Japanese gardens are one of the most recognisable gardening styles, but one of the hardest to explain. This is because the art of Japanese gardening is rooted in both the physical act of doing it, and in the philosophical – religious, cultural, regional, historical – concepts which underpin it, much more so than in specific bullet point guides..... The post Japanese Gardens appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

One of the classic spring sights is grand old gardens illuminated by even older Magnolia trees. 100 million years old.... The post Magnolias appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

This morning was evidence of the first real dip in temperature, a light frost. A sign, that the line between one season and the next, might well have been crossed during the night. The past few weeks have seen the leaves of Beech, Ash, Sycamore, to the ground. From our walled garden the hills beyond come into focus. A gentle line. The post Winter appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Nowadays there is so much focus on visuals and acoustics that we have neglected our sense of smell to such an extent that some of us have nearly lost their sensibility. Many of our memories, especially our childhood memories are linked with a fragrance... The post Inspiration in evocation: Scent in the garden appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Despite the change in season, autumn is really the high-point for a lot of summer-flowering perennials, with prairie plants and late-season grasses really hitting their stride. Combining them is up to your personal tastes, but we can offer some simple advice if you find the process intimidating.... The post Plant Combinations for Autumn appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Bees are sad. People love bees. Concern for pollinators is at an all time high even as pollinator numbers are reaching concerning levels, squeezed between grass monocultures, sprayed roadsides, and drive up front doors. Whose responsibility is it to guarantee their survival, why, and how? And what role can we as an industry, and we as gardeners play in changing how we interpret outdoor spaces and whom they belong to.... The post Bees appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Hellebores are tough, long-lived evergreen perennials that make a grand statement in late winter and are perhaps the showiest of the early season flowers. The post Hellebores: The stars of the late winter garden. appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Grasses inhabit nearly every ecological association on earth, high up on alpine tundras of low down in coastal areas, in deserts or wetland, the tropics or the Artic - and they have found an important place in gardens too... The post Playing with the Elements appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

During winter when the nights are The unsung workhorse of the shade garden, the humble fern perhaps does not get its due as an essential garden plant. Yet no one has strolled a deciduous woodland or lonely country lane and found themselves disappointed that all you see is green. Ferns are capable of turning the darkest corners into sumptuous escapes with minimal fuss and attention.... The post Ferns appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more

Bulbs are underground fuel cells that allow certain plants to survive adverse conditions. The cold of winter and the heat of summer can both cause bulbous plants to retreat back into the soil using energy gained through their sometimes short growing seasons to tide them over until conditions become more favourable. The post Bulbs appeared first on Mount Venus Nursery ..read more