Winter giving
Whether it’s something for Mum, a birthday treat or a simple gift to raise winter spirits, no gift delights a gardener more than a gorgeous plant for home and garden.
When giving plants it’s nice to know that it’s a gift that keeps on giving and there is no need to limit the choice to traditional indoor plants. Many outdoor flowering plants can also be enjoyed indoors then planted out in the garden to last indefinitely.
Dianthus ‘Memories’ is one such treasure. It’s snowy white flowers have a nostalgic fragrance said to evoke memories of gardens past. A fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association, this lovely gift gives back to a worthy cause.
Wonderful winter roses (Hellebores) arrive in garden centres from June. Like their summer counterparts, they make beautiful gifts. And what is less well known is that these favourite winter bloomers will keep indoors for weeks, a beautiful centrepiece to be enjoyed while the outdoor garden is not so inviting. Once flowering has diminished they can be planted outdoors in a shady place to give many years of pleasure. Highly recommended as gifts are Hellebore ‘Penny’s Pink’, Hellebore ‘Anna’s Red’ and Hellebore ‘Molly’s White’.
Perfect for a late winter birthday gift, pretty double primulas will also keep indoors for many weeks, continuing to bloom when planted out under trees or in dappled shade. Recommended for indoor gifts are the Belarina Primulas ‘Cream’, ‘Buttercup’, ‘Cobalt Blue’ ‘Pink Ice’ and ‘Valentine’ in romantic red. Dress one up in a pretty ceramic pot!
‘Inside Out’ Tips
- Shade loving outdoor plants do well as indoor specimens for a short period.
- Choose compact specimens with an abundance of flower buds .
- Team with a ceramic pot to suit the plant’s colours and home décor.
- Keep watered ‘just moist to the touch’ . Don’t over water.
- When planting out in the garden remove dead flower heads and feed with slow release fertiliser.
Feature article from Living Fashion. For further information and more inspirational planting ideas, visit www.livingfashion.co.nz
1-Jun-2016
Dianthus Memories
Hellebore 'Molly's White'
Primula Belarina Cobolt Blue
Plants for . . .
