Anyone in search of planting ideas for their garden in the colder months is spoilt for choice when it comes to sources of inspiration. Up and down Britain there are sterling examples of gardens planted for winter interest: Cambridge University Botanic Garden boasts one of the earliest; Wakehurst Place is home to one of the more recent; then there’s Bodnant, Dunham Massey, the Savill Garden – the list goes on. One thing they have in common though is that they’re all quite large, and gardeners could be forgiven for feeling they need a separate ‘winter area’ or hefty acreage to create anything worthwhile in their own plots. Not so, says David Jordan, senior gardener at Anglesey Abbey, who cares for its well-known Winter Garden and has a host of winter plants to recommend that will easily integrate into your existing garden.
17 Plants with Prickly Leaves
28.12.2023 - 12:37 / balconygardenweb.com / Ralph Astley
From the pointy foliage of the holly to the stand-out agaves, plants with prickly leaves can be quite a unique addition to any garden!
Cacti boast a distinctive feature—prickly leaves modified into spines. These water-storing plants need less maintenance and care, making them perfect for forgetful gardeners.
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Aloe Vera is popular for its medicinal properties and also looks quite great while being at it. The leaves have small spines and they are super pointy at the ends, too!
Botanical Name: Rosa spp.
Roses are recognized for their thorny stems and serrated, prickly leaves. These natural defenses add an element of protection to the beauty of these flowers.
Botanical Name: Agave spp.
Agaves are the epitome of plants with prickly leaves. Be it a small one or a large specimen, you can notice the spiny ‘teeth’ all around the foliage!
Botanical Name: Ilex spp.
A holiday plant, this one exhibits glossy, serrated leaves. The prickly leaves contribute to their traditional role in winter celebrations.
Botanical Name: Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry bushes offer more than delicious berries — they have thorns and prickly leaves. Pointy leaves or not, these are a must-have in the garden!
Botanical Name: Yucca spp.
Yucca plants stand out with their slender, sword-like leaves. Their leaves have long, pointed tips, and their edges are lined with needle-like prickles.
Botanical Name: Cirsium spp.
Thistles produce purple blooms and prickly leaves that deter herbivores. Despite their pointy appearance, these plants support pollinators and local ecosystems.
Botanical Name: Urtica spp.
Nettles are notorious for their stinging hair and also have serrated, prickly leaves that deliver a mild toxin upon contact.
Botanical Name:
Do These Things with Christmas Cactus One Month After it Finishes Blooming
After the holiday season, it is important that you follow a few steps to ensure your Christmas Cactus stays healthy and strong. Here are some fantastic post-bloom care tips for you!
12 Indoor Plants With Purple Flowers
Lavender, Bougainvillea, and Spiderwort are easy to care for, adding a touch of elegance. Pansies and African Violets, simple to grow indoors, boast lovely purple faces. Orchids, Fuchsia, Chrysanthemums, and other options offer vibrant hues. From Hyacinths' fragrant clusters to Gloxinia's vibrant trumpets, these plants thrive in well-lit spaces, making indoor gardening a delightful experience.
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Move over, awkwardly placed windows. If you're dealing with windows that are positioned a bit strangely throughout your house or are oddly shaped, we're here to help.
Getting organized for seed season, with ken druse
IF YOU THINK nothing’s on the to-do list in winter, fellow gardeners—that we’re all meant to be dormant, like the cannas in the cellar and the herbaceous perennials outside and the flower beds—well, think again.
Keep That Mulch Off Your Driveway With a Clean Crisp Edge.
I constantly have mulch coming onto my driveway and walkway. I need a simple and clean edge to keep things in place.
Your gardening questions answered: What’s wrong with my climbing roses?
I planted some climbing roses into pots at either side of our garden gazebo and have trained them to grow up over it. I’ve been careful to feed and water them, and they did brilliantly for a couple of years, but last summer they looked miserable. Any suggestions as to what I’m doing wrong? TJ, Co Kilkenny
Bring Greenery to Small Spaces and Beyond with IKEA's new Collection
IKEA
20 Weeds With Red Vines
Botanical Name: Fallopia japonica
8 Leaf House Plants | Indoor Plants with 8 Leaves
8 leaves house plants can be a quirky addition to indoor space, where you can use them for decoration, while adding a different numbered pallet to your foliage collection!
An exclusive trip to Monmouthshire with The English Garden and Sisley Garden Tours
‘Marvels of Monmouthshire’ takes in the lovely scenery of this part of the world and a selection of special gardens, chosen by Sisley Garden Tours to be in their full summer glory. Many of the gardens have been featured in The English Garden magazine.
15 Flowers With Negative Meanings
Before you gift blooms to someone, it is important to know about Flowers with Negative Meanings to ensure you don’t end up giving a wrong one!