A good night’s sleep – not only is it something we need, it’s something we crave. If you often find yourself awake, tossing and turning at night despite yearning for sleep, you’re not alone: according to the National Sleep Association, between 50 and 70 million US adults suffer from a sleep disorder. In fact, lack of sleep is such a prevalent issue that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently called insufficient sleep a “public health problem.” Several factors can keep us […]
Flowers and Plants
61 posts
Recent research has presented some interesting facts about the health benefits of house plants. For example, the pineapple plant has been found to improve air quality and reduce snoring whilst leaves from the feverfew have been proven to prevent headaches. Even looking at plants has been shown to lower pain levels and improve our mood. Many homeowners don’t realise that their homes could be polluted indoors too. Mould, paint and certain types of cleaning products can release harmful fumes. These are […]
Spalding Plant & Bulb Company have set a challenge to find the best Spring Flowering Bulb Display for the patio using just five types of flowering bulb. The display I have in mind would suit a large round patio tub or container at last 40cm deep and should be placed in full sun to enjoy during April and May. If you don’t have a round container the display would work in a square or oblong as long as you remember to plant the […]
Yucca are popular plants, well-loved for their green fleshy leaves, easy-to-care for attributes and the way they brighten up favourite spot. They’re an excellent plant for the less green-fingered, as they can last for quite some time without water and continue to grow, even without too much sun. There are 40 different Yucca species, some of which can be grown indoors and others prefer the outdoors. As you can see, they’re a versatile plant! There are also, even more uses […]
With cold and grey February coming to an end, spring is most certainly on its way and that means one thing, it’s time to prepare the plants and flowers in your beautiful garden. Many plants and bulbs need planting for a period of time in the ground before they bloom, so it’s important to plan ahead for some plants to be able to flourish. Here’s a quick guide to the best ways to prepare for spring/summer flowers and planters: Spring […]
You don’t have to have access to an outdoor space to enjoy the benefits of gardening in your home. Indoor gardening is perfect if you live in the city or have limited or no outdoor space, as plants don’t need to take up much room and you might be surprised at what you can actually accommodate. Indoor gardening can also be a great alternative to growing plants outdoors during the winter months, allowing you to enjoy home-grown produce all year […]
Sweet Peas are one of the most popular plants for UK gardens. They are annuals so only last the one summer but the display they give is always amazing; lots and lots of colourful, usually fragrant, flowers growing on bright green stems up to 6-7ft in height. Wonderful!
I love Poinsettia and for me Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one; this year I’ve got four! My four poinsettia are arranged on a deep windowsill in red pots surrounded by a green swag which is covered in red fairy lights – it looks amazing! These days this deciduous shrub is produced in vast quantities and are usually quite small and bushy; ideal for Christmas displays. The red bracts should last for up to six months, depending on the […]
I have chosen six plants which you should be able to easily find in your local garden centre and that are easy to grow. Most need little attention throughout the year but keep the Dogwoods well pruned to maintain the lovely coloured stems and prune the winter flowering jasmineafter flowering to ensure flowers for the following year.
Papaver rhoeas or Flanders Poppy is the common red poppy familiar to millions as the symbol for Remembrance Day.