Amaryllis flowers are rather iconic at Christmas time. They are a popular flower to grow in the winter and many people now associate their blooms with the Christmas season. In fact, one species of amaryllis is known as the Christmas amaryllis, and within this there are various different types of flower, including the Charisma, Picotee, Benfica, Apple Blossom, Terracotta Star and Minerva. All of these amaryllis bulbs can be grown to flower specifically for Christmas if this is when you would like your blooms to appear. You just need to make sure they are given the right conditions, and then you can enjoy your amaryllis and allow them to brighten up your home during the festive season.

How to grow amaryllis bulbs for Christmas 

If you are going to successfully grow amaryllis from bulb and make them flower when desired, here are some important steps to follow:

• Plant the bulb in early to mid November. This will give it around 6-8 weeks in which to grow and flower, which is generally the perfect amount of time for an amaryllis. The timing is critical if you want to enjoy Christmas flowering.
• Make sure the bulb has the right conditions to grow and flower. Whilst an amaryllis is not an especially hard flower to grow, it will need to be given the right conditions if you want it for a certain time of year. You will need to use a pot that is the right size – as a general rule, it should be around 2 inches bigger than the bulb if you are just planting the one. The pot should be a high quality one that will offer good drainage to your bulbs.
• It will need to be kept at the right temperature. The bulb will need to be at around 65° in order to start growing, and it will have to be kept at this temperature constantly. Make sure you place your bulbs somewhere warm, such as above a radiator, as this will help them to continue growth. Heat from the sun will also help.
• Treat the bulb before planting. You will need to soak the bulbs before you plant them, placing the roots and lower part of the bulb in slightly warm water. Leave it there for 24 hours before you plant it.
• Use the right soil. Amaryllis will need a loamy soil, preferably with leaf mould as well. You can also add sand to make sure it is porous enough.
• Plant the bulb in the right way. Make sure you spread the roots out, and leave the top part of the bulb coming out the top of the soil.
• Look after your bulbs once planted. Don’t water them too much, after a thorough initial watering to bed them in. Keep the soil slightly moist but make sure it isn’t damp, then once the amaryllis begins to grow, you can start to water it a little bit more.

If you look after your amaryllis well, they can continue to flower again in the future and you can always enjoy a Christmas amaryllis.

An awning can be used at any time of the year, though in the winter or autumn months, there might be the need for some additional facilities too. If you want to keep using your garden throughout the autumn and making the most of the space, then it isn’t a bad idea at all to have an awning installed.

You will be able to choose the appearance of your awning, making sure it will look good in your garden throughout the seasons. For example, something that is too bright might not look right in winter, so you may choose something like richer colours, or a combination of greys, or perhaps a glass veranda instead.

You can select a number of additional features to help during cooler weather, like heat lamps and lighting for those darker nights. If you want a more permanent option for winter usage, a glass room with sliding sides and doors might be worth considering.

Garden furniture really adds to your space, making it more practical and usable as well as more attractive. Oak furniture can go a long way to lifting the appearance of your garden, making it look beautiful and acting as a practical, sturdy addition to your outside space as well.

Why choose oak over other kinds of wood? For starters, it is very strong and will last a long time. This makes it more expensive, but it will more than make up for it in quality. Look for the kind of wood before you decide what you are going to buy – some furniture could use a mix of wood, so make sure you are buying solid wood if this is what you want.

You will be able to find all kinds of oak furniture, including tables, chairs and benches. As a hardwood, oak will be strong and sturdy and will have a beautiful unique grain as well.

Tulips are beautiful spring flowers that add a touch of colour and class to any garden. Available in many different varieties, you will be able to find a tulip variety that you like regardless of your own personal tastes. Tulip flower bulbs need to be carefully selected in order to give them the best chance of thriving, so it is important you choose the right kind to plant and grow. There are many different variables with tulips, such as the height, flower shape and flowering time. You may want to plant them in borders in different formations, or you might prefer to plant them in containers, where they will grow just as well with the right kind of care. This means you can enjoy the beauty of tulips even if you only have a small outdoor space. (more…)

Summer is a time to celebrate the different colours and shapes within your garden. Many flowers and plants will be starting to flower and will be coming into their own, giving your garden different areas of interest and really making it feel like summer. Here are some of the most popular summer flowering plants that you can choose:

• Peonies. The Festiva Maxima gives a beautiful creamy colour, alongside bright red shades. The shape adds interest amongst other flowers as well.
• Buff beauty roses. This hybrid rose variety produces flowers in a pale apricot colour – even the foliage is an unusual colour.
• Lavender. This smells so delicious in the summer and adds a splash of colour as well. Bees love it and it helps to make your garden more wildlife friendly.
• Clematis. The pink blooms are a darker, richer shade than other flowers, making it look more mature. You will need to look after these well in spring if you want them to do well in summer.