View allAll Photos Tagged LowMaintenance
Smile On Saturday-Floral Fantasy
Thank You To Everyone Who Commented On My Photo!!!
These are made of silk.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the Environment and Heritage Group in the Department of Planning and Environment. NPWS manages more than 890 national parks and reserves, covering over 7.5 million hectares or 9% of land.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, uses the Airbus H125 helicopter, which is primarily be used to support the state’s preparation for and response to bushfires.
For its role, the A$5.6 million helicopter is fitted with customised avionics, radios, a winch and other specialised operational and safety equipment. They have about four similar aircraft operated by ParkAir, the NPWS air wing.
The firefighting capacity of NPWS has increased and this aircraft is critical in supporting those frontline NPWS staff to keep us safe and manage an ever-increasing parks network. NPWS has the tools it needs to adequately manage the parks estate and an elevated risk of bushfire.
Alongside its role in bushfire management, which will include support for hazard reduction burns, the H125 will undertake other activities such as pest management, aerial baiting and weed spraying, and wildlife surveys.
The H125 (previously named the AS350 B3e) outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while excelling in high and hot and extreme environments. It is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated almost 36 million flight hours worldwide. R_3370
The flowerpots on our deck sadly were neglected this year for various reasons. But thankfully they managed to overcome our neglect and aside from a few weeds these white flowers surprised us by not just coming up but thriving, blooming like crazy in multiple pots
We think these are the chives my sister planted a few years ago but aren't positive. Regardless of what they are, they are a nice and decorative surprise, - and definitely low maintenance!.
Cold-hardy, these tall grasses really shine in late summer/early fall when they open their fuzzy flowers. They stand well through winter, The grasses have few pests or problems — even deer pass them by! They are low-maintenance perennials with varieties that can be short to taller than a human.
Camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20 m tall. They are found in eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. There are about 300 species and around 3,000 hybrids. Their flowers are usually large and conspicuous, one to 12 cm in diameter, with five to nine petals in naturally occurring species of camellias. The colors of the flowers vary from white through pink colors to red. Of economic importance in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, leaves of C. sinensis are processed to create the popular beverage tea. The ornamental C. japonica, C. sasanqua and their hybrids are the source of hundreds of garden cultivars. C. oleifera produces tea seed oil, used in cooking and cosmetics. The various species of camellia plants are generally well-adapted to acid soils rich in humus, and most species do not grow well on chalky soil or other calcium-rich soils. Most species of camellias also require a large amount of water, either from natural rainfall or from irrigation, and the plants will not tolerate droughts. However, some of the more unusual camellias – typically species from karst soils in Vietnam – can grow without too much water. S20N_1182
I've been rather negligent this summer in taking photos of things in and around our yard. Prime example - the flowering Chives which have been blooming for almost a month now.
My sister has several large pots on our deck where these dainty little blooms spring to life each summer, and attract a variety of bees and butterflies. Unfortunately, the blooms are almost all gone now, but I managed to get a few shots of some of the last of the blooms.
Embers
After the wood has been placed into my kachelofen, I close the grate door, as a precautionary measure.
As the hard wood slowly burns, it breaks down into warm glowing embers that become very hot. At this point I close the outer glass door firmly and let it do what it is suppose to do, and that is to warm my home. 💫
"Northern Lights Pink Azalea" by Patti Deters. This lovely hot pink flower belongs to a Northern Lights series of Azalea perennials, one of the hardiest Azaleas and perfect for my Minnesota garden. These deciduous plants have glossy green leaves when not in bloom and a nice rounded upright form. The best part about this small flowering shrub is that it is low maintenance! This particular image is for sale at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/northern-lights-pink-aza... (printed and shipped WITHOUT watermark) through Fine Art America (FAA) which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you like this outdoor photograph, I invite you to please share or see my main image gallery (floral, other flora, and more) at patti-deters.pixels.com/featured/northern-lights-pink-aza....
This inventive Carmel gardener used the narrow strip of earth along her driveway to plant a garden of birdhouses. Quite a charming solution for a difficult site.
Linda Hartong Photography. ©All Rights Reserved. 2009. Do not use, copy or edit any of my photographs without written permission.
Giving credit where credit is due,
and having been given permission to post this adorable photo,
I hereby share with you a priceless catch of a friend's
*pound puppy* weighing in amongst the nuts and bolts!
She is definitely a very *low maintenance* pup!
From my set entitled “Goatsbeard”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213997694/
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607217763461/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aruncus is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Rosaceae, subfamily Spiraeoideae. Botanical opinion of the number of species differs, with from one to four species accepted.
Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard) is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout the cooler parts of Europe, Asia and North America. In the broad sense, this is the only species in the genus, with the species below treated as synonyms or varieties of it by some botanists.
Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard or Korean Goatsbeard) has a restricted range, limited to Korea in eastern Asia.
Aruncus gombalanus (Yunnan Goatsbeard) occurs in the mountains of northwest Yunnan and adjacent Tibet.
Aruncus sylvester (Asian Goatsbeard) covers the widespread Asian forms of A. dioicus.
The genus was formerly treated as part of the related genus Spiraea.
Characteristics - A. sylvester For two weeks in early summer, each 4- to 6-foot stalk of goatsbeard is crowned with a 6- to 10-inch plume of tiny blossoms. Because the flowering season is relatively short and the foliage is tall, goatsbeard is generally placed at the back of a border, but it is also dramatic when massed alone as a separate planting. Its tolerance for partial shade and wet soil makes it popular in woodland gardens.
Goatsbeard does well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9 in almost any soil, in sun, or light shade. Set plants approximately 18 - 24 inches apart. To get new plants, divide clumps in spring or fall; otherwise clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitely.
Medical Uses - A poultice from the root is applied to bee stings. A tea made from the roots is used to allay bleeding after child birth, to reduce profuse urination and to treat stomach pains, diarrhea, gonorrhea, fevers and internal bleeding. Use the root tea externally to bathe swollen feet and rheumatic joints. A salve made from the root ashes can be rubbed onto sores.
This is a beautiful photo of a small ornamental cactus in a terracotta pot. The cactus appears to be a type of Gymnocalycium or similar variety that has striking red and green coloration with distinctive ribs and small white spines along its ridges. The vibrant red coloration contrasts nicely with the dark green sections, creating an eye-catching pattern. It's planted in what looks like a well-draining cactus soil mix in a square terracotta pot that sits on an orange saucer. The photo is taken with a shallow depth of field, creating a soft, blurred background that helps highlight the unique features of this colorful succulent.
Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries
'Dawn' is a strong-growing large deciduous shrub of upright growth, with dark green, ovate leaves and clusters of scented, light pink and white flowers opening from autumn to spring, from red buds (Oh and that scent is glorious!).
Keiko will be 15 years old in a couple months. I happened to look at her vet records this morning and noticed it was time for her annual senior workup. So, she has a vet appointment on Weds.
Keiko is extremely active and in really good health. But last year, her blood work showed a slight elevation in her kidney values. I'm hoping her blood work comes back normal, that her teeth are ok, and that her weight loss is only from being such a busy cat.
Here she is in one of many beds she has scattered thru out the house.
Designed for minimal maintenance in the growing season.
It is a fallacy that to achieve a low maintenance garden you need loads of gravel,paving slabs or decking with little or no greenery .
Other than cutting the grass I spend no more than 5 minutes a week from April to November maintaining this 60 feet by 40 feet garden with borders which vary in width from 6 feet to 15 feet deep.
This is possible because all the plants grow together and there's almost zero soil showing so almost no weeds. I get the odd perennial weed amonst the plants but these are a seconds job to pull out. There is very little soil showing but I can whip round the soil that does show in less than 5 minutes to hoe any weeds that do appear
Over winter I spend about 5 hours cutting back all the perennials and some of the shrubs and dividing some of the perennials if it is necessary to stop them getting too big.
The photo shows about half the garden
More photos of the garden can be seen in some of the comments boxes below
Stunning Marto Home by ForeverLawn North Central Georgia
Products Used: Landscape Grass and GolfGreens
I designed the towel bar at the sink to double as a handle for a flip-out toothbrush drawer. The countertop is a mix of recycled plastic with recycled glass aggregate. The cabinets I designed as well - they are milled from bamboo and finished with a non-toxic clear satin finish.
From my set entitled “Peonies”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607186459134/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The peony or paeony (Paeonia) is the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America.
Most are herbaceous perennial plants 0.5–1.5 metres tall, but some are woody shrubs up to 1.5–3 metres tall. They have compound, deeply lobed leaves, and large, often fragrant flowers, ranging from red to white or yellow, in late spring and early summer. In the past, the peonies were often classified in the family Ranunculaceae, alongside Hellebores and Anemones.
The peony is named after Paeon or Paean, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower
The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture and is one of the smallest living creature national emblems in China. Along with the plum blossom, it is a traditional floral symbol of China, where it is called 牡丹 (mǔ dān). It is also known as 富贵花 (fuguihua) "flower of riches and honour", and is used symbolically in Chinese art.[2] In 1903, the Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower. Currently, the Republic of China on Taiwan designates the plum blossom as the national flower, while the People's Republic of China has no legally designated national flower. In 1994, the peony was proposed as the national flower after a nationwide poll, but the National People's Congress failed to ratify the selection. In 2003, another selection process has begun, but to date, no choice has been made.
The famous ancient Chinese city Luoyang has a reputation as a cultivation centre for the peonies. Throughout Chinese history, peonies in Luoyang are often said to be the finest in the country. Dozens of peony exhibitions and shows are still held there annually.
In Japan, Paeonia lactiflora used to be called ebisugusuri ("foreign medicine"). In kampo (the Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine), its root was used as a treatment for convulsions. It is also cultivated as a garden plant. In Japan Paeonia suffruticosa is called the "The King of flowers" and Paeonia lactiflora is called the "prime minister of flowers".
Pronunciation of 牡丹 (peony) in Japan is "botan". Before the Meiji period, meat taken from quadrupeds was seldom consumed in Japan due to Buddhism. Thus in cases where such meat was handled, it was paraphrased using the names of flowers. The term botan was used (and is still used) to paraphrase wild boar meat. This comes from the flowery resemblance of the sliced meat when spread over a dish. Another example is sakura (cherry blossoms) which stands for horsemeat.
In 1957, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law to make the peony the state flower of Indiana, a title which it holds to this day. It replaced the zinnia, which had been the state flower since 1931.
Mischievous nymphs were said to hide in the petals of the Peony thus causing this magnificent flower to be given the meaning of Shame or Bashfulness in the Language of Flowers. It was named after Pæon, a physician to the gods, who obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. Once planted the Peony likes to be left alone and punishes those who try to move it by not flowering again for several years. Once established, however, it produces splendid blooms each year for decades (Taken from The Language of Flowers, edited by Sheila Pickles, 1990).
Peonies are also extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers.
Peonies tend to attract ants to the flower buds. This is due to the nectar that forms on the outside of the flower buds.
Peonies are a common subject in tattoos, often used along with koi-fish.
Flower Carpet is "The Rose in the Pink Pot"™. Easy-care Flower Carpet roses are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sustainable landscape or groundcover roses are offered by Tesselaar Plants (www.tesselaar.com).
From my set entitled ‘Sumac”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607186471302/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sumac (also spelled sumach) is any one of approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera, in the family Anacardiaceae. The dried berries of some species are ground to produce a tangy purple spice often used in juice.
Sumacs grow in subtropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world, especially in North America.
Sumacs are shrubs and small trees that can reach a height of 1-10 meters. The leaves are spirally arranged; they are usually pinnately compound, though some species have trifoliate or simple leaves. The flowers are in dense panicles or spikes 5-30 cm long, each flower very small, greenish, creamy white or red, with five petals. The fruits form dense clusters of reddish drupes called sumac bobs.
Sumacs propagate both by seed (spread by birds and other animals through their droppings), and by new sprouts from rhizomes, forming large clonal colonies.
The drupes of the genus Rhus are ground into a deep-red or purple powder used as a spice in Middle Eastern cuisine to add a lemony taste to salads or meat; in the Turkish cuisine e.g. added to salad-servings of kebabs and lahmacun. In North America, the smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), and the staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), are sometimes used to make a beverage, termed "sumac-ade" or "Indian lemonade" or "rhus juice". This drink is made by soaking the drupes in cool water, rubbing them to extract the essence, straining the liquid through a cotton cloth and sweetening it. Native Americans also used the leaves and berries of the smooth and staghorn sumacs combined with tobacco in traditional smoking mixtures.
Species including the fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), the littleleaf sumac (R. microphylla), the skunkbush sumac (R. trilobata), the smooth sumac and the staghorn sumac are grown for ornament, either as the wild types or as cultivars.
The leaves of certain sumacs yield tannin (mostly pyrogallol), a substance used in vegetable tanning. Leather tanned with sumac is flexible, light in weight, and light in color, even bordering on being white.
Dried sumac wood is fluorescent under long-wave UV light. Mowing of sumac is not a good control measure as the wood is springy resulting in jagged, sharp pointed stumps when mowed. The plant will quickly recover with new growth after mowing. See Nebraska Extension Service publication G97-1319 for suggestions as to control.
At times Rhus has held over 250 species. Recent molecular phylogeny research suggests breaking Rhus sensu lata into Actinocheita, Baronia, Cotinus, Malosma, Searsia, Toxicodendron, and Rhus sensu stricta. If this is done, about 35 species would remain in Rhus. However, the data is not yet clear enough to settle the proper placement of all species into these genera.
Stunning Marto Home by ForeverLawn North Central Georgia
Products Used: Landscape Grass and GolfGreens
An enjoyable outdoor living space built to be enjoyed 4 seasons out of the year. In the summer, the Screeneze panels and fan keep bugs out and occupants cool, while the Eze-Breeze collapsing windows can be closed in the winter and used with the Infratech heaters as an insulated sunroom addition.
Trex recessed lights and outdoor
audio speakers are also included, as is a large brick patio with a retaining wall, a Larson storm door, and new French doors.
Spanning the entire back of this Topsider home, a weather-resistant, low-maintenance deck provides fantastic views of the surrounding bayou. Visit www.topsiderhomes.com/hurricane-proof-homes.php for more information.
From my set entitled “Goatsbeard”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213997694/
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607217763461/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aruncus is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Rosaceae, subfamily Spiraeoideae. Botanical opinion of the number of species differs, with from one to four species accepted.
Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard) is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout the cooler parts of Europe, Asia and North America. In the broad sense, this is the only species in the genus, with the species below treated as synonyms or varieties of it by some botanists.
Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard or Korean Goatsbeard) has a restricted range, limited to Korea in eastern Asia.
Aruncus gombalanus (Yunnan Goatsbeard) occurs in the mountains of northwest Yunnan and adjacent Tibet.
Aruncus sylvester (Asian Goatsbeard) covers the widespread Asian forms of A. dioicus.
The genus was formerly treated as part of the related genus Spiraea.
Characteristics - A. sylvester For two weeks in early summer, each 4- to 6-foot stalk of goatsbeard is crowned with a 6- to 10-inch plume of tiny blossoms. Because the flowering season is relatively short and the foliage is tall, goatsbeard is generally placed at the back of a border, but it is also dramatic when massed alone as a separate planting. Its tolerance for partial shade and wet soil makes it popular in woodland gardens.
Goatsbeard does well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9 in almost any soil, in sun, or light shade. Set plants approximately 18 - 24 inches apart. To get new plants, divide clumps in spring or fall; otherwise clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitely.
Medical Uses - A poultice from the root is applied to bee stings. A tea made from the roots is used to allay bleeding after child birth, to reduce profuse urination and to treat stomach pains, diarrhea, gonorrhea, fevers and internal bleeding. Use the root tea externally to bathe swollen feet and rheumatic joints. A salve made from the root ashes can be rubbed onto sores.
Spring is finally here and there is so much in bloom across Southern California. My studio property is 22 feet above sea level, a bona fide tsunami zone. Until a tsunami hits, I will start taking photos of my neighborhood again and other parts of Los Angeles. I've been busy at school studying Ecological Design. I've missed all of my Flickr buds and look forward to catching up with all the wonderful things you are doing.
The above image shows the main entrance to my studio garden - sun on the right side, shade on the left. All the plants are low maintenance with low water demands with the exception of the Duranta erecta in the distance which always needs water. I've noticed that many of the shade loving plants that typically require additional water, fair with less when grown at the beach.
Architect: atelier PRO
The project Town hall Overbetuwe encompasses architectural design as well as site design and interior design.
The new building is intended as a binding element for the merged municipalities Elst Heteren and Valkenburg (Gelderland).
Major issues are: Sustainable Building (Greencalc score 250); office concept "The New Work" and track location.
Image: atelier PRO
More information: www.atelierpro.nl/en/projects/14/5
Please only publish the images of atelier PRO in articles related to the context of the projects depicted, with correct use of photographer credits. We appreciate it if you mention the source, and (if possible) we would like to receive a copy or link of the edition.
Beeldmateriaal van atelier PRO alleen gebruiken in context gerelateerde artikelen. Naamsvermelding van fotograaf is verplicht. Wij stellen het op prijs als u de bron vermeldt en ontvangen graag een exemplaar of link naar de uitgave.
Earth Designs Garden Design and Build were asked to created a landscape and propose garden design in Grays, Essex*. Here are the details of the project
The 'Tropical Garden' in Grays, Essex RM17
BRIEF:
The space was an odd yet interestingly shaped garden, consisting primarily of lawn with good, sound fences. The client was concerned with privacy, as the houses on the opposite side of the road overlooked the front of the garden. In creative terms, the client wanted something contemporary and stylish, low maintenance, with ample space for entertaining.
SOLUTION:
The finished product is a space that is stylish and dynamic, yet at the same time warm and welcoming. To improve privacy, the entire boundary was augmented with bamboo screening. The majority of the space was laid with decking, split into sections set at angles to each other to make the most of the sun throughout the day.
The first decked area, directly outside the house, features a large hot tub spa to the left, which is shielded from view from the street by a split bamboo screen. A second area of decking runs on the left hand side down and across the space, to join a third and final area of decking towards the bottom of the garden.
A large flowerbed down the right of the space is graced with a selection of lush jungle giants, bold architectural foliage and big leafy specimens in a variety of textures. Striking bespoke stainless steel planters line the decking along the left of the space, planted with tall bamboo to provide additional screening. The slightly imposing nature of these planters is softened by the addition of Cordyline australis planted through cut-outs in the decking between one planter and the next.
The end section of decking features a beautiful stainless steel 'wall of water'. Set against the backdrop of bamboo screening, it provides an attractive and arresting focal point, whilst hiding the very bottom of the garden from view. Simple lighting, comprising low voltage spots in the bed, a line of sunken deck lights to illuminate the steel planters, and elegant steel bollards to demark the edge of the middle section of decking, serves to provide a gentle ambient wash for intimate nocturnal entertaining.
TESTIMONIAL:
"A very big thank you to all the team at Earth Designs for transforming my garden from a dull unwelcoming space into a vibrant, contemporary living area. My requirement was to create a garden that was low maintenance and contemporary, and which reflected my taste and the style of my house.
I was seeking a garden that would work well for both entertaining in the evening and relaxing during the day. I am very pleased that my new garden works on both counts and would be pleased to recommend Earth Designs both in terms of the design and attention to detail during the installation.
I now have a fun and stylish garden which looks good both night and day and fits in well with my lifestyle."
If you dig this and would like to find out more about this or any of other of our designs, please stop by our web-site and have a look at our work.
Earth Designs is a bespoke London Garden Design and build company specialising in classic, funky and urban contemporary garden design.
Our Landscape and Garden build teams cover London, Essex and parts of South East England, while garden designs are available nationwide.
Please visit www.earthdesigns.co.uk to see our full portfolio. If you would like a garden designer in London or have an idea of what you want and are looking for a landscaper London to come and visit your garden, please get in touch.
Follow our Bespoke Garden Design and Build and Blog to see what we get up to week by week, our free design clinic as well as tips and products we recommend for your garden projects www.earthdesigns.co.uk/blog/.
Earth Designs is located in East London, but has built gardens in Essex , gardens in Hertfordshire Hertfordshire and all over the South East. Earth Designs was formed by Katrina Wells in Spring 2003 and has since gone from strength to strength to develop a considerable portfolio of garden projects. Katrina, who is our Senior Garden Designer, has travelled all over the UK designing gardens. However we can design worldwide either through our postal garden design service or by consultation with our senior garden designer. Recent worldwide projects have included garden designs in Romania. Katrina’s husband. Matt, heads up the build side of the company, creating a unique service for all our clients.
If you a not a UK resident, but would like an Earth Designs garden, Earth Designs has a worldwide design service through our Garden Design Postal Design Vouchers. If you are looking for an unique birthday present or original anniversary present and would like to buy one of our Garden Design Gift Vouchers for yourself or as a present please our sister site www.gardenpresents.co.uk. We do also design outside of the UK, please contact us for details.
From my set entitled “Goatsbeard”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607213997694/
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/sets/72157607217763461/
In my collection entitled “The Garden”
www.flickr.com/photos/21861018@N00/collections/7215760718...
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aruncus is a genus of herbaceous plants in the Rosaceae, subfamily Spiraeoideae. Botanical opinion of the number of species differs, with from one to four species accepted.
Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard) is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, occurring throughout the cooler parts of Europe, Asia and North America. In the broad sense, this is the only species in the genus, with the species below treated as synonyms or varieties of it by some botanists.
Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard or Korean Goatsbeard) has a restricted range, limited to Korea in eastern Asia.
Aruncus gombalanus (Yunnan Goatsbeard) occurs in the mountains of northwest Yunnan and adjacent Tibet.
Aruncus sylvester (Asian Goatsbeard) covers the widespread Asian forms of A. dioicus.
The genus was formerly treated as part of the related genus Spiraea.
Characteristics - A. sylvester For two weeks in early summer, each 4- to 6-foot stalk of goatsbeard is crowned with a 6- to 10-inch plume of tiny blossoms. Because the flowering season is relatively short and the foliage is tall, goatsbeard is generally placed at the back of a border, but it is also dramatic when massed alone as a separate planting. Its tolerance for partial shade and wet soil makes it popular in woodland gardens.
Goatsbeard does well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9 in almost any soil, in sun, or light shade. Set plants approximately 18 - 24 inches apart. To get new plants, divide clumps in spring or fall; otherwise clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitely.
Medical Uses - A poultice from the root is applied to bee stings. A tea made from the roots is used to allay bleeding after child birth, to reduce profuse urination and to treat stomach pains, diarrhea, gonorrhea, fevers and internal bleeding. Use the root tea externally to bathe swollen feet and rheumatic joints. A salve made from the root ashes can be rubbed onto sores.
The gazania flower, named for the 15th century Greek-Italian scholar Theodorus of Gaza, is a low maintenance South African annual that will brighten up your hard-to-landscape spaces. The look-at-me color spectrum available in gazanias won’t blend in to a Victorian cottage garden, but butterflies will flock to these prolific summer bloomers.
Gazania flowers are a member of the daisy family Asteraceae, Genus Gazania
Gazania flowers thrive in full sun. Morning or afternoon shade may cause the flowers to stay closed for a portion of the day.
The leathery foliage of gazania plants is a clue to the high drought tolerance of this flower. Leaves are green to gray in color, and grow in a lance shape. The daisy-like flowers grow in a variety of hot hues on the color wheel, with solids and horizontal or vertical variegation on some petals.
In their native habitat of the rocky cliffs of South Africa, gazanias grow in soils of low fertility. Compost and supplemental fertilizer aren’t necessary. Deadhead gazania flowers to extend the blooming time of the plants.
Gazania plants are adaptable enough to overwinter indoors so you won’t need to purchase new plants or seeds for the next growing season. Cut the plant back and keep it in a cool, sunny window. Water when the soil surface is dry. Check the plants regularly for pests like mealybugs that may proliferate on indoor
Photo taken at Eden Project Cornwall.
Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a pretty groundcover with cheerful yellow flowers that bloom all summer long. It requires almost no maintenance and can be planted throughout Florida.
Perennial peanut needs full or partial sun to thrive. When planted from rhizomes or plugs, it’s best established in winter or early spring, but containerized perennial peanut can be planted year-round.
It tolerates mowing, and actually blooms more after it’s been cut.