Now you can enjoy the feathery plumes of Pampas grass in even the smallest of gardens. Cortaderia selloana 'Tiny Pampa' is the most compact variety developed to date.
Think you don't have enough space to grow your own fruit and vegetables? Think again. Gardening writer Lia Leendertz's new book my tiny veg plot is full of ingenious solutions for slotting vegetables and fruit into teeny-tiny spaces those that have been squeezed in the most unlikely fashion onto flights of steps, balconies, boats and roof terraces, window boxes and windowsills, and even in an old swimming pool and the back of a truck! Meet the couple who have created an innovative veg-providing oasis in dry Arizona from an old swimming pool, the artist whose salad leaves all come from her beautiful balcony high above the city, and the children who tend a nifty sprouting garden on a windowsill. Practical projects, ideas and inspiration will help you make the most of all of the space you have, and these gardens prove that small is not only beautiful, but can be surprisingly productive as well. Lia Leendertz is a freelance gardening writer and author, who shares an allotment with several friends near her home in Bristol. A regular contributor to The Guardian and The Telegraph, she is a long-time advocate of organic and community growing. She has an award-winning blog, Midnight Brambling, and is the author of My Cool Allotment. 160 pages
This Japanese Barberry does what its name suggests. Berberis thunbergii 'Tiny Gold' is a compact hardy shrub, the deciduous foliage of which is a golden colour when it first appears in the spring. In the summer, these leaves take on a green hue, while the autumn sees them turn spectacular shades of orange and red. The plant's size, a mere 50cm (1'8), surely earns it a place in a patio container or at the front of a cottage garden border. It also boasts delicate, yellow flowers, which bloom in April and May and make this 'Tiny Gold' bush a nectar-rich haven for bees and butterflies in small wildlife gardens. Height: 50cm (1'8). Spread: 50cm (1'8).
This variety of Old Man's Beard produces flowers notable for their size. In June and July, Clematis 'Destiny' displays large, pure white blooms with contrasting purple anthers. You can then enjoy a second flush of these flowers in the late summer, which makes the hardy shrub a valuable source of long-lasting interest in any sunny cottage garden. Height: 1.5m (4'11). Spread: 1m (3'). Pruning group 2.
Geranium sanguineum, the hardy geranium or Cranesbill, is a clump-forming perennial growing to around 20cm (8in) tall, with spreading roots that easily establishes wherever it's planted. The lightly ruffled magenta flowers that are produced from late spring to early autumn, making it one of the most prolific and long blooming geraniums that you can buy and these contrast beautifully with the deeply lobed leaves that redden into the autumn. Ideal for tubs or mixed containers, 'Tiny Monster' is a vigorous and floriferous variety that makes excellent ground cover as it's tolerant of sun and partial shade. Easy to grow and virtually maintenance free, this tough little beauty is rarely bothered by pests such as snails and rabbits. Supplied as 3 x established plants in 9cm pots, ready to be planted out.
This spectacular Begonia will produce showy double blooms in a vivid mix of colours. Happy to grow in both sunny or shady areas of your garden.
Begonia Destiny Pink is an outstanding performer which will produce large, fully double pink blooms set against a mound of rich chocolate foliage. Free Flowering in nature, it will producing excellent display's.
Begonia Destiny Pink is an outstanding performer which will produce large, fully double pink blooms set against a mound of rich chocolate foliage. Free Flowering in nature, it will producing excellent display's.
This spectacular Begonia will produce showy double blooms in a vivid mix of colours. Happy to grow in both sunny or shady areas of your garden.
This spectacular Begonia will produce showy double blooms in a vivid mix of colours. Happy to grow in both sunny or shady areas of your garden.
This spectacular Begonia will produce showy double blooms in a vivid mix of colours. Happy to grow in both sunny or shady areas of your garden.
This spectacular Begonia will produce showy double blooms in a vivid mix of colours. Happy to grow in both sunny or shady areas of your garden.