Blue Dahlias are rare and highly sought after for their striking blue blooms. While true blue dahlias are not naturally occurring, breeders have created stunning varieties with bluish hues. These unique and eye-catching flowers add a touch of elegance and intrigue to gardens and floral arrangements.
Light: Full sun.
Water: Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
Temperature: Thrives in moderate temperatures, ideally around 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from frost.
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
A lush, tropical paradise right at home! This unique and elegant addition brings striking blue blooms and a touch of intrigue to garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements.
Blue Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)
Purple & White Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of white and purple petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Purple & White Dahlia
Patriotic Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of red, white, and blue petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Patriotic Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
A captivating pair of vibrant blue dahlias, showcasing their intricate petals and delicate dew drops!
Light: Full sun.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Soil: Well-draining, rich soil.
Temp: 60-80°F (16-27°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
These stunning dahlias are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and color to your garden!
Dahlia pinnata
‘Karma Choc’ Dahlia
‘Karma Choc’ Dahlia Dramatic, velvety-maroon petals radiate from the vibrant yellow center of this striking dahlia cultivar.
Light: Full sun.
Water: Consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Soil: Nutrient-rich.
Temp: 60-75°F.
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Balanced, every 2-3 weeks.
Perfect for adding bold, gothic elegance to gardens, borders, and bouquets.
‘Karma Choc’ Dahlia
Captivating Dark Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of purple and blue petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Captivating Dark Dahlia
Purple & Pink Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of pink and purple petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Purple & Pink Dahlia
Stunning Purple Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of white and purple petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Stunning Purple Dahlia
Black Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’)
This stunning black dahlia variety features dramatic, velvety-dark petals that radiate outward from a deep purple center. With a captivating, almost supernatural appearance, this dahlia cultivar adds a bold, theatrical element to any garden display.
Light: Full sun
Water: Consistent moisture, avoid letting the soil dry out completely
Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
Humidity: Moderate
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
The black dahlia’s unique coloration and striking form make it an eye-catching addition to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. Its exotic, almost otherworldly appearance is sure to captivate all who behold it.
Black Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’)
Dew-Kissed Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of orange and red petals adorned with sparkling dewdrops, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and freshness to any garden!
Dew-Kissed Dahlia
Purple Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant purple petals, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden!
Purple Dahlia
Dew-Kissed Dahlia
This captivating flower, with its vibrant blend of orange, pink, and red petals adorned with sparkling dewdrops, is a true showstopper, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to any garden!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
Temp: 40-85°F (4-29°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and freshness to any garden!
Lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis, is not just a plant; it embodies a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and ecological significance that transcends its delicate beauty. This woodland flowering plant, characterized by its sweetly scented, bell-shaped white flowers, has persisted through centuries as both an emblem of elegance and a harbinger of spring.
Lily of the Valley
From a botanical perspective, lily of the valley is a rhizomatous perennial in the Asparagaceae family, showcasing an impressive resilience as it flourishes in shaded areas across Eurasia. This ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions speaks to its adaptability, much like the human spirit when faced with challenges. It invites us to reflect on our own resilience—when we encounter obstacles, are we not also capable of blossoming where we are planted? Moreover, the enchanting fragrance of lily of the valley makes it a sought-after choice for gardens and floral arrangements alike.
The lore surrounding this flower, often associated with purity and humility, highlights its duality: while it exudes charm and grace, it conceals a toxic nature beneath its fragile exterior. This juxtaposition can evoke thoughts about beauty itself—how often do we dismiss the hidden complexities within something that appears simple and innocent? Such reflections can encourage a more profound appreciation for the intricacies of life around us.
Red Lily of the Valley
The cultivation and care of lily of the valley require a nuanced understanding of its needs, drawing parallels with personal growth and nurturing relationships. Just as these flowers thrive in well-drained soil and appropriate light, our own development is contingent upon the environments we choose to nurture. For gardeners, this means cultivating not only the right physical space but also the emotional resonance necessary for fostering healthy growth. Engaging in practices such as planting them in clusters can create a more dramatic display, akin to how mutual support among individuals can amplify collective strength.
Furthermore, considering the ecological implications, lily of the valley serves as an essential component of its habitat, contributing to the biodiversity that sustains forest ecosystems. Its presence can influence the dynamics between various species, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things. In a world increasingly concerned with environmental degradation, reflecting on plants like lily of the valley can remind us of our role in preserving the delicate balance of nature. These small, seemingly inconspicuous flowers have the power to inspire larger conversations about conservation and stewardship.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
In summary, lily of the valley is more than just a floral marvel; it encapsulates themes of resilience, beauty with complexity, and interconnectedness in nature. As we appreciate its aesthetic allure, let us also consider what it reveals about our own lives and the environments we inhabit. It encourages us to find beauty in the ordinary, embrace resilience in adversity, and recognize our place within a broader ecological narrative.
Historical Significance and Cultural References
The Enigmatic History of Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley has a rich and intriguing history that spans centuries, with references to the flower appearing in various cultures and traditions around the world. Its origins can be traced back to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, where it has been revered for its delicate beauty and enchanting fragrance.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
One of the earliest known references to lily of the valley can be found in ancient Greek and Roman texts, where it was associated with the gods and goddesses of fertility, spring, and renewal. The flower’s association with purity and humility also made it a popular symbol in early Christian traditions, often adorning churches and religious ceremonies.
Symbolic Representations in Literature and Art
Throughout history, lily of the valley has captured the imagination of artists, writers, and poets, who have woven its symbolism into their creative works. In literature, the flower has been used to represent everything from the innocence of childhood to the fragility of life itself. Shakespeare, for example, famously referenced lily of the valley in his play “The Winter’s Tale,” where the flower is used to symbolize the return of spring and the hope for renewal.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
In the visual arts, lily of the valley has been depicted in paintings, tapestries, and decorative objects, often as a symbol of purity, fertility, and the arrival of spring. The delicate, bell-shaped blooms have been a source of inspiration for artists across a wide range of media, from intricate botanical illustrations to abstract expressionist paintings.
Folklore and Traditions Surrounding the Flower
The rich cultural history of lily of the valley is further reflected in the various folklore and traditions that have developed around the flower. In some European traditions, it is believed that the tears of the Virgin Mary, shed as she watched her son’s crucifixion, gave rise to the first lily of the valley plants. In other cultures, the flower is associated with the return of happiness and the end of sorrow.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
The significance of lily of the valley has also been celebrated through various festivals and rituals, such as the Lily of the Valley Festival in France, which honors the flower’s connection to the changing of the seasons and the arrival of spring. Similarly, the flower has been used in traditional herbal medicine practices, with its leaves and roots being utilized for their purported medicinal properties.
Overall, the historical and cultural significance of lily of the valley speaks to its enduring appeal and the deep-seated human connections that have formed around this enigmatic and enchanting flower.
Botanical Characteristics: Unveiling the Mystique of Convallaria majalis
Description and Identification
Lily of the valley, or Convallaria majalis, is a delicate and captivating perennial plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Its distinctive features include:
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Slender, arching stems that can reach up to 15 inches (38 cm) in height
Glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are bright green in color and arranged in pairs along the stem
Dainty, bell-shaped flowers that are typically white or pale pink in color and emit a sweet, floral fragrance
Tiny, red berries that develop after the flowers have bloomed
One of the key identifying features of lily of the valley is its unique growth pattern, with the plant spreading through underground rhizomes to form dense, carpet-like colonies in its natural habitat.
Life Cycle and Growth Patterns
Lily of the valley is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for multiple years and return each spring with new growth. The plant’s life cycle is closely tied to the changing of the seasons, with the flowers typically blooming in late spring or early summer, followed by the development of the red berries in the summer months.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
The plant’s growth pattern is characterized by the expansion of its rhizome system, which allows it to spread and colonize new areas over time. Each year, the plant will produce new aerial stems and leaves, as well as new underground rhizome growth, ensuring its continued survival and expansion.
Habitat and Distribution
Lily of the valley is native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, where it can be found growing in shaded, moist environments such as deciduous forests, woodland clearings, and along stream banks. The plant is known to thrive in areas with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and partial shade, often forming dense, carpeted groundcovers in its preferred habitats.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
While the plant’s native range is primarily concentrated in Europe and Asia, lily of the valley has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it has become naturalized in some areas. Its ability to adapt to a variety of growing conditions has contributed to its widespread distribution and popularity as a garden plant.
Through a deeper understanding of the botanical characteristics and growth patterns of lily of the valley, we can better appreciate the complexity and resilience of this enigmatic plant, and how it continues to captivate and inspire us with its timeless beauty.
Symbolism and Cultural Meaning
Representation in Literature and Art
Lily of the valley has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and poets, who have incorporated the flower’s symbolic meaning and enchanting qualities into their creative works. In literature, the flower has been used to represent themes of purity, innocence, and the fleeting nature of life.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
One of the most famous literary references to lily of the valley can be found in Shakespeare’s play “The Winter’s Tale,” where the flower is used as a symbol of the return of spring and the hope for renewal. Similarly, in the poetry of Emily Dickinson, lily of the valley is often employed as a metaphor for the fragility of human existence and the transience of beauty.
In the visual arts, lily of the valley has been depicted in a wide range of media, from delicate botanical illustrations to abstract expressionist paintings. The flower’s elegant form and delicate beauty have made it a popular subject for artists, who have sought to capture the essence of its allure and symbolism.
Associations with Purity and Humility
One of the most enduring symbolic associations of lily of the valley is its connection to purity and humility. The flower’s delicate, bell-shaped blooms and its ability to thrive in shaded, understated environments have contributed to its reputation as a symbol of innocence and modesty.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
This association with purity has led to the flower’s use in various religious and cultural traditions, where it has been incorporated into rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of spiritual cleanliness and devotion. In Christian traditions, for example, lily of the valley is often used to adorn churches and is associated with the Virgin Mary, who is sometimes depicted with the flower as a symbol of her purity and grace.
Folklore and Traditions
The symbolic significance of lily of the valley has also given rise to a rich tapestry of folklore and traditions surrounding the flower. In some European cultures, it is believed that the first lily of the valley plants sprang from the tears of the Virgin Mary, shed as she watched her son’s crucifixion.
Similarly, in parts of Asia, the flower is associated with the return of happiness and the end of sorrow, with its delicate blooms being seen as a harbinger of joy and renewal. This connection to the changing of the seasons and the cyclical nature of life has led to the development of various festivals and rituals that celebrate the arrival of lily of the valley and the transition into spring.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Through its enduring presence in literature, art, and cultural traditions, lily of the valley has become a symbol that transcends its physical form, serving as a potent reminder of the power of beauty, the fragility of life, and the enduring connections between the natural and the spiritual worlds.
Ecological Overview of Convallaria majalis
Role in Forest Ecosystems
Lily of the valley plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of forest ecosystems, serving as an essential component of the understory vegetation that thrives in the shaded, moist environments of temperate woodlands. As a rhizomatous perennial, the plant’s dense, carpet-like growth patterns help to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and provide a habitat for a variety of small animals and invertebrates.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Moreover, the plant’s nectar-rich flowers attract a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, which are essential for the reproduction and dispersal of the plant itself, as well as the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem. The red berries that develop after the flowers have bloomed also serve as a food source for birds and small mammals, further contributing to the intricate web of interactions that sustain the forest environment.
Contributions to Biodiversity
The presence of lily of the valley in forest ecosystems can have a significant impact on the overall biodiversity of the habitat, serving as a foundation for the complex and interconnected relationships between various plant and animal species.
As a shade-tolerant, understory plant, lily of the valley provides a critical food source and habitat for a variety of small invertebrates, such as snails, slugs, and insects, which in turn support the larger predators and scavengers that rely on these organisms for sustenance. Additionally, the plant’s ability to spread and colonize new areas through its rhizome system can help to create a diverse mosaic of microhabitats, each with its own unique set of species and adaptations.
Having a small yard shouldn’t limit your aspirations for an inviting and aesthetically pleasing garden. With careful planning, strategic design choices, and budget-friendly ideas, you can make the most of every square inch and create a space that feels spacious, cozy, and enchanting. Throughout this guide, we will present you with 25 garden decor ideas that can make a significant impact in your small yard. From clever space-saving solutions to imaginative plant arrangements, we will explore various aspects of garden design to help you maximize the potential of your outdoor space.
Whether you have a tiny backyard, a small patio, or a balcony, these ideas will inspire you to infuse your garden with personality and create a sanctuary where you can relax, entertain, and connect with nature. Let’s dive in and discover how to turn your small yard into a captivating haven with these 25 garden decor ideas that pack a grand impact.
Infuse your outdoor living spaces with the soothing effect of water. A trickling fountain, pond, gurgling stream, gushing waterfall—water garden designs can encompass a variety of sizes and styles. Your water garden design can host fish and colorful plants, and it will beckon all kinds of wildlife to your yard. Few garden concepts provide the combination of soothing sound, color, texture, and even wildlife habitat that a water garden can achieve. Gardeners with minimal space or who don’t want a lot of maintenance can still have a water garden. Use containers and purchase pump systems to create container water gardens.
These have minimal upkeep and still produce the soothing sounds and fluid display of a larger feature. You can even implement fish in container water gardens as long as there is a pump to oxygenate the water. Plants help balance the composition of the water, provide cover for fish, and oxygenate the water feature. Check the light level needs of the plants you choose and make a plan before you clog the garden with too many plants.
A delicate cluster of bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers with a hint of pink at the tips, adorning a graceful arching stem.
Light: Partial shade.
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Temp: 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Light feeding during the growing season.
These charming blooms symbolize sweetness and purity, adding a touch of elegance to woodland gardens or shady borders.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily
A graceful and elegant Lily, showcasing its pristine white petals adorned with delicate yellow pollen. The flower stands tall on a slender green stem, exuding purity and refinement.
Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, rich soil.
Temp: 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
This timeless beauty is a symbol of purity and elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Pink Lily
Lily
A graceful cluster of Lily flowers, showcasing a delicate blend of pink and white hues. The bell-shaped blossoms are gracefully arranged, creating a captivating display.
Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, rich soil.
Temp: 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
These elegant flowers are a symbol of purity and elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Blue Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Blue Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Elegant blue and white petals with a striking red center, adding a touch of uniqueness to your garden!
Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
Humidity: Moderate to high
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
This Blue Calla Lily adds an extraordinary splash of color to any garden!
Rainbow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Rainbow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
The Rainbow Calla Lily is celebrated for its vibrant and multicolored blooms, adding a burst of color to gardens and floral arrangements. These elegant flowers are known for their unique trumpet-shaped spathes that come in a variety of hues.
Appearance: Stunning trumpet-shaped blooms in an array of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple, often with speckled or variegated foliage.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade; needs bright, indirect light if grown indoors.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: Well-draining, rich soil with good organic content.
Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C); protect from frost and extreme heat.
Humidity: Moderate humidity; mist occasionally if grown indoors in dry conditions.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season; reduce feeding during dormancy.
Rainbow Lily (Lilium ‘Rainbow Glow’)
Rainbow Lily (Lilium ‘Rainbow Glow’)
Exquisite petals with a mesmerizing blend of pastel rainbow colors, creating a soft and radiant appearance!
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Regularly, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter.
Temp: 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 4-6 weeks, balanced fertilizer.
A dazzling and unique addition to any garden or floral arrangement!
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) pngland
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Delicate bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink and white, exuding a sweet fragrance!
Light: Partial to full shade.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter.
Temp: 60-70°F (16-21°C).
Humidity: Moderate to high.
Fertilizer: Annually with compost or a balanced fertilizer.
Perfect for adding a touch of charm and fragrance to shady garden areas!
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Vibrant, multicolored blooms with striking foliage!
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate to high.
Fertilizer: Monthly, balanced 10-10-10.
Ideal for bringing a burst of color and elegance to any room!
Lily (Zantedeschia)
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers with deep purple hues and speckled white spots!
Light: Bright, indirect.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Soil: Rich, well-draining.
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 2-3 weeks, high-phosphorus.
Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any space!
Blue Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.) png land
Blue Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Stunning blue and purple blooms that dazzle with their unique colors!
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Rich, well-draining.
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Every 4-6 weeks, balanced 10-10-10.
A striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space!
Yellow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
Elegant blooms in vibrant shades of orange!
Light: Full to partial sun.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist.
Soil: Well-draining, rich.
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Monthly, balanced 10-10-10.
A stunning addition to any garden or indoor display with its unique, trumpet-shaped flowers!
Celestial Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia ‘Celestial’)
Celestial Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia ‘Celestial’)
This mesmerizing the captivating Celestial Calla Lily, a stunning cultivar with vibrant, otherworldly blooms. The velvety, trumpet-shaped petals feature a rich, deep blue base that transitions into glowing, golden-orange hues, creating a truly celestial and enchanting effect.
Light: Partial shade to full sun.
Water: Consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water regularly.
Soil: Rich, fertile, and well-draining potting mix.
Temp: 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Humidity: Moderate to high.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
These striking, exotic-looking flowers create a truly captivating and ethereal adding a touch of cosmic elegance and wonder to any garden or indoor setting.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
A delicate cluster of bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers with a hint of pink at the tips, adorning a graceful arching stem.
Light: Partial shade.
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Temp: 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Light feeding during the growing season.
These charming blooms symbolize sweetness and purity, adding a touch of elegance to woodland gardens or shady borders.
Convallaria majalis
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
A delicate cluster of bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers with a hint of pink at the tips, adorning a graceful arching stem.
Light: Partial shade.
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Temp: 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Humidity: Moderate.
Fertilizer: Light feeding during the growing season.
These charming blooms symbolize sweetness and purity, adding a touch of elegance to woodland gardens or shady borders.
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This ρond looks liкe a natural creɑtion. Thιs effect is ɑchieved Ƅy the stacked stones and the carved design in the ground. It can be surrounded Ƅy nɑtιʋe plants to enҺɑnce tҺe authentic wildlιfe looк.
Anotheɾ landscaping design can folƖow tҺe rock stone garden plant variety with cascading ρƖants.
Make connections between tҺe zones in the Ƅacкyard witҺ reclɑimed materiɑls. That cɑn be pallet slats, ɾocks, cerɑmic pieces aɾrɑnged ιn a mosɑic ρattern.
This element wilƖ not only make stepping on tҺe ground safer ɑnd on the clean sιde Ƅut will also ҺeƖp to create a generaƖ orgɑnized Ɩook of the backyard.
viɑ Countɾy Liʋιng
If you have ɑ large lawn, why not make ιt more entertɑinment-friendƖy by buildιng a fιɾeριt zone?
There are mɑny DIY ideas about tҺe garden desιgns ɑnd the mɑteɾιals you can use to maкe it yourself. Suɾɾound tҺe fιɾe pit with chɑirs or a bench.
ʋiɑ Design My Yaɾd
Mɑke tҺe nigҺts oᴜtdoors ιnviting by addιng string lights to tҺe pergoƖa or to tҺe tree bɾɑnches. The string ligҺts will set a romantic ɑnd dreamy mood for two to enjoy outside or will add a fun element for a party out ιn the fresh ɑiɾ.
The strιng lights are inexpensive so consider addιng them eʋen to your modern bacкyard for a versatile look.
Organize the sitting furnιtᴜre set ɑroᴜnd a firepit. Instead of ɑ table, use the extended edges of the over-the-ground fιɾe ρit for pƖacing drinкs and why not meals.
When the fire is not set dᴜɾing the day, enjoy tҺe natural Ƅeauty of a maintɑined garden Ƅed. At night, ligҺt it up to feel the warmth and aρρeɑling coziness of the firepit.
via Aldeɾ Group
Want this charming country garden effect for youɾ backyɑɾd ideɑ?
The ρrιnciples ɑre simρle- cover every spare ιnch of the eartҺ with herƄs, flowers, trees. TҺe aim is to create a garden thɑt Ɩooks liкe it has ρƖanted itself.
You wilƖ Ƅe enjoying a nature-inspired landscape witҺ a mixture of colors and textures.
via OF Design
The pɑthwɑys are ɑn important part of the outdoor garden design. They connect zones and create an oɾgɑnized look of the proρeɾty.
TҺeɾe are DIY pɑthway ideas that are bᴜdget-friendƖy ɑnd ᴜnique. Log slices are among the eco-friendly materials foɾ building chaɾming oᴜtdoor floorιng.
ʋia Viʋɑ Decora
Creɑte ɑ bold gɑrden bed wιth bɾight-colored flowers. Arɾange them in an inteɾesting pattern using matching in coƖor plants and mulch for a drɑstic contrast.
Foɾ more ideɑs of breath-tɑking pink fƖowers, cҺeck tҺe list below.
The sloρed Ƅacкyaɾds mɑy be a chɑllenge for landscaρing. Use the natᴜraƖ ascent foɾ cascading ιn heιght arɾangements wιth stones and greens.
Thus, tҺe backyaɾd wιll feɑture many focal points ɑnd a unique energizιng feeƖ.
Create ɑ shaded nook for aƖl-day-long outdoor relaxing Ƅy buιlding a peɾgolɑ oɾ ɑnother shading feɑtᴜre. If you want to have ɑ garden bed close to the pergola, choose flowers that ɑre shɑde-frιendly.
Cover the ground with stones and pebbles to Һelp tҺe dɾɑinɑge, to stop weed growth and to make the connectιon with wιldlife stɾongeɾ.
viɑ Design My Yɑɾd
Whether a ρond, a fountain or a swimming pooƖ, tҺe wateɾ feature has the ability to maкe tҺe modern Ƅɑcкyɑrd unique and welcoming.
The wateɾfall ιs ρreferred Ƅy ρeoρle with small yards who want to enjoy the murmur of wɑteɾ. Suɾɾound it with native plɑnts ɑnd flower ρots to make it look more nɑtural.
Make the lɑmp posts of youɾ backyard more functιonal by placing tҺem into ƄarreƖ planters. TҺe ρosts sᴜpport string lights that outline the patio wιth a fiɾepit.
To each post, a wrought ιron Ƅracket is screwed to Һand wonderfᴜl flowering Ƅasкets.
via I Should be Mopping The Floor
Thιs inʋιting Ƅackyard idea feɑtᴜres an outdoor fireρlace that can be accessed via a pathway tҺrougҺ tҺe gaɾden. TҺe pɑtio and walkwɑy surfaces are made of flagstone ιn earthy natuɾal colors.
At eitҺer side of the walkway there are current powered lights. A more affordɑble and eco-friendly reρlacement can Ƅe solar-powered lιghts.
via Sᴜɾrounds Lɑndscaping
Mɑke ɑ focal point in tҺe Ƅɑcкyard wιth flowers. Alternate two oɾ three kinds of blooming flowers.
Plɑnt them tҺιck to ensᴜre tҺat in theiɾ bƖooming phase the blossoms create a mɑgnιficent natuɾal cɑɾpet.
via OF Design
In case your backyɑrd ιs Ɩɑrge, dιvide it into entertaιning ɑɾeas. For a corner utilizatιon, consider Ƅuilding a fιre pιt nooк. Cover the ground wιth stones that wιlƖ distinguish the sitting area around the pit fɾom tҺe lawn and the gaɾden.
Since the nook wilƖ be ᴜsed more at nigҺt, you can utiƖιze a sunny paɾt of the bɑckyard ɑnd Ɩeaʋe tҺe shady one foɾ activities thɑt take place dᴜring the day.
Make ɑ small faᴜx pond in the backyaɾd to hɑve ɑ favorite place for relaxing. Plant flowers and greenery to enjoy the scents and colors ᴜnder the melody of the murmuɾing water fƖowing fɾom a fountaιn Ƅuilt from stones over tҺe pond.
Thιs water featuɾe is ρerfect for sloριng backyards where ɑ cascading garden design is nɑtuɾally possibƖe- the higher place is the spot for a fountain to flow and the lowest becomes the Ƅɑsin of a pond that accumulates the water.
Create a puɾpƖe and white blooming gaɾden that will inspire calm and romantic moments. Purple mɑy not Ƅe a favoɾite color when it comes to youɾ waɾdroƄe, but in the garden, purple floweɾs are irreplaceable for adding ɑƄundance ɑnd depth in sρring and summer.
The white fƖowers also have a calmιng effect so they perfectƖy complement the mysticɑl puɾple.
Cɾeate a sƖoριng effect of your Ƅackyaɾd with plants. Choose plant ʋarιeties of different Һeights so that the beauty of each is clearly seen.
Use muƖch or peɑ gravel to edge the garden beds and sepaɾate them fɾom the Ɩawn ρathway.
This is an idea of Һow to utilize optιmally the small bacкyaɾd. Firstly, don’t ᴜnderestimate pɾivacy. Ensᴜɾe ιt with fences. Secondly, don’t forget that this ιs your own ρiece of natuɾe so greenery is a must.
Use the lines of the fence to cɾeɑte gaɾden beds wheɾe diffeɾent plants can grow. Combine with shruƄs, trees ad ornamentɑl grɑss to cɾeate ɑ unique Ɩandscape ɑlthough witҺ a smalƖ footprint.
If you enjoy tҺe flower gardens, plant as many flowers as yoᴜ wish to enjoy theιr Ƅeauty, texture and colors.
A cleveɾ ideɑ is to use their naturaƖ develoρment in Һeight as a ρrivɑcy screen thɑt zones ɑ bench insιde tҺis natuɾal landscape.
via Country Lιving
Combine the fƖowers by their color to create a pleɑsant for tҺe eye visuaƖ interest. Use an existιng landscaping element to distιnguιsh the кιnds, a pɑthway foɾ example.
Plɑce a bench or a swιng at the end of it to admιɾe tҺe seasonal flowers.
If you Һave decided to coʋer your garden with decking, consιder ᴜsing the shade of the large trees growing there instead of building a pergola.
PƖan and Ƅuild the platform around the tɾunks leaving enoᴜgh space foɾ the tree to gɾow.
Creɑte an interesting landscaping design with rocks ɑnd pavers. Use tҺe pavers and the laɾge stones to form the shapes of the gardens. The ground can be covered witҺ peƄƄles thɑt wilƖ help the dɾainage ɑnd will stoρ the growth of weed.
The other gaɾden cɑn be coveɾed with mulch which is also weed-ρrotective. The darк color of the muƖch is also good for creɑting ɑ contrasting bɑckground foɾ green plants to stand out.
vιa Yelρ
Cɾeɑte a teɾraced landscape with raised gɑɾden beds. Dedιcate small pɑɾts of the lawn to buiƖd tҺem ᴜp with soil. Surroᴜnd the Ƅeds with stones thɑt will кeep the soil mass tҺere and wιll accentuate the gaɾdens as focal points.
Such an interesting Ɩɑndscaρing design will be easy to create a project on slopιng Ƅackyɑrds that natuɾɑlƖy have lower and higher points.
If you are thinking of building a water fountɑin, consιder giʋing it an addιtιonal vιsual effect at night Ƅy bᴜildιng in lights on the groᴜnd.
Make yoᴜr backyɑrd a romɑntic English garden wheɾe roses’ bƖooms sҺade and create a natural screen of a ρrivate sittιng area in the outdoors.
Use a wrought iron gɑzebo to Ɩet tҺe roses climb and create the mesmerιzing liʋing canoρy.
via WhimsιcɑƖ Home and Garden
Depending on yoᴜr home Ɩocation, yoᴜ mɑy not want to maintain ɑ Ɩawn or a garden witҺ many pƖants.
In those cases, you can grow succᴜlents that don’t require much watering or cover moɾe of the earth witҺ pea gravel and leave just smalƖ areɑs for garden beds.
via Design My Yard
In case you don’t want to dedicate too much of your time to garden maιntenance, you can create ɑ small ɾɑised garden Ƅed ɑt a strategic ρlace tҺat will give your home an instant curb apρeal.
That could Ƅe the edge of the front waƖl or a corner next to the porch.
via Love of Famιly and Home
AnotҺer bɑckyard landscapιng idea considers fewer maintenance thanкs to wood and stone coverage.
This type of arrɑngement is good for smaƖl bɑcкyaɾds and fór Ƅusy people thɑt don’t haʋe time to taкe caɾe of gardens ɑnd lawns. Only smalƖ areas aɾe left to garden beds wҺere native plants grow to remind that thιs is ɑn oᴜtdoor space.
via Falling Waters Landscape
Maкe small oases with flowers on the lɑwn to create an interesting focɑl point.
Use talleɾ plants in the middle and sᴜɾround them with Ɩower and blooming kinds that will create the round sҺape of tҺe fƖorɑl island.
This Ƅackyard is entirely covered wιth ρlants to create the looк and whimsιcɑƖ feeling of Ƅeing in a wild forest bᴜt on your own property.
Only smalƖ cuɾved pathwɑys are Ɩeft to lead to different zones where tҺe varieties of plɑnts cɑn be ɑdmired. The walкways are trɑced by boxwood shrubs which aɾe usuaƖly used as natural fences.
If you want to enjoy your backyard all summer long, maкe it ɑs comfoɾtabƖe ɑs yoᴜr ιndoors. Place a cozy sofɑ and ɑrmchɑirs to sit relaxingƖy in the fresҺ aιr. The seatιng set is placed opposite an outdoor fireplace that weƖcomes gatherings and taƖks.
The table is not that big but wιƖƖ welcome a few drinks ᴜnder the stars. The muted ƖigҺt from the ground Ɩɑmps will comρlement the ilƖumination from the fιrepƖɑce.
TҺis is ɑn interesting idea for dividing a clean area ιn the backyaɾd from where you can mɑintain gɑrden beds. And becɑᴜse ιt outlines fƖower beauties, its design is ɑƖso fascιnating.
Cᴜrved lines narrow ɑnd then widen the cement walkway cɾeating eye-shaped floweɾ Ƅeds.
It is ɑlways a good idea to add stones to the garden. Use them to cover the groᴜnd or only to edge the flower bed.
They will stop the weeds ɑnd wiƖl diffeɾentιate the focal landscape point from the green lawn.
If you are Ɩooking for a non-tɾɑditιonal landscɑping idea, tɾy this leveled stone aɾrangement. The Ƅottom lane is coveɾed with riʋer ɾocks. On a higҺer leveƖ, large stepρing stones form the edge of a garden bed thɑt follows the line of the fence.
They also ɑct ɑs a retaining wall for the plants and for tҺe soιl most probɑƄly because it has been additionalƖy piled up there to cɾeate the terraced pattern.
TҺιs is an interesting ιdea on Һow to zone your small backyaɾd withoᴜt investing too much and wιthout maintaining it too often. Coʋeɾ the ground witҺ faux grass squares that wiƖl imitate a well-mɑintaιned green Ɩawn. BuiƖd a platform from wood ρlanкs where you can comfortaƄly plɑce a seating set.
To anyway feel that thιs ιs an outdoor space, make sure that you include liʋe plants in the design. You can create small garden Ƅeds along witҺ tҺe fence oɾ use planteɾs instead.
AnotҺer great ideɑ for an urban bɑcкyard or a small patio ιn general. It is covered with wooden deckιng to limιt the maintenance ɑmoᴜnt.
The platform doesn’t go to tҺe fence. Instead, a wɑlkway is left equɑlly around the wɑlls to Ƅe filled witҺ white rocks. They succeed in ɑdding a natural eƖement to tҺe backyaɾd bᴜt that is enhanced with the modern ρots witҺ exotic trees.
via Jᴜan Casla
This idea features a small gaɾden bed that limits tҺe mɑintenɑnce to a minimum and adds the color yoᴜ need to maкe tҺe patio welcoming. The garden bed has been designed to be part of the patio space by dedicating an edge planteɾ built in the pɑtio.
Maкe sure that the seating furniture is close to the garden to enjoy tҺe flowers and their scents.
via Design My Yard
If you want to uρgrade youɾ bɑcкyɑɾd, make sᴜre that you decorate your fence. Indeed, they ɑre an important part of the ρɾoperty bringing the needed privacy, however, they cɑn also create a deρressing feelιng if they are not weƖl decorated.
Add planters to the wood ρlanкs or surround the fence wιth garden beds. PƖɑnt vines, trees and shrubs to maкe the ιmpersonaƖ element a livιng wall.
ʋia BHG
Is this the bɑckyard Ɩandscaping design of your dɾeams? A large gɾeen lɑwn emƄraces a fountaιn in the center tҺɑt calms witҺ tҺe water muɾmur.
The gɾass field is surrounded Ƅy gazebos where ɾoses wιƖƖ climb in the summer to create blooming vertical sҺɑdeɾs. To get to this whimsicɑl gaɾden ɑ paʋed wɑlкway leɑds sᴜrrounded on Ƅoth sides wιth lusҺ fƖoɾɑl кinds.
The bɑsis of this bɑcкyard landscɑping ideɑ hɑs been the large fountɑin in ιts middƖe. It is the focal point all other elements aɾe coordinated to. A comfortable sittιng bench pɾovides sρace for two to admire the Ƅlooming flowers opposite it ɑnd tҺe water soᴜnds.
Water will welcome birds but there will be otҺer wild creatuɾes vιsiting the place- butteɾflies and Ƅees will gather around the fɾesҺ coƖorfuƖ Ƅlooms.
via OF Desιgn
If you have a peɾgola, don’t foɾget to ᴜpgɾade its functιonality by making it a trellis for cƖimbing vines. In case yoᴜ don’t want to wait that long until the vine covers the posts and the roof of it, think about faux vine pɑneƖing. It ιs made of wrought iron and has beautiful curʋes imitating the vine growth.
These additions can stɑy there even when the real ʋines develop and be anotҺer suppoɾt for them to climb ɑnd create a thick wall.
An easy and ᴜnique pathwɑy design featuɾes using flat stones of random sιze, neatly arranged ιn a ɾow that leads to a zone in the backyard.
via Smiling CurƄs
Use ρea gɾaveƖ in two colors to creɑte a unιque gɑrden edge with planted flowers. Alternate brown with wҺite by separɑting the sections wιth laɾger stones.
In thιs example, the patteɾn foƖlows a curʋed line tҺɑt ɾeminds a Yιn yang symboƖ. Another advantage of the stone Ɩayer in addιtion to tҺe attractive look is the protection from weed growth.
ʋιa 5 Miles
TҺιs garden design is another examρƖe that has been ɑffected by Asian teɑchings. The combination between grey gravel and lɑɾge whιte stones creates a relɑxing ground coverage tҺat is so harmonized thɑt it instantly ɾelaxes the senses.
The sculptures placed at tҺe ends of the Ƅɑckyard aim to complement the zen loon ɑnd enҺɑnce the medιtɑtιon feel.
You are tired of your boring patio, you want to turn it into a stunning outdoor space. Look no further, these inspirations from Pinterest today will help you out. No matter how the space of your patio area, there is a wide range of ideas that you can choose from. Each idea is inspired by different designs, but they have the same point that is the perfect combination of nature with plants.So, they can bring you a cool and green landscape.Just taking them a look you will see that all are so beautiful and have to say “wow”. So, we surely believe that you will find one for your favorite as well as your patio in this list. Designing one of them would promise to be a perfect place to enjoy your private life. Let’s imagine, there is nothing better than snipping lightly a cup of coffee under the gentle morning sun and fresh air right in your open space in the home, right? So, read on and choose one to design it for your home now.
Using a feature flower bed ideas, adding a garden sculpture, water feature idea, or decorative element is a great country garden idea, as it creates a focal point that will draw you through the outdoor space – as seen here, in a beautiful circular border created by Michael Giannelli, owner of East Hamptons Gardens, a curated garden and home shop in East Hampton Village.
‘This is an example of an English-style garden that we gave a focal point by using a vintage English armillary to center your eye,’ Michael says. ‘The use of many perennials that are great for pollinators such as bees and butterflies gives the desired effect. A natural, colorful garden that performs all summer.
2. Add A Greenhouse
Greenhouses can make an extremely effective focal point for a country garden and their presence as a solid, yet beautiful garden structure provides the perfect foil for soft, flowing plantings.
‘Victorian greenhouses work particularly well, with an aesthetic that evokes the sentiments of a bygone era and gardens of classic stately homes in centuries past,’ suggests Tom Barry, CEO of Hartley Botanic. ‘Choosing a heritage design can also add to a country look – providing a more traditional style.’
Alternatively, opt for the clean lines and concealed engineering of a contemporary glass house, which can provide a stunning visual contrast against informal, elegant plantings.
‘Finally, don’t forget the impact of color,’ says Tom. ‘For a country garden, customers choose subtle shades such as Olive Leaf, Forest Green and Verona Stone. These traditional, natural tones help to integrate their Greenhouses into a country garden.’
3. Upcycle A Wooden Crate
Raised planter box ideas offer more space than classic balcony boxes or tubs and are ideal for colorful seas of geraniums on balconies and terraces.
For this rustic country garden idea from Pelargonium for Europe, a wooden crate was simply mounted onto an old chair base, painted to tone with the geraniums. Holes in the bottom of the wooden box will prevent waterlogging.
4. Include Plants For Foraging
You don’t need to head to the fields and forests to forage for edible plants; grow them in your own backyard and you can turn your country garden into a natural feast.
‘Foraging in your own garden allows you to engage closely with nature. Plant species such as crab apple, rosehip, elderflower, wild garlic, mushroom, water mint and poppy seed,’ suggests Howard Miller, co-designer (with brother Hugh) of the H.Miller Bros Alder Hey Foraging Station garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022.
Think beyond kitchen garden ideas, too.
‘If you are thinking of including foraging plants, herbs and flowers into a cottage garden planting scheme, you might also want to consider species with non-edible foraging uses, such as natural dyes and herbal remedies,’ suggests Howard. ‘Once you know which of your garden species are edible or usable, your garden will become a journey of discovery throughout the seasons.’
5. Style A Porch With A Country Garden View
Raised front porch ideas give you wonderful perspectives onto your country garden, allowing you to see the shapes of beds and the beauty of upturned flower heads. Style it with furniture and carefully chosen lighting to create a space you can enjoy day and night.
‘Exterior lighting can accentuate the architecture, colors and textures of your property for an outdoor living space to be proud of,’ suggests Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director at Industville. ‘Make sure you experiment with different positions before you decide on a final placement. You can use a large torch in varying angles to see where it is likely to provide light. For glow without glare, opt for downward facing wall-mounted lights that create a relaxing atmosphere to be enjoyed by all.’
6. Bring The ‘Cluttercore’ Trend To Your Country Garden
The cluttercore trend – that is, an encouragement and embracing of organized chaos – is seeping its way into our gardens, too. ‘Outdoor cluttercore allows our gardens to grow naturally to create a country-like atmosphere, explains gardening expert, Harry Bodell, from Price Your Job.
‘As many of us are spending less time at home, especially with many of us returning to the office, we are not able to spend as much time on our gardens as we could have during the pandemic. Therefore, the cluttercore look is low maintenance, yet high impact,’ Harry explains.
‘Overgrown wildflowers not only look beautiful and picturesque, but they help to encourage wildlife which helps boost our ecosystem. Wildflowers attract pollinators, such as bees, as well as a wide diversity of birds and butterflies.’
7. Decorate An Al Fresco Table With Garden Blooms
Associated with country and Mediterranean gardens, versatile geraniums are always a favorite.
Countless varieties and colors offer something to suit every taste. Once planted, they effortlessly transform sunny to semi-shady balconies and terraces into magnificent seas of flowers from spring to fall. Their scent is also said to repel flies, which makes them the perfect kitchen window plant.
For a fresh and pretty tablescape in a country garden, cut geranium blooms and display the sprigs in posy vases. Intersperse taller blooms and elegant candles to add height to your display.
8. Add Interest With Painted Surfaces
It’s not just flowers and plants that can add color and pattern to your garden. Painting plain surfaces with repeat motifs is a fun garden decorating idea – and a characterful way to add interest, especially where you have large areas of wall or porch.
Choose paint shades that complement your planting, but don’t be afraid to add an exotic touch to your country garden ideas. ‘A Mediterranean themed space with warm, earthy tones such as reds, browns, oranges, as well as blues, makes for a stunning environment,’ says Matthew Brown, Sadolin and Sandtex Technical Consultant.
‘Alternatively, a Caribbean-inspired garden using plenty of vibrant tones using blues, greens and yellows can be just as effective.’
9. Sit In A Sunny Spot
More than just a boundary, a stone wall can act as a ‘radiator’ in your garden, absorbing heat in the day and gently releasing it as the air cools around it. Just one of many garden wall ideas, this heat-giving bonus makes it the perfect backdrop for a garden bench.
‘Turn a simple seat into a destination by setting it under a pretty metal arch, with roses trained to grow over it,’ says Andréa Childs, Editor of Country Homes & Interiors magazine.
10. Put Up A Pergola
If you don’t have a porch or patio, or simply want to create another seating and entertaining space, then a pergola is the ideal addition to your country garden ideas. Choosing an area of your garden screened by hedges or planting will give this space the feel of an outdoor room – especially if you decorate it with garland lights and paper lanterns for color.
Pergola ideas like this are also a great way to add height and structure to your backyard.
11. Fill Borders With Colorful Blooms
Take inspiration from the cut flower garden trend for your country garden ideas and make your borders work even harder by filling them with colorful blooms that you can enjoy outdoors or cut and bring into your home.
‘Depending on the size of your outside space, flowers for cutting can be grown in tubs, large pots, raised beds, or empty spots in the border,’ says Selina Lake, author of Garden Style.
‘When it comes to planting, choose cut-and-come-again plant varieties with long stems, as the more you pick, the more you will get.’
12. Create Country Garden ‘Rooms’
Hedging, fences, trellises, trees and other structures can be used as dividers within your design to create ‘rooms’. Within a country garden, you might use this idea to zone specific areas for sitting, dining or play; to create distinct planting themes, such as a tropical garden, or a room of white flowers; or to give your garden an element of surprise and mystery.
The classic English country garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in the county of Kent, created by famed garden designer Vita Sackville-West, popularized the concept of garden rooms. But you don’t need the grounds of a huge country house to create your own version. In fact, dividing a small garden into separate spaces can actually make the plot seem larger, as you don’t see the whole area at once.
13. Add A Garden Gate
Figure a gate into your plot planning and country garden ideas – there’s nothing like pushing it open to create a sense of expectation about the garden beyond.
Gates aren’t just for entrances. They are a useful framing and dividing device within a larger garden, helping to create defined zones – or keep your pooch from trampling your prized plants!
14. Cover Garden Structures With Climbers
‘Nothing speaks of an English country garden like a beautiful wisteria or climbing rose, framing your windows and doorways, and adding character to your home,’ says TV gardener David Domoney.
Natural climbers, such as ivy and Virginia creeper, will cling to walls but will leave marks on brickwork. Honeysuckle, roses and clematis will need to be supported with trellis or wire, but will clamber rampantly across these to decorate the exterior of your home.
Wide eaves may restrict the amount of water reaching the plants, while the aspect of the wall will dictate the best plants to position in the spot.
15. Plant A Country Kitchen Garden
A desire for more outdoor space is often a driver for a move to the countryside – and that means more ground in which to expand your horticultural horizons.
Traditionally, every country home – large and small – would have a dedicated area in the garden for growing crops to eat. In small spaces, that might mean a few herbs and salad leaves, while grander country piles would have beautiful kitchen gardens that would stock the kitchens with fresh produce.
The kitchen garden trend is seeing a resurgence, as we seek a greater connection with nature and want to be certain of the provenance of our food. If you’re new to tending a veg plot, or planning your homegrown larder, take a look at our kitchen garden ideas for easy ways to get started.
16. Provide Shaded Areas To Relax In
For an ornate garden shade idea that doubles as a decorative garden focal point, consider a gazebo. These open-sided garden structures require little groundwork beyond laying a flat base.
‘Our handcrafted rusted iron design can be left as an open structure for climbing plants or fitted with roof liners,’ says Jan Howard, owner of Room in the Garden. She sited the gazebo in a walled garden, where it provides a destination at the center of the space.
17. Mow A Meadow Path
If you’re looking for an alternative idea to the traditional sward of grass in your country garden, there is a greener solution than paving.
‘A meadow is much more interesting than a regimented square of lawn – as well as being much more ecologically sustainable,’ says gardener Monty Don. ‘However, it’s not enough to let the lawn grow.’
Don suggests adding plug plants to your lawn, such as fritillaries, narcissi, meadow sweet, cowslips and scabious. ‘These should all cope with the competition from the grasses,’ he explains.
You’ll need to find the best time of year to plant grass seed. Meadows should be cut once or twice a year, with all the cuttings removed and composted. So that you can cross easily through the long grasses in the meantime, mow a wide path – it will create a romantic walkway that leads you on into the garden.
18. Attract Butterflies And Bees
Making our garden more attractive to bees, insects and other creatures is a superb way to connect with nature. Not only will it increase the health of our plot by increasing its biodiversity, this gentle, green-fingered approach is better for the planet, too.
‘Making your garden more biodiverse means creating an environment that is not just about you and the plants you grow but encouraging all the world’s species into it,’ says gardener and TV presenter Frances Tophill. ‘That includes fungus, bacteria, insects, birds, even foxes.’
Ideas for your country garden include growing pollen-rich flowers, such as sunflowers or lavender, for insects to feed on. ‘Once you have insects in your garden, then all the other wildlife will follow,’ Tophill explains.
‘Make sure you have flowers for as much of the year as possible and choose varieties that produce fruits and berries. Include white, scented flowers that are at their best at night as that’s when pollinators like bats and moths are most active,’ Tophill suggests in her ‘Get Green Fingers’ campaign with Weleda.
19. Break Up Bowling-Green Lawns
However green and well kept your lawn is, it can tend to look a bit flat and lacking in interest. All that grass also creates a monoculture – a lack of plant diversity that will diminish the wildlife and natural wellbeing of your plot, both fundamentals of a country garden.
To keep the greenery but to give it some additional gardening ‘oomph’, break up your lawn by digging out beds, planting shrubs and trees, or simply adding a path or a trail of stepping stones across the sod.
20. Repair Rustic Walls
Just as the architecture of your home will inform your decor decisions, looking to existing structures within your plot can help when planning your country garden ideas.
Rustic stone and flint walls are likely to have been made from local materials, so will echo the surrounding landscape. Preserve these where you can, calling in specialist stonemasons if necessary, and use these as the backbone of your rustic plot.
Natural weathering, as well as moss, lichen and self-seeded wildflowers, will soften the look of these hardy borders, bringing a beautiful patina and depth to your country garden.
21. Plant Up Pots And Containers
Whatever the size of your country garden, from tiny courtyard to expansive acres, groupings of pots filled with seasonal blooms will add extra depth and dimension.
‘Pot gardening is quick and satisfying because the whole job of planting and replanting is done very quickly – a sharp look for a whole season can be prepared within an afternoon,’ says gardener Arthur Parkinson, author of The Flower Yard.
‘You can also treat a container garden like a profoundly changing stage, with the pots as props that can be moved around as you see fit.’
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden by incorporating the principles of formal garden design. This garden style dates back to ancient Egypt and began to spread throughout Europe in the 16th century. Formal garden design is all about order and balance. Symmetrical plantings, clearly defined paths and trimmed plants all contribute to the formal ambience of a garden.The easiest way to create a formal garden design is to rely on symmetrical plantings. Create a center line or axis that runs through your garden area and arrange plantings on either side of that axis that are mirror images of each other. Formal gardens usually have their main axis from the house, so relate that main path to your home in some way. Maybe it’s the view from a family room, dining area or patio.
Make the central axis a path in your garden from which other paths radiate. Place a sculpture, bench, or water feature at the other end of the axis to draw the eye toward the garden. Use this central axis of the garden as a reference point for developing all other aspects of the garden.
A formal garden design consists of geometric shapes – usually right angles, but curves also work. The secret is to create clearly defined and recognizable shapes. Typically these shapes outline planting areas, but they could also be part of the landscaping. For example, the main axis could start from a square terrace, run several feet long, stop at a square central hub, and then end in a square area on which a trellis bench sits.
Pathways in a formal garden design must be clearly defined. They can be made of grass, gravel, stone or brick. If you choose lawn, you will have to spend time manually edging the paths to maintain the formality of the garden. Or you can choose to define edges with metal edges or a layer of bricks or pavers.
These houses are like hunting cottages. But instead of forest and fishing grounds, they have small gardens. People often use them as a retreat from a busy everyday or as a way to be self sufficient in greens and vegetables..
Sue Smith’s creation, a 4ft garden sphere adorned with a stunning stained glass mosaic, is a true testament to artistic craftsmanship and creativity. The intricate mosaic, set on a fiberglass base, brings an explosion of color and life to any garden space. Each piece of glass has been meticulously placed, forming a vibrant tapestry of flowers and nature-inspired patterns that dance across the surface.
The sphere not only serves as a focal point in the garden but also as a celebration of the natural world, capturing the essence of blooming flowers and lush greenery in a form that will never fade. The blend of colors, from deep reds and rich purples to bright yellows and blues, reflects the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Sue’s work transforms a simple garden ornament into a work of art, making the garden space feel like a living gallery. It’s a piece that draws you in, inviting you to explore every detail and appreciate the time, skill, and passion that went into its creation. This garden sphere is not just a decorative piece but a statement of love for the garden and the endless inspiration that nature provides.
Your garden is truly impressive, especially considering the amount of care and effort you’ve put into it. It’s a lush, vibrant space that reflects your dedication and passion for gardening. The way you’ve arranged the plants, with a mix of colorful blooms and greenery, creates a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The birdbath and various garden ornaments add a charming touch, making it a perfect retreat to enjoy the outdoors.
At 74, you’re an inspiration, showing that age is no barrier to maintaining a beautiful and flourishing garden. This space is not just a garden but a testament to your resilience, creativity, and love for nature. It’s clear that every corner of your garden has been thoughtfully curated, turning it into a sanctuary where beauty and tranquility thrive.
Keep nurturing this lovely space; it’s a wonderful achievement that you should be proud of!
If you’ve got a spatially challenged outdoor space you might think you’re limited for what you can achieve. However, there are a tonne of wonderful and creative small garden ideas to transform even the tiniest plot.
Petite spaces may require a little more thought than larger garden ideas, but they come with plenty of welcome advantages.
For a start, it forces you to be a little more inventive, which can often result in serious style and beauty. The other big plus is that due to their size, more often than not they’re delightfully low-maintenance.
Small gardens are usually much easier to maintain, plus they’re generally more budget friendly too. Even if you’ve only got a tiny terrace or balcony to work with, you can still enjoy your outdoor space with the help of careful planning.
Whether you’re looking to create an impressive balcony garden, squeeze outdoor furniture into a courtyard or fill a plot with greenery, you’ll find lots of small garden ideas to inspire you.
Give your yard a boost of style and added function with a beautiful garden arbor. Arbors can be simple or elaborate, but whichever type suits your home, our list of arbor ideas includes one that will enhance your backyard living space with charming appeal.
Deck Tour: Multilevel Deck with Eye-Catching Arbors
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Garden Arbor Path
RINNE ALLEN
Garden arbors provide an attractive way to divide your garden into sections or emphasize a particular area. Here, a simple stepping-stone path becomes an inviting entrance thanks to an arbor overflowing with blooms. The arbor’s dark gray finish lets the bright flowers take center stage.
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Arbor Fence Ideas
KRITSADA PANICHGUL
Dress up a plain picket fence with a stylish garden arbor. Place the arbor arch over an entrance or gate to instantly give it a more sophisticated, eye-catching look. Trail vines up the sides to add texture and create a lush look.
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Simple Arbor Design
MARTY BALDWIN
Although arbors offer an ideal perch for climbing plants, they can look just as attractive standing alone. Here, two elegant columns are topped with a wide arch to enhance this garden’s entrance. A low picket fence separates the garden from the rest of the yard, making the tall arbor structure especially striking.
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Arbor Entrance
MATTHEW BENSON
Placing a garden arbor (even a simple one) over your front walk can dress up your front yard and make your entrance more memorable. Choose an arbor that fits your home’s style and scale for the most impact. Here, blooming clematis boosts the effect of a traditional metal garden arbor.
18 Sidewalk Landscaping Ideas for Your Front Yard05of 20
Formal Garden Arbor
MICHAEL JENSEN
Garden arbors are a classic element in traditional landscaping designs. Place an arbor over a walkway to your garden to instantly elevate its appearance. Enhance the timeless look with carefully pruned hedges and symmetrical plantings.
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Matching Garden Arbor
LAURIE BLACK
When choosing materials for your garden arbor, look to your home for inspiration. Your siding, roof, and exterior trim colors and textures can help offer guidance. Here, a gray-washed wood arbor contrasts with rich red siding while picking up the tones in the wood shingle roof.
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Climbing Rose Arbor
ANDREW DRAKE
Train climbing roses over a garden arbor to create a dreamy display of cascading blooms. Look for the climbing rose varieties best suited to your area (not all roses grow well in all regions). Selecting the right rose will make your garden easier to keep up with, so you can enjoy more blooms for longer.
How to Pick the Best Roses to Achieve Your Garden Goals08of 20
Patio Entrance Idea
ALISON BARNES MARTIN
A garden arbor makes a charming addition to any patio. Place an arbor across the pathway to your patio to define the entrance stylishly. For added privacy, train vines along the sides and top to help block the view.
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Deck Arbor Ideas
STEPHEN CRIDLAND
Like it can enhance a patio, the right arbor can add drama to your deck. Keep the style and scale of your structure consistent with the rest of your deck for a unified look. Be sure to match the wood stain so the arbor doesn’t look out of place. Climbing plants along the top and sides is good for added deck privacy.
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Garden Arbor Room
JOHN GRANEN
Combine a series of inexpensive metal arbor arches for an instant outdoor room within your garden. Together, they give a sense of enclosure, especially if you grow vines on them. This trick can also create a more dramatic entrance to your garden.
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Garden Focal Point
TIM MURPHY
Give your eyes a place to go up in the garden. Here, a wooden arbor nestles in a lush perennial border to provide structure and height. The simple wood construction doesn’t detract from the colorful blooms below.
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Small-Space Garden Arbor Arch
ANDREW DRAKE
Stuck with a narrow side yard? Use a simple arbor arch to help make it a destination. Here, a long and narrow space (which might otherwise go to waste) becomes a lush, inviting path thanks to a garden arbor and gate.
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Cottage-Style Arbor
DAVID MCDONALD
Complete a cottage-style garden with a charming arbor that spills over with blooms. To make the flowers pop, choose a traditional white design, like this one placed across a front walkway. White lattice installed along the sides of the arbor continues the cottage aesthetic.
Cottage Landscaping Ideas for a Natural, Romantic Garden Style14of 20
Painted Garden Arbor
EDWARD GOHLICH
Arbors are traditionally painted white or left their natural wood color. However, you can make yours eye-catching by painting it a bold, bright color. Be sure to choose a hue that will stand out against the surrounding greenery. Why not try a vivid shade of red to transform a basic arbor into a focal point and a work of garden art?
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Garden Arbor Hedge
ERNIE BRAUN
A garden arbor arch can deliver a sense of surprise to your front yard. Consider incorporating one into a hedge or use a mix of materials, such as wood, metal, or stone to create an unexpected arbor. Here, a crisp white arbor rises out of a boxwood hedge and is crowned dramatically with climbing roses.
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Birdhouse Arbor Idea
MIKE JENSEN
Make an arbor more than a decorative element by providing for the birds. Secure birdhouses along the sides or top of the arbor to create an inviting perch for feathered visitors. Tuck smaller houses in for a subtle effect or use them as a focal point.
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Classic Garden Arbor
JANET MESIC MACKIE
Choose an arbor that complements your garden’s overall theme for maximum appeal. For example, if you have a classic-style garden, consider a traditional metal arbor, such as this one, with its decorative gates and stately spire. The classic theme continues with climbing roses to create the perfect vignette.
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Asian-Style Arbor
JOHN REED FORSMAN
Achieve an Asian-style entrance to your garden with a simple arbor. Look for an arbor with clean, simple lines and natural color. Avoid overly ornate styles; in Asian garden design, simpler is usually better.
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Living Arbor Idea
ERIC ROTH
Weeping conifers look great when they carpet the ground, but they’re especially stunning when supported and allowed to dangle. This weeping larch is a perfect plant to clothe an arbor with elegantly draping branches. Be sure your garden arbor is sturdy enough to support the weight before planting.
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Garden Arbor with Bench
ROBERT CARDILLO
As you fill your garden with plants, don’t forget a place where you can sit for a while. A garden arbor with a bench underneath provides a lovely spot to enjoy the view. Add plenty of flowering vines overhead to provide shady seating.
1. Founding and History: BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, was founded in 1916 in Munich, Germany, initially producing aircraft engines. The company transitioned to motorcycle production in the 1920s and eventually to automobiles in the 1930s. 2. Iconic Logo: The BMW logo, often referred to as the “roundel,” consists of a black ring intersecting with four quadrants of blue and white. It represents the company’s origins in aviation, with the blue and white symbolizing a spinning propeller against a clear blue sky. 3. Innovation in Technology: BMW is renowned for its innovations in automotive technology. It introduced the world’s first electric car, the BMW i3, in 2013, and has been a leader in developing advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and hybrid powertrains. 4. Performance and Motorsport Heritage: BMW has a strong heritage in motorsport, particularly in touring car and Formula 1 racing. The brand’s M division produces high-performance variants of their regular models, known for their precision engineering and exhilarating driving dynamics. 5. Global Presence: BMW is a global automotive Company 6. Luxury and Design: BMW is synonymous with luxury and distinctive design, crafting vehicles that blend elegance with cutting-edge technology and comfort. 7. Sustainable Practices: BMW has committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes into its vehicles, as well as advancing electric vehicle technology with models like the BMW i4 and iX. 8. Global Manufacturing: BMW operates numerous production facilities worldwide, including in Germany, the United States, China, and other countries, ensuring a global reach and localized production. 9. Brand Portfolio: In addition to its renowned BMW brand, the company also owns MINI and Rolls-Royce, catering to a diverse range of automotive tastes and luxury segments. 10. Cultural Impact: BMW’s vehicles often become cult
When you need some inspiration for how to use plants in your garden for maximum impact, try a few of these ideas. They’ll help you to use basic design concepts to create a gorgeous landscape.
Brian Gomsak. BRIAN GOMSAK
One of the easiest landscape ideas to implement is to grow big swaths of the same plant for bold interest. Here, for example, this planting bed offers a bold burst of chartreuse from a mass of golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’). It’s contrasted (in color and texture) by a planting of blue fescue (Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’).
Brian Gomsak. BRIAN GOMSAK
Planting one of everything gives your garden a hodgepodge look. Avoid that by reusing the same colors, shapes, or plant varieties all around your landscape. Here’s a perfect example: To the left of the deck, golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) echoes the color of golden sweet flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’). The sweet flag amplifies the texture of the blue fescue (Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’), which plays off the silvery-blue color of a potted false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Baby Blue’). The shape of the false cypress, in turn, is a repeat of the Japanese maple next to the deck.
Laurie Black Photography. LAURIE BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY
If your yard has limited space, it’s important to make the most of it! One key landscape idea is to take advantage of plants that serve more than one purpose. This espaliered apple tree, for example, offers privacy from the neighbor on the other side of it, provides an attractive backdrop for the curve in a path, and in autumn, gives a harvest of delicious apples.
Take advantage of lines, shapes, and angles when reviewing your gardening ideas and laying out your yard to add drama and impact. Here, a square patch of lush green groundcover stands out when lined with palm trees and edged in smooth beach pebbles. This is a simple landscaping idea for the front of the house, too; just run a walkway between the trees up to the front door.
LAURIE BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY
One of the easiest and most basic landscaping ideas: Create contrasts. Also, consider color; when you pair rich burgundy-purple with chartreuse, the gold hues seem to become brighter and the purple tones seem to become richer and darker. Together the colors are much more effective than when used alone.
Brian Gomsak. BRIAN GOMSAK
As a gardening idea, enhance what plants do naturally. Espalier is a perfect example of this. Here, for example, a simple climbing rose goes from ordinary to extraordinary with some careful training and pruning. Don’t worry: It’s easier than it looks (it just takes some pruning once or twice a year) and makes a big impact.
Jon Jensen Photography. JON JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
You can easily add a level of interest to your yard by incorporating a variety of plants and hardscape materials. Here, the natural feel of lawn and cut flagstones makes for an eye-catching contrast against smooth Mexican beach pebbles and gravel. The color of the flagstone mimics that of the beach pebbles and ties the two together; it’s an example of using repetition.
Ginny Weiler. GINNY WEILER
Richard Felber. RICHARD FELBER
Add interest to your yard with structures. Use low fences or hedges, for example, to divide spaces, and give each space or room its own unique identity. Plus, the structures add interest all year long. In this playful example, curvaceous boxwood hedges draw the eye into the garden and look attractive every day of the year.
Jon Jensen Photography. JON JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Trees and shrubs are some of the most important players in a well designed landscape. It’s easy to use them to make an impact, especially if you select varieties that have colorful foliage. Go a step further with some creative pruning. Here, for example, sheared golden false cypress and columnar holly make for a delightful contrast against sheared purple barberry.
Edmund Barr Photography.
EDMUND BARR PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s easy to plan all your beds and borders along the perimeter of your property, but adding an island bed that floats in your lawn is a simple landscaping idea for a good-looking yard. Make island beds extra effective by adding height to the center. Plus, you need to walk around the planting to see what’s behind it, so it adds a bit of mystery.
Peter Krumhardt.
PETER KRUMHARDT
If you have container gardens, chances are they’re on your porch, entryway, deck, patio, or balcony. Too few gardeners consider mixing containers into their beds and borders. Large, colorful glazed or plastic containers add a bright splash, even without blooms. You can move them around to highlight different parts of your yard, plus it’s easy to change out container gardens each season to liven up a tired look.
Jon Jensen Photography. JON JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Our eyes are attracted to color and many gardeners stop there. But it’s easy to add another layer of interest to your garden by incorporating texture. This landscaping idea features tidy mounds of blue fescue, punctuated by an upright pyramid of Colorado blue spruce and dwarf black pine. A potted variegated yucca repeats the texture of the grass and adds in a new color.
Jon Jensen Photography. JON JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Embrace plant shapes, and use them in your landscape ideas. Tuck in a few tall, upright plants to draw the eye up and break up the monotony that comes along with using a lot of mounding shrubs and perennials. Design yards with weeping plants, too: They add excitement, visual energy, and a unique graceful shape to your yard.
DAVID MCDONALD
Using a variety of shades of green helps add depth to your plantings. Bright chartreuse greens (as seen in these ‘Frisia’ honey locust trees) catch the eye and stand out in the landscape, especially compared to the darker, richer tones often found in evergreens. Blue-greens add a softness and almost always harmonize well with other shades of the color.
Gardens become the only thing that is most coveted when you live in urban areas. If you are lucky, you can have a urban garden in the backyard. Of course, no matter how small the garden you have will feel fun if you are diligent in taking care of it. Today I want to change your mindset about how a limited area can become a beautiful green paradise in the middle of an urban area. These are urban garden ideas with so many surprises, you won’t expect how small rooftops and balconies can turn into an amazing urban jungle.There are many ways in which gardens can be classified, but none I fell in love with more than urban garden design. Some are on the roof with alluring green thumbs, some are in the little yard, some are on the balcony, and even unexpected areas. While it may not look like a city park at first glance, you’ll see it soon enough. One thing is for sure, wherever you plan to build a urban garden, this collection of inspiration will make it difficult for you to choose which urban garden idea is the best. So make sure you choose carefully!
1. If you have a small area in the backyard, you can use it as a garden as well as a living room with a beautiful outdoor atmosphere.
2. A small garden can feel cozy by adding a holiday touch. Put a lounge chair outside, and some beach vibes for relaxation.
3. Use the deck as part of your urban garden. Lush plants, outdoor furniture, and wooden floors will give your garden a natural feel.
4. Have a small area on the side of the house? You can create a urban garden in this area with great settings. In addition to adding a green landscape, use brick as a hallmark both on the walls and on the floor.
5. Balcony is the best area to create your dream urban garden. One of them with floral decorations for a romantic vibe.
6. A private urban garden is essential if you want to secure your garden area. In addition to installing fences and plants, this garden will become a favorite relaxing area as well as exercising.
7. This indoor garden will be a refreshing oasis in the middle of the city. Build an indoor city park with an open concept that connects to the outdoors.
8. Relax in urban garden with a good book. Create a dream reading nook on a lawn or rooftop with a stunning little landscape.
9. Relaxing on the roof while enjoying the city view is the best thing. Put a wooden bench, some plants, and a cup to enjoy the morning.
10. Seen from above, this roof garden idea is like a forest in the middle of an urban area. From the rooftop deck to the refreshing lush greenery, this is the dream of everyone living in the city.
11. A small balcony can be transformed into a lush city park with the right arrangement. This balcony can be a beautiful focal point from within the interior.
12. Rooftop gardens usually have a large area that can accommodate many people. From a place to relax to having a party on the roof, a rooftop garden is the best solution for limited space in urban areas.
There is nothing better than sitting close to an outdoor fire pit with family and gazing at the bright flames into cool fall evenings.Even, in the spring and summer, they add interest and class to many backyard designs. Introducing the element of fire to the backyard not just adds warmth, but additionally adds a high-end look to your outside space. If you are finding ideas to upgrade your outdoor space? The article is for you, we’ve collected the 24 Fire Pit Setting Ideas On A Budget to inspire you on your next project in the backyard.
Whether is the winter days or summer days, these fire pit setting ideas are here to make your life better than ever. From a DIY fire pit, an ultra-modern fire pit, or a small portable fire pit, round or square, stone or concrete blocks, no matter what your style this list that you are sure to love. Many of these DIY fire pits are also budget-friendly so anyone can add some warmth to their yard! Keep reading and choose one for your garden!
My dad passed away three days ago. I’m convinced my dad isn’t completely gone. Weird things keep happening since he passed. His smell, things around the house move around,my son starts saying hi grandpa to the air, the angelfish laid eggs, and now these two flowers have bloomed. This basket has not produced a single flower since I planted it. The caterpillars have eaten every flower since spring and now all of the sudden there’s two full white flowers.
The enormous titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) gathers crowds around the world, particularly in public gardens in tropical cities. Why, you ask? Because this corpse flower stinks worse than any other. Photography by Mangiwau / Getty Images
We admire rare flowers for the beauty and alluring scents they bring to our personal and public landscapes.
But to the plant, flowers are a deadly serious business; the plant’s survival depends on the appeal of its flower to a distinctly non-human client list. Sensory-stimulating petals and odors have one purpose: to draw pollinating insects and animals to the plant’s reproductive organs, the stamens and pistil, housed inside the flower.
Bees, bats, birds, butterflies and other pollinators respond to different stimuli. Successful plants developed flowers that deliver the particular stimuli required to interest their pollinating partners, as well as hospitable physical traits, such as landing platforms for insects.
These 10 flowering plants face more reproductive challenges than most, resulting in their rarity.
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia arnoldii, is actually a parasite. It relies completely on its host, the Tetrastigma vine, to provide it with roots, leaves, stem and chlorophyll.
The corpse lily, as it’s commonly known, expends all of its energy working through the vine to produce a 3-foot (1-meter) diameter bloom and thousands of seeds.
Discovering the Corpse Lily
In the early 1800s, the British governor of Sumatra (then known as Bencoolen) was very interested in the diversity of life on the island. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles made many expeditions into the jungle and discovered, collected and documented numerous previously unknown plants and animals.
His friend, Dr. Joseph Arnold, accompanied him on one exploration in 1818, and together they discovered an enormous red flower with white spots and a disgusting odor.
The colonial explorers were lucky to happen upon the flower when they did. The bloom only lasts for three or four days. After that, it collapses into what rainforest photographer Thomas Marent describes as a “slimy black mass” [source: Marent].
Despite the fact that Raffles went on to establish Singapore and the Zoological Society of London, he is best remembered for his discovery of the corpse lily.
Life of a Corpse Lily
Native to the Indonesian islands Sumatra and Java as well as eastern Malaysia, this rare flower starts out as a cabbage-like bud on the root of the host vine and takes about nine months to mature and open.
A single flower can weigh up to up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms) and hold several gallons of nectar in a central cavern surrounded by five petals. It relies on carrion-eating flies and beetles for pollination, so the aroma it gives off is similar to that of dead, rotting animals.
The bizarre corpse lily is an endangered plant, but it seems to be its own worst enemy. The flowers are single sex and must be cross-pollinated to produce seeds, but female flowers are rare and don’t often bloom in the same area or at the same time as the male flowers.
If pollination is successful, the flower leaves behind a 6-inch (15-centimeter) round fruit that appeals to squirrels and tree shrews. They eat the fruit and scatter the thousands of hard, tiny seeds contained within it.
9. Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum)
As bad as the corpse lily smells, the Titan Arum is even worse. It’s earned the title “worst smelling flower in the world.” In its native Sumatra, it’s called “bunga bangkai” or “corpse flower” because of the odor of rotting flesh that it emits.
Like Rafflesia arnoldii, this unusual flower relies on flies and beetles to pollinate it. But that’s where the similarities end.
Where the corpse lily creates a giant flower without supporting structure, this corpse flower blooms a giant structure that conceals thousands of flowers. The plant grows from a large tuber that can weigh from 55 to 110 pounds (25 to 50 kilograms). The flowers emerge when the tuber is dormant.
This rare plant then produces a large, petal-like leaf, the spathe, which forms a vase. The outside of the spathe is green; the inside is the color of red meat. From the center of the vase, a tapered, column-like stem (spadix) grows straight up, reaching heights of 6 feet (2 meters) or more with a 3-foot (1-meter) diameter [source: University of Connecticut].
The base of the spadix supports thousands of smelly inflorescences hidden inside the spathe. Rows and rows of yellow male flowers grow above rows and rows of red female flowers. The spathe begins to open at night, leading researchers to believe that it relies on nocturnal flies and beetles for pollination.
The smell is strongest for the first 12 hours it’s open. The spadix gives off heat, possibly to further imitate a dead and decaying animal. The metabolic heat may also serve to spread the stench farther afield to lure in pollinators.
8. Flor de Muerto (Lisianthius nigrescens)
Flor de Muerto, a common Mexican perennial plant, is the closest thing nature has to a truly black flower. Nicknamed “the flower of the dead,” its tubular flowers hang downward from 6-foot [2-meter] stems in a seemingly wilted, withered state. The plant has black petals, black leaves, black fruit, black seeds and black pollen.
In a 2003 study, Kenneth R. Markham and associates determined the combination of pigments and light absorption that allows Lisianthius nigrescens to achieve its black color. It’s the only flower known to completely absorb all wavebands of both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light [source: Markham].
Though unusual, Flor de Muertos are far from rare flowers. They’re easily found growing on roadside embankments and pine or oak forests in the states of Hidalgo, Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas as well as in Guatemala.
The real mystery is how it survives without the discernible aid of a pollinating animal. The second part of the Markham, et al. study was to determine what the “ecological consequences” of a black flower are.
The Mystery of Pollinating the Flower of the Dead
The flower’s form suggests that hummingbirds, moths or long-tongued bees would pollinate it. But the scentless black flower doesn’t possess any attributes to attract these animals.
Color perception depends on pigments, light and, literally, the eye of the beholder. This is all to say, humans, birds and insects see the colors of flowers differently.
Bees have UV, blue and green color receptors. They’re attracted to yellow and blue flowers, particularly those that reflect UV light. Researchers speculate that bees avoid the red flowers that attract hummingbirds because the flowers don’t reflect UV light and bees don’t process red.
To a bee, these flowers would appear black. Moths, who do their pollinating work at night, seek out light-colored, highly scented flowers. So how does L. nigrescens attract the type of animal that could pollinate it?
The researchers conclude that, “The problem of how this flower might attract the pollinators when it totally absorbs in both the UV and the visible [light] remains to be explained.”
A dismal gray cactus sprawls across the sand. It sprouts a few ribbed, twiggy stems with fragile spines. It looks dead. And yet, sometime in June or July, this ugly waste will transform into the “Queen of the Night.”
Because in midsummer, a miraculous awakening takes place in the Sonora and Chihuahua deserts of Arizona, Texas and northern Mexico: The night-blooming Cereus cactus opens its white flower and perfumes the dry air.
More specifically, three species of night-blooming cacti — Cereus greggii, Hylocereus undatus and Selenicereus — become queen for one night. As the sun goes down, the cactus opens 8-inch long by 4-inch wide (20-centimeter by 10-centimeter), many-petalled white flowers with bright yellow stamens.
The fragrance can spread as far as 98 feet (30 meters) from the bloom. Through the night, hawk moths and other nocturnal insects feed on the nectar and cross-pollinate the flowers. In the morning, the flowers close up, never to open again.
New flowers may open on subsequent nights, but the festival of the night-blooming Cereus usually only lasts for a day or two. If the flowers are successfully pollinated, they develop an oblong, spiny, red-orange fruit.
The plant grows from a tuberous taproot that’s edible. Cereus greggii may provide an evolutionary link between a woody, non-succulent predecessor and modern succulents.
Growing Night-blooming Cereus as a Houseplant
It’s easy to root stem cuttings, but it’s a protected species, so don’t go trolling the deserts for one.
Get a 2- to 4-inch (5- to 10-centimeter) cutting from a friend, put it in sandy soil and moisten it. It should root within six weeks, but it will be two or three years before it’s mature enough to bloom.
To encourage flowering, put the plant outside under filtered light during the summer and fertilize it monthly from May to August. Water it regularly, but let it dry out between watering.
During the winter, keep it hungry and dry; don’t fertilize it, and be sure to let it go for longer periods between watering.
“This is the season where you want the plant in a spare bedroom — getting needed sunlight, but out of sight,” advise the specialty gardeners at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service [source: University of Arkansas]. It’s a homely plant when not in bloom.
6. American Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia)
When the soil is too poor to provide enough nutrients to sustain the plant, what’s a poor flower to do? Turn carnivore, of course.
The first published documentation of the American pitcher plant, a native of southeastern coastal plains of North America, came from Florida in 1576. Much later, in 1793, noted American botanist William Bartram took the time to notice that vast numbers of insects got trapped in the little “pitchers” of the plant.
It wasn’t until 1887 that South Carolina physician and amateur botanist Dr. Joseph H. Mellichamp proved the carnivorous nature of this unusual plant through a series of experiments that conclusively showed that insects caught in the plant were digested and reabsorbed by the plant. Studies on this wondrous herb continue today.
Life Cycle of the American Pitcher Plant
Sometime between late February and May, depending on the species, lovely five-petalled flowers emerge from the ground. Nonlethal leaves appear shortly after the blooms. In yellows or shades from pale pink to red, the flowers nod downward from stalks of 1 to 3 feet (33 centimeters to 1 meter).
The scented blooms last from one to two weeks, attracting bees to pollinate them. It isn’t until the petals drop from the flowers (revealing attractive seed pods) that the deadly pitchers open. This delay protects the pollinators from being devoured before they help create the plant’s next generation.
Growing upright from the sandy, nutrient-sparse ground, the pitchers themselves could be mistaken for flowers. Many sport a ruffled “umbrella” over the opening of the tube. Red veins contrast with the lush, green foliage, making attractive and interesting patterns.
The appealing colors lure insects to the pitcher, which contains sweet nectar. And it’s here that the plot takes a sinister twist.
The deadly nectar contains a narcotic, coniine, which causes paralyses and can cause death. The drugged insects fall into the tubular pitcher. Because of the combined effects of the drug and the structure of the pitcher, they can’t crawl out.
In the bottom of the pitcher, the plant cooks up a soup of digestive acids and enzymes that break down the soft parts of the bugs. When the bug is as liquefied as it’s going to get, the plant reabsorbs the soup.
This is how it gets the nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and other nutrients that it needs but can’t draw from the poor soil it grows in. Ants, flies and wasps are some of the insects that fall prey to the American pitcher plant.
Of the original Sarracenia population in the southeast, only about 5 percent remains [source: D’Amato]. Pitcher plants take years to mature, but you can cultivate them in your garden.
Growing American Pitcher Plants at Home
There are many curious and beautiful varieties and a host of hybrids. You can start them from seeds or rhizome cuttings, as long as the rhizome has a few roots attached.
Sarracenia need a light, sandy soil. Carnivorous plant expert Peter D’Amato recommends a half-and-half mixture of sand and peat in plastic or glazed ceramic pots. As a southeastern bog plant, it needs wet soil and full sun with warm summers and mild winters.
If you live in a temperate climate, you can plant them outside in a bog garden. The plants will experience three to four months of dormancy in the winter, but in the summer, they’ll turn into “gluttonous pigs,” according to D’Amato. Indoor plants may need supplemental hand feeding of crickets or dried insects.
If you’re intrigued by the pitcher plant, keep reading to learn about the plant that Charles Darwin claimed interested him more than the origin of all the species of life on earth.
5. Sundews (Drosera)
Sundews range from the penny-sized pygmy species to the “giant” (Drosera dichotoma) that can reach 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter. This rare, beautiful flower is large relative to the size of the plant.
They typically are white to pink, but some groups have orange, red, yellow or pale violet blooms. Most flowers are flat with rounded petals, but the profusely blooming lance-leafed Drosera adelae has star-like red flowers with contrasting white stamens encircling a yellow pistil.
In most species, the flowers bloom sequentially on pendant columns, beginning with the flower at the base of the column and moving toward the tip. Depending on the plant, stalks reach lengths of a few inches to 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 centimeters) [source: D’Amato]. Many self-pollinate, but a few need cross pollination.
As lovely as the flowers are, the true interest of the plant lies in the leaves. These are covered in “hairs” tipped with a gland that secretes sticky goo. Most hairs are red, but on some sundews they are transparent with a bright red gland at the tip.
The goo looks like dew glistening in the sun and lures insects in for a drink. In 1578, English botanist Henry Lyte observed that the plant seemed to grow dewier as the sun grew hotter.
When insects land on the sundew, they get stuck in goo, a circumstance that prompts them to thrash about in an effort to get free. The movements bring the bug into contact with more sticky-tipped glands, until it’s effectively cemented to the plant. The hair-like tentacles then close around the insect and begin to digest it.
Sundews are native to North American bogs, but the highly adaptable 130,000 species thrive or at least survive on nearly every continent [source: D’Amato]. They can be found wherever there are wet, low-nutrient soils, whether that’s in the seasonal, semi-frozen bogs of Siberia or the extreme southern regions of New Zealand and South America.
Growing Sundews at Home
If you can see a sundew adding interest to your future, here are some tips to keep it thriving. If you plant Drosera in your garden, chose species whose native habitat is similar to what they’ll experience in the environment you provide.
If you live in warm-temperate, subtropical or Mediterranean climates, you’ll have the widest variety of sundews to choose from.
Some species, such as the cape sundews, rosetted sub-tropical natives, and giants like Drosera regia and D. multifida, are amenable to life on a windowsill. Provide them with cool, humid conditions and morning sunlight. Chose small species for terrariums. These little creatures need to be placed within inches of a fluorescent bulb to achieve their maximum potential. And don’t forget to feed them.
4. Butterwort (Pinguicula)
Butterworts or “pings” exist in most reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, with the most spectacular species being found in Mexico. There are about 70 species, many only discovered relatively recently.
They typically have a circular, rosette form measuring a few inches (centimeters) in diameter, and they may have a musty or earthy smell.
These beautiful, rare flowers bloom in spring and can last for months. Depending on the species, flowers are funnel-shaped, cupped or flat, and some have beards. There is only one butterwort, P. laueana, that’s known to have reddish flowers; most bloom white, deep pink, purple or yellow.
Pinguicula’s Greasy, Gluey Glands
As innocuous as it sounds, the butterwort hides a slippery secret in plain view. Lip-like flowers with a spur end (that probably inspired “Little Shop of Horrors” screenplay writer Charles B. Griffith) rise on simple stems several inches into the air.
But this small plant’s deadly secret isn’t its hungry-looking bloom. The real danger lies in the slick, tongue-shaped leaves that nestle close to the ground.
Pinguicula means “little greasy one” in Latin, and the leaves do have a greasy feel. Strangely, the greasy substance is glue, secreted by thousands of nearly invisible glandular hairs.
These glands work to secure insects; a secondary gland comes into play once a bug is caught. The sessile glands exude acids and enzymes that coat the insect and dissolve its soft parts.
The leaves of this extraordinary plant are slightly upturned on the edges, and some temperate climate species can increase the curl while the plant is digesting prey. It usually only happens when the plant is dealing with larger insects.
Researchers don’t think this slight movement has the same function that leaf movements in the sundews have; instead, it probably serves to keep the abundance of digestive juices from dripping off the edge of the leaf before the plant can reabsorb them.
A deep pool of juices is more effective for digesting large insects, and loss of the juices would also mean loss of the nutrients dissolved into them.
Growing Butterwort at Home
Pings are popular and easy-to-grow houseplants. You can start them from seeds or buds, and Mexican varieties will root from leaf cuttings.
All pings need perpetually moist soil and have a dormant or semi-dormant period in the winter. Put them outside for warmer months so their pollinators, hummingbirds and long-tongued insects, can get to them.
And don’t forget to feed them when they’re indoors. Their natural prey can be supplemented with fruit flies, ants and dried insects.
3. Bladderwort (Utricularia)
Little floating stomachs would be an apt description of bladderworts, the largest and most widespread genus of carnivorous plants.
These minute, aquatic beasts are found from Alaskan swamps to tropical regions, making their homes in wet, mossy trees, fast streams and seasonal deserts. When drought strikes, they transform into tiny tubers to ride it out.
The prolific and varied blooms of Utricularia can look like miniature orchids, irises, pea blossoms or buttons. Some of the 214 known species even have free-form blooms that can’t be likened to anything particular [source: D’Amato]. They flower in a wide range of colors and color combinations.
Lurking beneath the lovely blossoms, scattered among hairlike stems, are hundreds of pinhead-sized carnivorous bladders trailing trigger hairs into the water. The hairs alert the bladder that prey is near. Bladderworts feed on small aquatic insects such as water fleas and larger unfortunates like mosquito larvae and tadpoles.
How Utricularia Capture and Digest Prey
First, the prey tickles the trigger hair. Lightning fast, the bladder opens a trap door and sucks the animal inside, where digestive juices dissolve it. The larger meals don’t fit into the bladder; they get caught like an animal in a foot trap and are digested slowly, one millimeter at a time.
When the part inside the bladder is fully digested, the trap door opens and sucks a little more of the still-living victim inside. This continues until the entire animal is absorbed. The strong vacuum of the trap and the speed with which it acts eliminate any chance of escape.
As sinister as they are, plant enthusiasts value bladderworts for their flowers. They’re rootless, their stems and leaves are unimpressive, and when not blooming, the plant looks like slime.
But when they are blooming, they’re irresistible. All types, aquatic — terrestrial and epiphytic (growing on another plant, but not as a parasite) — are easy to grow as houseplants.
Growing Bladderworts at Home
Orchid bark and sphagnum moss create a good home for epiphytic plants. Use a half-and-half mix of peat and sand for terrestrial species, and add a cup of peat for each gallon of water your aquatic species will inhabit [source: D’Amato].
Most species need sunny conditions to thrive and flower. You can feed and water them at the same time if you use pond water, which contains the microscopic creatures Utricularia depends on for survival.
2. Red-hot Pokers (Kniphofia)
Hummingbirds don’t mind that Kniphofia resembles a giant toilet brush atop a leafless cane. They love the dozens of brilliant orange and yellow flower tubes that adorn the stalk. Kinder common names for this plant include Torch Lily and Red-Hot Poker.
Kniphofia is simply a beautiful flower — an ornamental plant without any of the quirky characteristics or bad habits of the flowers mentioned above. But its powerful appearance is sure to add interest to your landscape and draw comments from your neighbors.
The African native is closely related to aloe, but it doesn’t have any healing juices. Flower stalks that are 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 meters) in height grow from clumps of evergreen grass-like leaves.
Growing Red-hot Pokers at Home
The leaf clumps resemble tall ornamental grasses and may spread to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter [source: The Garden Helper]. If you plant a mix of early, mid-season and late-blooming varieties, you can have torch lilies adorning your yard from May to October.
Kniphofia like temperate gardens; they’re hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10 if you provide winter protection in the colder regions. They need full sun and neutral soil with good drainage.
Hummingbirds aren’t the only wildlife who take nourishment from red-hot pokers, but the slugs and snails who feed on them will do damage. They make good cut flowers, and removing older blooms (aka deadheading) actually encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
You can increase your torch lily display from seeds or by plant division. If you want to start new plants from seed, let some flowers stay on the stalks near the end of their blooming season. Collect the seeds and chill them (with some moisture) in the refrigerator for six weeks before you try to germinate them.
After the chill period, you can start the seeds indoors at anytime, and you should start them early, since they can take up to three months to germinate.
If you want to divide mature plants, do it in either spring or fall. You’ll get a new plant faster this way, but you’ll sacrifice blooms for the next season. Kniphofia take two or three years after division to recover their full flowering potential.
So, when your neighbors beg you for a cutting from your glorious torch lily, offer them seeds instead.
1. Sea Holly (Eryngium)
If you’re into the blues, sea hollies will hit the top 10 in your garden. This odd-looking flower sports an elongated cone of tiny blue flowers on a platform of spiny light green bracts at the top of metallic blue stems.
Also known as Rattlesnake-Master, Sea Holm, Spiny Cilantro and Miss Wilmott’s Ghost, these hardy and semi-hardy perennials bloom in the latter half of summer. They’re big plants, ranging from 18 to 36 inches (46 to 91 centimeters) high with a one-foot (30-centimeter) spread.
They appreciate a little help through dry periods and may need staking if you live in a windy area, but they’re tough enough to look after themselves for the most part. They’re hardy to USDA zone 5.
Sea hollies are native to Iran and the Caucasus, but some species grow wild in the United States. They’re related to Queen Anne’s lace, parsley, fennel and anise. Although they have no fragrance, Eryngium attract butterflies. The flowers make an interesting addition to fresh-cut displays and dry well for dried arrangements.
Growing Sea Hollies at Home
Sea hollies need full sun and moist soil with good drainage. They grow from a deep taproot. This helps them survive droughts, but it makes them difficult to divide or relocate. Fortunately, they’re easy to grow from seed.
It may take a while to get them started, though. Collected seeds should be refrigerated for three weeks.
Once planted in the garden, it may take up to 10 weeks before the seeds germinate. New plants probably won’t bloom in their first year.
Before you put a lot of effort into this method, make sure that the sea holly you collect seeds from is a naturally occurring species. Hybrids or cultivars may be sterile, and are unlikely to grow true to the parent plant if they do germinate.
The Story of Miss Wilmott’s Ghost
We’ve examined a lot of strange flowers, but there’s nothing supernatural about the sea holly. It picked up the common name “Miss Wilmott’s Ghost” for a simple, amusing reason.
Ellen Wilmott was a noted British horticulturalist in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her gardens at Warley Place were home to 100,000 expertly cultivated plant species collected from all over the world, many of which were named after her.
The story goes that Miss Wilmott was fascinated by the sea holly Eryngium gigantium. She carried seeds of this species in her pocket whenever she visited other people’s gardens. If she thought the garden was lacking in interest, she would secretly scatter seeds of the giant sea holly among the dull plantings.
The enigmatic flowers with ghostly bracts bloomed long after her departure from the garden and thus became known as “Miss Wilmott’s Ghost.”
This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Rare Flower FAQs
What are some of the rarest flowers in the world?
The corpse lily (Rafflesia arnoldii) and titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) are among the rarest. Others include the ghost orchid, Franklin tree flower and the Rothschild’s slipper orchid.
Are there any flowers that exist as only one specimen or in very limited numbers?
The Middlemist Red is an example, known to exist only in a couple of botanical gardens globally.
What are some examples of endangered flower species?
The chocolate cosmos and Hawaiian hibiscus immaculatus species are considered endangered, with conservation efforts ongoing to protect them.
In the city of Kitakyushu, Japan, an enchanting spectacle known as the Wisteria Tunnel beckons. This mesmerizing display is composed of trellises swathed in wisteria vines, which together craft an ethereal canopy awash in hues of violet and rose.Pretoria, celebrated as the Jacaranda City, unveils its majestic avenues crowned with jacaranda trees. Each spring, these thoroughfares transform into a radiant expanse of indigo blooms.
In Aomori, Japan, Hirosaki Park becomes the locus of ethereal beauty during the cherry blossom season. Its pathways, under the spell of the Sakura Tunnel, are lined with the delicate hues of pink and white blossoms.
Provence, France, is synonymous with its iconic lavender fields. Traversing these fields, one is surrounded by a fragrant sea of purple, painting a picturesque vista that captivates the senses.
In Gyeongju, South Korea, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival highlights the celebrated Flower Street, adorned with cherry trees that cascade pink petals upon visitors.
The Tuscan landscape in Italy is famously punctuated with vast fields of sunflowers during the summer, presenting a joyous and vivid tableau.
Blue Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.) 
Rainbow Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.) 
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