Azalea

Just like humans, all plants are a little different, and where some fail to thrive, others will blossom. The clearest example of this is watering. Some plants will wilt and make it very obvious that they need regular deep watering to thrive. Others however, are perfectly pleased with just an occasional rain shower. Something that might be less obvious to...

As the days begin to cool, a new wave of colour invades the garden. Clockwise from top left: Japanese maple, pin oak, azaleas, crepe myrtle.   Colours glow as Japanese maples turn fiery red, crimson and gold. In cooler spots, pin oak will turn a brilliant scarlet and the orange leaves of the crepe myrtle make a last splash of...

Bonsai is an intriguing and creative hobby. At its simplest level, a bonsai is a small plant growing in a shallow container, but for those who create bonsai plants, specimens are works of art often created to form traditional shapes. This style of gardening began in China more than 2000 years ago and spread to Japan in the 12th century...

To add interest consider planting a stepped hedge where several rows of plants of differing heights are used stepping up from a small hedge at the front to a tall hedge at the back.