Get to grips with the diversity of the lily family
The lily can be used in many different ways, from arranging in a vase at home, to being the perfect choice for weddings and other special occasions. Lilies are one of the oldest bulb plants known to man and have been found in ancient writings and pictures dating from 2000BC – 1500BC.
Lilies can vary substantially in colour and shape. The size of their flowers, for example, ranges from 7cm to no less than 25cm across. Some lilies face outward and are slightly pendulous, some have recurved petals, and their flowers can be trumpet, bowl or star shaped.
Lilies are classified into the following groups:
Asiatics
These trumpet-shaped flowers can reach a diameter of 15cm, and the plants can actually grow to a height of 3m. Each stem bears 4 – 8 flowers that can be white, yellow, pink, red or orange, but which have no fragrance. Their rather sparse leaves are a deep green.
Lilium Asiatic Hybrids
Not surprisingly, these flowers are favourites for weddings, no doubt due to their gorgeous colours. LA Hybrids are known for their thick stems and lush foliage, and their flowers are more upright than those of the Orientals. These flowers are particularly beautiful as a focal point in the middle of a bouquet.
Orientals
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von The Gardener.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
