Long White Radishes

Lauren Alex O’ Hagan, Cardiff University

These exquisite white flowers with purple centers are a sight to behold. They add a touch of sophistication and allure to any garden or floral arrangement.

Originally entitled ‘Why do white flowers smell best?’ I have revised this article.

Abeliophyllum distichum also called White Forsythia is more refined than traditional yellow Forsythia to which it is distantly related, both being part of the Olive family.

Copper from an old penny, vinegar, lemon juice and aspirin have some preservative effect as they are all acidic.

Sometimes I am too tolerant and generally that is true with whitefly infestations. Perhaps that is because I have not had a serious outbreak or a great deal of resulting damage. So live and let live unless an edible crop is involved. The worst that happens is on houseplants where these sap feeding insects can breed continuously through the year. As a gift to the windowsill they leave a sticky secretion on leaves which drops from the plant. Only in the greenhouse have the white-winged adults taken to flight from tomato plants when disturbed. Adults and the scale like nymphs have secretions that can make plants sticky and prone to sooty mould.

White is the second most useful colour in the garden after green. I am progressively increasing the number and variety of white and grey plants that I grow.

The cast in order of appearance: Cactus Dahlia; Rosa Rugosa; Lenten Rose Helleborus orientalis; Moth Orchid Phalaenopsis; Water Lily Nymphaea alba; etc.

Begonias look best in groups or where they are given the opportunity to demonstrate their colourful dexterity. (Most of my photos are produced uncropped but in this case I done some editing).

Discover the Most Long-Lasting Flowers for Yard and Garden! From perennials to stunning annuals, let’s explore the perfect floral choices to transform your yard and garden into a beautiful long lasting oasis.