Home and Interior Design

The Echeveria ‘Gilva’, in the foreground, I’ve shared about before – not as many flowers as we’ve had previously, but a better showing than expected this year (the weather has been so strange). To the left is Iris foetidissima ‘Variegata’ – a nice, tough, persistent clump of handsome foliage. Behind it, in front of the [...]

At the heart of the garden Borde Hill House, a Tudor mansion dating from 1598, provides a superb backdrop to the formal 17-acre Garden which flows into a series of linked ‘garden rooms’, each boasts its own distinctive character and style. Over the past century the plantings have evolved with the vision of providing visitors [...]

Cloning, or taking cuttings of, your favourite plants is the very best way to perpetuate their existence. It’s also the best way to get them started for an indoor hydroponic garden.  For instance, I had a very successful Rosemary plant growing on my kitchen window-sill. However, it was in dirt and I really don’t like [...]

“Hardwick Hall in Doe Lea, Derbyshire is one of the most significant Elizabethan country houses in England. In common with its architect Robert Smythson’s other works at both Longleat House and Wollaton Hall, Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest examples of the English interpretation of the Renaissance style of architecture, which came into fashion [...]

When you have a great looking garden and lawn it gives your home what is known as kerb appeal. This not only adds a great deal of value to the home, but gives the homeowner a sense of pride and satisfaction in the home they own. A beautiful lawn is probably the single biggest factor [...]

Grow a beautiful garden the water wise way Saving water and enjoying the beauty and environmental benefits of plants are not only possible, but easy says the American Association of Nurserymen (AAN). “Water Wise” gardening is built on some basic, commonsense principles: Planning Planning a water wise garden or landscape is as easy and fun-as [...]

About Telok Blangah Hill Park Since the early nineteenth century, the park has long been a place of gathering for trading communities which flourished. The prosperity of the traders is represented by the Alkaff Mansion, an elegant colonial bungalow built by an Arab trader and is previously a place for grand parties of the social [...]

Did you know it is estimated that there are over 100,000 different species of insects that live in North America? If you don’t think you have bugs in your garden – guess again. In a typical backyard there are probably 1,000 little critters setting up house. Remember, not all insects are bad. Less than three [...]

Garden cross spider One thing you either might have to watch out for or embrace is something I call Garden Creep. This is the ability of certain gardens, let alone the plants in them, of slowly growing and spreading or even multiplying over time.Any dedicated gardener can explain to you the visible symtomology of the [...]

Exterior Home Lighting Options Post Lights Let’s start with the entrance. Entrance can mean the entrance gate or the open and designer framework of your patio, deck or just your door, depending upon the type of house you stay in. This is undoubtedly the first area that is noticed, hence, illuminating it needs no mention. [...]