Once conscious cultivation of plants began, efforts to improve the process came with it, leading to the impressive advances we all benefit from today.
In the last 20 years, advances in horticulture have come by leaps and bounds in various fields. For gardeners, this means a dizzying range of new ornamental beauties to choose from.
Whether you want bigger blooms or new colour, growers have dedicated years to making those dreams come true. These few examples of standout plants demonstrate just how far the industry has come, and the potential it has to grow in the future.
More blooms
Supertunias
Petunias are one of the most beloved annuals around the world, known for their stunning colour and impressive range. Whether planted in pots as features, hung from patios in baskets or used to brighten up garden beds, petunias always perform.
Supertunias are hybrids that deliver more of the best parts of these plants - their flowers. They bloom so prolifically (especially when grown in perfect conditions) that it is almost difficult to see the leaves through the carpets of colour.
Interesting foliage
Pelargonium x hortorum
Many garden plants are favoured first and foremost for their flowers. Foliage usually comes second, but not when it comes to these pelargonium hybrids. A cross between Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium inquinans, Pelargonium x hortorum is sometimes known as the fancy leaf geranium, perfectly describing the benefits of this wonderful plant. The foliage features splashes of patterns and colour that add interest even when the plant is not in flower.
Bigger blooms
Plectranthus 'Magic Mona'
Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de The Gardener.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de The Gardener.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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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.