News
Sedum diversiflorum confirmed as a distinct stonecrop species on Japan’s southern islands
Harriet M. Ashford
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Botanists have verified that a small island succulent, long assumed to be a familiar stonecrop, is in fact a species...
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How to Clean and Restore Old Clay Pots
Harriet M. Ashford
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Old clay pots often build up stains, whitish crusts and leftover soil, which can spoil their look and also affect...
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Bougainvillea (Spring) Wall Climber for Façades and Walls
Harriet M. Ashford
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Bougainvillea-often nicknamed spring-is appearing more and more on the façades and boundary walls of Brazilian homes. It stands out for...
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Shallow bowl of water near plant pots: how it slightly increases humidity
Harriet M. Ashford
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Placing a shallow bowl of water close to your plant pots can slightly increase the humidity around the leaves as...
News
Guava tree: the tree that produces sweet fruit several times a year
Harriet M. Ashford
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The guava tree brings together several features that stand out in a garden: it bears fragrant fruit, casts welcome shade,...
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How a Simple Rain Garden Helped Slow Rainwater Runoff
Harriet M. Ashford
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Whenever there was a heavy downpour, she would watch water run off the roof, cut across the back garden and...
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August Orchid Care After Flowering: Practical Steps for a Strong Next Bloom
Harriet M. Ashford
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The end of the flowering period in August calls for renewed attention to protecting your orchid in home cultivation. Tweaking...
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Natural plant repellent: kitchen recipes to deter aphids, scale insects and whiteflies
Harriet M. Ashford
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Aphids, scale insects and whiteflies are common visitors in many home gardens, particularly during warmer, drier spells. If they are...
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Acer palmatum: the elegant Japanese maple for residential entrances
Harriet M. Ashford
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The search for refined landscape features has turned Acer palmatum into a genuine architectural highlight. This ornamental tree blends a...
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How microbes may help oak trees cope with climate change
Harriet M. Ashford
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Oak trees are capable of surviving for centuries, but climate change is bringing drought, degraded soils and disease far more...
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Why Saint George’s Sword Leaves Bend and How to Fix It
Harriet M. Ashford
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Among the most familiar houseplants in homes and flats, Saint George’s sword (snake plant) stands out for its toughness and...
News
Growing Basil at Home: Fresh Leaves for Fast Harvests
Harriet M. Ashford
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Having fresh leaves ready for a quick harvest means giving home-grown basil some specific care at planting time. This aromatic...
News
Rufous Hornero Nest: What It Means to Find One in Your Garden
Harriet M. Ashford
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Coming across a rufous hornero nest on a tree, wall, post, or a structure close to your home usually means...
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Washing the Balcony with a Hose: Why It Can Damage the Floor
Harriet M. Ashford
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Washing the balcony with a hose can feel like the quickest way to shift dust and grime, but this habit...
News
How to fertilise hibiscus by reading the leaves
Harriet M. Ashford
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Before adding any fertiliser to the pot, it is best to work out what the hibiscus is trying to "say"...
News
A Practical Guide to a PET Bottle in Pots
Harriet M. Ashford
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During spells of intense heat, many people notice that pots dry out very quickly and plants start to struggle from...
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How botanic gardens can unite living collections to protect plant diversity from extinction
Harriet M. Ashford
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Botanic gardens have built up one of the largest living stores of plant diversity on the planet. New research shows...
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Hardy Perennial Plants for a Sustainable Spring Garden
Harriet M. Ashford
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Creating a lush green outdoor space at this time of year calls for strategic choices so you can enjoy lasting...
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How Saint George's Sword Spreads and Multiplies
Harriet M. Ashford
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Saint George's sword is one of the most common ornamental plants in homes and offices in Brazil. It is well...
News
Weeping jasmine: the fragrant plant for a sheltered front entrance
Harriet M. Ashford
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The weeping jasmine is an ornamental plant admired for its arching, trailing stems and its pale, pleasantly scented flowers. Because...
News
Reusing Empty Pens in the Garden: Practical Ideas
Harriet M. Ashford
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A pen that has run out of ink is often binned as soon as it stops writing, but this small...
