Blues Ideas, Tips & Guides

It’s at this time of year that our little farmhouse begins to be love-bombed by butterflies, which flutter into its rooms through open windows to perch on the centuries-old walls and bask on its sunny windowsills. They are small tortoiseshells, a common species easily identified by the tiger-like stripes and series of tiny, pale blue dots stippled along the edges of its dark-orange, paper-thin wings. In early autumn the adults go in search of somewhere safe to overwinter, during which time our house is strangely irresistible to them. Clearly the building has always had this special charm. When we first bought it, its old, sun-filled rooms were filled with their tiny, dusty remains, poignant reminders of summers long gone.

Montes & Clark has teamed up with The English Garden to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a dinner party bundle, worth £126.

Have you ever marveled at the intoxicating fragrance of Greek Flowers as you walked through a lush Mediterranean garden? Keep scrolling to unravel the mysteries of Greece’s most iconic flowers and their remarkable significance!

Scalloped decor is a great way to add a sweet, romantic touch to your space. Plus, there are so many ways you can bring this decorating trend into your home—from rugs to dinnerware to curtains and everything in between. Here are 15 of our favorite scalloped decor items to add subtle flair to your home. 

Are you a gardening enthusiast who always looks forTrees and shrubs with pink flowers? Then, this list of Pink flower names is undoubtedly going to help you pick some of the best ones for your garden!

Sara Tramp

Whether you work from home full time, have a hybrid schedule, or just like to have a designated space for doing home paperwork, creating an organized home office doesn't have to come at the expense of your sense of style—just ask Bobby Berk.

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Salvias (ornamental sage) are a must in the summer garden. They come in a vast range of forms and colours and their nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. They flower for months on end, often from midsummer until the first frosts, and many have aromatic foliage, too. The name ‘salvia’ derives from the Latin salveo, meaning ‘I heal’ or ‘I save’. The culinary herb, Salvia officinalis, was used as a healing plant by Greeks and Romans and is part of part of the huge Salvia genus.

The starting point for today’s Monday vase was the tall spires of Sanguisorba canadensis. I am rather puzzled by them and can’t remember where and when I got the original plant, which was in the main blue & white border. It must have been over five years ago and I recall it flowering just once, but not leaving me impressed, especially as it began to spread without earning its keep. Last autumn, when I lifted all the contents of the border, I composted most of it, but planted a small section in an adjacent border, where it is now flowering generously. I have no idea why I wasn’t impressed before, because the flowers are gorgeous, six inches (15cms) plus of greenish-white fluffiness on each spike; the plant is exceedingly tall, I know,  more than its supposed five feet (1.5m), and thereby taller than me. I am not intimidated by tall people these days, but I do avoid the tallest of plants in my garden. However, I will overlook this failing on the strength of its blooms, albeit not literally!

Epiphytes are commonly seen growing on higher branches of tall trees in the most harmonious way! They grow as air plants in the wild and can grow as wonderful houseplants too! In this article, you will learn about the Best Epiphytic Ferns That Grow As Indoor Plants! 

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The existence of Blue Dragon Fruit has sparked curiosity and debate among horticulturists, fruit enthusiasts, and the general public. However, the question remains: Is it real, or is it merely a myth? Let’s find out!

The question of whether plants can “see” has long fascinated scientists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike. While plants don’t have eyes or a nervous system to process visual information, they do have an incredible ability to perceive and respond to light. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind plant perception and answer the question – Can Plants See!

Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, likely because of their versatility. Not only can you prepare potatoes in a myriad of ways, but there are so many unusual potato varieties to try. From russet to fingerling in hues of red, yellow, white and even purple, there’s a unique potato variety out there you will enjoy. Some unusual potatoes might be considered gourmet potato varieties, while still others are de rigueur, but all of them are delicious. Keep reading to learn about unusual potato varieties and which ones you should grow.

The question of whether plants can “see” has long fascinated scientists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike. While plants don’t have eyes or a nervous system to process visual information, they do have an incredible ability to perceive and respond to light. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind plant perception and answer the question – Can Plant See!

Seasonal Houseplants are good for people who are looking forward to having specimen that thrives at their best in different time of the year. Here are the best ones to go for!

In this case, it was the egg, as that is what I found myself thinking of when I picked today’s blooms…

These Cool Looking Mushrooms can be a great addition to your garden, thanks to their striking colors and weird shapes. Explore the fascinating world of fungi!

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These Dainty Flowers bring subtle beauty to gardens, enchanting with their small yet captivating presence. Keep on reading to explore the best ones!

The dog days of summer are officially upon us, and as the temperatures begin to cool, many are eagerly swapping out their spring and summer home decor for fall-inspired items. Pumpkins, warm color palettes, and fall foliage are classic decor pieces, but if you’re looking to try something new this year there are lots of on-trend options.

Growing herbs in your home garden is not only restricted to cooking, aromatherapy, and health, but also the beauty of the blooms! Check out some striking Herbs With Purple Flowers!

If you’re looking for new outdoor seating, then why not bring a laid-back holiday vibe to your garden with deck chairs? These traditional, foldable seats are colourful, comfortable and budget-friendly, ideal for relaxing in the sun or shade.

Gardens come alive with a touch of drama, and nothing captivates the eye like vines, climbers, and creepers with dark leaves. These Black Foliage Vines and Climbers add an air of mystery and elegance to your outdoor space.

Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) lines the roadside edge of our Piedmont Prairie Exhibit at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. This plant is towering over the grasses and other prairie plants at about 10 feet tall. At this time of year, mid to late August, it is in full flower. The spray of yellow flowerheads at the head of the bare, tall stems is stunning against the blue summer sky. Each composite flower is about 2 – 2 ½ inches across, and each plant will flower for about a month. Today, when I left work, the flowers were covered in eastern swallowtail butterflies dancing in the breeze. Other pollinators are also attracted to the blooms, which are held high above the competing vegetation. Long-tongued bees, many small bees, hoverflies, and hummingbirds are all regular visitors. Goldfinches and probably other small birds and mammals are attracted to the seeds.

I am probably doing the Duchess a great injustice by implying she is a floozy, as I don’t know her well enough, but when you are such a lovely shade of deep purply blue that you become the focus of a vase on Monday, then perhaps you need to be big enough to allow people to take liberties with your reputation.

Dive into the world of autumn magic with the Best Blue Pumpkin Varieties! From the Blue Prince to the Japanese Shishigatani, learn about these stunning blue pumpkins and the true blue pumpkin meaning.

Cooler temperatures are on the horizon! And the return of fall marks the perfect time to refresh your home decor. Store any summer-specific or seasonal items or consider switching up your home's color palette entirely for a more autumnal flare. Items like thin throw blankets, light curtains, and more can be swapped for cozy velvet floor cushions, luxe curtains, and other velvet accessories in rich colors. Wondering what velvet accessories to purchase? Check out our 11 favorites. Better yet, they are all under $50.

If there’s anything better than fall decorating, we’ve yet to find it. While there are technically 27 days (maybe less by the time you read this) left until the official start of the season, we say it’s never too early to be prepared.

Clematis have done really well here this year, despite a slightly later start for some. C ‘Duchess of Albany’ (above), flowering for the first time, is a real beauty and I welcome her with open arms.

Q: I bought some beautiful blue mophead hydrangeas last year that I planted in my garden, but I was really disappointed to discover that the plant’s flowers are pink this year instead of blue, and there aren’t very many of them. What’s happened? Is there any way for me to fix it? FL, Co Laois

Ever wondered – Do blue apples exist? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the best guide on the Best Blue Apple Varieties, complete with Facts and Growing Information.

Dorm shopping can be overwhelming. The lists of must-haves grow ever-longer, meaning you definitely “missed” something while moving into the college room—whether for yourself or a loved one. But whoever may be nesting in the small space, it’s now been a few weeks. You’ve gotten a feel for what you need to pick up versus what you don’t, and may be looking to fill in some gaps that make dorm living more comfortable, convenient, and stylish.

Discover a diverse array of Common Missouri Mushrooms with our comprehensive guide. From the prized Morels to the vibrant Chicken of the Woods, explore their seasons, habitats, edibility, and unique characteristics!

Ever wondered about the tiny, vibrant visitors that flit through Georgia’s gardens and woodlands? Look no further – explore with us the captivating world of Hummingbirds In Georgia!