What’s the furthest you would travel to see a plant? Well, how about 4500 miles! Yes, that’s right, I flew all the way to China to see the largest plantation of Begonia BIG. And here’s the story behind my trip! I have admired the breeding company Benary for a long time. They have brought some…
Category: ADVENTURES
The best of the men’s World Naked Gardening Day 2019 photos
Are you ready for another World Naked Gardening Day 2019 photo round-up? I’ve been on my phone all day, looking at the #WorldNakedGardeningDay hashtag. I’m super impressed at the standard of photos this year – plant geeks and gardening enthusiasts all over the world are getting in on the action, and taking it a step…
I answer your questions about Keukenhof!
This week, I visited the breathtaking Keukenhof bulb gardens in Lisse, The Netherlands, with KLM UK. This sea of colour is a must-see for plant lovers – the photos really don’t do it justice! Keukenhof’s history dates back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until 1949 when leading bulb growers suggested using the 200…
A visit to Bangkok’s special plant market
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…
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…