Want to visit Japan and go beyond Tokyo and Kyoto? Perhaps you should check out the following places in Honshu: Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa.

Broccolini is a trademarked hybrid between American standard broccoli and a Chinese broccoli called gailan. Instead of forming one large head it bears many small tender side shoots, which have a subtle sweet flavor with peppery overtones. Broccolini stems don’t have to be peeled. Some people praise broccolini for its taste and texture; others regard […]

Located in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, Barnsley House is a luxury spa hotel with two charming restaurants and private cinema.

I'm a meme addict, I can admit that. I search for them every night to give me a much needed laugh after a hard day of work. I'm a huge gardening fanatic and I can

Get some great columbine companion plant ideas here, as well as tips about how to grow columbine plants in locations where they will thrive.

Learn how to make the best garden soil for growing vegetables, and why soil healthy and quality is so important for your backyard garden.

So, you're committed to finally starting that vegetable garden, hey? Good for you! You'll soon discover there are few activities as relaxing and rewarding as gardening. If you're an urban farming freshman starting off at square one, you may feel a bit overwhelmed; and a trip to your local garden or hardware store can really boost your anxiety, as you take in a daunting array of well marketed gardening tools, all of which seem crucial to your success as a neophyte gardener. Well, never fear, young Grasshopper! We've got you covered with a list of tools, tips, and resources that are essential to getting started.

You'll be amazed to discover how many foods you can re-grow from kitchen scrap! With videos and how-to instructions! Check it out now!

Unlock the secrets of rhubarb companion planting in this comprehensive guide. From the harmony of strawberry rhubarb pairings to the pests kept at bay by attracting beneficial insects, discover the best and worst neighbors for rhubarb plants. Learn how rhubarb can be an excellent companion plant, wh

Early-spring crocus have much to offer and they needn't be restricted to the flower bed. Just imagine a lawn filled with these blooms. If you're thinking about growing crocus in the yard, there are se

Madeira's capital city, Funchal, is brimming with art of all kinds, gardens galore and quirky attractions. Have you got anything to add to my list of things to see and do in Funchal? If so, please share them in the comments.

Spectacularly huge blooms formed of magnificent bursts of curvy, fresh watermelon-toned petals, this unbelievably beautiful Dahlia 'Penhill Watermelon' is drenched with style and absolutely astounding in every way! When it comes to flower fashion, the combination of colour, shape and flower size of this swanky variety is right on trend, not only for its garden appeal but also for its startling impact in cut-flower bouquets. Just one of these big blooms is enough to make an amazing arrangement! Growing from large, bushy plants, Dahlia 'Penhill Watermelon' produces continuous blooms throughout summer and right up until the first frosts of autumn. You’ll get so much of a reward from just a single tuber, and if you plant a group of them you’ll be in for a real treat. If you’re looking for something grand to take centre stage in the garden, these are the ones!

Borage is an annual herbaceous plant that is easy to grow and provides a myriad of benefits for gardeners. Not only are its striking star-shaped flowers picturesque to look at, but borage is an excellent companion plant that helps other plants to thrive, and it is entirely edible from stem to flower. The plant's leaves and stems are easily identifiable by the bristly hairs that cover them as they mature and look particularly unique on dewy mornings. Follow our guide to learn about borage uses, benefits, and companion planting advantages. Borage Soil Requirements Borage soil should be well-tilled and well-draining. Borage is a vibrant herbaceous plant that can tolerate soil that falls between 4.5-8.5 on the pH scale but thrives optimally in the middle at a pH of 6.5. How to Plant Borage Borage plants can be found at your local specialty nursery in the herb section, but they grow very well from seed as well. Either way, they should be planted directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. Sow seeds directly into the ground about ½ inch deep in clusters of 3 or 4 seeds and cover with nutrient-rich soil or compost. Plant borage plants or thin seedlings to approximately 15 inches apart. Borage can tower up to three feet in height, so it's essential to give the plant room to spread out. Proper spacing will help airflow, proactively combat against diseases such as powdery mildew and allow for the adequate spread of blooms. How Much Light Does Borage Need? A common question when planting and growing borage is, how much light does borage need? Plant your borage plants and seeds in full sun or partial shade. Plants will bloom more vigorously if they are planted in an area where they receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. How Often Should You Water Borage Plants? It can tricky to figure out exactly how often you should water borage plants. The answer is simple, water borage plants regularly. They are not drought tolerant and need plenty of water to thrive. However, try and avoid over-soaking them. The Best Temperature for Growing Borage Borage is relatively cold-tolerant, enjoying soil temperatures that are a minimum of 50°F. It can withstand light frosts. Kellogg Garden Organics All Natural Garden Soil Learn More Product Locator by Locally **Product not available in AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT. For a comparable product in these states click here. Common Borage Pests and Diseases Unfortunately, borage tends to be plagued with powdery mildew in damp conditions or in areas of high humidity. For the best chance of avoiding this devastating disease, space your plants adequately for proper airflow and be sure that your plants receive plenty of sunlight. Aphids and Japanese Beetles are drawn to borage plants and feed on their leaves. Aphids can be kept at bay with a strong spray of water from the hose, while the beetles can be easily handpicked off the plant and placed in a jar of soapy water to eliminate them. Borage Companion Planting Companion planting borage with vegetables and certain flowers can bolster each other and significantly improve your garden productivity. Borage is an all-around best friend in any garden bed for several reasons. Borage flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, which are essential for plant reproduction. Borage also benefits gardens by attracting beneficial insects for natural pest control of common garden pests. Additionally, borage releases calcium and potassium into the soil, which can help other plants like squash and tomatoes to combat diseases such as blossom rot. Interplant borage with: Tomatoes Cabbage Strawberries Grapes Peas Beans Cucumbers Squash Borage Uses and Benefits Not only does borage have a flower you can eat, but its leaves are also edible and can be used in a variety of ways. Its flowers have a refreshing taste that is reminiscent of cucumber. Pick blooms early in the morning and use them to brighten up a fresh salad, add some zest to a sandwich, mix into dips, and cook up in soups or stews. Harvest borage leaves when they are young for the best taste and texture. You can use borage fresh as salad greens or steam them up like you would spinach or kale. Another option is to dry the leaves and set them aside for use as a dried herb or seasoning. It can also be used to steep in teas and is a delightful treat when candied. How to Harvest Borage Seeds Borage plants do a fine job all on their own when it comes to propagating and spreading their seeds around. Once you have an established borage plant, you will likely always have a borage plant or several. You will often find new plants in the garden each year, and they are a pleasant surprise to see. Once you have borage in your garden, you will likely never have to reseed them again. If you intend to save the seeds, wait for the flowers to dry thoroughly on the stems, and allow the petals to die away. When the flower head is dehydrated and browned, remove the seeds from the center and store them in a paper bag or paper envelope until next spring. Share The Garden Love

What is permaculture, and why should you care? Here are 11 reasons you need to start using it's principles in your homestead.

Have slugs? Me too. I, like you, used to use beer in my slug traps. No more. Beer is for drinking, not for catching those little ground boogers.

Whilst many of the world’s post-war urban utopia experiments have failed miserably — 1960s Naples suburb of Scampìa, famed for its gloomy role in Gomorrah, a prime example — London’s effort to repopulate the war-ravaged […]

How to choose the right garden poo for you.

Add Azomite trace minerals to create better garden soil & healthier crops. Use Azomite to naturally remineralize your garden soil. How to use Azomite

Listen up! Your weeds are trying to tell you something. Like all varieties of plants, individual weeds thrive in particular conditions. Some like it dry, o

We talked with Erika Thompson of Texas Bee Works about her weirdest bee removal this year and how working with bees has changed the way she eats.

Garden tilling is an essential skill, but many people are doing it the wrong way and at the wrong time. Here's what you should know.

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amazing secret garden

False indigo or baptisia is a unique and easy plant to grow. It is an excellent companion plant that is probably not used enough.

On Thursday evening after work, seven of us from Great Dixter all went over to Sissinghurst to see the garden in all its springtime splendor. It was great to be there when the garden was closed to the public and to stroll the paths in the fading afternoon light. The head gardener, Alexis Datta, unlocked the gate and left us to roam freely through the garden. It was incredible! A walk through the Nuttery The Cottage Garden Stachyurus chinensis 'Celina' in bloom, under planted with Erythronium toulumnense The amazing roses, beautifully pruned into wonderful shapes and standing structures. Ribes laurifolium, a scrambling shrub hangs behind the bright yellow cups of Scopolia podolica 'Hladnikiana' It is hard to see, but in the background there is a magnificent white magnolia in absolute full flower. It was intensely fragrant, filling the air with scent. I had never seen such a floriferous magnolia before, blossoms up and down every single branch. The Delos garden flush in scilla, anemones, and mauve hellebores Sissinghurst has the most beautiful brick walls throughout the garden and they are covered with finely pruned trees, shrubs, and vines, such as this incredible Chaenomeles 'Knap Hill Scarlet.' Clematis alpina 'Ruby' The Moat Looking up at the castle, across the daffodil filled orchard meadow

We can all use a little help from our friends, the same is true of vegetable plants. Companion planting can help your garden thrive. Here are 17 vegetable plants that you should plant together.

This couple was able to turn ordinary shipping containers into an amazing and highly functional home.

All the best gardening advice with all my tips and tricks for growing a bountiful garden!

Páscoa significa “passagem”. Que possamos, no dia de hoje, abandonar as nossas roupagens antigas e assumir as vestes dos nossos sonhos construtivos. Abraçar as pessoas que comungam conosco, ideais de amor. Acolher com alegria o Cristo que habita em cada um de nós. Que essa passagem nos conduza para uma caminhada repleta de paz, bem aventurança e muita fé em nossas vidas. Que a sua passagem o abençoe com as mais belas alegrias. Com a mais profunda paz. Feliz Páscoa! - Lígia Guerra -

8 ways to use for cinnamon in the garden and on house plants. From rooting hormone to gnat removal, cinnamon can be your gardens best friend!

So, recently as a result of a labelling mistake, I double exposed a few sheets of film and ruined some quite acceptable images. This is one of them, although thankfully I took a version on my LX5 - and here it is. I will be back next year to recreate it on large format.

Affecting peaches and nectarines, leaf curl (Taphrina deformans) is one of the most common disease problems found in backyard orchards.

Looking for a way to improve your house's look? Try these Home Ideas: 10 Floral Arrangements for Summer! Flowers can be of great help!

Carrying a baby for nine months isn't easy.

Faeries, Cob, Castles & Magic The world is full of magical creatures patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. Faery is my life, while cob and castles are my dreams. I'm in the process of making these dreams come true. During the process, I'm collecting photos of the life I choose to create and the reality I choose to live in. Please do not call it "fantasy". It is real for me. It's real for us.