Trees & Shrubs

Purslane Plant Features Hot, dry conditions are no match for purslane. This vigorous, low-growing annual flower thrives when the weather heats up and will slowly carpet a bed, border, or container with pretty succulent foliage and bright yellow-, orange-, or rose-, or white-colored blooms. Purslane and its close cousin portulaca will add tons of color … Read more

Having worked as a journalist for many years I studied horticulture and now work as a professional gardener. I work as a specialist kitchen gardener, growing a wide range of vegetables, fruit and herbs for chefs in the north of England. I am passionate about gardening and writing, and love growing edibles and trying to … Read more

Blue spruce trees are a popular choice for landscaping and decorating. Their striking silvery-blue needles and conical shape make them visually appealing. The dwarf varieties also work well in containers If you’re looking to add some blue spruce trees to your yard or patio, here’s where you can find potted varieties for sale Blue Spruce … Read more

Autumn cherry trees are a unique variety of ornamental cherry that bloom twice a year – once in spring and again in fall. With their graceful branching structure and delicate pinkish-white blossoms, they add stunning seasonal interest to landscapes. But are autumn cherry trees the right choice for your yard? Let’s explore the key pros … Read more

The Fraser fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees due to its pyramid shape, pleasant scent, and good needle retention. But even the sturdiest Fraser fir will eventually start dropping its needles when displayed indoors. Needle drop is inevitable for cut trees, but proper care can prolong the Fraser fir’s beauty throughout the … Read more

Beech and hornbeam are two of the most commonly used hedging plants in gardens and landscapes. Both are attractive native trees with foliage that provides privacy and screens views. However there are some notable differences between these two classic hedging choices. Appearance of Foliage Beech leaves are glossy and oval shaped with delicately wavy edges. … Read more

Marigolds hold a special place in English culture and gardens With their bright, cheery blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red and gold, it’s easy to see why these plants are treasured But what exactly are marigolds, and why are they so popular in England? Let’s explore the history, meaning and many uses of marigolds … Read more

Zinnias are the star of the summer flower garden, loved by novice and expert gardeners. They bloom effortlessly from summer to frost and the more you cut, the more they branch and bloom. If you were wondering how to grow zinnias from seed, you’ve come to the right place! Zinnias are native to Mexico and … Read more

Growing purple sweet potatoes is super easy and anyone can do it. You can even grow them in containers! Purple sweet potatoes are healthy and filling and they store very well. In this post, we’ll go over everything that you need to know in order to grow purple sweet potatoes. Purple sweet potatoes are a … Read more

Mountain laurel with its attractive flowers and lush green foliage is a popular ornamental shrub. However, mountain laurel does contain toxins that can cause illness and even death if ingested. So an important question is – is mountain laurel poisonous to touch? Let’s take a deeper look at this beautiful but potentially dangerous plant. Overview … Read more