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Companion Planting for Lavender: A Comprehensive Guide to Boost Growth and Protect Your Plants

by Donna
written by Donna 3 minutes read

Companion Planting for Lavender: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden. By pairing plants that have complementary needs and benefits, you can create a thriving ecosystem that is more resistant to pests and diseases. Lavender is a popular companion plant because it has a number of beneficial properties, including repelling insects and attracting pollinators.

Choosing Companion Plants for Lavender

When choosing companion plants for lavender, it is important to consider their growing requirements. Lavender prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and infrequent watering. It is also important to choose plants that are not too competitive, as they can crowd out the lavender.

Some good companion plants for lavender include:

  • Echinacea
  • Aster
  • Sedum
  • Wild indigo
  • Baby’s breath
  • Drought tolerant roses
  • Gazania

These plants all share similar growing requirements to lavender and will not compete with it for resources. They also produce beautiful flowers that will complement the lavender’s purple blooms.

Benefits of Companion Planting for Lavender

There are many benefits to companion planting for lavender. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  • Pest control: Lavender is a natural repellant for moths, slugs, and deer. Planting lavender near other plants that are susceptible to these pests can help to protect them.
  • Improved growth: Some companion plants, such as echinacea and aster, can help to improve the growth and yield of lavender.
  • Increased pollination: Lavender is a popular plant for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Planting other flowering plants near lavender can help to attract more pollinators to your garden, which will benefit all of your plants.

Companion Planting for Specific Pests

In addition to the general benefits of companion planting for lavender, there are also specific companion plants that can be used to target specific pests. For example:

  • Fruit trees: Fruit trees are often attacked by moths. Planting lavender near fruit trees can help to repel these pests and improve the yield of fruit.
  • Cabbage and broccoli: Cabbage and broccoli are often preyed upon by slugs. Planting lavender near these vegetables can help to deter slugs and protect your crops.

How to Companion Plant Lavender

Companion planting is a simple and effective way to improve the health and productivity of your lavender plants. Here are a few tips for companion planting lavender:

  • Choose plants that have complementary needs. Consider the growing requirements of lavender and choose companion plants that have similar needs.
  • Avoid planting competitive plants. Choose companion plants that are not too competitive, as they can crowd out the lavender.
  • Plant in groups. Planting companion plants in groups will help to create a more beneficial environment for the lavender.
  • Water and fertilize regularly. Lavender needs regular watering and fertilizing to thrive. Be sure to water and fertilize your companion plants as well.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and productive lavender garden that is full of beneficial companion plants.

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Gardening

How to Grow Achillea: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

How to Grow Achillea: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Achillea, also known as yarrow, is a popular perennial plant known for its beautiful flowers and feathery foliage. It’s a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings, including borders, wildlife gardens, and gravel gardens. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing achillea, from planting to propagation and care.

Choosing the Right Location

Achillea prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it’s important to avoid waterlogged areas. Achilleas look great in the middle of an ornamental border or wildlife garden, and they’re also a good choice for growing in gravel gardens.

Planting Achillea

The best time to plant achillea is in spring. Dig a hole that is deeper and wider than the pot the plant came in. Add a handful of horticultural grit to the hole for added drainage. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and firm the soil around the plant. Water in well.

Caring for Achillea

Achilleas are relatively low-maintenance plants. Here are a few tips for keeping your plants healthy and blooming:

  • Cut back old foliage in spring.
  • Deadhead flowers throughout the summer to encourage more blooms.
  • Divide clumps every three to five years to revitalize the plants.
  • Water plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Fertilize plants lightly in spring.

Propagating Achillea

The best way to propagate achillea is by division in spring. You can also take cuttings in early spring. To take cuttings, pull away new shoots, leaving a heel, and plant into potting compost with added sand. Your cuttings should form new roots after a few weeks and can be potted on into individual pots when the plants are well established.

Some varieties of achillea will self-seed, but the resulting plants may not be true to type. If you want to collect seeds, allow a few flowerheads to go to seed. You can sow the seeds in autumn or spring.

Problem Solving

Achilleas can suffer from aphids and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep plants well-watered and avoid overcrowding. If you do notice aphids or powdery mildew, treat the plants with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

Five Great Achillea Varieties

There are many different varieties of achillea to choose from. Here are five of our favorites:

  • Achillea ‘Moonshine’: A variety with gray-green foliage and pretty light yellow flowers.
  • Achillea filipendulina ‘Cloth of Gold’: With light green foliage and deep golden blooms.
  • Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’: One of the pink varieties. The cerise flower heads have dark margins and paler coloring towards the center.
  • Achillea millefolium ‘Fanal’: The bright orange-red flowers with yellow eyes are very striking.
  • Achillea ‘Terracotta’: The beautiful blooms open orange and fade to yellow with age.

Conclusion

Achillea is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add a touch of color and interest to any garden. With its long blooming period and variety of colors and forms, achillea is a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

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Flower Gardening

Native Plants: Essential for Pollinators, Drought-Tolerant, and Low-Maintenance

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Native Plants: A Boon for Pollinators and Gardens

Native plants are those that are naturally found in a particular region. They have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, making them ideal for landscaping and gardening.

Benefits of Native Plants

  • Support pollinators and wildlife: Native plants provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects and animals.
  • Drought-tolerant: Many native plants are adapted to withstand drought conditions, making them a wise choice for water-wise gardening.
  • Low-maintenance: Native plants are generally low-maintenance, requiring less watering, fertilizing, and pest control than non-native plants.

Cup Plant: A Native Perennial with Many Benefits

The cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is a native perennial wildflower that is a great addition to any garden. It is a tall, stately plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to fall.

Planting and Care

  • Planting: Cup plants can be grown from seed or purchased as transplants. When planting from seed, sow them directly in the garden in the spring or fall.
  • Watering: Water newly planted cup plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and will only need occasional watering.
  • Fertilizing: Cup plants do not require a lot of fertilizer. A light application of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
  • Sunlight: Cup plants prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
  • Soil: Cup plants are not particular about soil type but prefer well-drained soil.

Uses in the Garden

  • Pollinator magnet: Cup plants are a favorite of bees and other pollinators.
  • Naturalized landscapes: Cup plants are ideal for naturalized landscapes, where they can self-seed and create a beautiful, low-maintenance meadow.
  • Cut flowers: The bright yellow flowers of the cup plant make excellent cut flowers that can be enjoyed indoors.

Other Native Perennial Flowers for Pollinators

  • Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A popular choice for pollinators, purple coneflowers are easy to grow and bloom all summer long.
  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, as it is the only plant that they lay their eggs on.
  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Goldenrod is a late-blooming perennial that provides a valuable food source for pollinators in the fall.
  • Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.): Asters are a large genus of perennials that come in a variety of colors and bloom times, providing a continuous source of nectar for pollinators.

Conclusion

Native plants are a valuable asset to any garden or landscape. They provide food and habitat for wildlife, are drought-tolerant, and require minimal care. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you can create a beautiful and sustainable ecosystem that benefits both you and the environment.

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Gardening

Container Gardening with Native Plants: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Beautiful and Sustainable Garden

by Gregory
written by Gregory 5 minutes read

Container Gardening with Native Plants: A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

Container gardening with native plants is a great way to add beauty and biodiversity to your home, even if you have limited space. Native plants are those that are naturally found in your region, and they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This makes them easier to grow and care for than non-native plants.

Benefits of Container Gardening with Native Plants

There are many benefits to container gardening with native plants, including:

  • Attracting pollinators: Native plants provide food and shelter for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • Supporting wildlife: Native plants provide food and habitat for other wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and rabbits.
  • Reducing water usage: Native plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns, so they don’t need to be watered as often as non-native plants.
  • Improving soil health: Native plants help to improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
  • Creating a sense of place: Native plants can help to create a sense of place by connecting you to the natural heritage of your region.

Choosing the Right Container

The first step in container gardening with native plants is to choose the right container. The size of the container will depend on the size of the plant you are growing. A good rule of thumb is to choose a container that is two to four times the size of the pot the plant came in. The container should also have drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting.

Potting Soil and Fertilizer

The type of potting soil you use is also important. Native plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can purchase a commercial potting mix that is specifically designed for native plants, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts compost, peat moss, and perlite.

Native plants generally do not require a lot of fertilizer. However, you may want to fertilize them lightly once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Watering

Native plants are relatively drought-tolerant, but they still need to be watered regularly. The frequency of watering will depend on the type of plant, the size of the container, and the weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Sunlight

Most native plants need full sun to partial shade. However, there are some native plants that can tolerate full shade. Be sure to research the specific needs of the plants you are growing before you place them in your container garden.

Attracting Pollinators

If you want to attract pollinators to your container garden, be sure to include a variety of native plants that bloom at different times of the year. Some good choices include:

  • Spring: Eastern redbud, columbine, blue star
  • Summer: Coral honeysuckle, coreopsis, copper iris
  • Fall: Turtlehead, little bluestem, oak sedge

Recommended Native Plant Species for Container Gardening

There are many different native plant species that are suitable for container gardening. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • New Jersey Tea: A small shrub that produces sweet-smelling flowers in the spring.
  • Walter’s viburnum: A small tree or large shrub that is native to the southeastern United States.
  • Eastern redbud: A small tree that produces beautiful pink flowers in the spring.
  • Coral honeysuckle: A vine that produces red flowers in the summer.
  • Blue star: A perennial that produces delicate blue flowers in the spring.
  • Turtlehead: A perennial that produces white or pink flowers in the fall.
  • Copper iris: A unique iris species that produces beautiful coppery red flowers.
  • Columbine: A perennial that produces drooping flowers in a range of colors.
  • Coreopsis: A dense clumping plant that produces cheerful yellow flowers.
  • Wild ginger: A native “spiller” plant that produces attractive foliage.
  • Little bluestem: A smaller ornamental grass that is native to North America.
  • Oak sedge: A sedge that has bright green leaves and small flowers in the spring.

Conclusion

Container gardening with native plants is a rewarding and sustainable way to add beauty and biodiversity to your home. By following the tips in this article, you can create a beautiful and thriving container garden that will attract pollinators, support wildlife, and improve your overall well-being.

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Gardening

Native UK Plants for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden: A Guide to Creating a Haven for Wildlife

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Native UK Plants for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Introduction

Are you looking for ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly? Planting native UK plants is a great way to attract pollinators, birds, and other wildlife to your backyard. Native plants are those that have evolved in the UK and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This means they are more likely to thrive in your garden and provide food and shelter for native wildlife.

Plant Combinations for Wildlife

There are many different ways to combine native plants to create a wildlife-friendly garden. Here are a few inspiring ideas:

  • Pollinator buffet: Combine red campion, yarrow, and cornflowers to create a nectar-rich buffet for pollinators. These plants bloom at different times of the year, so there will always be something in bloom to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
  • Wildlife hedge: Plant a variety of native shrubs and trees to create a wildlife hedge. This will provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. Some good choices for a wildlife hedge include blackthorn, hazel, and hawthorn.
  • Coastal paradise: If you live near the coast, you can create a coastal garden with native plants that are adapted to the salty air and sandy soil. Sea kale and sea thrift are two good choices for a coastal garden.
  • Shade sanctuary: Create a shady spot in your garden with native plants that can tolerate low light conditions. Foxgloves, nettles, and cow parsley are all good choices for a shade garden.

Benefits of Native Plants

There are many benefits to planting native plants in your garden, including:

  • Support native wildlife: Native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for native wildlife. This helps to support biodiversity and create a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
  • Low maintenance: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less watering, fertilizing, and pesticides than non-native plants.
  • Beautiful: Native plants are often very beautiful, with a variety of flowers, foliage, and textures. They can add beauty to your garden while also providing benefits for wildlife.

How to Choose Native Plants

When choosing native plants for your garden, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Your climate and soil conditions: Make sure to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. This will help them to thrive in your garden.
  • The needs of your wildlife: Consider the types of wildlife you want to attract to your garden and choose plants that will provide them with the food and shelter they need.
  • Your personal preferences: Choose plants that you find beautiful and that fit your garden’s design.

Conclusion

Planting native UK plants is a great way to create a wildlife-friendly garden that is also beautiful and low maintenance. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right plants for your garden and create a haven for wildlife.

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Wildlife Gardening

June Wildlife Gardening: Create a Haven for Beneficial Insects and Butterflies

by Gregory
written by Gregory 2 minutes read

June Wildlife Gardening

June is a great month to make your garden a haven for wildlife. There are many plants that bloom in June that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Flowers for Pollinators

Some of the best flowers for pollinators include:

  • Ornamental poppies
  • Foxgloves
  • Lupins
  • Roses
  • Viper’s bugloss

Single-flowered roses and roses with floppy leaves are especially beneficial to bees because they provide easy access to pollen and nectar. Viper’s bugloss is a tall, biennial plant with blue flowers that are a favorite of bees and other pollinators.

Other Beneficial Insects

In addition to pollinators, there are many other beneficial insects that can help your garden thrive. These include:

  • Shield bugs
  • Froghoppers
  • Rose chafer beetles
  • Ladybird larvae
  • Rove beetles
  • Centipedes
  • Slow worms

These insects help to control pests, aerate the soil, and decompose organic matter.

Grasses for Butterflies

Many species of butterflies breed in long grass. When you allow your grass to grow long, you are providing a habitat for these beautiful creatures. Some of the best grasses for butterflies include:

  • Cock’s foot
  • Yorkshire fog
  • Fescues

Making Your Lawn More Wildlife-Friendly

Even if you don’t have a lot of space, there are things you can do to make your lawn more wildlife-friendly. Here are a few tips:

  • Mow your lawn less often.
  • Let some areas of your lawn grow long.
  • Plant a variety of flowers and grasses.
  • Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.

By following these tips, you can create a garden that is a haven for wildlife.

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Sustainable Gardening

Sustainable Gardening: Create a Resilient Garden in a Changing Climate

by Gregory
written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Gardening Sustainably: Creating a Resilient Garden

What is Sustainable Gardening?

Sustainable gardening is about making choices that help your garden thrive in a changing climate while protecting the environment. Here are some tips:

Creating a Resilient Garden

  • Plant Trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide habitats for wildlife.
  • Reduce Hard Landscaping: Use permeable materials like gravel instead of paving to reduce flooding and improve drainage.
  • Design for Seasons: Plant a variety of plants that bloom throughout the year to attract pollinators and provide food for wildlife.
  • Compost: Composting reduces waste and creates nutrient-rich soil that helps plants grow strong.
  • Add Green Roofs: Green roofs insulate buildings, reduce carbon emissions, and provide habitats for wildlife.

Greening Your Garden

  • Vertical Gardens: Cover walls and fences with climbing plants or green wall systems to create habitats and provide insulation.
  • Renewable Energy: Use solar panels or wind turbines to power your garden and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Growing Your Own Food

  • Productive Plants: Incorporate edible plants into your garden to grow your own food and support pollinators.
  • Food Forests: Create a sustainable ecosystem by planting a variety of fruit and nut trees that support each other.

Benefits of Sustainable Gardening

  • Reduces your environmental impact
  • Creates a haven for wildlife
  • Saves you money on energy and water bills
  • Provides fresh, healthy food
  • Improves your mental and physical well-being

Remember, every sustainable choice you make helps create a resilient garden that will thrive for years to come.

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Flower Gardening

Evening Primrose: How to Grow and Care for This Easy-to-Grow Wildflower

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

How to Grow and Care for Evening Primrose

Introduction

Evening primrose is a beautiful wildflower that’s easy to grow and care for. It’s a popular choice for gardens because it attracts pollinators and has a pleasant evening fragrance.

About Evening Primrose

Evening primrose is a biennial plant, meaning it lives for two years. In the first year, it forms a rosette of leaves. In the second year, it produces a tall stem with large, yellow flowers that open in the evening.

Evening primrose is native to North America, but it has naturalized in many other parts of the world. It’s a member of the Oenothera genus, which includes several other species of evening primrose.

Growing Evening Primrose

Evening primrose is easy to grow from seed. You can sow seeds in late autumn or early spring, either in pots or directly where you want them to grow. If you’re starting seeds indoors, be sure to plant them out in their first year, as they have a long taproot that can be damaged when transplanting.

Evening primrose prefers moist but well-drained soil and a sunny location. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will bloom best in full sun.

Caring for Evening Primrose

Evening primrose plants require very little care. Water them during dry periods and remove faded flowers and leaves as needed. Towards the end of their flowering period, leave some flowers on the plant to set seed. You can collect the seeds to sow next year, or let them self-seed naturally.

Pests and Diseases

Evening primrose is not bothered by many pests or diseases. However, young plants may be susceptible to slug and snail damage. You can protect your plants by using slug bait or creating a physical barrier around them.

Varieties of Evening Primrose

There are many different varieties of evening primrose available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

  • Oenothera ‘Apricot Delight’: Flowers that change from pale yellow to apricot and then coral pink.
  • Oenothera ‘Lemon Sunset’: Soft yellow flowers with a beautiful evening fragrance.

Conclusion

Evening primrose is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that’s perfect for any garden. With its attractive flowers and pleasant fragrance, it’s sure to add beauty and interest to your outdoor space.

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Flower Gardening

Purple-Flowered Plants: A Complete Guide for Gardeners

by Gregory
written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Purple-Flowered Plants: A Guide for Gardeners of All Levels

Introduction

Purple-flowered plants add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden. They are also known to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. In this guide, we will explore the different types of purple-flowered plants available, as well as tips for growing them successfully.

Choosing the Right Purple-Flowered Plants

When choosing purple-flowered plants for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size and shape of the plant. Some purple-flowered plants are small and compact, while others can grow quite large. You will also want to think about the amount of sunlight and water the plant will need.

Some popular purple-flowered plants include:

  • Salvia
  • Lavender
  • Catmint
  • Verbena
  • Clematis
  • Wisteria

Growing Purple-Flowered Plants

Purple-flowered plants are relatively easy to grow, but there are a few things you can do to ensure they thrive. First, make sure to plant them in well-drained soil. Purple-flowered plants do not like to sit in wet soil, as this can lead to root rot.

Second, water your purple-flowered plants regularly, especially during hot weather. However, be careful not to overwater them, as this can also lead to problems.

Finally, fertilize your purple-flowered plants monthly during the growing season. This will help them to produce more flowers and stay healthy.

Benefits of Planting Purple-Flowered Plants

There are many benefits to planting purple-flowered plants in your garden. First, they are beautiful and can add a touch of color and elegance to any landscape. Second, they are known to attract pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Third, purple-flowered plants are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions.

Conclusion

Purple-flowered plants are a great addition to any garden. They are beautiful, easy to grow, and attract pollinators. If you are looking for a way to add a touch of color and elegance to your landscape, consider planting some purple-flowered plants.

Additional Tips

  • If you are planting purple-flowered plants in a container, make sure to use a potting mix that is well-drained.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth and flowering.
  • Purple-flowered plants can be used to create a variety of garden styles, from cottage gardens to modern landscapes.
  • Experiment with different types of purple-flowered plants to find the ones that you like the best.

Long-Tail Keywords:

  • How to choose the best purple-flowered plants for your garden
  • Tips for growing purple-flowered plants successfully
  • The different types of purple-flowered plants available
  • The benefits of planting purple-flowered plants
  • Where to buy purple-flowered plants
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Wildlife Gardening

March: Transform Your Garden into a Wildlife Haven

by Donna
written by Donna 2 minutes read

March: A Wildlife Haven in Your Garden

Wildlife in March

March is a time of awakening for wildlife. Bees are busy buzzing around early flowers like primroses and crocuses, while frogspawn fills the ponds. Toads lay their eggs in ribbons around the stems of plants like marsh marigolds.

Dawn Chorus

As the days get longer, the dawn chorus grows louder. Dunnocks, song thrushes, and greenfinches join the robins, wrens, and blackbirds that have been singing all winter. Listen for the drumming of woodpeckers, a sure sign that spring is on its way.

Wildlife-Friendly Plants

To attract wildlife to your garden in March, plant flowers that bloom early, such as blackthorn and hazel. Dandelions, although often considered weeds, are a vital food source for bees and other pollinators.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn is one of the first shrubs to blossom in March. Its white flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. In autumn, the flowers turn into sloes, which can be used to make gin and jams.

Hazel

Hazel catkins are some of the earliest blooms to appear in the year. They are pollinated by wind and produce hazelnuts in autumn.

Dandelions

Dandelions are a common sight in March. They may be considered weeds, but they are a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators. Dandelion seeds also provide food for goldfinches, and their leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of several moth species.

By planting these wildlife-friendly plants, you can create a haven for wildlife in your garden.

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