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
Slug damage and snail damage can make you want to tear your hair out! They are among the most common pests in the garden. Even experienced gardeners tear their collective hair out at the destruction these creatures can cause. We’re giving you a few tried and tested tips, and some others perhaps not so well
Ripe vegetables and fruit wait for no one. Always harvest your crops when they are ready and if they cannot be eaten straight away, dry them or freeze them for use later. It is unlikely that the harvest from your container kitchen garden will be large enough to cause any major storage problems. However, that
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
If you’ve ever visited Europe, flower-minded or not, you may have returned with enthusiasm for the window boxes they have. Aside from the beautiful winter hanging baskets, perhaps you saw the red geraniums in Germany and Austria, or the tuberous begonias that decorate Switzerland. If you’re planning to festoon your own home with this Old
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 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
Hebe plants are attractive and versatile landscape shrubs that produce flowers in a wide range of colors. Along with their fragrant flower spikes, the foliage is often tinted with color or variegated, making them even more useful in any garden plan. Hebe shrubs are mostly native to New Zealand, although there are a few varieties
Mikania is a quick-growing trailing house plant that entered the market in the 1980s. There is a single species of Mikania plants sold as house plants: Mikania ternata. The palmate leaves are green with a purplish sheen, slightly hairy above and densely hairy below. Mikania plants sold as houseplants are often called “Plush Vine” because of
When planning a garden, it can be quite difficult to picture the size and placement of plants and garden beds. Before you can plant your garden, you need to judge the best plant placement and how everything will look together. Only if you base your garden design on a plan drawn accurately to scale can
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
Indoor plants are a vital feature of the well-furnished hall. It is here that guests gain their first impression of the inside of your home. Beautiful foliage and flowers are an immediate indication of a well-tended house. The best indoor plants for hallway spaces are large, architectural specimens. If your entryway is large, well-lit, and
