning aroma to your garden throughout autumn; some at the start of September to ease with the transition, others through to the first frosts and beyond! In this list we’ve rounded up just seventeen options, but as we say there are literally hundreds. The selection here is intended to give a range of colours, shapes, and seasons of interest to work with. But if you’re looking to create a rich and rewarding autumnal display, we definitely recommend getting your detective hat on and having a look at what other options are available to you. You might also want to check out this list of bulbs to plant in Autumn.
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