Nothing says summer more than the industrious buzzing of bees as they harvest the rich pollen of Lavender. This highly scented evergreen is not just for pollinators though, as a fresh cut or dried flower it has a myriad of uses in floristry too.   Fresh Lavender  Fresh Lavender is generally sold by weight and can be bought in bunches wholesale from March onwards (depending on the weather). In the garden, Lavender flowers naturally from June to September when it can be cut and

Su Whale presents a plant full of cottage garden charm

What is Kokedama? Sometimes called poor man’s Bonsai, Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss ball. It’s an age-old, sustainable practice that is becoming more mainstream as the trend in indoor gardening continues.   It’s an interesting way to show-off houseplants and if you are stuck for ideas for a summer window or indoor display then Kokedama could fill that gap.

Upcycled Botanica  Chelsea Flower Show’s Houseplant Studios were a place to have some fun with indoor plants while sending out a serious message at the same time. Taking this on board were The Plant Warehouse from East London who had transformed a wooden studio retreat into a green oasis with the aim to revolutionise how people integrate greenery into small spaces. This was achieved by choosing an array of overlooked or discarded household items and giving them a new life by

An attractive, delicate flower, Achillea has feathery foliage and slim stems topped with flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. Sometimes overlooked as a cut flower, it is incredibly versatile, it’s long-lasting, it can be dried and dyed and is really easy to grow too.   There are two varieties of Achillea grown as a cut flower:

Su Whale explores unconventional florals that appeared at Chelsea this year.

We take a closer look at some of the techniques found in the beautiful Floral Creations from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

This year there were seven Houseplant Studios in the leafy surroundings of the Ranelagh Gardens to inspire, intrigue and educate the indoor

No theme, no rules, the only inspiration for your installation: flowers. 

It was a testament to the skill of the ten competitors who took part, that this very broad brief give rise to some excellent floral design.

Floral Fabulousness in the Capital

You’ve heard of terrariums, but how about mossariums? It’s the same principle, but instead of using green plants to create an enclosed mini jungle you use different types of moss. Spotted recently at both RHS Urban Manchester and at Harrogate Flower Show, mossariums are looking like the ‘next big thing.’  What is a mossarium?

Tough, dependable, versatile; there are lots of good things to say about heather, or ling,  as it is sometimes known. A low growing, evergreen shrub, with tiny, bell-shaped flowers, heather is typically associated with moors and heathland. A popular rockery and garden plant, it is also sold as a cut flower and foliage.

Su Whale explores the popularity of this cottage garden favourite.