News - Page 53

The Chrysanthemum has been grown for a long time as cut flowers, they fill the garden with colour when little else is blooming and re now available in so many varieties, colours and shapes that we wonder if they are about to have their moment. Dahlias have been the Queen of the cut flower patch for many years but with a resurgence in homegrown cut flowers, the humble Chrysthanthemum is about to take the front stage to fill the borders later in the year.

The areca palm (Dypsis lutescens AGM) is one of the most popular houseplants, and no wonder, with its slender arching yellow stems and feathery evergreen leaves. Known also as the bamboo palm, butterfly palm or golden cane palm, it originates from the forests of Madagascar. These plants can eventually reach around 2m (6.5ft) in height, but they grow relatively slowly indoors, so there’s no need to fear them taking over your home! And areca palms don’t just look good – they’re also good at removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air.

With our ideas to combine hanging plants and lights, you will be armed with plenty of ways to mix clever lighting with some of the best houseplants you can find. The two together work so well, both highlighting the plant and also the rooms in your house. Not only that but you can make a real statement, be creative or keep it on the down-low for something a little more subtle. Either way, there are many options and here are a few for you to try.

Beat the cold weather with our top 8 hardy plants for winter and continue to have colour and interest with evergreen foliage and flowers in your garden all year.

Create calm rooms when using pretty pastels in the home with natural colours for decoration, furniture and accessories. This colour scheme can be mixed with darker accents which will really stand out with the addition of big foliage plants as well. It is a trendy, relaxed yet contemporary style which works well in any home.

January means it’s Veganuary so we have put together a vegan garden guide to help you not just consider your diet and lifestyle but also what you do in the garden or on the allotment. Veganic gardening is about gardening without the use of not just chemicals but also no animal products either. If you take on the Veganuary challenge why not read on to see how to garden vegan as well.