Growing Aucuba in Containers-Growing These Shrubs

In this article, we will discuss how to grow Aucuba, or spotted laurels as it is alternatively known, in containers. This wonderful, elegant shrub is a delight in your patio area. You do often see Aucubas in gardens or Japanese laurels to give its other common name, and you wonder if this plant can be grown in containers. This article is here to show you how to grow these plants in containers.

This hardy shrub tends to make short term plants in containers, as over time they will get too big and will need to be placed in the ground. …

Growing Abutilons in Containers- Growing this Beautiful Shrub

In this article, we will discuss how to grow abutilon as a beautiful shrub in the container garden.

Abutilons look stunning if they are grown in a container as a free-standing garden shrub against a wall or near a pergola.  At one time they were considered too tender to be grown outdoors but now it is seen as a great outdoor patio display plant.

They can be evergreen or deciduous depending on what part of the UK you live in. The colder the area the more likely it will lose leaves. Choose carefully as some are hardy to -5 degree …

How to Keep Your Plants Healthy

In this article, we will discuss how once you have obtained or reared your plants how to keep them as healthy as possible. I have talked about pests and diseases in the past, but in this article, we are going to talk about what you can do to minimize damage to your plants.

Pests and diseases are part of life for gardeners as they are important actors in the natural cycle of life of decay and death. The arrival of pests and diseases does not need to cause you to go into a panic as it is not a …

How to Save Your Own Seeds- Be a Thrifty Gardener

In this article, we will discuss why and grow you should save your seed.

Most people have lost the ability to save seeds, as this is one of the best ways to save money, the question is why should you buy seeds when you can save your own?

The problem is that in the last 50 years or so gardeners have gradually turned from seed gathers and savers to buying commercial seeds.

THE SEEDS YOU BUY TEND TO BE CROSSES

This is because most seeds you buy are crosses of two or more parent plants, and therefore will not breed …

Plants for Inside Container Ponds in the Shade

In this article, we will be discussing what plants can be grown inside container ponds that will flourish in the shade. In a previous article, we talked about water plants that can be grown in a container in full sun, but for completeness, we need to see what plants that can be grown in the shade.

As you can imagine, the selection of plants that can be used in the shade is very slim pickings, as most need some light to put on their best show.

Do not place the container in deep shade as it will not do well. …

Plants for Inside Container Ponds in the Sun

In this article, we will be talking about plants that ideally can be used and placed inside a container pond. In previous articles, I talked about how to make various container pond features from bubble fountains, marginals in containers, creating a big water feature, bog plants in containers etc., but now it is time to expand to what plants can be used inside these containers.

Reflection of colourful aquatic plants in containers in full sum make a magical scene in gardens, but more so in small or large containers.

Use a tiny, formal water feature in your container …

How to Repot a Typical Paphiopedilum

In this article, we will learn how to repot a typical Paphiopedilum, which believe it or not, is one of the easiest orchids to repot. You may wonder why this is so, but this is because Paphiopedilums are the closest to a standard houseplant in its requirements. It is one of the easier orchids to repot as you will see in this article.

They do not have thick rhizomes and thick roots, which are easier to clean and then repot, and you do not need any tools.

 REPOTTING AND DIVIDING TYPICAL PAPHIOPEDILUM

First, you will need a Paphiopedilum that needs …

How to Repot a Typical Vanda-Type Orchid

In this article, we will discuss why you want to repot a Vanda-type orchid and the process itself. Vandaceous orchids can grow straggly as they reach for the sky, making them look out of place.  When this state is reached you know that it is time to repot it.

To do this, you will need to firmly stake the plant in the centre, so that the centre of gravity of the roots is closer to the centre to give a more balanced plant.

 HOW TO REPOT A VANDA-TYPE ORCHID

First, as ever you will need to sterilize any knives, scissors, …

How to Repot and Divide Cymbidiums

In this article, we will discuss how to repot and divide members of the Cymbidiums. This is an important job as cymbidiums tend to overwhelm small pots very quickly and as a result, they need to be potted on and divided quite frequently.

The process of repotting can lead to divisions being made and for the grower the opportunity to prune off dead roots and for the growing media to be refreshed. If you do this right you could divide a healthy cymbidium into two plants and so increasing your stock for free.

 HOW TO DIVIDE A HEALTHY CYMBIDIUM

First, …

How to Repot Cattleya Orchids using Styrofoam Peanuts

In this article, we will discuss how to repot a Cattleya orchid by using a packaging material that often has no other use –Styrofoam peanuts.  Styrofoam peanuts often make an excellent additive to the orchid potting mix, as it will aid drainage at the bottom of the pot.

Another advantage is that it allows the home grower to use less bark. If you do this, make sure that you do not use peanuts that will dissolve in water. The best way to check for this is to place a few of them in a bowl of water and to see …