Independent gardening advice for real gardens, balconies and windowsills.
A growing reference library of gardening terms, techniques and climate concepts explained in plain language.
Anchusa Capensis is best raised in a frame and treated asa greenhouse plant, though in reality it is a hardy perennial. The annual and biennial kinds succeed well if sown in the open in rich soil. All...
An ornamental evergreen shrub, commonly known as the MarshCystus, and thriving in a peat soil with partial shade. May be grown from seed sown directly it is ripe and only lightly covered with soil, as...
Pretty little plants, mostly hardy, but some require theprotection of a frame. They grow best in small pots in a mixture of turfy loam and peat. Water them very cautiously. They flower at different se...
These are highly ornamental, producing a brilliant displayof flowers. The scarlets make very effective beds. They are mostly hardy, and may be grown in any moist, light, rich garden soil, preferably m...
A rather scarce but remarkably handsomeperennial, producing lilac-purple flowers with yellow stamens in July and August. It will grow in ordinary soil, and may be increased by division. Height, 2 ft.
A biennial. Leaves and stalks are eaten raw or boiled;the seeds are aromatic, and used to flavour spirits.
An elegant and graceful greenhouse plant,giving forth a delicious aromatic odour. It grows best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, but thrives in any light, rich soil. Take cuttings during summer, p...
Leaves used for garnishing, and for seasoning, like fennel;the seeds are medicinal.
Sow the seeds in February, March,April, and May for succession; those sown in May will continue to flower till Christmas. The soil should be rich, and occasionally a little manure-water may be given....