Vertical garden to tower over Chelsea Flower Show | Damian Carrington

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 highlights five significant garden trends, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in garden design. Climate-resilient planting is a prominent theme, with multiple show gardens featuring drought-tolerant plants. Examples include Hospice UK’s Garden of Compassion, which showcases Mediterranean planting schemes with strawberry trees and tulip poppies, and the Garden of the Future, which demonstrates drought-tolerant vegetables. The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success illustrates plant adaptability to harsh conditions, such as volcanic environments, underscoring the remarkable resilience of plants. These displays provide practical ideas for incorporating climate-resilient elements into various garden sizes, including small gardens, to manage increasingly hot summers. Coastal planting emerges as another key trend, with several gardens adopting coastal garden ideas. The Hospitalfield Arts Garden, for instance, features dramatic dune topography and drought-tolerant plants cultivated in sand rather than traditional soil. The designer, Nigel Dunnett, notes a growing interest in using free-draining mediums like sand or gravel, which offer the dual benefits of reducing maintenance and minimizing weeds. The use of pink seathrift is highlighted as an example of suitable coastal flora. Additionally, the Seawilding exhibition, inspired by the Scottish Loch Craignish landscape, focuses on native plants adapted to the Scottish coastline. A particularly innovative aspect of this exhibit is the plan to replant the garden's seagrass on the sea floor in England to expand existing sea meadows, demonstrating a commitment to ecological restoration. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly integrated into gardening practices, as evidenced by the Avanade Intelligent Garden, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's first garden to embed AI for urban garden management. This garden features an AI assistant that monitors environmental factors like soil moisture, temperature, and weather patterns to provide proactive, resource-efficient care. The garden also allows visitors to interact with it, enabling a dynamic conversation based on live data, which represents a significant advancement in smart gardening. Japanese garden designs are experiencing a surge in popularity, becoming a major trend at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. The Cha No Niwa Japanese Tea Garden exemplifies this with its authentic Japanese maples, lily turf, ferns, and moss. Even small spaces like balcony gardens, such as the Komorebi Garden, demonstrate the impact of Japanese design through strategic planting of trees like Betula pendula and Fargium japonicum. The Secret Base – The Another Green Room garden further innovates small-space design by employing layered planting techniques to create an illusion of greater depth and size. Finally, the widespread use of recycled and reclaimed materials is a significant trend, reflecting a strong emphasis on sustainable gardening. Numerous gardens incorporate these materials for planters, furniture, and hard landscaping. Examples include the recycled and repurposed hard landscaping in The Avanade Intelligent Garden, recycled acrylic planters in The Glasshouse Garden, and seating upholstered in recycled Pensioners’ scarlet uniforms in The London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden. The Pathway Garden showcases mycelium walls crafted from recycled waste materials from previous RHS shows, highlighting creative and environmentally conscious approaches to garden construction and design. #RHSChelseaFlowerShow #GardenTrends #ClimateResilientPlanting #CoastalGardens #GardenTechnology #JapaneseGardens #SustainableGardening #RecycledMaterials #GardenDesign

Vertical gardens offer a practical solution for individuals with limited backyard space or those seeking an ergonomic gardening experience. These space-saving units allow for the cultivation of various plants, from herbs and succulents to strawberries, without the need for extensive bending or kneeling. They are particularly well-suited for small porches, balconies, and patios, with many models also suitable for indoor use, depending on lighting conditions and plant type. The selection of a vertical garden involves considering several key factors, including materials, size, and design. Materials commonly used include wood, metal, and plastic, or combinations thereof. Wooden vertical gardens often impart a rustic aesthetic and are generally robust. Metal gardens are known for their durability, lighter frames, and often feature powder coatings to prevent rust and corrosion. Plastic options are typically the most economical, offering versatility and sturdiness, though with less aesthetic charm than wood or metal. Size is another critical consideration, as vertical gardens vary significantly. Some designs maintain a small footprint by stacking planters directly upwards, while others feature planters that extend wider than the base for a more expansive display. Users should consider both the overall height and the height of individual planters, especially for indoor placement or for individuals who prefer not to bend excessively. The article highlights that the selected vertical gardens are top-rated, cover various styles and materials, and cater to different price points, with an emphasis on stability and durability based on past Popular Mechanics reports. The article then details several top recommendations, each with unique features. The Lettuce Grow Farmstand Hydroponic Vertical Garden is highlighted as a sustainable option, made from ocean-bound plastic and using 95% less water than traditional gardening. It's a self-fertilizing system that comes with essential nutrients and a pH testing kit, offering a high-end experience suitable for a range of plant types and featuring various add-ons like grow lights and heaters. For those seeking a visually appealing option for a wall, the Leisure Season Wood Vertical Garden is presented as a stylish, multi-tier cedar structure that can also support climbing plants. It includes drainage holes and plastic liners, and is weather-resistant for both indoor and outdoor use. The Amazing Creation Stackable Vertical Garden Planter is noted for its affordability and versatility, ideal for small plants like strawberries and herbs. Its stackable design allows for adjustable height, and each tier includes a soil separator to prevent leakage. For metal options, the Outland Living Four-Tier Vertical Garden is recommended for its food-grade plastic bins set within a curved, rust-resistant metal frame, suitable for taller spaces. Similarly, the Giantex Vertical Garden offers a stylish wooden design with independently usable, tilted planters for optimal sunlight exposure. The Outland Living Five-Tier Vertical Garden provides a mid-sized metal option with an ergonomic tiered design and powder-coated steel frame. For space-saving wall-mounted solutions, the HilarityMax 36-Pocket Vertical Garden, made of reinforced felt with rust-resistant eyelets, offers an inexpensive way to create a living wall. The Cyan Design Vertical Garden stands out as a stylish indoor option with a cascading design and removable, deep buckets. The Arlmont & Co. Vertical Garden offers a compact, five-tiered plastic design with an independent drainage system, suitable for smaller outdoor areas. Lastly, the Algreen Vertical Living Wall Planter is presented as a durable, weather-resistant wall-mounted option with adjustable planter boxes, while the YardCraft Cedar Vertical Garden is a double-sided cedar model, ideal for accommodating plants with varying sunlight needs, though it requires sealing for outdoor use. #VerticalGardens #HomeGardening #SpaceSaving #IndoorGardening #OutdoorGardening #Hydroponics #GardeningTools #PlantingSolutions #HomeImprovement

This blog post from April 3, 2012, presents a collection of home-related news and events for Westchester residents, covering a luxury property, a charitable renovation program, a garden makeover contest, and a floral design workshop, along with a horticultural tip. The article begins by showcasing a luxurious 11-room Colonial house in the Rock Rim Ponds Estates of Pound Ridge, priced at $2.6 million with annual property taxes of $44,959. This property at 5 Miller Rd boasts numerous amenities, including a gourmet eat-in kitchen, game room, craft room, screening room, sauna, exercise room, and a large-capacity wine cellar. Its oversized entertaining spaces offer multiple entrances to a sprawling slate patio and pool. Listing agent Nelson Salazar from Coldwell Banker highlights the community's appeal for luxury living without the typical subdivision feel, emphasizing the home's warm and inviting atmosphere despite its extensive features. Next, the article introduces "Renovation Angel," a new program by Green Demolitions that allows homeowners to donate luxury kitchen and estate items from their renovation projects. Green Demolitions, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based national recycler, professionally removes and transports qualified donated items at no cost. A portion of the resale value of these items is then directed as a "give back" to a charity of the donor's choice. Steve Feldman, president and founder of Green Demolitions and co-founder of Renovation Angel, expresses enthusiasm for the program, viewing it as an incentive for recycling and a no-cost fundraising opportunity for charities. Eligible items for donation include kitchens, appliances, countertops, bathroom fixtures, architectural elements, lighting, artwork, furniture, and home décor. Interested individuals can contact Green Demolitions for qualification details. The blog post also announces a chance for Westchester residents to win a $2,500 garden-bed makeover from Hilltop Farms. To enter, participants need to submit a photo of their garden along with a statement of 200 words or less explaining why their garden deserves the makeover. Submissions are due by May 1, with the winner being announced on Mother's Day, May 13, during Hilltop Farms' annual Mother's Day Tea on the Porch event. Additionally, an opportunity to learn floral design is presented. New York floral designer and stylist Amy Merrick will host a lecture and workshop on April 5 at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich. The lecture, from 10 am to noon, will focus on flower texture and movement, drawing inspiration from natural growth. A workshop at 1 pm will follow a noon lunch, where participants will create their own spring centerpieces using seasonal flowers like flowering branches, ranunculus, tulips, and hellebores. Attendees will also receive Japanese floral shears. Tickets are available for the lecture and lunch, or for the combined lecture, lunch, and workshop. Finally, the article shares a horticultural fact: "Jack Frost" (Brunnera macrophylla) was chosen as the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This plant was selected for its ability to thrive in various climates, low-maintenance requirements, and multi-seasonal performance. "Jack Frost" features blue spring flowers and frosty silver leaves with green veins throughout the growing season. It is hardy, prefers shade but tolerates morning sun, is pest/disease resistant, integrates well with other ground-cover perennials, and is deer resistant, making it suitable for Westchester gardens. #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeRenovation #CharitableDonation #GardenMakeover #FloralDesign #PerennialPlants #WestchesterHomes #CommunityEvents

Country Life magazine made a significant return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, showcasing an 'Outdoor Drawing Room' inspired by an Italian loggia. The design of this tradestand was a collaborative effort led by interior designer Isabella Worsley and landscape designer Hugo Elwes. Their work received substantial support from various partners, including Artorius Faber, Munder Skiles, and Rose of Jericho, all contributing to the stand's aesthetic and structural elements. The development of the 'Outdoor Drawing Room' involved an extensive design and preparation phase that spanned several months. A behind-the-scenes video was produced to document this intricate process, offering a detailed look at how the vision for the stand was meticulously brought to life, from initial concepts to the final setup. This video highlights the creative decisions and practical steps undertaken by Worsley and Elwes, alongside their team and partners. During its exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show, the Country Life stand served as a central point for interaction, attracting numerous readers and new audiences. Visitors engaged with the Country Life team, sharing their appreciation for various aspects of the magazine and discussing how they interact with its content. This direct engagement provided valuable feedback and fostered a sense of community around the publication. The 'Outdoor Drawing Room' was characterized by its elegant furnishings, which included chairs from Munder Skiles, an octagonal table from Chelsea Textiles, and an antique credenza sourced from Brownrigg. These pieces collectively created an inviting and sophisticated outdoor space, embodying the magazine's ethos of celebrating British rural life and its associated pleasures. The stand aimed to translate the magazine's content and aesthetic into a tangible, immersive experience for show attendees. The dismantling of the stand on the final Saturday evening of the show evoked a sense of emotion among the team, reflecting the effort and passion invested in its creation. However, Country Life expressed optimism about returning to the Royal Chelsea Hospital grounds for the next year's event, encouraging readers to anticipate future participation. To commemorate its return to the Chelsea Flower Show, Country Life offered a special promotion of up to 40% off subscriptions to its magazine, available until June 30, 2025. This offer was presented as the magazine's most generous to date, inviting more individuals to engage with its content. Key themes that emerged from the design and exhibition included the fusion of interior design with landscape architecture to create a harmonious outdoor living space, the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving a complex design vision, and the successful engagement with both long-standing and new readers. The stand’s appearance underlined Country Life’s commitment to its readership and its role as an authority on British rural life and garden design, offering a memorable experience for those who visited the Chelsea Flower Show. #ChelseaFlowerShow #GardenDesign #OutdoorLiving #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #CountryLifeMagazine #ExhibitionDesign

Hyphen House, a historic Hudson Valley farmhouse dating back to the 1700s, has undergone a significant transformation from a flower farm into a live-work artist's retreat. Originally built for the Dutch Van Messler family, the property once functioned as three separate apartments, now reconfigured into a single, cohesive residence. The name "Hyphen House" signifies this reunification of fragmented spaces, emphasizing the delicate balance required to merge its historical integrity with modern functionality. The renovation was spearheaded by artist Michele Lobo, the owner of Hyphen House, who commissioned her daughter’s design practice, NoNo Studio, co-founded by Susannah Stopford and Alejandra Murillo. The core challenge for NoNo Studio was to modernize the centuries-old structure without sacrificing its inherent historical soul. The designers described the process as a "high-stakes game of chess," navigating thick stone walls and inherent structural quirks to create a flowing layout while preserving the imprint of its past. Upon Lobo's initial acquisition, the house was a 'time capsule' filled with floral motifs, from wallpaper to light switches and lampshades, a legacy of its flower farm origins. While some original elements, such as specific wallpaper in the southern living room and powder room, were retained, others were reimagined. Notably, a quirky wax melter for candle making, hidden behind a fireplace, was preserved, as was the original wood of a mantle stripped back after extensive paint removal. Other enduring features include silk-screen wallpaper, a stone wall in the kitchen, a powder room under the stairs, and a built-in bookcase filled with art books. The aesthetic choices, including color palettes and material selections, were heavily influenced by the home's history and Lobo's extensive collection of art and objects. The designers aimed to create a dialogue between heritage and contemporary freshness, integrating 18th-century antiques with Lobo's globally sourced pieces. The guiding principle was to identify and amplify the distinctive character of the house. A primary goal of the renovation was to establish a home that could support Lobo’s artistic endeavors. After decades abroad, she sought a space near family that could accommodate her work across various mediums and scales. The property now thrives as a creative compound, featuring a sculpture studio in the former flower shop and a barn converted into an art gallery and entertaining area. NoNo Studio embraced the building's peculiarities, such as parallel staircases and duplicate living areas, transforming them into unique design opportunities. The project stands as a testament to the idea that preserving the spirit of an old building is as valuable as constructing something new, resulting in a warm, 'unbuttoned,' and inspiring "incubator of creativity." #HistoricRenovation #ArtistRetreat #HudsonValleyHome #NoNoStudio #InteriorDesign #AdaptiveReuse #ArchitecturalPreservation #LiveWorkSpace #FarmhouseRenovation

This article explores the optimal climbing plants for transforming fences into visually appealing focal points, thereby enhancing garden aesthetics and promoting biodiversity. Choosing the right climbing plants is crucial for vigorously disguising fence panels with attractive flowers and foliage. These plants also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, contributing to a richer ecosystem within the garden space. Several factors need consideration when selecting these plants, including the garden's aspect to match sun-loving or shade-loving varieties, and understanding each plant's specific water and fertilizing requirements. Providing adequate support, such as wires or trellises, is essential for these climbers to effectively cover the fence. The article highlights that incorporating climbing plants on fences is particularly advantageous for gardens with limited space, as vertical growth maximizes planting opportunities without occupying additional ground area. Expert recommendations are provided for a selection of plants known for their effectiveness in covering fences. These include Crossvine, celebrated for its rapid growth and hardiness, with varieties like 'Tangerine Beauty' offering vibrant blooms and resilience to cold. Star Jasmine is another favored option due to its year-round lush green foliage, fragrant white blooms, and minimal maintenance needs, making it suitable for various fence types, including chain link. Clematis 'Jackmanii' is recommended for its elegant purple flowers and vigorous climbing habit, capable of covering large areas and offering versatility in training. Butterfly Pea is featured for its rapid growth, attractive green foliage, and edible deep blue flowers, which provide both ornamental value and culinary uses. This annual or biennial plant produces seeds that can be harvested for replanting. American Wisteria, particularly native varieties like 'Blue Moon,' is ideal for shady spots, producing fragrant lilac-blue flowers and supporting local butterflies, contrasting with the invasive tendencies of Asian wisteria. Coral Honeysuckle, with its vibrant red tubular flowers, attracts hummingbirds and offers a long blooming period, thriving in full sun to partial shade and suitable for various climates. Carolina Jessamine is an evergreen choice, providing year-round glossy foliage and bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinctive perfume, making it excellent for privacy and aesthetic appeal. For those interested in edible options, Seychelles Pole Beans are suggested as a way to cover fences while yielding a summer-long harvest of delicious beans. Other climbing vegetables like cherry tomatoes and 'Green Light' cucumbers can also be effectively trained on fences. Climbing Hydrangea is presented as an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance option with showy, lacy white flowers, capable of vigorous growth and tolerating varied conditions. Finally, Climbing Roses, such as the 'Gertrude Jekyll' variety, are highly recommended for their abundant, fragrant blooms and versatility, with repeat-flowering types ensuring extended periods of beauty. Training and pruning are key to maximizing their visual impact and maintaining healthy growth. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plant-covered fences contribute to garden privacy, create secluded areas, and can be integrated into garden zoning strategies, offering practical benefits in maximizing outdoor space. #GardenDesign #ClimbingPlants #FenceCovering #Biodiversity #OutdoorSpace #PlantSelection #FragrantFlowers #VerticalGardening #GardenPrivacy #LandscapeEnhancement

Indoor vertical gardens offer a space-saving and aesthetically pleasing solution for incorporating more plants into a home environment. Unlike traditional horizontal plant displays, vertical gardens maximize available space, making them particularly beneficial in smaller indoor settings. This approach can transform living areas into serene, green sanctuaries and introduce a unique visual element that captures attention. Several methods exist for creating an indoor vertical garden, ranging from elaborate living walls to more subtle plant art. One impactful idea focuses on foliage-rich displays, creating a dense, verdant wall of plants. This can be achieved by combining various indoor ferns, such as Maidenhair ferns for their delicate, circular leaves and Boston ferns for their broader, more structured fronds. These can be planted in hanging wall planters with individual pockets, simplifying watering with a narrow-spout watering can. Another approach involves cultivating a tropical escape by dedicating a wall to impressive tropical plants. This setup often features plants like fenestrated monsteras, variegated philodendrons, and various pothos varieties. Maintaining a tropical vertical garden requires consistent humidity, which can be enhanced by grouping plants closely to create a microclimate, and supplementing with humidifiers or regular misting. For a more artistic and subtle touch, houseplants can be mounted and displayed as artwork. This technique is particularly effective with epiphytes—plants that naturally grow on surfaces rather than in soil—such as moth orchids and staghorn ferns. These can be mounted on wooden boards or driftwood, and specialized orchid fiber mounting boards are also available. Watering mounted plants typically involves temporarily removing them to soak in a basin for deep hydration. Succulents can also form striking vertical displays, offering diverse textures and visual interest. This involves using a glassless box frame filled with succulent soil and fitted with chicken wire or mesh to create individual planting pockets. Smaller succulent varieties are usually best for this method, packed tightly to ensure stability when displayed vertically. Vertical indoor gardens can also serve a practical purpose by featuring edible plants. Herbs and certain vertical vegetables can be grown in hanging wall planters or on stylish layered indoor plant shelves. For a unique look, individual wall planters with hooks can be attached to slats, as shown in some examples. For those interested in growing vegetables indoors, hydroponic towers utilize vertical space efficiently. These systems grow plants in water and are well-suited for leafy greens like lettuce, as well as some hydroponic houseplants. It is crucial to maintain water cleanliness to prevent pest and disease issues in hydroponic setups. Finally, a low-effort vertical garden can be created with trailing air plants. Varieties like Spanish moss can cascade beautifully when elevated, while other air plants such as Tillandsia caput-medusae can be styled in hollow shells. Air plants require minimal care, typically involving weekly misting, a bright location, and periodic feeding with a specific air plant fertilizer during growing seasons. Watering methods for indoor vertical gardens vary depending on the system. Some designs incorporate drip trays for top-down watering, while others allow for individual plants to be removed and bottom-soaked. Air plants, as epiphytes, often only require misting to stay hydrated. Extending these concepts to outdoor spaces, living wall and living fence ideas offer further opportunities to incorporate vertical planting. #VerticalGardens #IndoorPlants #HouseplantCare #FoliageDisplay #TropicalPlants #MountedPlants #SucculentGardens #EdibleGardens #Hydroponics #AirPlants #HomeDecor

Houseplants are a popular choice for enhancing home aesthetics and well-being, offering benefits such as air purification and mood elevation. While traditional placement often involves plant stands or coffee tables, a new design trend, particularly prevalent in the hospitality sector, involves elevating houseplants to ceiling heights. This method aims to integrate plants with architectural design, creating a sense of immersion in nature and adding layers of visual softness to spaces. Examples from establishments like Juniper at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood and Macondray in San Francisco illustrate this approach. At Juniper, plants are strategically hung to draw the eye upwards, complementing the hotel's design ethos of bringing the outdoors in. Michelle Montalvo, director of visual design for SH Hotels and Resorts, emphasizes that this technique enhances the overall design and invites exploration of the space. Similarly, at Macondray, designer Marissa Marsh utilized elevated plants to replicate the calming ambiance of San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood. She incorporated rusted metal shelves at a height of 17 feet, allowing large monsteras, dracaenas, dieffenbachias, and snake plants to grow and overflow into the dining area. This not only added natural elements but also effectively brought down the perceived ceiling height, making the vast space feel more intimate and lush. Both examples demonstrate how this elevated plant styling creates an 'otherworldly environment' reminiscent of a tropical forest, a desired aesthetic for many personal and commercial spaces. Implementing this design trick in a personal home requires careful consideration of plant selection and care. For elevated displays, suitable locations include the tops of bookshelves or floating shelves. Michelle Montalvo suggests pothos and philodendrons, while Marissa Marsh recommends larger varieties like monsteras, dracaenas, dieffenbachias, and snake plants for their height and visual impact. Regardless of the choice, it is crucial to research each plant's specific care requirements before purchasing, as some are easier to maintain than others. Starting with less expensive, easy-to-care-for plants is advisable to establish a successful care routine before attempting more challenging varieties. A common concern with elevated plant placement is adequate lighting, as many plants require natural light to thrive. To address this, designers like Montalvo employ discreetly hidden grow lights, often set on timers, to ensure plants receive necessary nutrients even in low-light areas. In addition to light, proper plant maintenance is essential, including regularly wiping down leaves, dusting surfaces to facilitate better respiration, trimming dried or dead leaves, and avoiding overwatering. When acquiring new plants, especially for a large collection, a thorough pest inspection is vital to prevent infestations that can be difficult to eradicate. By following these guidelines, homeowners can effectively adopt this design trend to create a vibrant, green oasis within their living spaces. #HouseplantStyling #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PlantCare #ElevatedPlants #DesignTrends #HospitalityDesign #IndoorGardening

Pergolas serve as striking architectural additions to any garden, offering not only a romantic aesthetic but also practical benefits like shade, especially when adorned with the right climbing plants. Selecting appropriate plant varieties is crucial for maximizing coverage and ensuring the longevity of the structure. Experts emphasize that a pergola acts as a natural canvas, capable of transforming an outdoor space with height, fragrance, and vibrant blooms. Among the top recommendations for pergola plants, Wisteria stands out for its alluring clusters of lilac and white flowers that bloom in springtime. These vigorous vines rapidly cover a pergola, creating a picturesque effect. However, they demand robust support due to their strength and require biannual pruning in summer and winter to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Although young wisteria may take a few years to bloom, its beautiful perfume is well worth the wait. Climbing roses are another classic choice, imparting a romantic atmosphere with their colorful and fragrant blossoms. They need structural support as they grow and regular pruning to thrive. Specific varieties recommended by Liam Beddall, Senior Rose Consultant at David Austin Roses, include 'The Generous Gardener' for its pale pink, nodding flowers and pollinator-friendly open centers, 'Malvern Hills' for its soft yellow, repeat-flowering rambler with a light musky scent, and 'Phyllis Bide,' which offers delightful apricot pink flowers brushed with yellow, repeating blooms throughout warmer months. Clematis, though requiring pruning, is highly regarded for its ease of growth and beauty. Its versatility allows for various options to suit any garden, and planting multiple varieties can extend the flowering season. Clematis also pairs well with climbing roses, offering a mixed floral display. The plant thrives when its roots are shaded, and its leaves are exposed to sunlight. Passion flowers, semi-evergreen climbers, are ideal for adding a tropical feel to a garden. They flourish in warm, sunny spots and produce exotic, beautiful blooms. These plants cling to structures with tendrils, though some initial support can be beneficial. They are also excellent for attracting pollinators. Finally, grapevines, while often overlooked, are a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice. They can be trained to grow over a pergola, allowing for the harvesting of garden grapes. Grapevines require tying and gentle training, along with hard winter pruning to promote fruit production. They need full sun exposure to yield a good crop. For those seeking fast-growing options, vigorous Chinese wisteria, common white jasmine, or English ivy are suggested, but caution is advised with ivy due to its rapid and potentially overwhelming growth. To effectively train plants on a pergola, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises planting two different species near the base of each pillar, after enriching the soil with compost. For example, a strong-growing climbing rose can be paired with a less vigorous clematis or honeysuckle, with the rose providing additional support. Plants should be angled towards the support, and vertical wires or mesh can be used to tie in new shoots. Flowering plants should be spiraled around the posts, and new shoots continuously tied to the crossbeams until the pergola is fully covered. #GardenDesign #PergolaPlants #ClimbingPlants #Wisteria #ClimbingRoses #Clematis #PassionFlower #Grapevine #HorticultureTips

Pergolas serve as a versatile garden feature capable of transforming outdoor spaces into layered, romantic, and lively areas. The true aesthetic and functional potential of a pergola is realized through the careful selection and training of climbing plants. These plants not only provide shade and seasonal color but also attract local wildlife, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem. Liam Beddall, Senior Rose Consultant at David Austin Roses, emphasizes that a pergola acts as a natural canvas for climbers, adding height, scent, and romance. Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, further elaborates on specific plant choices that can maximize a pergola's appeal. Wisteria is consistently ranked as a top choice for pergolas due to its iconic clusters of lilac and white flowers that bloom in springtime. Its vigorous vines rapidly cover structures, making it ideal for creating a lush, shaded canopy. However, Morris Hankinson advises that wisteria requires robust support systems and regular pruning, typically twice a year in summer and winter, to thrive and ensure consistent flowering. Despite a potential two to three-year wait for a young plant to flower, its eventual display is considered well worth the patience. Clematis, known for its rapid growth, is another excellent option. It is an adaptable climber that prefers shade at its roots and sun on its leaves. The wide variety of available clematis species allows gardeners to select plants that flower at different times, thereby extending the period of visual interest in the garden. For instance, Morris Hankinson recommends planting multiple varieties to achieve prolonged blooming throughout the year. Roses are cherished for their romantic appeal, offering colorful and fragrant blooms. Morris Hankinson notes that while roses require support for their stems as they grow and benefit from regular pruning, they are well-suited for pergolas. Liam Beddall highlights specific varieties such as 'The Generous Gardener®' for its elegant pale pink blooms and strong fragrance, 'Malvern Hills®' for its soft yellow, repeat-flowering rambler characteristics and musky scent, and 'Phyllis Bide®' for its apricot-pink flowers and continuous interest throughout warmer months. These varieties are chosen for their aesthetic qualities and ease of training. Passionflower offers an exotic touch to any garden. Its unique, intricate flowers create a tropical ambiance, flourishing best in full sun and well-drained soil. A key advantage of passionflower is its natural ability to cling to structures using tendrils, although some additional support is beneficial for optimal growth. Morris Hankinson suggests varieties like *Passiflora caerulea* for their vivid blue hues. Finally, grapevines are a practical and rewarding choice for pergolas, even in the UK climate. They can be cultivated to produce homegrown grapes, offering both fruit and dense foliage. Grapevines need to be tied in and carefully trained to grow along the pergola. Hard pruning in winter is essential to encourage fruit production and maintain plant health. Morris Hankinson emphasizes the importance of planting grapevines in full sun to ensure a successful harvest. #PergolaPlants #ClimbingPlants #GardenDesign #Wisteria #Clematis #ClimbingRoses #Passionflower #Grapevines #GardeningAdvice

Floral designers are increasingly embracing tall, statuesque compositions, departing from the previously popular sprawling, low-lying floral landscapes. This shift is characterized by more orderly and precise structures, often with blooms contained within elongated vessels, suggesting a preference for control and optimism in turbulent times. Miguel Yatco, a floral artist based in Brooklyn, exemplifies this trend with his rigorous approach to creating compositions that are often so tall and tightly packed they resemble inverted cumulonimbus clouds. He aims to evoke the feeling of flowers floating and defying gravity, frequently beginning with a substantial vessel and building blooms to double or triple its height. The inspiration for these elevated designs can be historical, as seen in the work of Brussels-based French floral artist Thierry Boutemy. For Bottega Veneta's remodeled Paris store, Boutemy created towering arrangements inspired by 17th-century Flemish and Dutch still lifes, particularly Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder's "A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase." His vertical designs, held in cylindrical Venetian bubble-glass vases, emphasized rigor and clarity, allowing each flower to remain visible and contribute to the overall strength of the composition. This approach prioritizes a clear visual line and ensures individual blooms are appreciated within the grand scale. However, striking upright arrangements need not be grandiose. The Connecticut-based ceramic artist Frances Palmer creates dramatically simple displays using single-stem and single-variety flowers from her garden. She pairs these with her elegant pottery, often leaving stems long and exposed, treating them as equally important elements in the design. Her philosophy is to allow each flower to have its "cameo," highlighting its unique form and presence. This minimalist yet impactful style brings a refined simplicity to the trend of verticality in floral design. The London-based florist Christie Leigh also champions minimalist, elongated forms, drawing inspiration from ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. She often uses tools like the kenzan or narrow vessels to support her sparse arrangements, which emphasize the natural bends and twists of stems. For a restaurant in East London, Leigh used silver candlestick-shaped vases with single, barely trimmed stems of white 'Butterfly' ranunculus, showcasing a delicate and intentional verticality. Her work highlights how height can be achieved with restraint and careful consideration of each element. Further exploring verticality, London-based florists Iona Mathieson and Romy St. Clair of Sage Flowers create distinctive arrangements that play with unexpected juxtapositions of color and scale. Their asymmetrical compositions often feature a low cluster of flowers on one side and an exaggeratedly tall explosion of blooms on the other, shooting skyward like fireworks. This approach acknowledges that floral design doesn't always mimic nature but can create artistic, dramatic effects through deliberate structure. The stretched stems of these towering arrangements, while defying natural growth patterns, also serve to highlight the inherent ephemerality and delicate beauty of the flowers themselves, capturing a fleeting moment of vibrant display. #FloralDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorStyling #ContemporaryFloristry #ArtisticArrangements #DesignTrends #TallFloralArrangements #IkebanaInfluence

Terracotta is emerging as a dominant garden trend, bringing a blend of rusty oranges, browns, and reds to outdoor spaces, evoking the feel of Tuscan summers. This trend is gaining significant traction, with terracotta decor amassing over 100 million views on TikTok and searches for terracotta homeware increasing by 250% in the past month, according to Google Trends. Experts note a shift in gardening preferences from minimalist, grey-themed gardens to natural, home-grown, European-inspired spaces. The popularity of terracotta was prominently showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where it featured in various garden designs. To incorporate this trend into gardens, patios, or balconies, several methods are suggested. One approach involves adding terracotta tiles, which can be used to create small tiled areas, complemented by contrasting black or white pots to achieve a Mediterranean ambiance. The warm, earthy tones of these tiles blend naturally with outdoor settings, and unique tile shapes can further enhance the holiday aesthetic. Embracing terracotta pots is another classic and effective way to integrate the trend. Using a variety of sizes for herbs and plants adds timeless elegance. Secondhand terracotta pots, like those sourced from Longtoms, are highlighted for their unique texture and history, as seen in The Restorative Balcony at the Chelsea Flower Show. Painting walls or raised beds in terracotta hues is also recommended to make a bold statement. An ombre terracotta wall, as demonstrated at the Chelsea Flower Show, can create a striking visual effect, instantly transporting the space to sunnier climates. For those looking for a DIY approach, faking a terracotta plaster effect on garden furniture is achievable using chalk paint. This involves applying a base layer of a pink-hued chalk paint, followed by a lighter shade applied in random areas and then partially wiped away with crumpled newspaper to create texture. A final wash of the lighter shade can achieve a powdery, romantic plaster effect. Terracotta pairs particularly well with natural materials such as macramé, wicker accents, cork, and white linens and cottons, which evoke thoughts of hot climates and beachside living. Integrating terracotta hues through planting is crucial for a cohesive look. Creating a wildflower area with orange, yellow, and red plants, complemented by vibrant greens and deep browns in garden furniture, reinforces the color scheme. Drought-tolerant perennials, fragrant shrubs, and herbs can further enhance a Mediterranean or Tuscan aesthetic. When considering complementary colors, white is an obvious choice, creating a glamorous, 60s-inspired look, especially with white walls and a terracotta floor. Bright blue, particularly Yves Klein Blue, offers a chic contrast, reminiscent of Marrakesh, while grey should be used sparingly to avoid detracting from terracotta's warmth. Combining red and orange accents can also build a joyful color palette when the exact shade of terracotta is unavailable. #TerracottaTrend #GardenDesign #OutdoorLiving #MediterraneanStyle #RHSChelseaFlowerShow #GardenDecor #HomeStyling #DIYGarden

In densely populated urban environments like New York City, where ground-level green spaces are scarce, rooftop gardens, terraces, and balconies present a significant opportunity to create vital green oases. With over 40,000 acres of potential rooftop space in NYC alone, these elevated areas can be transformed into private, calming retreats that offer a respite from the frenetic pace of city life. This transformation not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to urban biodiversity and sustainability. New York-based landscape designer Dima Rumiantcev emphasizes a philosophy of boldness and celebration of available space when approaching urban gardening projects. His design process begins by understanding the client's current use of their outdoor area and their aspirations for its future use. This client-centric approach ensures that the garden design is deeply personal and reflects the homeowner's lifestyle, whether they seek a private shield from the city's hustle or an open, entertaining space that maximizes spectacular views. Rumiantcev aims to create urban gardens that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also low-maintenance, sustainable, and capable of thriving for years to come. Functional and practical considerations are integral to the design process. Lighting is crucial, as many city dwellers enjoy their outdoor spaces primarily at night. The unique challenges of urban rooftop environments, such as the US hardiness zone, sun exposure, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures, must also be meticulously accounted for. Rumiantcev, the founder of the award-winning DiMastery Studio, brings a deep understanding of horticulture and landscape architecture to his projects, combining creativity with expertise to craft stunning and sustainable gardens. Creating mindful and meditative spaces is a core aspect of Rumiantcev's vision. He views outdoor spaces as an extension of the home, offering an invaluable connection to nature in an otherwise concrete jungle. Observing plants, insects, and butterflies from one's home can provide moments of joy and relaxation, helping to alleviate daily stress and foster a sense of security and connection to the natural world. To enhance this experience, Rumiantcev often incorporates sensory elements such as vibrant colors, fragrant plants, and even edible plants like herbs, strawberries, and tomatoes, which provide a grounding connection to nature through taste and cultivation. When it comes to planting ideas for urban rooftops and terraces, Rumiantcev adopts a "thriller, filler, and spiller" strategy. The "thriller" acts as a focal point, typically a large shrub or tree, while "filler" plants add bulk and texture, and "spiller" plants cascade over the container edges, softening the overall composition. Native plants are his preferred choice due to their resilience and ecological value, but non-invasive exotic plants are also considered when necessary to achieve a desired aesthetic. Plants must be hardy enough to withstand harsh urban conditions, including frozen winters, scorching summers, and strong winds, which are common in New York City's "wind tunnels." Examples of recommended plants include resilient and long-lasting perennials like _Echinacea purpurea_ (purple coneflower) and _Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’_ (hummingbird mint), which provide color from summer to fall and attract pollinators. Ornamental grasses, such as _Hakonechloa macra_ (Japanese forest grass) and _Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Ha Ha Tonka’_ (little bluestem), are ideal for adding texture, privacy, and visual interest, especially with their seasonal color changes. For trees, the compact and hardy coral bark Japanese Maple (_Acer Palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’_) is a standout choice due to its striking foliage and ability to tolerate urban conditions. Beyond aesthetics, supporting urban wildlife is a crucial environmental benefit of rooftop gardens. Rumiantcev advises incorporating wildlife-friendly garden ideas, such as leaving flower seedheads intact and delaying cutting back grasses to provide food and shelter for beneficial insects and birds. Adding late-season, nectar-rich flowering plants supports migratory species like hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. Even small additions, such as fennel plants, can provide habitats for specific species, contributing to local biodiversity. Weight restrictions are a primary concern for rooftop gardens, and structural engineers should be consulted. Lightweight materials like fiberglass planters and natural clay pebbles at the bottom of pots can help manage weight. While container-grown plants have a limited lifespan compared to those in the ground, proper irrigation, root pruning, and regular feeding can extend their vitality. #UrbanGardening #RooftopGardens #LandscapeDesign #NewYorkCity #Biodiversity #SustainableGardening #ContainerGardening #MindfulLiving #NativePlants

Trellises offer significant potential for enhancing garden aesthetics and functionality by introducing vertical interest. They serve as effective solutions for improving uninspiring surfaces, providing privacy, and creating shade. Gardening experts emphasize the importance of utilizing the vertical plane, the longest axis in a garden, to maximize planting opportunities and optimize space. This approach has historical roots, with practices like growing climbing plants to green surfaces and espaliering fruit against warm walls dating back millennia. Trellises can be used to display a variety of climbing plants, including fragrant roses, clematis, fruits, and vegetables, enabling gardeners to cultivate flora at eye level and conceal unattractive garden walls. Beyond supporting plant growth, trellises are valuable for partially obscuring certain garden areas, adding structure, and defining spaces. Several creative applications of trellis ideas exist to inspire garden design. One approach involves using trellises to zone a garden, particularly beneficial for larger yards. By strategically placing painted trellis panels, distinct 'rooms' or secluded seating areas can be established, enhancing the garden's exploratory appeal. Another idea is to create lush living fences by densely planting trellises, effectively forming a modern living wall. These living walls, viewed as 'containers in the sky,' demand light, shallow-rooted, disease-resistant plants, preferably evergreens for year-round appeal, supplemented with seasonal color. Incorporating mirrors into trellis designs can visually enlarge a garden space, provided the reflections are carefully managed to avoid unattractive views and enhance the illusion of depth. Alternative trellis structures include building climbing frames for fragrant plants like roses, creating a rose walkway where metal frames become increasingly hidden by established growth. Trellis panels can also function as garden art, such as the sculptural Asanoha Corten steel panels inspired by Japanese privacy screens, which add rustic texture and visual interest. Metal trellis fences offer an elegant and slimline boundary definition, maintaining visibility while supporting climbers, available in various finishes like galvanized, aged, or painted metal. For urban gardens, modern horizontal trellis fencing provides a secluded oasis, enhancing privacy while supporting a mix of climbing plants and allowing space for raised beds. Trellis toppers are effective for adding height to fences and supporting climbers, functioning as both design features and practical elements for dividing garden sections or ensuring privacy in small backyards. Trellises can also frame architectural elements, such as doors, by being painted in fresh colors and used to add intrigue, with the option to train plants later. Beyond functionality, trellises contribute textural interest; traditional small square designs offer an attractive alternative to solid fences, obscuring views while allowing light and air to flow. Obelisks and wigwam frames provide vertical support for climbers in borders or pots when wall space is limited, creating beautiful vertical gardens. Living walls with trellises offer aesthetic, ecological, and practical benefits, including cooling buildings, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, providing wildlife habitats, and insulating exterior walls. Pleached trees, trained against trellis walls, create stylish screens or avenues, adding permanent height and structure with minimal shadow and effective garden division. Modern metal trellises, often made from galvanized wirework, provide a contemporary look for urban gardens, offering bespoke designs with corrosion-resistant finishes. Finally, selecting appropriate climbing plants is crucial; while ivies offer year-round greenery and attract wildlife, variegated varieties can provide instant visual impact. Passionflowers, with their exotic, eye-catching blooms, are suitable for adding vibrant color to sheltered, sunny spots, ensuring careful plant selection and pruning to manage growth and maintain structural integrity. #TrellisIdeas #GardenDesign #VerticalGardening #ClimbingPlants #OutdoorLiving #GardenPrivacy #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanGardening #GardenFeatures

The article discusses the cherry blossom season on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, highlighting the significance of these trees as symbols of renewal and spring. It notes that a few of the oldest trees recently received specialized preservation care. Each March, over a million people visit Washington, D.C., to experience the cherry blossoms, with significant collections found at the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, in addition to the more widely known Tidal Basin. Some of these trees are as old as those at the Tidal Basin and are integral to the Capitol Grounds' aesthetic. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employs a team of arborists from the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum jurisdiction to maintain these historical assets throughout the year. The article explains that while the 3,020 cherry trees at the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park were a 1912 gift of friendship from Japan, a lesser-known fact is that some of the original trees were transplanted to the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress grounds in 1922. Capitol Square now features several groves of Yoshino cherries, including one tree from the 1912 gift, and about half a dozen other varieties. The Senate Parks host an even greater diversity of cherry trees, such as Yoshino, Kanzan, Higan, and Okame cultivars. The article describes the characteristics of various cherry blossom types: Yoshino cherries, which bloom early with pale, translucent petals; Kanzan cherries, known for their large, cotton candy-colored blossoms that appear later; Higan cherries, identifiable by their weeping form; and Okame cherries, which are among the earliest to bloom, transitioning from fuchsia to hot pink. These varieties collectively contribute to the spring landscape of the city. Attention is drawn to the preservation efforts for older trees. A significant event last July involved an almost 70-year-old Yoshino cherry tree that collapsed due to drought and the weight of its foliage. This incident underscored the need for robust support systems, as a 113-year-old neighboring tree in the same grove has survived partly due to steel props installed over a decade ago. The article contrasts American and Japanese approaches to tree care. In Japan, ancient cherry trees, sometimes considered sacred, receive extensive preventative care and physical support, with structural supports openly integrated rather than concealed. This philosophy prioritizes the tree's longevity, leading to cherry trees surviving over a thousand years in Japan. Adopting this Japanese arboricultural philosophy, the AOC engaged Master Gardener Kurato Fujimoto from Kenroku-en, Japan, to instruct Capitol Grounds arborists on the use of "hoozue." These wooden braces are designed to gently support heavy branches and prolong the life of the trees. The process involves evaluating trees, determining the appropriate size and placement of hoozue, and installing them by loosening soil with compressed air, positioning the wooden poles, and securing them with palm fiber rope and padding to prevent bark damage and rot. These timber props replace older steel props that could potentially harm the trees and aim to redirect the tree's resources towards photosynthesis rather than structural reinforcement. In preparation for the 2025 cherry blossom season, AOC arborists installed 19 hoozue on trees near the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. The preservation of these cherry trees is presented as a crucial aspect of safeguarding historic living assets, honoring the trees' Japanese origins, and recognizing their symbolic importance as emblems of friendship, resilience, and cultural exchange for future generations. #CherryBlossoms #USCapitol #Arboriculture #JapaneseHorticulture #TreePreservation #WashingtonDC #CulturalExchange #AOC

This article explores the art of floral arranging, drawing insights from Doan Ly, founder of A.P. Bio Designs, who transitioned from a design career to floral entrepreneurship. Ly's aesthetic, initially rooted in organic, romantic garden styles popular for weddings, has evolved to embrace modern, minimalist, and even psychedelic floral designs. The discussion highlights Ly's expertise in contemporary arrangements, showcased during a workshop at the Hamptons pop-up with American Express Platinum, where guests learned to modernize local wildflowers using colorblocking and grouping techniques. The core of Ly's advice for easy floral arranging emphasizes simplicity. She recommends using bright colors with a single dominant element or, if combining colors, grouping flowers by type and height for contrast. A crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect is the vessel; its shape should complement the chosen flowers and desired arrangement height. To achieve a high-end look, Ly suggests employing an ombré color scheme, transitioning from a lighter to a darker shade of similar hues, such as peach to coral. She advises against mixing vibrant warm and cool colors like bright purple with yellow or red, noting that pastels blend more harmoniously. For farm stand flowers, the key to a sophisticated presentation is sticking to a single flower type, avoiding the temptation to mix varieties. Investing in a distinctive colored glass vase can also instantly elevate the arrangement, as a statement vase can make any simple floral display appear intentional and chic. To prolong the life of farm stand flowers, it's essential to clean the bottom of the stems thoroughly, removing any leaves that would otherwise rot in the water. For late summer, Ly recommends cosmos, particularly their double and triple pleated varieties, and zinnias, praising their vibrant colors and wide range. Regarding current floral trends, Ly observes a shift towards more minimal, airy, and simple styles, favoring a few strong pieces over overly lush or voluminous arrangements. This approach is not entirely bare but rather a more restrained elegance. Another emerging trend involves painted or manipulated elements, especially larger leaves, transforming floral arranging into a form of art through hand-painting. When time is limited, Ly advises opting for bold, large pieces like tropical leaves, such as a monstera or palm leaf, which can make a significant impact on their own. Alternatively, for quick arrangements from a supermarket, she suggests buying three bunches of the same flower in different colors and arranging them at varying heights in different sized glass cylinder vases to create a cohesive and deliberate look. Additionally, incorporating fruit that matches the floral color palette, like apricots or pomegranates, can add a beautiful and unexpected touch to a centerpiece. #FloralDesign #HomeDecoration #FlowerArrangement #MinimalistDesign #DIYFlowers #SummerBlooms #VaseSelection #ColorBlocking #SustainableFlorals

Rylan Clark, host of 'Strictly – It Takes Two', offered a detailed look into his extensive garden located at his Essex residence. The outdoor area, perfect for social gatherings, was featured in a series of Instagram Stories as Clark observed snowfall. The garden encompasses a substantial terrace and patio, furnished with a black central table and an additional seating arrangement adjacent to a manicured lawn. To ensure comfort across all seasons, a patio heater is installed, complemented by a barbecue and umbrellas for summer events. Further within the garden, another covered seating space is visible. Clark's social media updates, shared with his 1.5 million Instagram followers, captured the snowy landscape and a subsequent photo of a sunset over the trees and gardens bordering his property. The garden's design has drawn comparisons to the 'Love Island' villa due to its spacious entertaining areas and sophisticated lighting. This includes multi-coloured spotlights along the perimeter fence and light strips that cast a neon pink glow on the white patio walls. Beyond the garden, Clark's home features an indoor swimming pool, which was utilized during his 33rd birthday celebration in October, and the iconic Celebrity Big Brother chair from his 2013 victory. The entrance to his home, as previously showcased, is grand, featuring a black glossy front door flanked by frosted glass panels and large black candle lanterns. Celebrity florists Early Hours Ltd were responsible for a festive Christmas display above the front door. Clark, following his separation from Dan Neal after six years of marriage, now resides in the property alone. The couple had previously undertaken a renovation, transforming the bungalow into an Instagram-worthy residence. The article highlights the property's design elements and its suitability for both private enjoyment and entertaining guests. #RylanClark #CelebrityHome #GardenDesign #OutdoorLiving #EssexHome #HomeDecor #LuxuryGarden #EntertainmentSpace