Green Walls And Sumptuous Curtains Of Flowers

Festuca Glauca Blue fescue

Blue fescue's striking steel-blue slender foliage can compete with that of any other grass species. Its small blue tufts are ideal for creating interesting color contrast. The tolerant nature of this grass should not be overlooked either; it withstands drought extremely well and will quickly form long- lasting ground cover on poor soil. It looks good partnered with heathers or rock garden plants and is suitable as edging long borders. The main requirement is that t should be planted in a sunny location. summer, panicles emerge with violet-tinted blue-gray spikes. To maintain color and growing power, divide every two to three years in spring.

Festuca Mairet Atlas fescue

Atlas fescue is an evergreen grass with slender gray-green arching leaves. In summer airy sprays of flowering panicles soar above the undemanding plant that tolerates most soils. Coverlightly in winter to give protection.

tlas fescue

Festuca Scoparia“Pic Carit" Bearskin fescue

This miniature version of the bearskin fescue forms an almost perfect moss-like, grass-green carpet. An ideal plant for rock gardens.

Festuca Mairei

Atlas fescue is an eaves In summer, foliage. It is an evergreen grass with slender gray-green arching airy sprays of flowering panicles soar above the undemanding plant that tolerates most soils. Cover lightly in winter to give protection.

Festuca Glauca Blue fescue

Blue fescue's striking steel-blue slender foliage can compete with that of any other grass species. Its small blue tufts are ideal for creating interesting color contrast. The tolerant nature of this grass should not be overlooked either; it withstands drought extremely well and will quickly form long- lasting ground cover on poor soil. It looks good partnered with heathers or rock garden plants and is suitable as edging long borders. The main requirement is that t should be planted in a sunny location. summer, panicles emerge with violet-tinted blue-gray spikes. To maintain color and growing power, divide every two to three years in spring.

Festuca Scoparia “Pic carlit” bearskin fesque

This miniature version of the bearskin fescue forms an almost perfect moss-like, grass-green carpet. An ideal plant for rock gardens.

Trees And Shrubs Gardening Information

Buxus Sempervirens European box, common box

The Buxus sempervirens takes its time and needs many years to grow into a handsome shrub. It is worth the wait, though, because the evergreen European box is one of the most versatile, well-loved garden plants around. One of its most popular features is its small, egg-shaped, leathery leaves and its adaptability, because it can easily be clipped into any artificial shape or size desired. Although its yellowish, sometimes greenish, clusters of small fragrant flowers are fairly inconspicuous, they still attract swarms of bugs. Thanks to its tolerance of clipping, it can be used multifariously in both formal and natural planting—either as a hedge or to edge a bed, as evergreen background planting for roses and shrubs or as a figurative artistic shape standing alone for striking effect. Also worth mentioning is its tremendous adaptability to different positions, provided the soil is rich in humus and well drained. Take care: all plant parts, particularly the bark and leaves, are extremely poisonous.

Callistemon Citrinus Crimson bottlebrush

This shrub takes its name from its profusion of spectacular, blazing, crimson-red flowers. Apart from its blossom—the second blossom in late summer is not quite as lavish—the tough, evergreen leaves add to its beauty. It is happy in full sun and moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is only suitable for yards in frost-free regions and can be cultivated to some extent as a container plant.

Calamagrostis X Acutiflora "Karl Forster" Feather reed grass

This masterpiece of a grass with its richly- blooming, feathery-flowering panicles is a wonderful eye-catcher when planted in borders between low shrubs and perennials. It is also the ideal choice for planting in open spaces in wild gardens. "Karl Forster" is absolutely beautiful in the fall when its blossoms and stems take on a warm ruddy to tan glow. This striking grass makes an attractive guest in the yard until long into winter. Wait till spring to cut back the flowering stems, as they remain extremely decorative, otherwise further maintenance is unnecessary. This luxuriant grass prefers sun or light shade with moist, humus-rich soil. Propagate this generous all-rounder in spring by division. Grows in compact clumps so it is unlikely to spread. Tip: the flowers last well in dried arrangements.

Gardening With Herbaceous Perennials Plants

Delphinium "Ariel" Elatum group Candle larkspur

Broad, light blue blooms with a white eye. Growing to a height of around 4 feet 4 inches (1.3 meter), "Ariel" is one of the smaller cultivars in the Elatum group.

Delphinium "Butterball" Elatum group

The small "Butterball" differs from the— admittedly very pretty—blue standard, with its mass of semi-double, creamy-white flowers with yellow centers.

Delphinium "Faust" Elatum group

The long, semi-double flower spikes come in a magical dark cornflower blue, lightly tinged with purple.

Delphinium "Fnsteraarhorn" Elatum group

The single, gentian-blue blooms with their mysterious black centers are enchanting in every way. The flower stems are not susceptible to wind damage.

Delphinium Larkspur

During its flowering period, the larkspur, with its distinctive, long, dense flower spikes, is right at the center of events. This "blue classic" comes in a variety of different shades, from creamy- white and light yellow through pink to various tones of blue and violet. As well as the wild varieties, which are suitable for informal and rock gardens, there are three distinct groups of hybrids. The largest and most important group is that of the Elatum hybrids, which has produced particularly robust, long-lived plants. Belladonna hybrids have a relatively low habit, up to around 3 feet 4 inches (1 meter) and loose flower panicles. The short-lived Pacific hybrids have a short flowering period, but large, semi- double blooms.

Larkspurs love sunny places, preferably sheltered from the wind, and a fertile, deep, well-drained soil. They are typically planted at the back of an herbaceous border. If you cut them back after the first flowering, they will flower again in late summer. Tall varieties require support. Take care: seeds and leaves are poisonous.

Delphinium “Polarnacht" Elatum group Candle larkspur

A rigidly  upright-growing, small Elatum hybrid with spikes of violet flowers with white centers. It produces a very strong impact at a distance and makes a beautifully decorative cut flower.

Delphinium "Skyline" Elatum group Candle larkspur

The large, white eyes, lightly tinged with blue, contrast beautifully with the semi-double, sky-blue flowers.

Delphinium grandifiorum 'Blue Butterfly" Siberian larkspur

D. grandifiorum is larkspur's miniature version. This loosely branching perennial is extremely short-lived, and so it is often treated as an annual or biennial, but it does self-seed. The brilliant blue flowers of "Blue Butterfly" contrast beautifully with the finely-lobed, dark green foliage. This plant's low-growing habit makes it suitable even for exposed situations.

Delphinium "Astolat" Pacific group

The American hybrid can be propagated by seed. This variety has very large-bloomed flower heads with densely-packed, semi- double, pink to lilac blooms. Outstanding cut flower.

Gardening With Annual Plants

Alcea Rosea "Nigra" Black hollyhock

The flowers of A. rosea, with their deep, dark red, almost black shimmer, have a distinctly magical effect. This marvel of dark color will look its fascinating best in large cottage or herb gardens. Hollyhocks are happiest in full sunlight and in moderately fertile, very well- drained soil. In exposed places, they need the support of a stick to prevent the flower spikes bending or snapping. In dry locations, ensure the plant receives plenty of water.

Bellis Perennis Lawndaisy

The cheeky little double flower heads, pink, white, or red, peer out of flowerbeds or containers in the spring. This sturdy cultivated variety looks nothing like the wild European daisy. A charming, somehow old-fashioned plant, it is cultivated as a biennial and loves sunny to semi-shady spots in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. You can extend the flowering period by removing the dead blooms. Little Be//is also looks very pretty in small bouquets or posies.

Campanula medium Canterbury bells

With loose racemes of large, bell-shaped flowers, double or single, in blue, white, or pink, Canterbury bells appear to be ringing in the summer. The lavish profusion of flowers of this popular cottage garden plant makes it a worthwhile addition to flowerbeds and borders in natural look gardens. But it also makes an especially decorative cut flower. It demands nothing more than a nutrient-rich, moist but well-drained soil and watering on dry days.

Dianthus Chinensis Hybrid "Charm Scarlet" Hybrid pink, Chinese pink

The single-flowered, compact "Charm Scarlet," one of the Charm series, has brilliant scarlet flowers on sturdy stems, and displays them throughout the entire summer. The numerous hybrids of the Chinese pink look their best when planted en masse in flowerbeds, particularly as borders or edging, or in containers. In a sunny location and a nutrient-rich soil, these biennials will need little care.

Dianthus Barbatus  Sweet  william

This splendidly colorful cottage garden plant is a grateful bloomer. However, its beautiful, old-fashioned, romantic look only really comes into effect when planted in a group. A bushy, short-lived plant, cultivated as a biennial, sweet william forms dense, flat clumps, 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) across, composed of many small, single or double, sweetly scented, and often also two- colored flowers in white, pink, salmon pink, or scarlet. D. barbatus is an outstanding and long-lasting cut flower, and is very simple to cultivate. Propagate by seed—sweet  william tends to self-seed—or young seedlings. A frost protection mulch of brushwood is recommended for the winter. This plant likes a fresh soil rich in nutrients.

Digitalis Ferruginea Subsp. Ferruginea Rusty foxglove

The biennial rusty foxglove—in certain favored locations, it can be a perennial—is one of the largest Digitalis species. It develops a truly impressive flower head made up of innumerable exotic-looking, golden-brown, bell-shaped flowers, with reddish-brown veining on the inside. In the yard, the rusty foxglove prefers dry and sunny spots with nutrient-rich soil. In the first year after sowing, only a rosette of leaves will appear, but in the second year you can admire the marvelous flowers. This plant self-seeds. Take care: all parts of this plant are poisonous.

Useful Flower Guide For Gardening

Dahlia "Cha Cha" Semi-cactus dahlia

A  truly attractive, play of colors for your yard or your vase. Flower head 5 inches  12 centimeters) across'.

Dahlia "Melody Gypsy" Semi-cactus dahlia

The small-flowered, medium-height "Melody Gypsy" looks radiant in pale rose pink with a little yellow center. It makes a good cut flower. Flower head 5  inches (12 centimeters) across.

Dahlia "Nut d'Ete" Semi-cactus dahlia

In the darkest wine red, almost black at the center, "Nut d'Ete" brings a hint of shade to the most brilliant sunlight. Flower head 5  inches (12 centimeters) across.

Dahlia "Bishop of Llandaff" Peony dahlia

Peony dahlias are like single-flowered varieties, but have more than one ring of florets. "Bishop of Llandaff" is a true classic: a brilliant red flower with contrasting dark leaves. Flower head  4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

Dahlia "Classic Masquerade" Peony dahlia

It has no need to hide. The red flame-like streaks on the terracotta to orange background are truly eye-catching. It looks particularly attractive with its purple to black leaves. Flower head 4 inches  (10 centimeters) across.

Dahlia "Classic Rosamunde" Peony dahlia

The warm pink  to purple petals make for a friendly atmosphere. The dark leaves form a decorative contrast. Flower head 4 inches  (10 centimeters) across.

Dahlia "Promise" Laciniated dahlia

Laciniated dahlias are cactus dahlias with petals that are split or serrated at the ends."Promise" Is a sulfur-yellow variety with such split-tipped petals.

Eremurus x isabellinus "Pinokkio" Foxtail lily

Stiffly upright, pointing skyward like a rocket before blast-off, "Pinokkio" is an ornament to the summer garden. The densely- packed individual flowers on the truly impressive flower stalk glow in coppery yellow to orange shades in front of dark trees and shrubs or in flowerbeds. Their essential requirement is for a sunny, warm, and wind-sheltered spot on well-drained soil rich in nutrients, with no risk of water logging. After flowering, cut the flower stalks back to halfway down the stem. Mulch in winter with leaves  and brushwood. If necessary, also protect the leaf shoots in the spring from cold weather damage. As the root stocks are friable, care is advisable when planting. Plant in late summer. Do not divide the rhizome until three or four years have passed. Makes  an attractive cut flower.

Eranthis hyemalis Winter aconite

This sturdy little marvel will cheer up a melancholy spring garden with a scented carpet of flowers in almost blinding yellow. It is an undemanding little plant and has few requirements where soil and care are concerned. In semi-shade or light spring shade, it will spread—through bulblets or seed—along the borders of shrubbery or woodland, under bushes or on scanty lawns. Plant in the fall. The bulbs are very sensitive to dehydration, so do not store. Take care: all parts of the plant, particularly the bulb, are poisonous. Tip: E. hyemalis is an excellent source of food for bees.

Erythronium "Citronella" Dogtooth violet

The rather unflattering common name was given to this airy crown-shaped beauty because of its egg-shaped, whitish bulb, which does indeed resemble a dog's canine tooth. The delicate yellow pendent flowers with their dark yellow anthers will reward a site in semi-shade and fertile, humus soil by plentiful flowering. Keep the plants moist during the growth period, but avoid water logging, and keep them rather drier after flowering. In areas with a harsh climate, a winter mulch of leaves and brushwood is required. Propagate in late summer by means of bulblets and seeds. This plant has decorative foliage.

Post-Planting Care of Plants

WEEDING

Any unwanted plantation in a crop is a weed. Weeds grow with great vigour and pose a serious threat to the survival of the crop as they compete for space, sunlight and nutrients much needed by the plants. Therefore, weeds should be removed as soon as they are spotted

Irrigate the bed prior to weeding so as to make the soil loose; never try weeding in dry and hard soil, as it will be difficult to remove the weed from its root. Weeding must be done at regular intervals prior to seed formation. Dispose the weeds into a pit dug separately in the corner of the house. When they are dry, burn them to ensure that they do not grow again. Some common weeds are motha (Cyperus rotundus) and oxalis, etc.

In a home garden chemical control should be avoided because of dense population of the seasonal flowers leaving no free space in between the weeds and the flowers. It is not commercially viable to spray expensive chemicals in small beds of home garden. Chemical control is more effective on broad-leaved weeds and during summer when the weeds are weak and dehydrated. While applying the spray ensure that the weather is calm (not windy) and any wanted plantation is not in immediate vicinity. Keep the nozzle of the spray pump vertically to the ground so that the spread does not move and damage the adjoining vegetation.

A very successful method to check the germination of weeds is spreading of a perforated synthetic sheet over the soil beds. As the sheet is porous it permits aeration of soil and ensures drainage and also discourages weed propagation.

Hoeing is done at optimum soil moisture conditions to improve air-water relation in root zone soil and to eliminate weeds. Expose the soil to the sun as the sunlight enriches the soil and kills harmful bacteria. Hoe the flower beds before irrigation.

Design Your Home Garden With Flowers

Tithonia rotundifolia

COMMON NAME---------------------Mexican Sunflower

                     Family-----------------------------------Compositae

Raising of Seedling------------------April-May; August-September

Transplanting Month----------------July-August; October-November

                      Planting Distance----------------------60 cm x 60 cm

                     Height of Plant-------------------------Tall: 120-180 cm

                     Flowering Month---------------------- August-September; February-March

                    Colours-------------------------------  Yellow and orange-red

                    Soil------------------------------------Light

                    Sunlight--------------------------------Full

                    Irrigation------------------------------Normal

                   Suitable For---------------------------Beddings, borders, hedges, screening, shrubs

and as cut flowers

Tithonia rotundifolia is a tall, hardy, brittle stalked, free-flowering showy annual. The leaves are large, rough and heart-shaped. The single large orange-red flower with tufted yellow centre resembles the single Dahlia. Flowers are borne on the long stalk, 8-10 cm in size where the single petals are grouped around the yellow centres. Tithonia rotundifolia has its origin in Mexico and is therefore known as Mexican Sunflower. A well manured light soil with little care brings the flowers in profusion within 90 days.

The flowers are widely used as cut flowers and are most suitable for screening. Mexican Sunflower is popular for its mass effect.

Senecio cruentus

COMMON NAME------------------Cineraria

Family-------------------------------Compositae

Raising of Seedling--------------- September-October Transplanting Month-------------- October-November

                    Planting Distance -----------------------30 cm x 30 cm

                    Height of Plant--------------------------Medium: 45 cm

                    Flowering Month------------------------February-March

                   Colours-----------------------------------White, blue, purple, pink, lavender and scarlet

                   Soil--------------------------------------Medium

                   Sunlight--------------------------------- Full/Partial

                  Irrigation-------------------------------- Normal

                  Suitable For-----------------------------Beddings, pots and as cut flowers

Senecio cruentus is a medium size bushy annual having large heart-shaped velvety leaves. The flowers are compact, daisy-like or star-shaped. They are of brilliant colours and appear in clusters at the top of the branches. They may be marked with a matching or contrasting white centre lending them an attractive look.

The minute seeds are mixed with equal quantity of sand and then broadcast in the nursery beds. Propagation multiplication is also done by stem cutting and division of old plant and roots. While preparing the nursery medium, add a small quantity of sand, leaf mould and little wood ash in the soil. Seedlings are picked when the first leaf appears and later transferred into flower beds at four leaf stages. Shade from strong sunlight and wind is essential for the plant. Cineraria thrives on long winters but also needs care from frost. It grows well in shade but three to four hours of sunshine is essential for this slow growing plant. When the buds start appearing, a mild dose of liquid manure improves the quality of the flowers. It is grown in March-April in the northern hills where a second bloom can be achieved by cutting down the stem to 3-4 cm from the surface followed by a top dressing.

Cineraria should be preffered to be sown direct. It grows best in shady locations and is most suited for pot cultivation.