The ginseng ficus or ficus microcarpa is a very popular plant used for the art of bonsai. It’s often mislabelled as Ficus retusa, but the ginseng ficus is part of the fig family, Moracaea. In its natural form, the ginseng ficus provides a lot of shelter and shade in its native China, India, Sri Lanka, and other tropical parts of … Read More
Forming part of the Cypress family, Juniper trees are often grown as bonsai as they are both fairly hard to kill and beautiful. There’s around 70 species in the Juniperus genus, and while you may think that conifers are only found in the cold parts of the world, they range from Central America, Tibet, Pakistan, Africa, and the Arctic. In … Read More
There is something truly striking about plants which have extremely dark flowers. They draw you in with their mystery, their unique appearance, as we tend to think of flowers as bright and uplifting, but there is a certain je ne sais quoi about flowers that are very nearly black. If you’re looking to create a truly, unquestionably unique planting scheme … Read More
When you think about the month you were born in, you’ll probably look at your birthstone, your astrological sign, and perhaps even the zodiac year you were born in to discover more about yourself. Even if you don’t believe in these things, I bet you’ve been curious about it, at least once. What is less looked for, though not any … Read More
Bluebells are one of the most well-known, striking blue flowers which creates a carpet of blue in woodland areas. This sight has captured imaginations for centuries, and as a result, these petite flowers have a lot of meaning attached to them. What does ‘Bluebell’ Mean? There are several types of bluebells, but the name is a literal description of the … Read More
Bonsai trees have a lot of common misconceptions. Provided with the right care and growing conditions, these plants will reward you for years and years to come with their ornamental beauty. Maybe you’ve looked at bonsai trees and thought you weren’t up to the task of growing them. That they would be too hard to prune, repot, or even water. … Read More
The art of nurturing any plant into a bonsai tree dates back centuries. It’s a deeply sacred and respected art, which promotes harmony, attention to detail, and the fine balance between art and science. The art of bonsai dates back 2000 years, where it was originally inspired by the Chinese art of Penjing, the art of “growing trees in containers”. … Read More
It’s not hard to see why Black-Eyed Susans, or Rudbeckias are so popular. They add rays of color to any garden, and attract beneficial insects, which benefit all of your plants. While they are found as wildflowers in the United States, they are grown and admired all over the world for their beauty. They also have the satisfaction of being … Read More
Adding trees to your garden is a great way to break up the landscaping, especially if it looks quite ordered already. Maybe you’ve got very neat flower beds with lovely blooms that never look out of place, and you need something to break up the planting. Trees allow your eyes and your body to ‘rest’, when so many other parts … Read More
Bonsai doesn’t refer to a specific type of plant. It’s the Japanese art form of growing miniature trees which mimic their naturally, fully-sized relatives. One of the most rewarding Bonsai trees you can care for is the Japanese Maple, or the Acer Palmatum. The word ‘palma’ is Latin for the palm of your hand, which refers to the five-pronged leaf … Read More
