YOU know the cost of living is through the roof when pound shops sell penny chews for a quid (I'm here all week). But while we're helpless to prevent price hikes for fruit gums, at least there's one thing we can have for free: plants.
And thank heavens! My latest horticultural crush on lush purple and pink foliage is a bank-breaker, especially when it comes to the king of the crimsons', the Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) 'Maurelii'.
With a head-high trunk and huge paddle-shaped purple leaves, not only is this striking banana-lookalike the most arresting architectural plant, but it's also fast becoming one of the most expensive. In just two years, its value has rocketed from a reasonable £30 for a semi-mature specimen to north of £150!
“Over the long run, you'll save a fortune"
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters