The moth orchid or phalanopsis, and the boat orchid or cymbidium are two of the most popular varieties as they are cheap to buy, often less than a bunch of flowers and will continue to flower for several months. Orchids are one of the two most numerous plant families as Hester Macdonald reports.
Miniature garden designs in cups and even solar lamps are a new trend in container gardening. The plants are easy to find in any garden centre, are cheap and easy to take care of requiring very little water and very occasional feeding. Hester Macdonald from the Swiss Gardening school has been finding out more about these tiny designs ideas.
Hydroponics have long been used to grow plants without soil, and there is even documented evidence from the 1600s which show experiments on spearmint. However, there is a perception that they are messy and difficult meaning they have largely been resisted by the public. Hester Macdonald spoke to a couple who hope to change all that.
Switzerland’s largest indoor garden show finished in March, however, if you missed it don’t worry. Garden designer and horticulturalist Hester Macdonald went along to take a look at the show gardens and see some of the trends to look out for 2015.