Planning Ahead: Seed Selection for Early Spring Planting

Early spring is a great time to start planting your seeds, as the weather is warming up and the soil is moist. However, not all seeds are suitable for early spring planting, as some may need more heat, light, or time to germinate and grow. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and select the right seeds for your garden and your climate. Here are some tips and ideas for choosing and planting your seeds in early spring.

Key takeaways

What to consider	What to choose	What to avoid
Your climate and frost date	Seeds that can tolerate cold and frost, such as peas, lettuce, and radishes	Seeds that need warm and frost-free conditions, such as tomatoes, peppers, and melons
Your soil type and pH	Seeds that can grow in your soil type and pH, such as carrots, beans, and sunflowers	Seeds that need a different soil type or pH, such as blueberries, potatoes, and lavender
Your garden space and layout	Seeds that can fit in your garden space and layout, such as spinach, basil, and nasturtiums	Seeds that need more space or a different layout, such as corn, squash, and pumpkins
Your planting method and time	Seeds that can be sown directly in the ground or in containers, such as kale, cilantro, and marigolds	Seeds that need to be started indoors or transplanted, such as broccoli, parsley, and petunias

Choose seeds that can tolerate cold and frost

One of the main factors to consider when selecting seeds for early spring planting is your climate and frost date. The frost date is the average date of the last frost in your area, which can vary depending on your location and elevation. You can find your frost date by using a calculator or a map.

Some seeds can tolerate cold and frost, and can be planted before or around your frost date. These seeds are usually hardy, fast-growing, and short-season, and can produce crops in spring or early summer. Some examples of seeds that can tolerate cold and frost are:

• Peas: Peas are one of the earliest crops to plant in spring, as they can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Peas can also withstand light frosts, and can produce pods in 50 to 70 days. Peas come in different types, such as shelling, snap, and snow, and can be grown on trellises, fences, or poles.
• Lettuce: Lettuce is another early spring crop, as it can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 35°F (2°C). Lettuce can also tolerate light frosts, and can be harvested in 30 to 60 days. Lettuce comes in different varieties, such as leaf, head, and romaine, and can be grown in beds, containers, or salad boxes.
• Radishes: Radishes are one of the fastest and easiest crops to grow in spring, as they can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Radishes can also tolerate light frosts, and can be harvested in 20 to 40 days. Radishes come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, such as round, cylindrical, white, red, or purple, and can be grown in rows, containers, or intercropped with other plants.

Choose seeds that can grow in your soil type and pH

Another factor to consider when selecting seeds for early spring planting is your soil type and pH. The soil type is the texture and composition of your soil, such as sandy, clay, or loamy. The soil pH is the acidity or alkalinity of your soil, measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. You can find your soil type and pH by using a kit or a meter.

Some seeds can grow in any soil type and pH, while others may need a specific soil type or pH to thrive. For example, carrots, beans, and sunflowers can grow in most soil types and pH levels, while blueberries, potatoes, and lavender need acidic, well-drained, and sandy soil. Here are some examples of seeds that can grow in different soil types and pH levels:

• Sandy soil: Sandy soil is light and coarse, and has a low water and nutrient retention. Sandy soil can be improved by adding organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf mould, to increase its moisture and fertility. Some seeds that can grow in sandy soil are:
  • Cucumbers: Cucumbers are warm-season crops that can germinate in soil temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C). Cucumbers can tolerate sandy soil, as long as they are watered and fertilized regularly. Cucumbers can produce fruits in 50 to 70 days, and can be grown on trellises, cages, or hills.
  • Lavender: Lavender is a perennial herb that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Lavender prefers sandy soil, as it needs good drainage and aeration. Lavender can produce flowers in the first or second year, and can be grown in beds, borders, or containers.
  • Carrots: Carrots are cool-season crops that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C). Carrots can grow well in sandy soil, as it allows their roots to grow long and straight. Carrots can be harvested in 60 to 80 days, and can be grown in rows, containers, or raised beds.
• Clay soil: Clay soil is heavy and sticky, and has a high water and nutrient retention. Clay soil can be improved by adding organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf mould, to loosen and aerate it. Some seeds that can grow in clay soil are:
  • Kale: Kale is a cold-hardy crop that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Kale can grow in clay soil, as it can benefit from its moisture and nutrients. Kale can be harvested in 50 to 70 days, and can be grown in beds, containers, or intercropped with other plants.
  • Roses: Roses are perennial flowers that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Roses can adapt to clay soil, as long as they are mulched and pruned regularly. Roses can produce flowers in the first or second year, and can be grown in beds, borders, or pots.
  • Beans: Beans are warm-season crops that can germinate in soil temperatures as high as 85°F (29°C). Beans can tolerate clay soil, as long as they are watered and fertilized moderately. Beans can produce pods in 50 to 80 days, and can be grown on poles, stakes,
  •  or rows.
• Loamy soil: Loamy soil is a balanced and fertile soil, that has a good water and nutrient retention, and aeration. Loamy soil is ideal for most plants, and can be maintained by adding organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf mould, to replenish its nutrients. Some seeds that can grow in loamy soil are:
  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes are warm-season crops that can germinate in soil temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C). Tomatoes can thrive in loamy soil, as it provides them with enough moisture and nutrients. Tomatoes can produce fruits in 60 to 90 days, and can be grown on cages, stakes, or pots.
  • Sunflowers: Sunflowers are annual flowers that can germinate in soil temperatures as high as 70°F (21°C). Sunflowers can flourish in loamy soil, as it supports their growth and flowering. Sunflowers can produce seeds in 80 to 120 days, and can be grown in beds, borders, or containers.
  • Peppers: Peppers are warm-season crops that can germinate in soil temperatures as high as 95°F (35°C). Peppers can prosper in loamy soil, as it offers them enough moisture and nutrients. Peppers can produce fruits in 60 to 100 days, and can be grown on cages, stakes, or pots.

Expert compendium on creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse

 

Shade gardens are an excellent way to enhance the beauty and variety of your backyard, particularly if you have limited area or a harsh environment. A shadow garden is one that gets fewer than six hours of direct sunshine each day and can be planted with a variety of shade-tolerant plants including ferns, hostas, astilbes, and hydrangeas. 

However, shadow gardens have significant disadvantages, including poor soil, insufficient rainfall, and insect infestations. That is why many shade gardeners choose a greenhouse, a building that provides a regulated environment for plant growth. A greenhouse may lengthen your growing season, protect your plants from severe weather and pests, and allow you to cultivate a larger selection of plants, including tropical and exotic varieties.

But how can you utilise a greenhouse to build a sustainable shadow garden? How do you select the appropriate plants, design, and materials for your garden? How do you manage your garden and greenhouse in an environmentally responsible manner? In this post, we will address these and other questions, as well as give a detailed guide on creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse.

Key takeaways

Topic	Summary
Benefits of a shade garden with a greenhouse	A shade garden with a greenhouse can enhance your backyard's beauty and biodiversity, extend your growing season, protect your plants from harsh weather and pests, and allow you to grow a wider range of plants.
Choosing the right plants	Choose shade-tolerant plants that suit your climate, soil, and water conditions, and that complement each other in terms of height, color, texture, and bloom time. Some examples of shade-tolerant plants are ferns, hostas, astilbes, hydrangeas, and hellebores.
Choosing the right greenhouse	Choose a greenhouse that fits your space, budget, and style, and that has the features you need, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation. Some examples of greenhouse types are lean-to, freestanding, hoop, and geodesic dome.
Choosing the right materials	Choose materials that are durable, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain, such as wood, metal, glass, polycarbonate, and recycled plastic. Avoid materials that are toxic, flammable, or prone to rust, such as PVC, vinyl, and galvanized steel.
Maintaining your garden and greenhouse	Maintain your garden and greenhouse in a sustainable way by using organic fertilizers, compost, mulch, and rain barrels, by controlling pests and diseases with natural methods, such as beneficial insects, traps, and neem oil, and by harvesting and storing your plants properly.

Choosing the right plants for your shade garden with a greenhouse

One of the most important aspects of creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse is choosing the right plants. You want to choose plants that are shade-tolerant, meaning that they can thrive in low-light conditions, and that suit your climate, soil, and water conditions. You also want to choose plants that complement each other in terms of height, color, texture, and bloom time, and that create a harmonious and diverse garden.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right plants for your shade garden with a greenhouse:

• Know your shade type. Not all shade is the same, and different plants have different shade preferences. There are four main types of shade: light shade, partial shade, full shade, and deep shade. Light shade is when your garden receives two to four hours of direct sunlight per day, usually in the morning or evening. Partial shade is when your garden receives four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, usually filtered by trees or buildings. Full shade is when your garden receives less than four hours of direct sunlight per day, usually in the form of dappled or reflected light. Deep shade is when your garden receives no direct sunlight at all, usually under dense trees or in a north-facing wall. You can use a sun calculator or a shade cloth to measure the amount of sunlight your garden receives, and choose plants accordingly.
• Know your hardiness zone. Your hardiness zone is a measure of the average annual minimum temperature in your area, and it determines which plants can survive the winter in your garden. You can use a hardiness zone map or a zip code finder to find out your hardiness zone, and choose plants that match or are one zone lower than your zone. For example, if you live in zone 6, you can choose plants that are hardy in zones 6 or lower, such as zone 5 or 4. You can also use a greenhouse to grow plants that are not hardy in your zone, as long as you provide them with adequate heating and insulation during the winter.
• Know your soil type and pH. Your soil type and pH affect the nutrient availability, water retention, and drainage of your garden, and they influence the growth and health of your plants. You can use a soil test kit or a soil probe to determine the texture, composition, and pH of your soil, and choose plants that prefer your soil type and pH. For example, if you have sandy soil, which is loose, well-drained, and acidic, you can choose plants that like sandy soil, such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. You can also amend your soil with organic matter, such as compost, manure, or peat moss, to improve its fertility, moisture, and pH.
• Know your water requirements. Your water requirements depend on the climate, soil, and plants of your garden, and they affect the frequency and amount of watering you need to do. You can use a rain gauge or a moisture meter to measure the rainfall and moisture level of your garden, and choose plants that have similar water needs. For example, if you have clay soil, which is heavy, waterlogged, and alkaline, you can choose plants that tolerate wet soil, such as iris, astilbe, and hosta. You can also use a greenhouse to control the water supply of your plants, as long as you provide them with adequate ventilation and drainage to prevent fungal diseases and root rot.
• Know your plant characteristics. Your plant characteristics include the height, spread, color, texture, and bloom time of your plants, and they affect the appearance and diversity of your garden. You can use a plant catalog or a plant database to find out the characteristics of your plants, and choose plants that create a balanced and attractive garden. For example, if you have a small garden, you can choose plants that are compact, dwarf, or columnar, such as boxwood, heuchera, and columbine. You can also use a greenhouse to grow plants that are rare, exotic, or unusual, such as orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants.

Some examples of shade-tolerant plants that you can grow in your shade garden with a greenhouse are:

• Ferns. Ferns are ancient plants that have delicate, feathery foliage and no flowers. They are excellent for adding texture and greenery to your shade garden, and they can grow in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. Some ferns, such as maidenhair fern, Japanese painted fern, and autumn fern, can also add color and interest to your garden with their silver, purple, or bronze fronds. Ferns are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you keep them moist and out of direct sun. You can also grow ferns in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with high humidity and low light.

• Hostas. Hostas are perennial plants that have large, heart-shaped leaves and spikes of white or purple flowers. They are one of the most popular shade plants, as they come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can tolerate almost any soil and moisture condition. Some hostas, such as blue hosta, gold hosta, and variegated hosta, can also brighten up your shade garden with their blue, yellow, or white leaves. Hostas are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you protect them from slugs and snails, which love to munch on their leaves. You can also grow hostas in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with moderate light and water.
• Astilbes. Astilbes are perennial plants that have feathery, plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage. They are excellent for adding color and texture to your shade garden, and they can grow in moist, rich, and acidic soil. Astilbes come in a range of colors, such as pink, red, white, and purple, and they bloom from late spring to early summer. Astilbes are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you keep them moist and mulched. You can also grow astilbes in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with low to medium light and water.
• Hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are shrubs that have large, showy clusters of flowers and glossy, green leaves. They are excellent for adding drama and color to your shade garden, and they can grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. Hydrangeas come in a range of colors, such as blue, pink, white, and purple, and they bloom from summer to fall. Hydrangeas are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you prune them regularly and adjust the soil pH to change their color. You can also grow hydrangeas in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with medium to high light and water.
• Hellebores. Hellebores are perennial plants that have cup-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage. They are

• Hellebores. Hellebores are perennial plants that have cup-shaped flowers and evergreen foliage. They are excellent for adding interest and color to your shade garden, especially in late winter and early spring, when they are among the first plants to bloom. Hellebores can grow in dry, shady, and alkaline soil, and they are resistant to deer and rabbits. Hellebores come in a range of colors, such as white, pink, purple, and green, and some have speckled or double petals. Hellebores are generally easy to grow and care for, as long as you remove the old leaves and deadhead the flowers. You can also grow hellebores in your greenhouse, as long as you provide them with low to medium light and water.

Choosing the right greenhouse for your shade garden

Another important aspect of creating a sustainable shade garden with a greenhouse is choosing the right greenhouse. You want to choose a greenhouse that fits your space, budget, and style, and that has the features you need, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation. You also want to choose a greenhouse that is durable, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain, and that can withstand the weather and pests in your area.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right greenhouse for your shade garden:

• Know your space and budget. Your greenhouse's size, form, and kind are determined by your available space and money. You must measure the available area in your backyard while also taking into account the site's orientation, slope, and drainage. Set a reasonable budget for your greenhouse, taking into account the price of supplies, installation, and upkeep. You may select from a variety of greenhouse sizes, ranging from little greenhouses that fit on a balcony or ledge to big greenhouses that cover a whole yard. You may also select from a variety of greenhouse forms, including lean-to, freestanding, hoop, and geodesic dome, based on your space and stylistic choices.
• Know your climate and plants. Your climate and plants determine the features and functions of your greenhouse. You need to consider the temperature, humidity, and light levels of your area, and the needs of your plants. You also need to consider the weather and pest risks of your area, and the protection and insulation of your greenhouse. You can choose from a range of greenhouse features, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting, and irrigation, depending on your climate and plant requirements. You can also choose from a range of greenhouse materials, such as wood, metal, glass, polycarbonate, and recycled plastic, depending on your durability and eco-friendliness preferences.
• Know your style and design. Your greenhouse's look and attractiveness are determined by its style and design. Consider your greenhouse's colour, texture, and pattern, as well as how they complement or contrast with your shade garden and home. You should also think about the layout, organisation, and décor of your greenhouse, as well as how it complements or contrasts with your shade garden. You may select from a variety of greenhouse styles, including conventional, modern, rustic, and whimsical, according on your unique preferences and imagination. You may also select from a variety of greenhouse designs, including shelves, seats, tables, and hanging baskets, according on your area and plant requirements.

Some examples of greenhouses that you can use for your shade garden are:

• Lean-to greenhouse. A lean-to greenhouse is one that is connected to the side of your home or another structure and uses an existing wall as one of its sides. A lean-to greenhouse is great for compact places since it saves space and money while also using the building's heat and energy. A lean-to greenhouse may also provide a smooth transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces while increasing the value and attractiveness of your home. However, there are several disadvantages to using a lean-to greenhouse, such as limited lighting, ventilation, and expansion, as well as the possibility of structure damage. A lean-to greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant plants that do not require much light or heat, such as ferns, hostas, and hellebores.
• Freestanding greenhouse. A freestanding greenhouse is one that is not attached to any other structure and sits alone in your garden. A standalone greenhouse is great for larger areas since it provides more room and flexibility, as well as more sunshine and ventilation. A standalone greenhouse may also serve as a focal point and destination in your garden, providing you with a private and tranquil sanctuary. However, there are several disadvantages to using a freestanding greenhouse, including increased expenditures for upkeep and heating, as well as potential exposure to weather and pests. A standalone greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant plants that require both light and heat, such as astilbes, hydrangeas, and orchids.
• Hoop greenhouse. A hoop greenhouse is one that has a curved or arched shape and is constructed of metal or plastic pipes wrapped in plastic or cloth. A hoop greenhouse is great for low-cost, low-maintenance gardening because it is simple to construct, move, and store, and it protects your plants from cold, wind, and rain. A hoop greenhouse may also serve as a basic and practical building in your garden, allowing you to grow year-round. However, a hoop greenhouse has numerous disadvantages, including limited durability, insulation, and aesthetics, as well as the possibility of snow and hail damage. A hoop greenhouse is ideal for shade-tolerant, resilient, and adaptable plants like lettuce, spinach, or kale.
• Geodesic dome greenhouse. A geodesic dome greenhouse is a spherical or dome-shaped greenhouse constructed of triangular or hexagonal panels of wood, metal, or plastic. A geodesic dome greenhouse is great for high-performance and high-efficiency farming since it is robust, solid, and roomy, allowing for maximum light, heat, and air movement in your greenhouse. A geodesic dome greenhouse may also transform your backyard into a magnificent and futuristic structure while providing a one-of-a-kind and inventive gardening experience. However, there are several disadvantages to a geodesic dome greenhouse, such as its high complexity, expense, and maintenance requirements, as well as the possible difficulty in locating adequate materials and parts. A geodesic dome greenhouse is appropriate for shade-tolerant plants that are uncommon or unusual.

Plant combinations

Irishaven: Plantekombinationer: Den norske haveblog Moseplassen har løbende konkurrencer som både norske, svenske og danske havebloggere deltager i til stor inspiration fo...

Plant combinations

The Norwegian garden blog Moseplassen hosts recurring contests in which Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish garden bloggers compete, offering plenty of inspiration for anybody who watches or participates.

The competition's current topic is "Plant combinations," and in order to join this time, I had to go through the image library from the previous two seasons.

There were few photographs with many plants in them; practically all of them featured a single variety of bloom. Here are the ones I found, in priority order based on which ones I prefer.

Gardener’s calendar - February

February is a month of anticipation and preparation for the gardeners, as the signs of spring start to appear. The days are getting longer, the birds are singing, and the first flowers are blooming. There are many things that you can do in February to get your garden ready for the new season. Here are some tips and ideas for different types of gardens.

Key takeaways

What to do	What to plant	What to harvest
Prepare your soil and beds	Early vegetables like peas, carrots, and radishes	Winter vegetables like kale, cabbage, and turnips
Sow your seeds indoors	Summer flowers like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias	Herbs like parsley, mint, and chives
Prune your shrubs and climbers	Fruit bushes like blueberries, currants, and gooseberries	Citrus fruits like mandarins, limes, and kumquats
Feed and mulch your plants	Perennials like lupins, delphiniums, and echinaceas	Winter flowers like snowdrops, crocuses, and hellebores

Prepare your soil and beds

Before you start planting your seeds and plants, you need to prepare your soil and beds to ensure a good growing environment. Here are some steps to follow:

• Remove any weeds, debris, or stones from your soil. You can use a hoe, a rake, or a fork to loosen and aerate the soil.
• Add some organic matter, such as compost, manure, or leaf mould, to enrich your soil and improve its structure and drainage. You can also add some fertilizer, such as blood, fish, and bone, to boost the nutrients in your soil.
• Make some raised beds or mounds to create more space and depth for your plants. You can use wooden planks, bricks, or stones to build the edges of your beds. Raised beds can also help prevent waterlogging and pests.
• Cover your soil and beds with a layer of mulch, such as straw, bark, or wood chips, to protect them from frost and weeds. Mulch can also help retain moisture and warmth in your soil.

Sow your seeds indoors

February is a good time to sow your seeds indoors, as the weather is still too cold and unpredictable for outdoor sowing. Sowing indoors can give your plants a head start and a longer growing season. Here are some tips for sowing indoors:

• Choose a sunny and warm spot for your seeds, such as a windowsill, a greenhouse, or a heated propagator. You can also use artificial lights, such as fluorescent tubes or LED lamps, to provide extra light and heat.
• Use clean and sterile containers and trays for your seeds, such as pots, modules, or cell packs. You can also reuse plastic bottles, yogurt cups, or egg cartons, as long as you make some drainage holes at the bottom.
• Fill your containers and trays with a good quality seed compost, which is fine and light and has a low nutrient content. You can also make your own seed compost by mixing peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
• Sow your seeds according to the instructions on the packet, such as the depth, the spacing, and the germination time. You can also label your containers and trays with the name and date of the seeds.
• Water your seeds gently and evenly, and cover them with a clear plastic lid or a plastic bag to create a humid and warm environment. You can also mist your seeds with a spray bottle to keep them moist.
• Check your seeds regularly and remove the cover as soon as they sprout. You can also thin out any weak or crowded seedlings to give more space and light to the healthy ones.

Prune your shrubs and climbers

February is also a good time to prune your shrubs and climbers, as they are still dormant and not actively growing. Pruning can help shape your plants, encourage new growth, and remove any dead or diseased wood. Here are some general guidelines for pruning:

• Prune your shrubs and climbers on a dry and mild day, to avoid spreading diseases or damaging the plants.
• Use sharp and clean tools, such as secateurs, loppers, or saws, to make clean cuts. You can also use a pruning knife to smooth any rough edges.
• Cut at an angle, about 1/4 inch above a bud or a branch collar. Avoid leaving stubs or cutting too close to the bud or the collar, as this can cause dieback or infection.
• Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing, rubbing, or competing with each other. Aim for an open and airy structure that allows light and air to reach the center of the plant.
• For shrubs, follow the specific pruning techniques for each type of shrub, such as evergreen, deciduous, flowering, or fruiting. You can find more information on this website.
• For climbers, follow the specific pruning techniques for each type of climber, such as clematis, honeysuckle, wisteria, or jasmine. You can find more information on this website.

Feed and mulch your plants

Another task that you can do in February is to feed and mulch your plants, to provide them with the nutrients and protection they need for the spring. Here are some tips for feeding and mulching your plants:

• Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a granular, liquid, or slow-release one, to boost their growth and flowering. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as seaweed, fish emulsion, or worm castings, to enrich your soil and improve its health.
• Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label, and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your plants. You can also test your soil pH and nutrient levels with a kit or a meter, to determine the best fertilizer for your plants.
• Mulch your plants with a layer of organic material, such as compost, bark, straw, or grass clippings, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. You can also use inorganic mulches, such as gravel, pebbles, or plastic, to create a decorative or functional effect.
• Spread the mulch around the base of your plants, leaving a gap of about 2 inches around the stems or trunks, to prevent rotting or suffocating your plants. You can also renew or replace the mulch as it decomposes or fades.

Garden Living: Årets farge 2024 - Peach Fuzz! Colour of the year 2024

Garden Living: Årets farge 2024 - Peach Fuzz!: Trendfarger gjenspeiler seg i planter også, med freshe nye sorter.   Årets farge 2024 kåret av fargesystemselskapet Pantone er - Peach Fuzz!...

Pantone's colour of the year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz! They've been naming the hue of the year for 25 years. Colour is becoming increasingly popular in the home, makeup, and fashion. It may be a welcome change of pace for the majority of us. But did you realise that similar changes are occurring in the plant world? Plants are living entities, and developing new types takes time, thus trends emerge at a slower rate than typical. However, peach and apricot tones have grown in popularity in recent years, which is understandable given how lovely they are!

Hollyhock 'Chater's Double Chamois' boasts large, apricot-colored blossoms, similar to roses. Absolutely gorgeous! Hollyhocks are ideal for an English country garden, a romantic garden, or simply as a focal point against a home wall. They may reach heights of two metres and blossom for an extended period of time.