I had heard a few whispers about a special plant market in Thailand, with people calling it the best plant show of the year. They described rows and rows of tropical plants and sumptuous exotics, not to mention some of the world’s most collectable cacti. I planned to go last time I was ‘in this…
Category: ADVENTURES
Plants, art & history in one beautiful Normandy location
If you’ve followed my Instagram page closely, you might have wondered what those round, grey faces were doing in amongst some unsettlingly neat topiary. These are sculptures in Les Jardins d’Etretat, hidden in the beautiful coastal cliffs of Etretat, Normandy. Les Jardins d’Etretat sculptures in The Emotions Garden These dynamic sculptures are the work of Spanish…
Getting behind the scenes in the flower industry
Have you ever wondered how and where we choose the plants you grow in your gardens at home? The Flower Trials in Holland and Germany are the most important few days in the horticultural trade calendar year, and buyers and retailers flock from around the globe to see what’s hot and what’s not! During the…
Your guide to visiting the world’s largest flower garden!
It’s great to have a bucket list, but how many on your list do you think you’ll be able to fulfil during your lifetime? Well, here’s one that’ll be super easy to tick off; a visit to the world’s largest flower garden, the enchanting and magical Keukenhof. What is the Keukenhof? A whopping 32 hectares,…
10 everyday Japanese plants
A trip to East Asia isn’t complete without wandering around stunning Japan. From spring’s picturesque cherry blossoms to tall bamboo forests, Japanese plants have a lot to offer in terms of beauty and spiritual significance. Today’s guest blogger, Sasha Ivanova, is a London gardener, blogger and martial artist. She is passionate about growing from seed…
The Weird and Wacky Plants Tour comes to London!
London plant geeks will soon have the unique opportunity to learn about the biggest, smallest, unluckiest, oldest, hungriest, rudest, shiniest, laziest plants… Come along and join me at Chelsea Physic Garden on Friday 6th July and find out just how amazing plants can be! Join my celebration of Weird and Wacky Plants! Share my enthusiasm and…
Why everyone should grow Stapelia plants
How much do you know about Stapelias? Known as the ‘starfish flower’, there is much more to Stapelias than meets the eye – namely, that which meets the nose! Grant Meyer, tends to his fantastic garden in the warm climes of Arizona. He boasts an enviable collection of succulents, and is often spotted decorating his…
The secret world of the blue water lilies
Water Lilies thrive in tropical climates around the world and share similarities and requirements to the prized Lotus Flowers. Both wonderful flowers have cultural symbolism within India. Somnath Pal is from Mumbai, India, and has been growing Water Lilies for more than 15 years. He hybridises to create new and exciting varieties. Here, he talks about…
5 amazing bonsai trees to give a zen garden feel!
Zen gardens and bonsai are always a big favourite. Bonsai trees, in particular, have the ability to bring one into a zen-like state with just a gaze. As Mr. Miyagi knows, they go great in any zen garden, as they bring a peaceful vibe into the surrounding landscape. Cultivation of bonsai trees is a long…
4-day Bali holiday: the perfect pick me up!
After a few weeks working in China, we made the most of hanging out in the Indo-Pacific by booking a short Bali holiday. We were fortunate to leave just a day before the volcano decided to spew, so we thank ourselves lucky, but our thoughts remain with those on the island. Sadly, our schedules meant…
10 reasons why you should grow an insect eating plant!
Insect-eating plants have always been a fascination of mine, and they are often the first plant that children want to grow. However, the Venus Fly Trap is usually the chosen one. But, have you ever seen a Pitcher Plant?? Yes, it’s a real plant, not just an extra from the Little Shop of Horrors! I’m…
How one man in India is bringing the beauty of the Lotus flower to home gardens
Originating from a land of mystical culture, the Lotus Flower has always been a part of lives in India. For the Indian psyche, it symbolizes purity which comes out from the dirt. Ganesh Kumar Anandhakrishnan is an aspiring tropical Lotus hybridiser from the Kerala State of Southern India. He has been breeding and hybridising Lotus…