Stephanotis floribunda, also known as Madagascar jasmine or Bridal Veil, is usually associated with bridal bouquets, but it can also be grown as a free-flowering house plant. The word “stephanotis” comes originally from two Greek words, ‘stephanos’, meaning ‘crown’. In the language of flowers, stephanotis signifies ‘marital bliss’, and so has long been cherished as
Moorish and Persian gardens offer a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of history and culture that shaped these magnificent landscapes. With roots that span centuries, both the Persian garden and Moorish garden have evolved through the ages, embodying the artistic and spiritual traditions of the civilizations that nurtured them. The first pleasure gardens in
When the word Bonsai is mentioned in conversation, most people probably think of a beautiful, tiny, juniper bonsai tree planted in a small dish. While juniper is a good choice for bonsai, it is by far not the only one. Most any plant, trees and shrubs in particular, can be grown this way. Of course,
Chrysanthemums, fall’s favorite flower, are renowned for their vibrant blooms. These plants have captivated gardeners around the world for hundreds of years. Fortunately, chrysanthemum plant care is straightforward and easy enough for even a beginner to replicate. The key to chrysanthemum care is controlling temperature and moisture, whether you’re growing them indoors or outside in
Ferns have captivated gardeners and plant enthusiasts for centuries with their timeless beauty and unique charm. As ancient plants that have stood the test of time, ferns bring a touch of elegance and lushness to any garden or indoor space. We talk more about gardening with ferns here. Most ferns are not really difficult to
The Japanese strolling garden (Kaiyu-shiki-teien) is an Asian-style landscape design style. They feature a pathway that takes visitors along a journey to view changing vistas and constructed scenes of nature. If you’d like to learn more about Japanese garden design see this article. Artificial hills, artificial ponds, broad winding streams, and waterfalls with islands, rocks,
The Glory Bower plant (Clerodendrum) offers a captivating combination of stunning blooms, attractive foliage, and easy care, making them a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts. The Bleeding Heart Glory Bower flower is a rich crimson bloom peeking out from white, balloon-like calyxes, making it one of the most popular varieties. However, the Clerodendrum genus offers
Are you looking for a great way to spruce up your backyard? Maybe you want to find some yard décor that will add a pop of color or a centerpiece that will tie your other design elements together. If that sounds familiar, you may want to consider buying a bird bath. The benefits of bird
Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius), also known as umbrella papyrus, is native to Madagascar. It grows in the form of shrubs and in most cases, these are wrongly mistaken for grasses. Both are monocots, but the umbrella palm tree is a sedge. In fact, one common name for Cyperus alternifolius is “umbrella sedge.” Umbrella palm has
Impatiens have been extremely popular as a house plant for generations. Cuttings can root very easily, and the plants will, with proper care, bloom almost all year round. This non-stop blooming habit is the reason for its common name – Busy Lizzie. There are three basic groups of impatiens. Until recently, only the traditional types were grown – spreading,
Dianthus barbatus, commonly known as Sweet William, is a colorful, scented flower native to Southern Europe. Sweet William belongs to the family of carnations, and there are more than 300 species of this flower. Revered for centuries, the origins of this flower can be traced back to the Roman and Greek eras. Sweet William is
Nothing instills a sense of serenity into an outdoor space like a water feature. And nothing evokes a sense of the exotic like lotus flowers in a garden pond. If you’re looking to create a tropical paradise in your backyard, you’ll find that these stunning blooms are surprisingly easy to grow.
