Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a creeping woodland perennial in the Oxalidaceae family. It’s native to parts of Asia and most areas of Europe, including the UK. It’s used as an indicator of ancient woodland in southern and eastern England.
13.10.2023 - 12:07 / gardenersworld.com
Marjoram or sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a half-hardy perennial sub-shrub in the Lamiaceae or mint family. It has small rounded leaves and white tubular flowers in summer and early autumn that attract bees and other pollinating insects. Marjoram originates from the Mediterranean and Turkey.
How to grow marjoramSweet marjoram thrives in full sun and has good drought tolerance once it is well established. It’s important to plant marjoram in well-drained soil to avoid problems with root rot in wet conditions.
What is the difference between marjoram and oregano?Marjoram and oregano are often confused. Although they are closely related, they are not the same species. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a hardy perennial sub-shrub native to most of Europe, including the UK. It’s often known as wild marjoram and is widely used as a dried culinary herb.
Marjoram is not as hardy as oregano. It has a delicate, sweeter taste and is usually used fresh. Pot marjoram (Origanum onites) is another culinary Mediterranean species. It closely resembles oregano and is hardy in milder areas of the UK. Both marjoram and oregano are toxic to pets.
Where to grow marjoramPlant marjoram in a sheltered sunny spot in well-drained soil with an alkaline or neutral pH. Plants grow into bushy mounds which reach around 60cm in height. It combines well with other Mediterranean herbs in borders and raised beds, and can be grown in containers on a sunny patio or in a greenhouse or conservatory.
How to plant marjoramSow marjoram seeds in spring under cover in peat-free seed compost. Harden plants off and transplant into the garden after the last frost. Young marjoram plants that have been bought from a nursery or garden centre can also be planted out
Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a creeping woodland perennial in the Oxalidaceae family. It’s native to parts of Asia and most areas of Europe, including the UK. It’s used as an indicator of ancient woodland in southern and eastern England.
Understanding amaryllis dormancy is key to helping your plant bloom consistently year after year.
The traditional lawn is undergoing a rethink now that droughts are becoming more common as the effects of climate change intensify. On drought-prone, free-draining soil, lawn grass turns brown when under stress. In these conditions a creeping thyme lawn is a beautiful, low-maintenance and nature-friendly alternative to a grass lawn, as long as it suits your garden use. Creeping thyme makes a good lawn replacement in the UK, either alone or combined with other prostrate ground cover plants, although thyme rarely thrives as part of a grass lawn because the grass out-competes plants unless the soil is very low in fertility.
There’s around 100 species of helicona, most of which are evergreen perennials native to tropical Central and Southern America. Their enormous glossy leaves are similar to banana plants and can grow to 120cm long. As heliconia can’t be grown in frost prone areas, there are few regions where these plants can be grown outdoors, although some varieties could be placed outdoors in summer. Heliconia flowers come in shades of red, orange, green and yellow.
Mandevilla, also known as Dipladenia, Brazilian jasmine and rock trumpet, is a woody climber native to tropical Central and South America. It has gently scented, vibrant blooms and makes a fine conservatory plant in the UK.
Watering Thanksgiving cactus correctly is key to maintaining your plant and keeping it healthy and looking beautiful.
How to Grow and Care for Starfish Flower Cactus Stapelia grandiflora
Maximalism is experiencing a big comeback in interior design. Once thought to be old fashioned or cluttered, younger generations are embracing the look and making it shine. If the trend appeals to you, consider designing a maximalist garden to show off all your favorite plants, garden art, patio furniture, and more.
Botanical Name: Philodendron selloum
How to Grow and Care for Purple Passion Plants Gynura aurantiaca
How to Grow and Care for Bridalwreath Spirea Spiraea prunifolia, S. x vanhouttei, S. cantoniensis
Project Giving Back has announced that it will be continuing its support of gardens for good causes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025 and 2026. Speaking at the opening of the 2023 Gardens For Good Causes Exhibition at the Garden Museum in London, Project Giving Back’s CEO, Hattie Ghaui, said: “I am thrilled to confirm we will be supporting even more gardens for good causes at RHS Chelsea Flower Show until 2026. As we move into our third year of funding, it feels like PGB is still in its adolescent years and we wanted to give it time to mature into adulthood. We know from having to turn down some incredibly strong funding applications over the past couple of years that there are so many wonderful stories waiting to be told. We’re all excited to see how the creativity of charities, designers and wider garden teams continues to unfold and look forward to welcoming more partnerships into the PGB family.”