Pittosporum, also known as Cheesewood, are very interesting and attractive plants, commonly used for hedging and topiary, as well as bonsai and container ornamentals. They are evergreen and have a wide variety of form and colour. Sometimes they can experience leaf drop, which can impact their appearance. Read on to find out – Why is … Read more
I have only recently discovered Hellebores and find them to be a great flowering option through the winter and into spring. They are also called the Christmas or Lenten Rose, and come in a variety of colours. Hellebores are perfect for difficult shaded areas, and their evergreen foliage provides interest and coverage. They can suddenly … Read more
Elder trees or Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as they are also known, are native to Europe and the UK. They are deciduous and have a very open structure, with numerous thin stems. The black berries can be used for jams and medicines after processing, in their raw state they are toxic. The white flowers can be … Read more
The Whitebeam, or Sorbus, is native to the UK and a very attractive medium to large tree. They have white flowers, orange to red berries and the underside of the leaves is a lighter, more silvery green than the top surface. They are deciduous and can live up to 200 years. Sometimes they can start … Read more
Silver Birch trees are one of my absolute favourites. Their open canopy, small delicate leaves, trailing catkins and of course the beautiful white bark, make them a showstopper in any garden. They can be susceptible to pests and diseases however, as well as adverse environmental conditions. So if you have asked the question “Why Is … Read more
Heathers are currently having a resurgence of popularity. This could be because they are reasonably drought tolerant, which is becoming more important to gardeners as the climate continues to change. Another reason is that they are hardy and evergreen, providing colour and coverage through the winter months. Sometimes they can suddenly decline however, so if … Read more
The Acer is also known as the Japanese Maple, and is a stunning deciduous tree. They come in an amazing variety of colours – red, green, yellow, purple and orange. There are also different varieties of form, with weeping, dwarf and full size trees to choose from. They need the correct conditions to thrive however, … Read more
Laburnums are a stunning ornamental flowering tree from central and southern Europe. An important thing to note is that all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals. It is even recommended not to have them next to unlined ponds as the poison can harm any fish, frogs or newts living in the … Read more
Forsythia bushes, with their bright yellow flowers, are a joyful sight in spring. One of the earliest splashes of colour in the year, they are common in the UK. Forsythias are generally hardy, but sometimes they can wilt and fail. So if you have asked the question “Why Is My Forsythia Wilting?” then read on … Read more
Flowering Currant plants, or Ribes as they are also known, are a common sight in the UK in the spring. They have ribbed leaves, dark berries, pink trailing flowers and a strong scent. There is also a white version “White Icicle” They do well in most soils and are easy to grow. Sometimes however, they … Read more