Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens Link et Otto) arrived to Berlin botanical garden from Brazil in 1821. They were propagated from seed and cultivated in parterre borders. They endeared themselves to the gardeners with their non-stop flowering. In warmer climates they truly are ever-flowering. The first pink wax begonia was selected by the German gardener Russel [...]
These are annual or perennial herbaceous plants. Their leaves are arranged in rosettes. The flower heads of species daisies are 1-2 cm in diameter, while those of the cultivars are 3-8 cm wide. They flower in April and May, but if lawn is regularly mown (which prevents plants from blooming in due time) the flowering [...]
Spring is the perfect time to divide and plant herbaceous perennials. After 2-5 years clumps of most perennials become overcrowded and their vigour deteriorates. As a result plants produce fewer flowers, and loose some of their ornamental value. As a general rule, spring is the best time to divide and plant summer- and autumn-flowering plants (starting with mid-June), and ornamental grasses (miscanthus, reed grass, feather grass).
Most bulbs are planted in autumn to flower next spring. Usually tulips are planted in early October, when soil temperature at the depth of 10-12 cm drops to +10C. If autumn is warm, tulips can be planted throughout October, even as late as early November. Experienced growers maintain that one can plant tulips even in midwinter, as long as the ground is not frozen over. Bear in mind that mulching with a 25cm layer of sawdust, peat or compost is absolutely necessary in such case. Bulbs root within three weeks – this is how long it should take before the ground completely freezes over. If planted too early, bulbs will break into growth too soon.
One of the most spectacular of autumn flowers – dahlia – unfortunately is not hardy enough to overwinter outside. However, be in no rush to lift them – many late-season blooms will still be produced during warm autumn days; while minor frosts cause little damage to dahlias, if their tubers are mounded. Start lifting dahlias, [...]
Insects fascinate us with their colours, variety and fragility. They are mostly beneficial to the garden, with only 2 percent out of 2000 species of butterflies, native to Lithuania, being harmful. The good news is that these useful insects can be attracted into the garden with some simple techniques. Most butterflies are pollinators, especially of [...]
A small garden is not easy to plant well. However, you could always decorate your patio, terrace or even a balcony with a miniature portable rock garden. A miniature Japanese garden, a rockery or even a water feature with water lilies would look superb, installed in a rectangular stone or clay container. Abroad, it is [...]
Seedlings start flowering same year after sowing, in their fourth month. The growth of delphiniums halts, when seeds ripen, so inflorescences are best removed after the flowering is over. Delphiniums may flower repeatedly in autumn, if the spent blooms have been removed. Bear in mind that this wears the plant down, as it does not have time to set new buds, which may result in less than spectacular flowering next year.
Delphiniums are among the most spectacular tall perennials. They are low-maintenance plants, and their flowers are well worth your efforts. Their Latin name Delphinium derives from the shape of their flowers, resembling those of grey dolphins, which live near the coast of Greece.
Clematis do not need a lot of space. They associate well with other plants. Low-growing early-flowering perennials, such as creeping phloxes or rock cress, make perfect companion plants for clematis. They are already in flower, when clematis breaks into growth in spring. In summer they make a green carpeting ground cover around clematis, which helps to preserve moisture. Pergolas and trellises, planted with clematis, mask dying foliage of tulips and daffodils well, while looking unobtrusive during April and May, when these bulbs are in flower. Exuberant growth of clematis soon hides their unsightly dying leaves.
If you have a vast lawn, you should try pairing clematis with tall sturdy perennials, but vigorous deep-rooted plants are best avoided. Feeding roots of these plants and clematis will mingle to an extent, where transplanting will be impossible without damaging the roots.
