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.

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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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