The Garden of Eaden: 2023

Exotic Gardens UK: How to Care for your Hardy Banana

So, you have acquired a hardy banana, but are not sure what to do with it now its in you garden. Well there is no need to worry as English horticulturist Simon explains everything you need to know in order to grow a first class specimen and keep it year after year.

Overwintering, watering, site positioning are all included and are essential to growing a quality specimen that will (probably) be the envy of your friends and fellow gardeners. Given a decent couple of years of mild winters and long hot summers then there is not reason why you could expect your banana plant to flower and produce its very own banana fruit! Not that you would be able to eat them as they will be jammed packed with stone-hard inedible seeds.

If you would like watch more content like this then check out our YouTube channel 'Walking Talking Gardeners'. It is absolutely free to subscribe to and you can unsubscribe instantly at any time. Click onto the notification 'bell' icon to informed as to whenever we publish a new video.

Tropical Gardens UK: My Favourite Exotic garden Plants

It is late summer, the tropical garden is in full swing so now its time to take a look at my favourite exotic garden plants. Everything (well almost) has managed to flower of perform in some way so which one are the stand out plants for this year in our opinion?

The obvious choice is the Hardy Japanese Banana which has turned in to a fantastic, mature specimen over the past year with the hope of it being even more impressive next season. However there are plenty of other plants that are absolute diamond in the garden if you look a little deeper into the displays.

How to Win a Cactus Competition

Winning a cactus competition is no easy feat. Of course, You need to be aware of the rules, but you never know what you will be up against regarding both the other competitors or the judges! In this video English horticulturist Simon explains what the judges are looking for and what you can do to improve your chances of winning your next cactus competition.

So if you want to find out about pot sizes, quality standards and what the judges are going to be looking at then this a great starting point. However, it is vital to read and fulfill the class descriptions and show rules otherwise you can risk finding yourself disqualified.

Tropical Gardens: How to look after Spider Plants Outdoors

Spider plants - Chlorophytum comosum and their cultivars, are one of the most popular of all houseplants. However they are often neglected which promotes weak growth and reduces ornamental value. To get the most of out your spider plants so that it creates an amazing exotic display consider growing it as a hanging basket plant in your garden. So to find our how to look after spider plants outdoors check out what English horticulturist Simon has done in his garden.

Small Tropical Garden Ideas

If you have a small garden and you want to create a tropical or exotic theme then it's sometime difficult to know where to start. So in this video English horticulturist Simon points out some of the ideas used in his garden for your consideration.

Space is always a premium in a small garden so one of the ideas that we like to use it plant upwards!This can include crown lifting any trees in the garden to bring in more light and reveal attractive branch work as well as decorating the exposed branches with suitable plants to create that tropical effect. Don't forget that garden lighting is another great way to bring the 'exotic' to your back door.

Shade-Loving Plants Care

Finding plants that will provide a great display in a shady border can be annoyingly difficult. Then once in the ground it can be hard to maintain them in top condition. So in this video English horticulturist Simon looks at a few choice, shade-loving plants and explains how to care for them.

Shade itself can be an issue with some plants requiring shade all day while others only need to be shaded during the peal hours of between 12.00pm and 3.00pm. Also its worth doing some research before planting in order the get the best effect. Regarding colour in shady borders, something that is often an issue, Simon shows you some of the best plants to brighten up any shady area!

Mistakes to Avoid Growing Camellias

Camellias are one of the best early flowering evergreen shrubs but there are just a few mistakes you need to avoid when growing Camellias in order to get the best flowering display out of them. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains what are arguably the most important.

Most Samellias are either cultivars or hybrids of two species, Camelia sinensis and Camellia sasanqua - both if which have evolved in the high altitude forests of China and Japan. So to improve the quality of not just the plant itself but also its blooms you need to provide growing conditions as close to the ones experienced on its native habitat as you can. Also try not to cut off the flower buds before they are due to open in the spring!

Camellia Flower Care

Camellias are among the best early spring flowering evergreen shrubs, however to get the best out of them requires some horticultural care. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains where they originate from and the environment within which they have evolved. All you need to do is mimic their home environment to get the best effect from these magnificent plants.

The key things for you to be aware of is to make sure your camellias are grown in an acidic soil, that they are grown under dappled shade, and that the soil is permanently moist but not waterlogged throughout the year.

Spider Plant Care - Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plants are one of the most popular of all houseplants but they seem to have gone out of fashion over the past decade or so. This is probably due to how sad they look when neglected. However given the right condition this can becomes an absolutely stunning specimen plant so if you want to know how to care for your spider plant then English horticulturist Simon will give you the low-down (whatever that means).

So in this video we discuss the environment from when the spider plant has evolved from and how to natch these conditions as best you can in our English climate.

Tropical Gardens UK: Forgotten Islamic Exotic Paradise Garden at RHS Wisley

The walled garden at RHS Wisley has always confused me. As lovely as it is, it seems oddly out of place to the rest of the gardens with no information regards to its purpose or history. However, it has been beautifully designed, built, and to a certain extent planted - although not to the high standards seen elsewhere. Every other garden at Wisely has a clear purpose where they show case a particular garden style or a group of plants. The walled garden is just a very fancy, regular garden! Or is it? It seems to me that it may be something else, a forgotten Islamic Paradise garden no less! In this video I put my theory to the test.

However Lorna does not agree at all!

Tropical Gardens UK: Small Exotic Garden Summer Tour

It's been a long time coming but finally our small exotic UK garden is worth looking at! So why not join us a Lorna gives our small exotic garden the summer tour treatment, highlighting the plants that catch her attention?

For the human eye, plant usually have the seasonal interest of ornamental flowers and at this time of year the garden will or at least should have good show. In this video we will point out plants of interest as well as give the names and a little bit of back ground. If you see something that we haven't mentioned but you would like to know more about then leave us a comment in the comments section.

Tropical Gardens UK: Exotic Garden Summer Tour at RHS Wisley

The exotic garden at RHS Wisley is one of our favorites and as such is one that we visit multiple times each year. Why? Because there is always something different on display to entice and excite you! So if you are looking to visit an amazing tropical garden or are just looking for ideas for your own then we thoroughly recommend it.

The thing that I like about most about the exotic garden at RHS Wisley is that it has been plants with a huge succession of interest that lasts from June right up until the first frosts. This means that you can have multiple visits during the growing season and still see a selection of new blooms and seasonal plants in their prime.

Five Easy to Grow Exotic Plants for Your Tropical Garden

If you are looking to plant up an exotic, tropical effect garden then this video is for you. English horticulturist Simon discusses five easy to grow exotic plants for your garden which you should definitely consider as part of your plant collection. Not only are they tried and tested specimens they are tough as old boots, some of which can cope with temperatures down to -12 Celsius!

So in this video we are looking at the following specimens: Musa basjoo, Trachycarpus fortunei, Ricinus communis 'Impala', Canna lilies and the amazing Tetrapanax papyrifer. All of which are superb specimens and can lift any garden border. The merits of each of the plants are discussed in the video.

Tropical Gardens UK: What is the World's Hardiest Banana?

If you are a fan of cold-hardy, tropical-effect gardens then the chances are that you would be looking to add a banana to your plant collection in order to complete that exotic look. Now there are usually several species and cultivars that you can readily purchase here in the UK but just what is the worlds hardiest banana and just how hardy is it? Well, English horticulturist Simon explains all.

There are four cultivars and species that should be on your radar and those are Musa sikkimensis 'Ted Tiger, Musa basjoo, Musella lasiocarpa and Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'. In this video English horticulturist Simon discussed the merits of them all and reveals which one is the most hardy!

Paul McCartney's Childhood Garden at 20 Forthlin Road

If you are a fan of the Beatles then why not check out Paul McCartney's childhood garden at 20 Forthlin Road, Liverpool. Luckily, since the McCartney family left the property very little has changed in the garden over the subsequent years. We know this as Paul's brother Mike (a keen photographer even then) has a collection of images from that period on display at 20 Forthlin road from which a comparison can be made. Unfortunately due to copyright issues I am unable to show these photographs in this video.

So if you find yourself in Liverpool and fancy having a tour of Paul McCartney's childhood home then I would thoroughly recommend it.

Exotic Gardens UK: Tropical Plant Care

Exotic, tropical-effect gardens are known for their lush foliage but they can easily become overblown, run out of steam or simply struggle for nutrition. So in this video English horticulturist Simon takes a walk around the garden highlighting the various care and maintenance that can be employed to keep your garden looking fresh and shiny.

To keep plants looking fresh keep an eye on deadheading and creating space for any valuable specimens that may be getting swamped by neighbouring plants. Don't forget to provide support for those plants which require it and don't forget to upgrade that supports as these plants grow bigger as the season progresses.

Five mistakes to Avoid When Planting and Growing Canna Lilies

Canna lilies are a fantastic addition to any tropical-effect, exotic garden but to get the best out of them there are a number of mistakes that you can avoid to get stronger plants and earlier, longer lasting flowers. So check out this video where English horticulturist Simon explains five mistakes you need to avoid when planting and growing Canna lilies.

Firstly, when buying root sections in the spring, always buy from a reputable supplier as you can often be sold cheap tubers instead of the expensive fancy varieties that you wanted. Secondly, by them as fresh as you can in order to get your tubers in the best possible condition and keep them above 10 degrees Celsius once potted on to get them growing. For further advice check out the above video.

How to Deadhead Old Petunias Flowers

When it comes to flowering you can't deny that Petunias are a hard working genus. However if you let them go to seed then most cultivars flowering will come to an abrupt halt! Luckily this can be avoided with deadheading - although this is often managed incorrectly. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains they exact way to deadhead your petunias effectively.

Just remember pulling off the spent blooms may be removing the physical petals that make the flower but it does not remove the juvenile seed head that causes the problem of signalling the plant to stop flowering!

Tropical Gardens UK: How to Plant an Exotic Garden

An exotic garden is a great design choice for small gardens. However to get that tropical look with relatively hardy plants requires a little research, both for information and ideas. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains the thought process and plants that went into his exotic garden. Just remember that there are no right or wrong ideas in gardening so long as the final effect makes you happy.

For our garden we like to look at large architectural leaves, contrasting colour and habits. Also look at the various heights for that natural forest lok such as ground cover and mid height. |Take advantage of the existing plants, such as mature trees and dress them up with baskets to get that epiphytic look!

How to Deadhead Lilies

Lilies are an absolutely glorious genus of ornamental flowering plants and to get the most out of them year on year you should consider dead-heading them. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains why you would want to deadhead lilies and how to deadhead lilies with a touch of botany to boot!

The reason why you would want to deadhead lily flowers is to prevent the plant from directing energy from the bulb to producing the seeds and seedheads. Removing the seed-heads before they get a chance to form means that energy produced using photosynthesis can be used to bulk up the bulbs to help ensure a great flower display the following summer. To do this correctly English horticulturist explains how in this video.

Giant Tree Lilies - What Do You Need to Know?

Tree lilies are a fantastic group of cultivars, the result of hybridizing oriental lilies and trumpet lilies. As a relatively new group of flowering plants they are rarely seen in the garden centres except perhaps as a limited range pre-packed bulbs in the spring.

However, do a little research to find out your prefered cultivars and you should be able to find them quite easily through on-line retailers in pre-packs. Be aware that condition of bulbs will drop off

over time an so you should by them as fresh as you can in the spring. They may still be available over the summer but by then the bulbs will usually be quite desiccated. To be fair this advise can be applied to all pre-packed bulbs.

Small Tropical Garden UK

Put simply, plant evergreens such as palms, yuccas, cordylines and phormiums to create a permanent, tropical-effect frame work. Then look into a range of plants for architectural and contracting coloured foliage. Roughly plant smaller plants at the front with taller ones at the back but don't be afraid to chop it about abit to create a more natural look. Regarding flowers think about strong bold colours which will evoke that tropical feel.

Poisonous Garden Plants That Can Kill You!

You may think that the plants brought from your local garden centre are entirely safe but think again! Many of these species found on display are highly toxic, which if ingested in sufficient quantity could easily kill a grown man! If this is a concern you, and why shouldn't it be, then English horticulturist Simon points out some of the most poisonous, commonly found garden plants.

People often say that you have more deadly products under your kitchen sink than anywhere else and while that may be true at least you know they are there and not to touch them. When it come to garden plants the majority of people have no idea what plants they have let alone their phytotoxicity! Of course, death through accidental plant poisoning in the UK is extremely rare but knowledge is power. Is it better for general population to know the risks of some of these commonly planted specimens which will increase the risk of their misuse or is there a strong case for 'ignorance bliss'? Well, that is for you to decide.

Five Reasons Why Lorna Hates Roses

At face value roses can be a wonderful garden plant, however for those who try to keep them in top condition there are many reasons why they can attract a certain amount of hatred from seasoned gardeners! So here are five reasons why English horticulturist Lorna hates roses!

If you imagine that the next time you see a rose in full bloom is the very first time you have ever seen one then it is hard to argue that this plant group is among the most impressive of all ornamental flowering plants. However the reality is that their thorns are vicious, the plant breeders have focused on flower size and shape over all else, and put simply they are a disease ridden, scruffy mess.

There are more issues to pile on which are covered in this video and I for one are in complete agreement with Lorna's five reasons for hating roses.

Tropical Gardens UK: How to Create an Exotic Garden on a Budget

Large tropical-effect, exotic gardens can be both very impressive and extremely expensive to achieve so when trying to achieve the same effect in your own garden what can you do in order to keep costs down? In this video English horticulturist shares a few tricks of the trade so that you can create an exotic garden on a budget. Get it right then any cash to manage to save can be spent on the big ticket items without breaking the bank.

Gardens take plants to fill them and the larger the garden the more plants you will need, so to manage costs which can easily spiral English horticulturist Simon explains some simple methods of propagation for some of the easiest plant genera.

How to Grow Giant Tree Lilies

Tree lilies are a fantastic collection of robust cultivars that aren't really grown in perhaps the numbers they should be however if you have your eye on growing these spectacular plants then check out our advise on how to grow tree lilies.

They are hybrid of the oriental lily and trumpet lily, and as a hybrid tree lilies express hybrid vigour in size strength and hardiness, however you just need to be aware that they do not like to have their bulbs overwinter in cold, wet conditions. That aside they are surprising easy to grow and establish, and will attial their tree like size once they have had a few years to mature.

UK Tropical Gardens: Welcome To Our Newly Planted Exotic Garden - PART TWO

First of all, check out the first part of 'Welcome to our Newly Planted (But Not Yet Finished) Exotic Garden' video which you can find at the link below:

https://youtu.be/WApjlUHNwos

You will see that changes have been afoot! The plants have grown considerably and some have even begun to flower - finally! So join us as we take a walk around our cold-hardy, tropical effect, exotic garden and show you the highlights so far. You will find in comparison to the previous video much has changed especially with the amount of blooms now on show - and we still have the main show to come!

Why is My Camellia Plant not Flowering?

Camellias only flower for a few weeks of the year, so for the other 11 months they are generally forgotten. This is a mistake and can be disastrous for the following spring if they are neglected over the summer months - especially during periods of drought which are becoming increasing common! Why, because if your Camellia becomes heat or water stressed over the summer its can react to this by dropping its flower buds? If this happens than you will have no flowers for the coming spring.

To prevent this from happening is a relatively simple affair, it is just a matter of recognising that you plant will need additional watering during periods of drought, especially for newly plantd specimens.

Tropical Gardens UK: Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Tree Echium from See...

Tree Echiums will readily produce viable seed, much of which will germinate into seedlings near to the parent plant but they will often fail when potted on - even by experienced gardeners. So in this video English horticulturist Simon explains the two mistakes you need to avoid in order to successfully pot on Tree Echium ' Echium pininana seedlings.

There are two characteristics that you need to manage when potting these plants on. the first is its surprisingly small, fibrous, root system and the second are its large leaves. Combined this means that that any replanted seedlings are likely to loose so much water through its leaves before new roots can form to mitigate it that they will almost always die due to desiccation!

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Tree Ferns - Dicksonia antarctica

Tree ferns are expensive and usual struggle to maintain their conditions in most UK gardens so to help stop the decline in quality check out my five mistakes to avoid when growing Tree Ferns - Dicksonia antarctica.

The most important cultural aspect to growing these bad boys is to replicate as best as you can the environmental conditions that they have evolved to thrive in. That means proving a regular amount of water and fertiliser, then protecting them adequately over the winter so that they can bounce back with vigour in the spring. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains in painful detail exactly the techniques that work for his specimens.

Tropical Gardens: Spain's Secret Exotic Islamic Paradise Garden

This was an absolute treat! We were making our way to the Tourist Office only to find that it was housed withing a stunning Islamic style palace with adjoining paradise garden! Something we really weren't expecting. So despite this being a complete surprise I took out my mobile and began filming, so apologies for the complete lack of research. Anyway, check out Spain's secret exotic Islamic paradise garden.

Unfortunately our knowledge of Islamic gardens is not as good as we would like it to be but hopefully we have made up in enthusiasm. If you have any questions or have something you would like to add then you are very welcome to leave a comment.

Tropical Gardens UK: Is this Orchid Cactus 'Disocactus ackermannii' Genu...

You don't normally associate orchid cacti as being cold hardy plants but Disocactus ackermannii may be the exception in being genuinely cold hardy. English horticulturist Simon has been growing this particular hybrid outside for approximately 10 years on the south coast of England and this is what he has to say on the matter.

In cultivation, Disocactus ackermannii isn't actually the genuine item as it has been confused with Disocactus × jenkinsonii, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus. As in most cases this hybridisation produces 'hybrid vigour' which has expressed itself in this cultivar as being particularly robust under cold and even freezing conditions! The genuine Disocactus ackermannii is in fact as weak as a kitten!

Tropical Gardens UK: 10 Ten Easy Exotic Plants for Beginners

Cold hardy, tropical effect gardens have been popular in the UK since the Victorians but over the past century so much more is known about which plants are suitably hardy enough to provide an exotic look all year round. So if you are just starting off then check out my 10 easy exotic plants for beginners.

There are all cold hardy (some extremely so), all of them have been tried an tested in the UK for decades and on the whole should be easy to find in your local garden centre at a reasonable price. In fact you could consider this this as a planting by numbers guide to exotic gardens as you will find the majority of those featured in most UK Tropical-effect gardens. Of course there are other species and cultivars that could have been on this list but maybe that will be food for another video.

Tropical Gardens UK: Did My Free Exotic Plants by Propagation Succeed o...

We've been on a journey of propagation this last year to help build up plant stocks for our cold-hardy, tropical effect, exotic garden, but did our attempt to gain free exotic plants by propagation succeed for fail? Well there is only one way to find out and that is to watch this video!

Salvia cuttings have been a great success and there have been plenty of them as the neighbours cat like to snap off the stems by walking through them as with the Ricinus seeds and Echium seedlings. However, the large cordyline stems which were transferred earlier on on the year look very ropey!

How to Propagate, Pot on and Root an Agave Cactus Pup Side Shoot

Producing free Agaves by propagating, potting on and rooting the pups or side shoots is a great way to increase you stock of cacti. It tidies up the look of the parent plants and gives you an opportunity to grow more agaves for free!

To start with, make sure you are wearing gloves and when handling cacti be as gentle as possible as spines are easily broken. When separating the pup from the parent plant try to leave as much of the pups root on as you can and try an cause the least amount of damage possible.

Five Must-Have Exotic Plants for Your Tropical Garden

If you are looking to create a cold-hardy, exotic, tropical-effect garden then these are my five must-have exotic plants for your. Now this doesn't mean that there aren't other plants that are equally well deserving of garden space (which is why there is a bit of cheating going on further into the video) but it's best to keep these things as simple as possible.

It's a bit like 'exotic plant bingo' as you will see these same plants copied again and again in most tropical effect gardens and the reason for this is that they look the part and will cope with the climate condition here in the UK.

Five Mistakes to Avoid Growing Roses

Roses are amongst the most beautiful flowering plants but they can suffer for common problems such as rust, black spot, powdery mildew, crown gall and aphids , so check out these five mistakes to avoid when growing roses in order to get so much more enjoyment out of them.

So once in the garden make sure you dig in plenty of rich compost to help the plant produce its vigorous growth and huge number of flowers. Also keep a good eye out for pest and diseases and act on them in a timely fashion. Any growth from the rootstock needs to be kept in check as this will divert energy from the main plant.

How to Get Rid of the Scarlet Lily Beetle Using Organic Control

The scarlet lily beetle is a voracious pest which can cause devastation on your ornamental lilies. However using insecticides can put beneficial insects, bees and other pollinators at risk so to avoid further collateral damage get rid of your scarlet lily beetles by using my two organic methods.

The first is very simple, just remove the adults when you see them and dispose. Although that can be easier said than done as scarlet lily beetle will drop to the ground and lie on their back exposing their dark underside when disturbed. This makes then virtually impossible to find!

The second is to spray the plant with a fine coating of sunflower oil. This works well on the larvae but not so much on the adults.

Tropical gardens UK: Beautiful English Exotic Garden Late Spring Tour a...

Despite still being June, so late spring, exotic gardens are only just starting to emerge from the soil. Yet there are many cold-hardy, tropical effect-gardens being featured on YouTube. Not wanting to be left out I have videoed my own exotic garden late spring tour and walkthrough, but give it another six weeks and I expect to have a garden exploding in both size and colour - hopefully!

So join me as I check out what is new in the garden, the new plants which have just been planted and those about to flower. Specimens which were planted shortly after we moved in to this property are establishing well however we are still creating borders with newly propagated stock.

Five Mistakes to Avoid Growing Giant Sunflowers from seed

Growing giant sunflowers from seed can be fraught with problems so to save disappointment check out my five mistakes to avoid when growing giant sunflowers from seed. That way even if things do go wrong you have back up plants ready and waiting.

The key thing with growing giant sunflowers is to purchase seed which are known giant cultivars. Then plant them 2 tow a pot or if you are planting to grow them outside station sow three seeds per position with the view to removing the weakest seedings two to three weeks after they have germinated. Always make sure you sow more seeds that you need plants for as there is alway the risk of black stem disease!

Once they have been hardened off and are in position just make sure that they receive as much sunlight as possible. Don't forget to water during periods of drought and apply fertiliser as necessary.

The Easiest Way to String a Strimmer with wire, cord or line - Stihl

Garden strimmers will regularly require the wire, line or cord to be replaced and this is the easiest way to re-string a strimmer. Admittedly this is a hateful and surprisingly frustrating job but by breaking it down into a set of simple steps anyone can replace the wire inside strimmer head.

Take your time over this as there is no rush, and as soon as you become more familiar with the technique you will find that you can quickly accomplish this job is just a few minutes.

How to Water Tree Ferns 'Dicksonia antarctica' The Right Way!

For most gardeners tree ferns are a headache as they tend to deteriorate year on year once planted in the garden, however their condition can be vastly improved by using my secrets to watering tree ferns that actually work! Don't miss this video and don't forget its absolutely free to share it with your friends.

Watering is absolutely crucial to maintaining top quality condition in your tree ferns. Don't water enough and your subsequent fronds will reduce in size and vigour and over time the crown itself will shrink in size! To prevent this from happening and to actually increase the size and quantity of your fronds English horticulturist Simon explains his watering secrets in detail.

When is the Best Time of year to Prune, Cut or Trim a Camellia Plant

Attempt to trim your Camellia plant at the wrong time of year and you are likely to lose its flowers for next seasons display, so when is the best time of year to prune, cut or trim a Camellia? Well in this video English horticulturist Simon explains in detail the exact time to get your cutting tools out and get to work.

Let's be honest, once Camellias can look messy once they have put out the new season growth so the temptation to prune them back into line can be very tempting however there is a big problem in doing so. By removing the new growth you will also take with it the plant material which produce the flowering buds and without these there will be no flowers on show the following spring!

So in this video English horticulturist Simon tells you every thing you need to know about the best time of year to cut back your Camellias.

How do you Revive and Rejuvenate a Declining or Dying Tree Fern - Dickso...

Suburban gardens are full of sickly and deteriorating tree ferns so just how do you revive and rejuvenate a dying tree fern? Well in this video English horticulturist Simon explains the techniques required to bring these fascinating plant back to full health.

The key to reviving tree ferns is to have an understanding of the environment from which they have evolved from and then try to mimic that as best as possible in the garden setting. In tis instance it is all about watering and fertiliser application.

5 Five Mistakes to Avoid when Planting Acers - Japanese maples

Acers can be problematical in the garden but this can easily change if you follow these five mistakes to avoid when planting Acers - Japanese Maples. English Horticulturist Simon explains the common mistakes when growing these gorgeous plants and how to fix them.

With such a graceful, slow growing and reasonably pricey plant there is nothing worse that to have it in a declining condition, especially for many instances where this could have been rectified at the point of purchase or planting.

Tropical Gardens UK: Welcome to our Newly Planted but not yet Finished ...

Welcome to our newly planted, but not yet finished, cold hardy exotic, tropical effect garden. We started planting last year but still have a way to go as we have added a couple more bed to plant recently. We are looking to pick up a few more specimens 'as and when' we find them plus we are looking for a larger and earlier bulb display for next spring. So why not stick around and check out our other videos as the garden progresses over the next couple of years.

We still have a load of plants hardening off before they can go into the borders to fill in the gaps so come the summer the place should be a veritable jungle!

What to Avoid When Buying or Choosing a Cherry Tree

Buying a cherry tree can be fraught with anxiety as garden centre staff are about as horticulturally qualified as a tooth pick so we asked fruit tree expert Matthew Foster for his advice on what to avoid when buying or choosing a cherry tree.

As usual Matthew explained in detail exactly what you should look for as well as sharing his veritable mine of fruity knowledge you help you grow the very best tree in your garden.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Potting on Cacti

Re-potting cacti brings with it an element of risk so its not a job many people like to do too often. So to help get it right check out English horticulturist Simon as he goes through his five 5 mistakes to avoid when potting on cacti.

The first one is to wear gloves and that is not just because cacti have spines which can give you a nasty prick! Many cactus species such as the genus Opuntia have glochid spines which have microscopic barbs. These spines will embed themselves into your skin and will be the devils own job to remove. To find out the other mistakes to avoid click onto the video and watch English horticulturist Simon as he goes through the other four.

5 Five Mistakes to Avoid When Potting On Exotic, Tropical Glory Lily 'Gl...

If you are looking for a truly exotic plant to add to your tropical effect garden then why not pot on an exotic Glory lily - Gloriosa superba, tubers or bulbs. they are surprisingly easy to look after, all you have to do is dry off and over winter the bulbs inside in a warm, dark and dry position.

To begin with, Glory lilies are not hardy and so there is no point in potting the tubers on until overnight temperatures are above 10 degrees Celsius. Then using an acidic compost plant then just a few centimetres below the surface making sure that the leaf bud is facing upwards. Water in thoroughly and then add climbing support.

Tropical Gardens UK: Get More Free Exotic Plants for Your Garden

Finding plants for tropical effect gardens can get expensive, so why not get more free exotic plants for your garden by using the power of propagation? In this video English horticulturist Simon shows you the plants he has propagated and which techniques he used.

Many tropical effect, cold hardy exotic plants are surprising easy to propagate and that means taking cuttings, sowing seed are dividing sections of root Of course certain plants will respond better to each ot these techniques so this is discussed in this video as well as showing you the results of these techniques.

Did I just Kill My Lemon Tree? Is my Lemon Dead? The answer may surprise...

My lemon tree has come through the winter looking like a stack of dead twigs so did I just kill my lemon tree? The answer may surprise you but rather than give the surprise away here you should check out the video instead.

Lemon trees are a fantastic addition to the summer garden and are surprisingly robust and easy to grow. What they don't like however is freezing conditions but there are an increasing number of cultivars that are capable of tolerating cold winters such as the meyers lemon. Last year winter was particularly cold with temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius, far colder than even the hardiest lemons to cope with even with winter protection. So what happened to our lemon when the spring finally arrived? ell check out the above video to find out.

What is a Stumpery Garden

So, just what is a 'Stumpery' garden? Well, similar to a rockery it is a garden which used old tree stumps to create an artistic design within a garden setting. The first stumpery was built in 1856 at Biddulph Grange and they remained popular in Victorian Britain. We visit one of the best modern stumperys in the UK which was built with in the walls of Arundel castle, West Sussex.

So why not check out the video of our visit to Arundel castles stumpery, arguably one of the best examples in the country. Of course it is not just the tree stumps that give ornamental effect it is the planting scheme supporting it to show of these magnificent piece of nature architecture that really make this garden shine.

Tropical Gardens UK: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Exotic Sago Palm...

Sago Palms or Cycads - Cycas revoluta are a fantastic choice for the tropical effect, cold hardy, exotic garden. However there are a few mistakes you need to avoid when planting or potting them on. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains what you need to know to get the best performance out of this wonderful plant.

One of the first things to know is that the Sago palm requires a slightly acidic compost, and that the compost itself need to be well draining as cycads can be susceptible to soil borne fungal infections. Most cycads are sold as either houseplants or kept under cover outside which means the foliage is grown fairly soft which can put this plant at risk when placed directly into a position that receives full sun.

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When and How to Trim, Prune and Cut back Camellias

In general, when and how to trim, prune and cut back Camellias is all about making sure you do so in such a way that your prized specimen will bloom again the following spring. Get the timing wrong on this and you could delay flowering until the year after next!

The same goes for a hard pruning, do so after flowering but this can still shock the plant preventing it from flowering the following year.

If you want to have your camellias flower the following year then there is only one opportunity to trim, prune and cut back your camellias and that is immediately after flowering. If you wish to make hard cuts then theoretically this can be done any tie of year but over the summer is generally considered the best time s evergreen plants are generally dormant and also the dry whether reduces the risk of infections entering the wounds.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Lazy-Boy method to take Salvia Cuttings for Free Pl...

Salvias are a great addition for the cold hardy, tropical effect, exotic garden so check out this lazy-boy method to take Salvia Cuttings and get ready to find homes for some free plants.

The salvia genus is host to around 1000 shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals with many of the woody shrubs being super-easy to propagate from cuttings. In this video English horticulturists shows arguably the simplest method to successfully propagate woody salvias from cuttings.

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Tropical Gardens UK: New Plants for Our Exotic Garden

We love the spring because it is a great time to asses our garden for the coming season and is a wonderful excuse for us to add new plants for our exotic garden. So we have pulled a selection of the plants we have chosen to solidify the our tropical effect garden which we hope you will enjoy. But don't worry as we probably adding new specimens throughout the year.

A number of the plants discussed here are those we have propagated ourselves or purchased online from specialist nursery's. This is because they are very difficult to find at you local garden centre but you can usually find what you need by googling it even though it may arrive much smaller than you would expect despite the generally high postage costs!

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Tropical Gardens UK: How to Repot a Cycad - Cycas revoluta

A Cycad is a gorgeous addition to a tropical effect, exotic garden but once they get to big for their pot how do you repot a Cycad - Cycas revoluta? Where there are couple of things you need to know to get the best out of your Cycad going forward and in this video as English Horticulturist Simon explains.

The first thing to know is they they do not like to have their roots disturbed so try to avoid potting regular repotting. Instead plant them directly into as large a container as you can tolerate. Secondly use ericaceous compost. Cycads are not from the Ericaceae family but they do require a slightly acidic compost around pH 5.5-6.0. Further advise is discussed in the accompanying video.

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How to Prune Fruit Trees: Current Best Practice by Leading Orchard Owner...

If you want to know how to prune fruit trees then you would struggle to find anyone better than leading orchard owner - Matthew Foster, to show you the current best practice. Owner and manager of Dingle farm in Worcestershire, Matthew has been running his orchard of stone fruits for over ten years and produces arguably the best cherry crop in the country.

So why not join us as we pick his brains on the best way to prune fruit trees. If you would like to see more content like this then check out the other videos on our YouTube channel 'Walking Talking Gardeners'. It is absolutely free to subscribe to and if you click onto the notification 'bell' icon then you can be notified whenever a new video is published.

Tropical Gardens UK: Exotic Spring Garden Master Class - Arundel Castle ...

Most cold-hardy, tropical-effect, exotic gardens look pretty poor during the spring but there is one that arguably offers a spring master class in how to bring colour and lushness to an otherwise desolate time of year and that is Arundel castle gardens in West Sussex.

Join us as we walk around arguably one of England's least known, best exotic garden and check out the techniques, design queues and plant choices that the gardeners here have put in place for superb effect.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Secrets to Repotting Strelitzia reginae 'Bird of Pa...

When growing in the UK the 'Bird of Paradise Flower' - Strelitzia regina is notoriously difficult to bring into flower so what are the secrets to repotting that are required to make this exotic plant bloom?

The key thing is to allow the roots to grow undisturbed until it has reach flowering age which can be up to 4 years, however under favourable conditions it is possible for a young plant to produce blooms in two years! So in this video English horticulturist Simon shares his secrets to potting on a Strelitzia in order to get the best performance from it.

Organic Method to Control Slugs that Actually Works

If you are struggling to deal with slugs eating your precious plants then try this organic method to control slugs that actually works! All you need is a slug pub and the right drink inside it. English horticulturist Simon explains how.

The key is what you put into your slug pub and the term 'pub' is misleading here as it implies that any alcoholic drink can be used as bait. The truth of the matter is that it is beer that works and beers with a strong yeasty smell work best. Of course there is a little more to it to get the best out of your slug pubs and in this video Simon gives you the low down.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Charles Darwin's Secret Garden, Down House - Review...

Famous for his contribution to evolutionary biology, Charles Darwin brought many of his theory's to life through experiments held at his family homes private garden. Though not truly a secret, the important, groundbreaking work carried out here in the grounds and the glasshouse is little known. After a number of years as all-girls' boarding school it is now open to the public so anyone can walk in the steps of this scientific giant for the price of a ticket!

So join us as we walk around the walled orchard and kitchen garden as well as visiting the 'laboratory' with is Darwin's potting shed and lean-to green house.

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Vegetable gardening: Growing Cucumbers by Sowing and germinating Seeds

Growing cucumbers by sowing seeds would appear straightforward at face value but this tropical food crop from India requires minimum temperatures for it to both germinate and then grow. Keep the seeds to cold and they won't germinate, keep the young plants too cold and they will go into shock and refuse to grow!

So in this video English Horticulturists Simon and Lorna explain in detail the timings and techniques required to grow cucumbers from seed successfully as well as avoiding the pitfalls of sowing too early or planting out when it is till too cold.

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Tropical Gardens UK: How to Germinate and Grow Ricinus communis (Castor ...

If you want an attractive plant for your tropical effect, exotic garden then why not germinate and grow the impressive Ricinus communis commonly known as the caster oil plant or caster bean? It is surprisingly easy and quick to germinate, all you need its a heated propagator and a bright windowsill - and some sterilised compost and some water and a working electric socket!

Ricinus communis is a great plant to grow from seed as it is quick to germinate and establishes well with little encouragement. It will also provide height and architectural foliage for the borders. Just be aware of the toxicity issue outlined in the video.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Plant Death and Destruction at RHS Wisley Exotic Ga...

Tropical effect gardens live on the edge of what can survive a typical British winter, so whenever an unseasonably cold winter arrives plant death and destruction will surely follow - something we witnessed this year at RHS Wisley Exotic garden!

Exotic plants that can be quite happy with English winters unfortunately struggle to survive in these exceptional 1 in 10 years where temperatures drop to below -6 degrees Celsius! So plants which have established to become handsome specimens can be completely destroyed, ruining the effect of many exotic gardens. So in this video we visit RHS Wisleys Exotic garden to see how they coped with the coldest and longest winter seen in at least 12 years.

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Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias

Magnolias are one of the most beautiful of early ornamental flowering trees, so to get them best show from them avoid these 5 five mistakes when it come to planting and growing Magnolias. That way you will ensure the best display each and every spring.

Native to mostly East and Southeast Asia, with a secondary region of the West Indies, and central and north America, this ancient genus dates back to approximately 95 million years ago!

They are surprisingly tough in their natural environments but when growing in the UK or northern Europe they just need a little help to get the best out of them.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Why I Hate Exotic Gardens

Ok, so I accept that 'why I hate exotic gardens' is a bit strong in this context (especially the 'hate' part) but I do get really frustrated in the Spring by the lack of seasonal interest in tropical effect gardens. Of course Lorna does not agree with me but I feel I have made a decent case against what appears to be the current fashion.

If you are going to plant up a strictly exotic garden then you will have a long wait until you have a rich and fulfilling display of plants. In most cases this won't happen until about June which means you have to wait a good three months while your plants sit and wait (mostly underground) until it is warm enough for them to emerge, sprout, blom etc.

This is all well and good in a public display, where you have set you certain arbitrary parameters, as you have a choice not to visit it. However when you trying to achieve this in a private garden you are going to have to get used to a desolate show for the entire spring!

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How to Plant and Grow the Star Magnolia - Magnolia stellata

The wonderful Star Magnolia - Magnolia stellata is arguably the best of the early, small ornamental flowering trees in the business. Native to the stream-sides and moist, boggy areas of Japan largest island, Honshū, Magnolia stellata is one of the smallest of the magnolia species and is a great addition for the suburban garden. However its most noticeable and ornamental feature are its blooms. It flowers very early on in the spring making it one of the first trees to break flower bud, the flowers are large and conspicuous and it produces its blooms before the leaves break bud which all together make for a very striking show - hence its ongoing popularity.

Although not from the Ericaceae family it will require acidic to neutral soil conditions so plant in a deep hole backfilled with ericaceous compost. Plant it in a sheltered position so that the blooms are protected from freezing wind and rain which can damage the petals. The soil will need to be regular damp but well-drained.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Top 5 Five Exotic Plants for March

The typica exotic garden has little to show in the spring so wee went to RHS Wisley garden to see what their top 5 five exotic plants would be in March. English Horticulturist Lorna investigated what is arguably one of the UK's finest exotic gardens and deceided on her top 5 five exootic plants at this time of year. These included two palms, two conifers and an evergreen shrub, all of which stood out during this visit.

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Vegetable Gardening UK: How To Grow Cucumber from Seed - The Best and Ea...

Given the right equipment and seeds this video covers the best and easiest way to grow cucumbers from seed. It is all about using quality F1 hybrid cucumber seeds, keeping all of the equipment clean and sterile, and sowing into sterilised compost. However perhaps the mosting important things are sowing at the right time and using a heated propagator.

But there is a little more to this than initially seems at face value. Cucumbers are a tropical plant and when you are trying to grow them in the UK you have to manage the temperature requirements of this plant. Temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius can shock this plant into a conditions where it just refuses to grow. Any lower and cold damage can occur and you will easily lose your plant. There are of course cultivars available now which are more capable of surviving in the UK without the additional heat provided by a green house but you will never get the yields achieved by a quality cultivar in a green house.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Our Exotic Garden on the First Day of Spring

We have been waiting patiently for the first day of spring to arrive in the hope that the tropical effect plants in our Exotic garden will start to show some signs of life. However with the long, cold winter still holding on by the tips of its icy grip very little has happened - or has it. English horticulturist Simon takes a closer look at the garden to see what plant-based miracles are beginning to emerge.

With the longer days and just a little more warmth in the air, the first of the spring bulbs have come into flower while other are just beginning to emerge from their seasonal slumber. Deciduous plants are just beginning to break into leaf and a number of herbaceous perennials are just poking their new growth above the soil line.

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Tropical Gardens UK: How to Plant and Grow Exotic Lilies from Bulbs

If you want to bring a tropical look to your exotic garden then why not plant and grow lily bulbs? They are inexpensive, readily available and easy to grow. Just make sure that they are in a sunny position (although they will tolerate partial sun) and a well-drained soil.

Be aware that there are a huge variety of cultivars available from dwarf lilies up to 9 inches high to towering tree lilies which can easily achieve 5ft or taller. Whatever you choose make sure that they are planted deep enough so that the stems have enough support. Furthermore provide good drainage to ensure that your bulbs will survive and flower year after year.

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Tropical gardens UK How to Pot and Plant Exotic Nerine (Guernsey Lily) ...

Native to the tropical climates of South Africa, Nerines (Guernsey Lilies) have different needs when you pot them on or plant them in an exotic garden. In this video English horticulturist Simon explains the conditions required to get the very best out of these wonderful bulbs.

Apart from the extremely hardy Nerine bowdenii, it just isn't recommended to plant these gorgeous bulbs outside in the UK so in order to provide the best environment for flowering they will fair far better in a greenhouse. This is because the require warmer temperatures (especially over the winter) and dry winters.

On the other hand, Nerine bowdenii is as tough as old boots, at least in the south of England, where it can stand up to the worst our soft winters can through at it. Simply plant it in a sunny position (preferably against the protection of a south-facing wall) in a well drained soil.

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Vegetables and Salad Crops UK: Easy Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomat...

Germinating tomato seeds can always go wrong so check out these five (5) easy mistakes to avoid when growing tomatoes from seed. Get them wrong and you could lose a batch of seedlings, however these techniques are not just for salad crops these principles are relevant to the majority of seed grown plants.

Timing is extremely important, because if you leave sowing your tomatoes too late then you risk not having enough of the growing season left to allow the plant to produced ripened fruit. Sow then too early and you risk having your seedlings damaged or even killed by late frosts!

But it doesn't stop there as the importance of having sterilized equipment and compost cannot be underestimated as you can easily lose a batch of seedlings to fungal infection.

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Avoid these 5 Mistakes When Growing and Planting Camellias

Camellias are arguably the most impressive of all the early flowering shrubs but to get the most out of them you will do well to avoid these five mistakes when planting and growing them. Perhaps the most common issue with camellias is yellowing of the leaves which can reduce vigour, and flowering. This is followed by lack of water over the summer, scorching of leaves through planting in the wrong location, and incorrect pruning.

Get these things wrong and you can have stunted growth, discoloured leaves and even lack of flowering.

To find out more about these common problems to avoid check out the above video where English horticulturist Simon explores the common issues which this genus when planted as a garden plant, as well as how to avoid them.

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Five Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Calla Lilies (Bulbs) and How to Pla...

Calla lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden but to get the most out of your plants try to avoid these five mistakes when planting them. By following these tips you will ensure greater success and earlier flowering.

Calla lilies can bring an amazing tropical look to the garden and despite being able to survive a mild winter here in the UK, they will not be able to cope with an extended period of freezing conditions. Of course the garden retailers like to have Calla lily bulbs out for sale as early as February but do not be tempted to plant them outside yet as the chances are that they will rot in the ground before the weather warms up! So check out this video above to avoid wasting your money.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Exotic Garden Plants Winter Death and Disasters!

With spring around the corner it is time to deal with the death and disasters of our exotic garden plants. With the worst winter in at least ten years behind us we can finally assess the damage of our so-called cold-hardy tropical effect plants. Its not good as many of our overwintering plants in the greenhouse have failed along with a number of those left outside under protection.

So we have a garden with plants that we know have died, yet still have many corms, tubers and bulbs which are still under the ground that we don't know whether they have survived or not. However the warmer weather of spring is inevitable even though there is no sign of the freezing weather moving on.

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How to Repot an Unruly Monstera deliciosa - 'Swiss Cheese Plant'

The Swiss Cheese plant - Monstera deliciosa, can become quite unruly when grown as a houseplant which means that at some point you will need to repot it to get it back under control. In its native habitat young seedlings naturally grow towards the shade in order to find suitable support such as the trunk of a tree or a cliff face. This means that the juvenile plant is ideal for growing in shady conditions such as those experienced in a home. This is why Monstera deliciosa makes for such a good house plant

In this video horticulturist Simon will explain how he goes about this as well as adding his top five facts about this magnificent plant.

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Tropical Gardens UK: Exotic Garden February Walk-Round

Longer days and milder nights are starting to take effect in our exotic, cold hardy, tropical effect garden which means it's time for a February walk-round. Join horticulturist Simon as he checks out what is emerging in the garden.

Bulbs are the key plants that are making the most effort but some of the deciduous shrubs and climbers are emerging new leaves too.

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HOW TO PLANT AND GROW CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS

If you are looking to plant and grow Cordylines in your garden then you are in great company as this is one of the hardiest and most attractive architectural plants you can grow. Commonly known in the UK as the cabbage palm Cordyline australis is an evergreen ornamental tree endemic to New Zealand.

It has proven to be hardy enough to cope with UK winters and does so well on the south coast of England that it has now become naturalised. This means that it can produce viable seed which will germinate and grow on into mature trees. So good is its performance in the UK it has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit not just for the true species but also the following cultivars: 'Albertii', 'Sundance', 'Torbay Dazzler' and 'Torbay Red'.

When choosing your site for planting look for a position which is either in full sun or at the very least semi-shadeed. Avoid shade as this will encourage weak, extending growth. Soil type is not too important although avoid heavy clay as this can stunt growth. Try to pick a area of soil that is moist but well-drained. Dry soils can be improved by digging in plenty of organic matter beforehand, whereas waterlogged soils can be managed buy planting into a raised bed.

In the first couple of years you will need to water your plants during periods of drought. If temperature look to drop below 8 degrees Celsius consider protecting the crown with a horticultural bag or fleece.

Elche Mediterranean Gardens, Spain Slide Show - Home to Cacti, Succulent...

Welcome to our slide show of Elche Garden - Huerto del Cura, Alicante Spain. This wonderful garden is home to a fantastic display of cacti, succulents, Tropical, Exotic and Mediterranean plants. The undisputed star of the garden is the specimen of Phoenix dactylifera known as the 'Imperial Palm', a date palm with 7 arms that emerge at a height of 1.50 m from the main trunk and an age of about 165 years!

This was my second visit to Elche gardens and I can genuinely say that the standard across the whole of the garden was much improved. The displays looked well maintained and the plants themselves seemed stronger, healthier and in much better condition. However the last time I was there Spain was in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures entering the low 40's Celsius and no one like that including most of the plants.

So if you are in the area I would definitely recommend a visit as it is arguably the best garden in the area - just remember to always take water with you.

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How to Grow, Plant, Transplant and Re-Plant Cordylines Without Killing Them

There is always a risk when it comes to planting, transplanting or replanting cordylines and of course no-one wants to unintentionally kill them if they can help it. In this video English horticulturists Simon and Lorna explain the importance of reducing water loss from the leaves while the roots are inevitably damaged during the lifting process.

This cordyline is an established plant that has been lifted from an existing border and in this video we explain how to replant it in an other border using various techniques that will give it the best start in its new life.

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How to Grow Indoor Amaryllis from Bulbs

Who doesn't love Amaryllis and wouldn't want to grow them indoors from bulbs? Well if you don't then this video is not for you. Monstrous bulbs combined with massive architectural blooms is a heady mix and I for one absolutely love them. So to find out how easy it is to grow them indoors from a bulb I have asked Lorna to share her wisdom. Her secret? The airing cupboard!

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Tropical Gardens UK: Giant Arum Lily - Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Hercules...

This giant arum lily was an absolute surprise when we saw it at Wisley last year. So impressive was it that I had to buy one myself. The trouble is that very few nurseries were growing it but luckily I manage to pick up a specimen albeit a small one. Now there has been some issue regarding the name as mentioned in this video, plus I have been contacted by one of our viewers who states that Wisley does have it right and Champion plants who supplied the plant has it wrong. It is very difficult to say as nursery that introduced this plant is now calling both plants the same cultivar!

Anyway, what is important is that this plant is and absolute eye-catcher and is listed as hardy down to -5 to -10 degree Celsius, which means that it will grow in large parts of the UK.

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Tropical Plants Glasshouse - Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Welcome to the wonderful tropical greenhouse at Birmingham Botanic gardens with your horticultural hosts Lorna and Zoe. This tropical greenhouse is wonderful surprise housed in the Midlands, making the delights of quality horticulture more accessible to Brummie, like-minded gardeners who would otherwise have to rough it with southern posh-os in that there London! So enjoy this walkround where Lorna and Zoe point out anything that catch their interest.

Tropical Gardens: Monte Palace Botanical Gardens, Madeira, Spain

The botanical gardens found at Monte Palace, Madeira were an absolute delight. We found them by making a trip adviser search before we arrived but we were blown away by just how good they were on our real-life visit. Of all the gardens we visit, and to be fair they were all great, this one was by far the very best. In fact I would go as far and say that this was a would class garden!

Now there are a number of water features here which have caused a problem with the microphone in places but despite this we hope you enjoy this garden which I believe was one of the first videos we ever made - hence out lack of presentation skills.

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