Plant Profile: Dianthus cruentus – pretty unusual pink
Dianthus species are well-known, even to those who don’t think they know them. The most common is probably the extravagant Carnation, which is usually too wimpy to grow in frosty climates – although there are hardy selections which can be grown from seed. Most Dianthus tend to be short-lived and Continue Reading
Chlorpyrifos – Demon Pesticide or Demonized?
A pesticide has hit the news this week, although these issues are always rumbling away in the background long before they hit the mainstream media (which includes Facebook and Twitter, of course). Chlorpyrifos was the subject of a petition which activists had hoped would allow the substance to be banned Continue Reading
Fuchsia excorticata – the Elusive, Elegant and Wonderful Tree Fuchsia of New Zealand
Most people think of Fuchsia as the somewhat gaudy, colorful plants so often used in Hanging baskets and summer bedding displays – and rightly so, as they provide some serious color and interesting form for a pretty long period. The majority of the Fuchsia come from South America originally – Continue Reading
Delosperma – Colorful, Easy, Waterwise Hardy Succulents
Delosperma (sometimes called Ice Plants) are one of the best plants for a temperate climate where the Summers can be warm and dry, and especially where the winters are somewhat mild. Some species are REALLY hardy and can survive as well as a Sedum or Sempervivum in a Rockery of Continue Reading
Catchfly – a neglected garden flower.
Both Silene and Lychnis species are sometimes called ‘Catchfly’. The common name comes from the sticky resinous trichomes which quite often entrap small flies which land on them. Not all species have the sticky hairs, but the name persists. These plants are really easy to grow – usually very Continue Reading
Wolfsbane – A plant that bites back. A cautionary tale.
The plant genus Aconitum is known by a number of common names, including ‘Wolfsbane’ and ‘Monkshood’. As is often the case with common names, they derive from superstitious or actual significance. I believe the name ‘Wolfsbane’ comes from it’s use as a poison against wolves, which for a long time Continue Reading
Some special Early-Flowering Spring Bulbs – a review
There are many beautiful bulbs that pop up in the Springtime – but the early spring is one of the periods that many folks neglect when planning their bulb planting. In this post we’re going to have a quick look at just a few of the best bulbs for this Continue Reading
Ah, Springtime…
Yes, those sunrays are just starting to peep round the corner, and there is plenty of beautiful plants and flowers just starting to appear!