Irises are beloved for their delicate flowers, vibrant foliage and unique shape. Their beautiful nature has had a rich historical impact in art and culture, symbolic of faith, hope and wisdom. With a name owing its inception to the Greek goddess of rainbows, it is no surprise that irises boast a cacophony of colours and come in over 300 species. For many gardeners, irises are seen as a must-have in the garden. By understanding the various types of iris flowers, you can take full advantage of their specific characteristics to create stunning displays.   What is an Iris? The iris is a flowe ..read more

  Permaculturegardens have been growing in popularity over the last four decades, loved for how they mimic the natural world. These gardens can emphasise the harmonious relationship between nature, your home and you. Backyard works by utilising the natural benefits of your space, no matter the size, to reveal the unique beauty of your garden. Understanding the purpose and stages of permaculture gardening can help your garden thrive. The core principles of permaculture gardening apply to both food gardens and ornamental ones.   What is a Permaculture Garden? The term was coined in 19 ..read more

Daffodil Bittern Pkdafbit Best Soil for Daffodils in Pots High-Quality Potting Mix For growing daffodils in pots, it’s essential to use a high-quality potting mix. This mix is specifically designed to support healthy growth in container settings, where traditional garden soil can fail. Potting mixes are formulated to provide the right balance of drainage and nutrient retention, ideal for potted environments. Unlike garden soil, potting mix ensures that your daffodils have access to the air, water, and nutrients they need, free from the constraints and potential pathogens of garden soil. This ..read more

The secret to a stunning display of tulips in pots lies in selecting the right varieties. Tulips, in their glorious diversity, offer a palette of colours, shapes, and sizes, making certain types more suited to the confines of container gardening than others. When choosing tulip bulbs for pots, consider the following varieties renowned for their adaptability, resilience, and aesthetic appeal: Triumph Tulips: Celebrated for their robust stems and beautiful hues, Triumph tulips are the go-to choice for a mid-spring spectacle. Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for withstanding the variable cond ..read more

Beloved around the world for their elegant form and vibrant petals, tulips mark the arrival of spring and can make stunning additions to any garden. With over 3000 tulip varieties, these versatile flowers can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, or even naturalised in meadows, providing flexibility for anyone hoping to incorporate them into their garden. When bloom type, optimal growth conditions and purpose are considered, there is a tulip variety to brighten any garden.   Common Factors Between Tulip Species Tulips are a perennial herbaceous bulbiferous flower belonging to th ..read more

Stepping into a fragrant, sun-filled garden can transport you to another world. The personal sense of achievement you feel when your flowers reach bloom can be incredible, particularly when you have designed your garden to perfectly coordinate the bloom times, colours and shapes to fit your style.  One key factor that contributes to deciding what plants to use in your garden is whether they are annuals or perennials. The differences are in their life cycles, and understanding them can help you utilise your gardening budget to create stunning seasonal displays. Understanding the Difference ..read more

A garden graced with blooming Frangipanis is a sight to behold. Frangipanis are not just a feast for the eyes, but they also carry a beautiful scent that’s synonymous with summer. While the traditional white Frangipani is a classic, there’s a rainbow of colours and a variety of species that can add unique charm to your garden. Let’s delve into the types of Frangipani that might just find a place in your garden’s heart. Evergreen vs Deciduous Before we delve into the many types of Frangipani that are available at Garden Express, it’s important to understand the distinction between evergreen an ..read more

Ammocharis Longifolia, commonly known as the Malgas lily, is an enchanting flower to grow. Belonging to the Amaryllis family, these deciduous plants are renowned as one of the most eye-catching South African bulbs. In summer, the Malgas lily blooms with creamy white flowers atop their short stems. These petals undergo a breathtaking transformation, developing a pink hue in the blooming period. Flowers are replaced by vibrant foliage during winter. Due to their low maintenance and spectacular appearance, they are considered one of the most rewarding drought-resistant flowers. Ammocharis Longif ..read more

Boophone Disticha  Boophone Disticha is known by many common names, including the century plant, gifbol, or poison bulb. This plant is a truly rare and unique addition to any plant collection. It is admired for its breathtaking distichous foliage, with each wavy-edged leaf stacked on top of each other, either side of an above-ground bulb. They lose these leaves when in bloom as they develop bright pink and red flowers with curled back petals. Flowering can be unpredictable and short-lived but the ornamental nature of Boophone Disticha leaves makes achieving bloom a secondary concern. Thei ..read more

African Violets Growin African Violets (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia), are a delightful addition to any indoor garden. Belonging to the Gesneriaceae family, these compact, herbaceous perennials are celebrated for their vibrant blooms and lush, velvety leaves. The flowers of African Violets have a wide range of colours, including deep purples, blues, pinks, and whites, sitting atop rosettes of dark green leaves, often with a quilted texture. Thriving in indoor environments, African Violets are perfect for brightening up small spaces like office desks, windowsills, and cosy corners of your ho ..read more