Garden Archives

The awakening garden: A kaleidoscope of early-blooming plants

As the long winter draws to a close, a dazzling symphony of colors and shapes heralds the reawakening of nature: it's spring. Even before the first tender green shoots appear, various shrubs and bulbous plants offer a diverse palette that is both pleasing to the eye and enriches the life of bees.

What's already blooming in the garden?

Starting with the shrubs, which act as harbingers of spring, forsythia takes the lead with its bright yellow flowers. Unmatched in its luminosity, it spreads its floral splendor and is often used as a lively splash of color in front gardens.

Forsythia, often called golden bells, are early-blooming ornamental shrubs that are among the first signs of spring, decorating hedges, gardens, and parks with their bright yellow flowers. Forsythia flowers usually appear before the leaves sprout, directly on the bare wood of the branches, and thus radiate a particularly intense color. They are easy to care for, undemanding, and are often used as living garden hedges, which also provide a habitat for birds and insects.

The cornel cherry (Cornus mas) appears at a similarly early stage, its yellow flowers clustered in dense bunches, shining like little rays of sunshine on the still bare wood on sunny spring days. The cornelian cherry is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that impresses early in the year with small, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers on bare branches. Later in the year, it develops edible red fruits that are popular with humans and animals alike and are suitable for jams or liqueurs. Its robust nature and attractive, exfoliating bark make the cornelian cherry a valuable plant for landscaping and gardens, which also provides habitat and food for native wildlife.

Spring coloring pages

Another harbinger of early spring is the hawthorn (Crataegus), whose delicate white flowers appear later in the year and exude a sweet fragrance. Hawthorn is not only decorative, but also provides important food sources for insects and birds. Hawthorn is a genus of shrubs and small trees that are widespread in temperate zones and are particularly notable for their white, fragrant flowers in late spring and small red fruits in autumn. It is known for its dense, thorny structure, which serves as a habitat and shelter for birds, as well as for its medicinal properties, which are particularly valued for supporting heart health. Hawthorn is undemanding, hardy, and is often used in hedges and as landscape shrubbery, partly because of its decorative appearance due to its year-round foliage and autumn colors.

The blossoms of the blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) transform the shrubs into white clouds that both contrast and reflect the blue of the sky. The blackthorn is a native wild shrub or small tree that is widespread in Europe and known for its thorny branches and white flowers, which appear in spring before the leaves sprout. After flowering, the plant produces small, dark blue fruits with a tart taste called sloes, which are suitable for making sloe liqueur or jams after the first frost. As part of the hedge landscape, Prunus spinosa contributes to the preservation of biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for many insect species and birds.

Not far behind, the shrubby blood currant (Ribes sanguineum) blooms with its impressive hanging clusters of pink or red flowers that give off a spicy scent. The blood currant, also known as red currant, is an attractive, deciduous shrub that delights in spring with striking, hanging clusters of flowers in shades of pink to red. Their scent is slightly spicy, and the flowers attract both bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any insect-friendly garden. After flowering, the blood currant develops small, dark berries that are not particularly noticeable but are eagerly eaten by birds, giving the shrub an ecological benefit as well.

The ornamental quince (Chaenomeles), a robust beauty with orange, red, or white flowers, should also not be overlooked. This plant is particularly hardy and can withstand late frosts without major damage. Ornamental quinces, also known as false quinces or Japanese quinces, are deciduous ornamental shrubs that impress in spring with their lush blossoms in bright colors, often varying from orange to red. Their woody branches are often covered with thorns, and after flowering, they produce hard, quince-like fruits that can be used in the kitchen for jellies or compotes. Ornamental quinces are easy to care for, resistant to cold and disease, and are ideal for ornamental hedges and as a bee pasture due to the nectar provided by their flowers.

Among the early-blooming bulbous plants, the delicate snowdrops (Galanthus) deserve the title of first harbingers of spring. As soon as the snow has melted, they show their white, delicate flower heads, which are able to withstand the cold. Snowdrops are one of the first bulbous plants to produce their delicate, bell-like white flowers in late winter to early spring, often through the snow that is still on the ground. (Snowdrop coloring page) The characteristic flowers usually hang nodding on short stems and have three outer, larger petals and three inner, smaller petals, which are usually marked with green or sometimes yellow markings. They are undemanding plants that can spread over lawns and under deciduous trees over time, bringing a touch of life and color to the winter garden in the early part of the year.

Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are one of the first flowering plants to appear in late winter to very early spring. They belong to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and are characterized by bright yellow flowers surrounded by a wreath of green bracts. Winter aconites often bloom as early as February, sometimes even when the snow is melting, heralding one of the first signs of the approaching spring.

Soon after, crocuses follow with their wide range of colors, transforming the still sparse floral landscape into a colorful sea of flowers. Crocuses are popular spring-flowering bulbous plants that are characterized by their cup-shaped flowers in a variety of colors such as purple, yellow, white, and striped patterns. They are among the first flowers of the year, often peeking through the melting snow and thus providing a colorful sign of the beginning of spring. Crocuses are easy to care for and reproduce themselves over time through daughter bulbs, making them ideal plants for naturalizing in gardens and lawns.

The blue star (Scilla) is a genus of plants within the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) that is known for its bright blue, star-shaped spring flowers. The genus includes many species, including the well-known two-leaved squill (Scilla bifolia) and Siberian squill (Scilla siberica). Squills usually bloom in early spring, often as early as March or April, depending on the climate and location.

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) and tulips (Tulipa) herald the next act of spring with their vibrant colors and robust flowers, while daffodils (Narcissus) and daffodils (a type of narcissus) with their characteristic trumpet-shaped flowers not only symbolize Easter, but also serve as cheerful splashes of color in flower beds and meadows.

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) are popular spring flowers known for their dense clusters of flowers, which can come in a variety of bright colors, including blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. They exude a strong, sweet fragrance that enriches many gardens in the spring and is often used in perfumes and fragrance products. As bulb plants, hyacinths are relatively easy to care for and are particularly well suited for planting in beds, spring flower beds, or as decorative flowers in pots and tubs.

Tulips (Tulipa) are among the most diverse flower species and offer a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, from cup-shaped to double, fringed, and parrot-like varieties. They bloom in spring and can be arranged individually or in impressive mass plantings, making them suitable for formal garden beds, informal natural gardens, and also as cut flowers for interiors. By selecting different tulip species and varieties, the flowering period can also be extended from early spring to late spring, making tulips an extremely adaptable choice for garden lovers.

Tulip coloring pages

Daffodils (Narcissus) are a genus of spring-flowering plants that includes a wide range of varieties and are known for their characteristic flowers with a central trumpet or crown surrounded by six petals. These plants, some of which are fragrant and bloom in colors ranging from creamy white to intense shades of yellow, can be found in many gardens and parks and are often associated with the beginning of spring. Daffodils are a special group of narcissi that are characterized by particularly large, striking yellow flowers and often bloom around Easter, which gives them their name.

Digression: Are daffodils and narcissi the same plants?

Although all daffodils are narcissi, not all narcissi are daffodils; the term "daffodil" is usually used for the large-flowered yellow varieties, while "narcissi" encompasses the entire genus with its variety of sizes, shapes, and color combinations. A key difference is that some daffodil varieties can have multi-flowered stems or come in various color combinations of white, orange, and pink, whereas the classic daffodil is usually a large-flowered, single-colored yellow representative of the genus.

Pasque flowers (Pulsatilla) bloom in spring, usually from March to April, and are among the early bloomers in the gardening season. The pasque flower is a perennial plant, famous for its striking bell- or cup-shaped flowers, which can vary in color from deep purple and blue to red and white. Another characteristic feature of this plant species is the dense, fine, velvety hair on the stems and the back of the petals, which gives it a soft appearance. After flowering, the pasque flower develops distinctive, feathery seed heads, which have a decorative effect in the garden and are often used in dried flower arrangements.

Why is this flowering thing so important?

The variety of early-blooming plants not only enriches your own garden with visual appeal and fragrant experiences, but also offers important ecological benefits.

After winter, bees and other insects urgently need food, which is abundantly provided by various flowering plants. A garden that has a range of flowering plants from early spring onwards therefore contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and supports the local ecosystem.

In addition, a garden planted with a variety of plants strengthens our own connection to nature and promotes well-being through the beauty and vitality it radiates.

Poisonous plants as a source of danger in the home and garden

They are often beautiful and adorn our homes and gardens—poisonous plants, shrubs, and berries. Mostly harmless to animals, but often life-threatening to humans.

Poisonous plants as a source of danger in the home and garden

According to studies, poisoning accidents caused by plants and berries rank third. This alarming fact should alert parents and encourage them to learn more about poisonous plants before a tragic accident occurs.

Poisonous plants as a danger, especially for children — White Christmas rose – poisonous plants pose a particular danger to children

Since children are naturally curious and like to touch and put everything that is new and tempting to them in their mouths, it is extremely important for parents to always know where their child is and what they are putting in their mouths.

Particularly in freely accessible green spaces such as playgrounds and parks, where children like to spend time, dangers often lurk in the bushes. Parents should not leave their children unattended here and should ideally take a closer look at the surroundings themselves beforehand and explain the relevant plants to their children.

Basically, almost all plants in the home and garden are not suitable for consumption.

Not all plants cause severe poisoning, but even small amounts are enough to cause vomiting and diarrhea. Some plants also contain toxins that can have unpleasant effects on the skin just by touching them and can cause minor burns, for example.

In the worst case, however, some plant toxins can lead to death, as children's bodies in particular do not yet have sufficient defense mechanisms to break down or excrete the toxin in time.

To avoid this, parents should refrain from keeping any potentially poisonous ornamental plants and shrubs in their homes for the sake of their children.

Research on the Internet or books on specifications

If parents are unsure which garden plants or potted plants in their own environment could cause harm, they should purchase a guidebook from a bookstore. Alternatively, they can research online and use pictures and descriptions to go through their own plants and immediately remove any poisonous ones.

Anyone planning their own garden should avoid all plants and shrubs that are on the list of poisonous plants from the outset.

Involve children in gardening

It can also be helpful to do gardening together with your children, provided they are old enough and can understand the reasons behind it. This allows parents to explain the dangers to their children directly and show them the plants in question. This also strengthens children's confidence and gives them a different awareness of nature and plants.

Guidebooks provide detailed descriptions of typical poisonous plants and their potential effects, accompanied by pictures. These books are often available in child-friendly editions that help children understand in a playful way that many of the colorful and tempting-looking fruits and flowers are reserved for the animal world.

Educating children at an early age can prevent many accidents caused by poisoning and save lives. Children should be able to discover the world without fear, but they should also learn that there can be dangers lurking in the unknown.

Conclusion: what needs to be done

If you have young children or are planning to have children, you should definitely familiarize yourself with poisonous plants, side effects, and proper first aid measures in advance so that you can act correctly in the worst-case scenario. If your child accidentally ingests something poisonous, treatment by a doctor is essential. The most important thing is to always have the number of the poison control center with you. In this case, it is also helpful to know which plant the child has ingested, as this will enable parents to take the right measures on the spot before an ambulance arrives.

Photos of selected poisonous plants

Please note that we can only present a small selection of poisonous plants that are particularly dangerous for children.

Please also note that you should ALWAYS consult several sources when identifying a plant, as the appearance of plants can vary.

Clicking on a photo opens the photo gallery:

Herbal plants in the home and garden — holly

Poisonous plants in the home and garden — daphne

Poisonous plants in the home and gardenPoisonous plants in the home and garden — Henbane / Christmas rose

Do you have any questions, suggestions, or criticism? Are you looking for a drawing based on your photo? Feel free to contact us.

Is your garden bee-friendly or not?

Bee-friendly plants are plant species that make a significant contribution to the nutrition of bees and other pollinating insects. These plants provide pollen and nectar, thereby promoting biodiversity and the survival of bee populations.

Bee-friendly – What should I look for in flowers?

Another important aspect of bee-friendly plants is their effect on the environment.

Flowers and blossoms—but bee-friendly, please — Flowers and blossoms – but bee-friendly, please – © Dan Race / Adobe Stock

By attracting bees and other pollinating insects, they contribute to the pollination of flowering plants, which in turn supports biodiversity and the survival of ecosystems. Bee-friendly plants therefore play a crucial role in preserving natural habitats and thus contribute to protecting the environment.

Open vs. closed flowers

A decisive criterion for the suitability of a plant as bee-friendly is the type of its flowers. Open-flowered plants, such as daisies and lavender, have easily accessible pollen and nectar. Bees can fly to these plants effortlessly, which facilitates the pollination process.

In contrast, there are plants with closed flowers. Many species of roses are a classic example of plants with closed flowers. These offer insects limited or no access to their nectar sources.

Closed flowers are often double and have numerous petals that block access to the inside of the flower. It is therefore particularly important to choose plants for your garden that have open flowers, to make it easier for bees and other pollinating insects to access pollen and nectar.

Bee coloring pages

Why closed flowers are unfriendly to insects

Closed flowers are insect-unfriendly because they severely restrict access to nectar and pollen. Bees and other pollinators have to expend a lot of energy to reach the food source—if they succeed at all. This reduces the efficiency of their foraging and can have a negative impact on insect welfare.

Despite their insect-unfriendly structure, closed flowers serve a specific purpose when cleverly integrated. They offer increased protection from environmental influences such as rain or strong winds and prevent pollen loss.

By deliberately attracting bees to other areas of the garden, closed flowers can ultimately make an indirect contribution to pollination. Even if they are not easily accessible themselves, they can help bees pollinate the surrounding open flowers and thus contribute to the reproduction of the plants.

However, open flowers in the garden should be preferred, because bees have to fly often and far to produce honey, so there is no need to make the journey even longer for these hard-working helpers.

Promoting bee-friendly plants in gardens is essential for supporting pollinators and preserving biodiversity. Open-flowered plants are particularly important in this regard, as they provide bees and other insects with easy access to nectar and pollen.

Closed flowers may be aesthetically pleasing and offer advantages in plant breeding, but they are not conducive to insects and their pollination activities. A well-designed garden should therefore include a variety of open-flowered plants to ensure sustainable support for bee populations.

Robotic lawn mowers—green helpers or sneaky enemies?

Have you been thinking about buying a robotic lawn mower for a while? But are you afraid that it will do more harm than good and can't quite make up your mind? Then it's time to learn more about robotic lawn mowers. Find out whether they are your green helper or a sneaky enemy!

What are robotic lawn mowers?

Robotic lawn mowers are autonomous robots that mow the lawn independently. They are equipped with sensors and cameras to detect and avoid obstacles. Most models can also be programmed to work at specific times or to give residents some peace and quiet and avoid certain areas of the lawn at certain times. Because the garden is there for us and the lawn robot mows for us.

Robotic lawn mowers have the advantage of mowing the lawn evenly and finely cutting the grass, which results in a healthier lawn because the cut grass remains on the lawn and acts as green fertilizer. They also save time and effort, as you don't have to mow the lawn yourself.

However, there are also some disadvantages, such as the high purchase price and the fact that the robot does not always work perfectly and sometimes needs to be adjusted. For example, a wire must be laid around the lawn area to be mowed in advance so that the mower does not simply run away or flatten the flower beds. Or sink itself into the garden pond. That would not be funny.

Furthermore, at the outset, you need to think carefully about where the lawn mower will "live" in the garden, i.e., where the charging station should be located, where the lawn mower will be stored when not in use and when charging. And then you need to get power there somehow. Too many corners and tight turns are also not conducive to a comprehensive mowing experience. As you can clearly see in the photo above.

Overall, robotic lawn mowers are a practical and time-saving solution for lawn care in the long term, but it is worth weighing up the pros and cons before deciding to buy one.

How does a robotic lawn mower work?

It's actually quite simple: the robot drives autonomously across the lawn and mows it as it goes. It is equipped with blades that cut the grass to the desired length. The robot drives across the lawn in an uneven pattern to ensure that it doesn't miss any spots and at the same time doesn't leave deep wheel tracks if it always took the same route.

This pattern is determined by the robot's sensors, which scan the lawn and its condition. In addition, the "thing" follows a specific algorithm with which it occasionally changes direction more or less randomly.

To recharge the battery, the robot automatically returns to the charging station. Almost all models can even be controlled via an app, allowing you to start or stop the robot from anywhere.

What are the advantages of a robotic lawn mower?

A robotic lawn mower can offer you many advantages. First, you save time and effort because you no longer have to mow the lawn yourself. The robot does this job fully automatically, leaving you free to do other things. Secondly, the robotic lawn mower ensures that your lawn always looks well-maintained. Regular mowing makes the lawn denser and more even. In addition, the clippings are mulched directly and used as fertilizer, which benefits your lawn.

Another advantage is that the robotic lawn mower is usually very quiet thanks to its electric motor, meaning it doesn't cause any really annoying noise, which is a nice change compared to conventional petrol-powered lawn mowers. The robot is also a good choice for the environment in terms of emissions, as it is battery-powered and therefore produces no exhaust fumes. All in all, a robotic lawn mower offers many advantages and can make your life easier.

But can a robotic lawn mower also cause damage?

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. If the robot is not set up or maintained correctly, it can cause damage to plants, animals, or even people. For example, the robot may run over flowers or shrubs and damage them. Animals such as hedgehogs or birds can also get caught in the robotic lawn mower and be injured.

That's why it's important to do your research before buying a robotic lawn mower and to follow the operating instructions. This will ensure that your green helper doesn't become a sneaky enemy. For example, you should always send the lawn mower back to its home base to recharge at dusk. Some devices use AI and can recognize animals, so please make sure you find out exactly how they work in advance.

The conclusion is clear: robotic lawn mowers can either be your green helper or a sneaky enemy. It depends on how you use and maintain them.

Scarifying your lawn – why go to all that trouble?

Gardening is one of the best ways to enjoy and preserve nature. An important task is scarifying the lawn to maintain fresh and healthy grass.

What does scarifying a lawn actually mean?

Many people have probably heard of lawn scarifying, but does everyone know exactly what it means? Scarifying involves using a special device, a scarifier, to cut into the lawn lengthwise and crosswise, removing moss, weeds, and dead grass blades. This improves aeration and stimulates the growth of new grass blades.

Why scarify your lawn? — Why scarify the lawn?

The result: a healthier and denser lawn. But be careful: scarifying should only be done in spring or fall when the lawn has sufficient moisture and is not too dry. And don't do it too often, as frequent scarifying can damage the lawn.

When should you scarify a lawn?

The answer is simple: in spring and fall! In spring, the lawn should be scarified when temperatures are consistently above 10 degrees Celsius and the ground is no longer frozen. At this point, the lawn has already begun its growth phase and needs sufficient oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy.

In fall, the lawn should be scarified before winter to remove dead plant debris and moss and aerate the soil. This allows the lawn to overwinter better and grow vigorously again in spring. Make sure that the soil is not too wet, as this can damage the lawn. With the right timing and technique, your lawn will look healthy and vigorous again after scarifying.

What are the advantages of scarifying a lawn?

Why is lawn scarifying so important? Well, for one thing, it removes dead grass, moss, and weeds that can suffocate the lawn and inhibit growth. For another, scarifying opens up the soil surface and allows for better air and water permeability. This allows the lawn's roots to grow better and absorb nutrients.

Another advantage is that scarifying makes the lawn denser and greener, as it promotes the growth of new blades of grass. It also reduces the formation of thatch, which is made up of dead plant debris and can suffocate the lawn. In summary, scarifying ensures a healthier and more attractive lawn that is more resistant to diseases and pests.

How do you scarify grass correctly?

When it comes to scarifying your lawn, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure you do it correctly. First of all, you should make sure you choose the right time. Ideally, you should scarify your lawn in spring or fall when the grass is actively recovering. If you scarify at any other time, the grass could become stressed and have difficulty recovering.

You should also ensure that you select the correct setting for your scarifier. If you go too deep, you could damage the lawn, but if you don't go deep enough, you may not remove enough weeds and moss. By following these tips, you will ensure that you scarify your lawn correctly and achieve a perfect garden!

What utensils are needed?

To scarify your lawn perfectly, you will need a few tools. First of all, you will need a scarifier. These are available in electric and manual models. If you have a small garden, a manual scarifier will suffice. However, for larger areas, you should opt for an electric model. You will also need a rake to collect the dead grass and moss. A shovel or leaf blower can also be helpful for removing the fallen material. If you want to spread seeds on your lawn after scarifying, you should also have a spreader handy. With these tools, you are well equipped to scarify your lawn perfectly and get it back into shape.

Tips and tricks for scarifying your lawn

Before you start scarifying your lawn, you should make sure that the ground is not too wet. Soil that is too damp can damage the scarifier and the results will not be optimal. It is also advisable to mow the lawn before scarifying to ensure that the grass is all the same length. When scarifying, you should take care not to cut too deep into the ground, as this can damage the roots of the grass. A good guideline is a cutting depth of about 3 mm.

After scarifying, you should fertilize and water the lawn to give it the nutrients and moisture it needs. With these tips and tricks, your lawn will look healthy and strong again after scarifying.

Ideally, scarifying your lawn will not only give you a perfect lawn, but also promote plant growth and prevent pests. So what are you waiting for? Grab your scarifier and get started!

We hope you enjoy gardening and have a successful gardening season!

Gardening tips for a beautiful garden

Especially in summer, every gardening enthusiast wants to have a beautiful garden. But how can you best grow and nurture your garden? A few gardening tips can help.

Gardening tips – how to make your garden grow and flourish

The right location is very important for a plant. Healthy growth is only possible if the location requirements are met. Some plants need a sunny spot, while others need a semi-shaded location. The soil is also important; for example, some plants tolerate calcareous soil better, while others tolerate acidic soil best.

Right time to plant

For bare-root trees and shrubs, autumn planting in October or November is best. By spring, they will be well rooted and growing vigorously. Plants that are somewhat sensitive to frost should be planted in spring. This way, they will survive the first winter better than if they are planted shortly before the onset of winter. It is important to note that temperatures should not fall below freezing at night. Larger trees should also be planted in spring so that they are not exposed to autumn and winter storms.

Plants need attention

Caring for plants incorrectly usually involves neglecting them for too long or too severely. This encourages diseases and pests, which can probably be avoided or even combated by paying more attention to the plants.

When watering, uniform moisture is ideal. It is important to remember that "less is more." Most plants cannot tolerate too much water, with the exception of special aquatic plants and marsh plants. They should only be watered when the top layer of soil is dry. Water in the saucer should be avoided. What many people do not know is that plants tolerate dryness better than wetness. Wilted leaves can recover more quickly than rotten roots. However, you should not let the plants dry out completely. Room-temperature, stale water or rainwater is best for watering.

Chemical fertilizers should not be used on garden plants; instead, it is better to use homemade compost. In spring, you can also rake a thin layer of compost into the raked beds. Regular pruning of branches is very important for the growth of trees and shrubs. There is a rule of thumb: "Early bloomers immediately after flowering, late bloomers in spring." If you are in doubt or if it is a borderline case, do not cut or prune the plants, but only thin them out moderately. This way, you can avoid pruning and the flowers will not fall off.

If you follow all the gardening tips, you will have a garden that grows and thrives well and brings you much joy.

Watering the garden correctly

In order for plants to grow and thrive in the garden, they must be watered properly.

The right time to water

Many garden owners do not water their plants after a rain shower. However, many plants need significantly more water than just rainwater. You do not need to water your plants every day, but when you do, you need to water them thoroughly. On hot days, the soil is so dry that the water drains away quickly and cannot soak into the ground.

For this reason, it is better to water thoroughly once than to water too little several times. With the right amount of water, the plants will form deep and strong roots. The right time of day is also an important factor when it comes to watering. The early morning hours are best. The lower sun rays cause less water to evaporate and more to be absorbed into the soil. In addition, the mild morning sun allows the plants to dry off after watering. If you water later in the day, the drops on the leaves can cause burns on the flowers.

You don't have to get up extra early to water the garden. For late risers, there is an irrigation computer. With it, you can not only set the right time, but also the length of watering. Alternatively, you can also water in the evening.

If you are unable to assess whether the soil needs water, a rain gauge can help. It allows you to see how much water is reaching the soil. Ten to 20 liters per square meter is ideal. You can also do a spade test. Stick the spade deep into the soil and check the moisture level. If the soil is moist throughout its entire depth, you do not need to water it.

How to water?

When you water plants with a garden hose, the water usually only reaches the surface. It is better to use a watering can, which has a thicker and softer spray. Two watering cans per square meter are ideal. Rainwater is best for watering, as tap water is often too cold. You can easily collect rainwater with a rain barrel. If you do have to use tap water, let it stand for a day.

The lawn also needs water

The lawn is also part of the garden and should not be forgotten when watering. If you want your lawn to stay green throughout the summer, you need to water it thoroughly. The lawn will only remain healthy if the roots are also sufficiently moist. It is best to water the lawn after a rain shower, as the topsoil is already moist and the water can therefore penetrate deeper layers more easily.

If you water your lawn and flowers properly and regularly, you will have a beautiful, green garden.

A large garden for little money

A beautiful garden does not necessarily have to be expensive. With good ideas, you can have a beautiful garden for little money.

Save costs

There are many corners in the garden. A paved area in particular is not cheap. For this reason, you should carefully consider whether you need a completely paved area. Alternatives would be water-permeable surfaces made of gravel or grit, which are considerably cheaper. This will be completely sufficient if you do not drive your car on the surface.

To do this, remove 10 cm of soil and compact it with a vibrating plate. Then lay down a plastic fleece and pour the gravel on top. The fleece prevents the gravel from mixing with the subsoil, but is also water-permeable.

For garden paths that are not used frequently, you can also use bark mulch or wood chips. These need to be replenished every year as they rot over time. Edging for flower beds and paths keeps everything looking neat and tidy.

Hedge and fence

Unlike ready-made hedge plants, a hedge made from red beech or hornbeam seeds takes a few years longer to reach the right size. Of course, seeds or small shrubs are much cheaper than large, fully grown plants. In addition, seedlings often grow more reliably than larger plants. You should prune the plant back vigorously as soon as you plant it so that it will branch out well.

Instead of an expensive fence, you can choose a chestnut fence. These consist of untreated chestnut sticks held together with two to three horizontal galvanized metal wires. The fence is inexpensive, durable, and has a rustic style. This fence is particularly well suited to a country house garden.

Be patient

Propagating plants is a great way to save money. When designing your flower beds, you should space the plants generously. After just a few years, you can divide almost any perennial and grow new offshoots. Plants such as hostas, delphiniums, and other noble perennials are quite expensive.

Most species need to be divided regularly, so ask your friends if you can get some. Privet hedges and flowering shrubs such as currants and scented jasmine are available for free. They are easy to grow from cuttings. In spring, simply cut off pencil-length shoots and stick them in the ground.

Even with simple means and little money, you can have a beautiful garden.

Romantic garden

There is nothing better than sitting in the romantic garden and relaxing after a hard day.

Create a romantic atmosphere

In a romantic garden, straight lines, shapes, and symmetrical beds are avoided. The focus is on dreaminess, delicacy, and lightness. The garden features lovingly arranged decorative elements. There should be no bare earth between the plants, as this is distracting. The beds must be lushly filled with plants. The beautiful plants, together with a winding path, create a dreamlike image. The romantic garden is more wild than styled, yet, or perhaps because of this, it needs a lot of care. Not everything has to be polished to a high shine. On the contrary, such a garden can also bear the signs of time.

Real flowers

The choice of flowers is very important for a romantic garden, as it has a big impact on the atmosphere. Avoid bright colors and use delicate, pastel-colored flowers instead. It doesn't matter which plants you choose, as long as they are very lush. Flowers in shades of violet, blue, white, and pink create a warm atmosphere. In addition to roses, other fragrant plants and herbs also belong in a romantic garden. The plants can grow wildly next to each other. You can also use bellflowers, peonies, catnip, hydrangeas, and delphiniums, as well as nostalgic flowers such as starwort and columbine. Fine grasses that move in the wind provide the perfect foundation for the garden and create a harmonious atmosphere.

shadow play

In romantic gardens, harsh lighting is avoided in favor of playing with shadows. You will find shifting patches of light and shadow under deciduous trees, leafy walkways, or pergolas covered in vines. The interplay of light and shadow creates a breathtaking backdrop. Dramatic effects are created and contours become blurred. For a brief moment, the sun's rays give the illusion of sitting in a forest clearing. In addition, trees with drooping crowns and pergolas with overhanging vines offer a place of retreat and convey a holiday feeling.

Additional furnishings

A romantic garden absolutely needs a place of retreat. A hidden corner with a seating area, arbors, or pavilions are welcome additions to the garden. With the scent of roses, night violets, lavender, and the sound of water splashing in the background, it becomes a very special place. Sculptures and columns are also popular elements.

Arches and trellises covered in clematis, wild vines, knotweed, or climbing roses are perfect. Lanterns, fences, and wrought-iron garden furniture also add to the romantic charm. Every corner offers something surprising, whether it's unusual flowers or beautiful roses. Romantic gardens enchant with their playfulness and lushness.

Fragrant plants – nature's perfume in your own garden

With their intense fragrance, scented plants are an important element of garden design. The scent of flowers, herbs, and even fruits make a garden something very special.

What are fragrant plants?

All plants have some kind of scent, but fragrant plants have a particularly aromatic, pleasant scent with a high scent intensity and range. The scents of fragrant plants are often perceived subconsciously and have a very positive effect on the emotional perception of the person smelling them.

Fragrant plants belong to the category of medicinal plants. Medicinal herbs such as sage, thyme, and lavender are a must in any garden. However, fragrant plants can also contain toxic alkaloids, so you should be very selective when choosing them.

What fragrant plants are there?

There is a wide selection of fragrant plants. These include fragrant flowers, fragrant trees, fragrant hedges, fragrant herbs, fragrant shrubs, roses, and many more. Fruit bushes are also among these plants. They have an intense aroma in spring when they bloom.

Designing a lively garden — Bringing your garden to life – Christmas roses as early bloomers

Sweetgum trees and conifers, such as firs and Douglas firs, also belong to this group. Nightshade plants such as datura, belladonna, and angel's trumpet are best suited as fragrant perennials. As their name suggests, they exude a beguiling scent, especially in the evening and at night. There are even plants with a chocolate scent. Chocolate iris and chocolate komee also exude a sweet cocoa aroma in the garden.

What should you look out for when buying?

When buying, it is very important to pay attention to your personal taste and your own sense of smell. People perceive smells differently. Before you buy plants from a garden center or nursery, you should therefore carry out a thorough smell test. If this is not possible, as is the case with online purchases, you should at least read the description carefully.

Fragrant plants in winter

There are fragrant plants that are not bothered by the cold in winter. Even in the dark season, they exude an intense floral scent. A house wall or a sheltered corner is well suited for these fragrant winter bloomers, because otherwise not much of the scent will remain. The location of the fragrant plant can affect the intensity of the scent.

Winter plants usually do not bloom as profusely, but their scent is all the more intense. The ideal time for planting winter bloomers is in late fall.

The perfect flower garden not only looks beautiful, but can also exude a wonderful fragrance. For this reason, fragrant plants are a must in any garden, as they can contribute greatly to a sense of well-being.