Category: Blog

Basic Info About Brahea Armata (Mexican Blue Palm)

One of the most popular plants for landscape gardening is the Brahea Armata (Mexican Blue Palm). It is much sought after because of its highly decorative silvery, blue-green fronds which make a beautiful contrast against other greenery. There is nothing like a one of these beautiful palms for adding a tropical touch to a garden.

This plant is native to Baja California and the Sonora Desert in Mexico which makes it well able to withstand extremes in drought and sudden temperature drops. Because it grows slowly, it stays in proportion to other plants as well as nearby buildings. It is often chosen by landscape artists for gardens as well as public areas because of its luxuriant foliage and attractive flower clusters.

Because of its Mediterranean climate, California became a focal point for gardening experts in the late nineteenth century. Horticulturists began importing many exotic plants from Mexico and South America in order to see what kind of plants would grow well there. This was not only for the purpose of landscape gardening but also for food production.

Some plants did better than others due to the temperature extremes that are common in California. The temperature extremes made it possible to come up with a scale of measurement that shows which plants would survive best under temperatures extremes as well as their drought capacity. This made it possible to know which plants could be shipped to many parts of the United States as well as worldwide.

Another popular gardening choice is the Butia Capitata (Jelly Palm), also native to Mexico and Baja California. Often recommended as a container plant, it grows slowly with beautiful blue green fronds. It desert plant is also hardy and can withstand temperature extremes. It produces very sweet fruit that makes delicious jelly. Healthy trees have been known to produce 100 pounds of fruit yearly.

The Butia Yatai (Jelly Palm) is another hardy plant and can withstand temperature drops as low as -10 degrees Centigrade. It is one of the most beautiful feather fronds palms and is easy to maintain. Native to South America, it produces sweet-tasting fruit which tastes a bit like pineapple. As it can grow up to eight meters in height, it is probably best planted in soil rather than a pot.

Although they can grow in a wide range of temperatures, these desert plants thrive when exposed to a couple of hours of direct sunlight every day. They can be watered once a week or more frequently as long as the potting soil is kept moist. Indoor plants can become spotted or yellowed from too high salt or mineral content in tap water. So it is best to use filtered water for watering them. Boiled water that has been cooled down can also be used.

Brahea Armata (Mexican Blue Palm) is one of the best plants for adding a tropical touch to any garden. Its beautiful silvery green fronds make it an attractive contrast to other garden foliage. This popular desert plant is extremely hardy and can withstand temperature drops. Not only is it beautiful but it also makes a very practical plant selection.

Pineapple Guava for Sale

Pineapple Guava

What makes the Pineapple Guva a good purchase?

What is the pineapple guava?

One of our most common fruit trees is the Pineapple Guava plant also known as the Feijoa Sellowiana or Acca sellowiana.

As a small, perennial, evergreen, fruit bearing plant, the Pineapple Guava is grown for it’s delicious guava fruit.

The guava has many uses including smoothies, yogurt, fruit drinks, jam, ice cream, cider and even vodka!

Due to it’s size and slow growth the pineapple guava is considered an easy plant to grow, making it an ideal present.

How do I find out more?

View our Pineapple Guava product page for more information.

Jargon Guide

Jargon Guide

STANDARD
These are trees with a clear stem of at least 180-220cm and a head of a further 150/200cm.They are usually measured and listed by their trunk GIRTH; however, the height is roughly consistent throughout the girth options.

HALF STANDARD
These are smaller trees with a clear stem of at least 80-120cm. They are usually measured and listed by the DIAMETER of their crown. Other plants such as topiary balls may also be listed by their diameter.

MINI/QUARTER STANDARD
These are miniature standard trees that have clear stems of approximately 60-80cm.

HEIGHT
Where a height approximation is listed (e.g. 150/200cm), the plant is usually a shrub, or in bush form.

CLT.
Container Litres. This is the POT SIZE. Pots are measured in LITRES (often abbreviated to ‘Clt.’) but a rough guide of their diameter is as follows:

Clt. 3 = 16cm

Clt. 5 = 20cm

Clt. 7 22cm

Clt. 10 = 24cm

Clt. 12 = 26cm

Clt. 15 = 28cm

Clt. 18 = 30cm

Clt. 25 = 33cm

Clt. 30 = 40cm

Clt. 35 = 45cm

Clt. 50 = 50cm

Clt. 75 = 55cm

Clt. 100 = 60cm

All sizes are in CENTIMETRES unless otherwise stated.

If you have any further questions try our frequently asked questions page

English Yew For Sale

Why is the English Yew so popular?

The Taxus Baccata also known as the English Yew and sometimes known as the European Yew is a conifer.

Why is the English Yew so popular?

It’s a slow growing evergreen tree. Most parts of the tree are toxic.

What forms of English Yew does Plants & Trees Online offer?

Here at Garden Plants Online we sell the taxus baccata in many forms, we have our most popular taxus baccata:

Bonsai Tree Care – Part 1

In the first part of our week-long series on Bonsai Care we start with an introduction to Bonsai trees:

INTRODUCTION

The Japanese word ‘bonsai’ literally means ‘tree in a pot’. For many hundreds of years bonsai have been cultivated by both the Chinese and the Japanese and are considered to bring harmony and nature to the home. More recently bonsai trees have become much more popular throughout Europe as Westerners discover the delights and rewards of this fascinating hobby.

Bonsai can be categorised as follows:

Tropical or subtropical trees, which benefit from being kept warm throughout the year. Minimum recommended temperature is around 10 celsius. These can be kept indoors all year (though will benefit from being placed outside for periods during the summer) in a window position with natural light (avoid full summer sun as this will scorch the tree) and keep in mind that your bonsai should not be trapped behind curtains during winter nights.

Subtropical or temperate trees that are reasonably hardy but still require protection from frost. These can be kept indoors or outdoors but must be protected from frost during winter. As above, they will benefit from being placed outside in summer and, when kept indoors a cool, light position is best.

Hardy outdoor trees that must be kept outside all year, except during the worst winter freezes. They are then best kept in a cold greenhouse or porch. It is recommended that these trees are displayed indoors for short periods only.

Tomorrow: Bonsai Care Basics

 

FAQ

FAQ

What is ‘pot size’?

Pots are measured in litres and are an indication of the plant’s size. 

Can you offer gardening advice?

Unfortunately, we can’t. Suggestions as to the suitability of any particular plant type or species for any purpose or location are general indications only. It is the buyers responsibility to check that the intended location and prevailing weather conditions are suitable for a particular plant before placing an order. We have however tried to include as many helpful details on each product page, such as facts and care guidelines, and our Links page will take you to some useful sites.

Do you provide photographs?

For larger specimen plants, we can usually supply a photograph but, unfortunately, we are unable to take and provide photographs for all orders or we’d have no time to care for the plants!

Can I choose a particular plant if there are several available?

If an item is in stock, customers are more than welcome to visit our nursery by appointment and choose which exact plant/tree they want but for online orders you’ll have to trust us that all the plants of the same variety are as uniform as possible.

Can you get me plants that aren’t on the website?

We can usually source varieties that aren’t featured online give us a try!

Which are indoor plants?

With the exception of the conifers and other trees, most can be grown indoors if you feel you have the space and suitable conditions.

Where do these plants come from?

Our UK nursery works in partnership with an Italian nursery, based in Pistoia.

Are these plants suitable for growth in the UK?

All plants on the website are suited to a UK climate.

Do you sell gardening equipment?

We now sell bonsai care kits. Keep an eye open for other gardening equipment.

Can I open a business account?

We work with numerous garden centres and landscape designers so get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do for you!

Where are you based?

Our nursery is in Guildford, Surrey.

Can we visit the nursery?

Of course! However, visitation is by appointment only so get in touch and we’ll book you in.

Can you position the tree for me when it arrives?

The courier service and our own drivers are obliged to deliver to your door only.

Can you give me a more precise size?

Sometimes, if an item is in stock, we will be able to measure it and give more specific dimensions, although this will delay your order and not necessarily reserve the plant, but if the item is out of stock, we can usually only supply these approximations, as plants are living, growing things!

Why does my ‘Order Status’ show ‘Credit Card Awaiting Validation’?

This just means that the payment hasn’t been processed yet.

Can I return the plant if I don’t like it?

Of course. You have up to 7 days to return it. We will then issue a credit note, minus the intitial delivery cost.

What if the plant is damaged?

Our plants are packaged securely so this is rare but, for our records and stock control, we will always ask you to kindly take a photograph to send to us via email within 7 working days. Then we can arrange a replacement for you.

Why does MCG Timber show up on my bank statement?

Not to worry, MCG Timber is our parent company.

DELIVERY

How long does delivery take?

Items usually take between 3/5 days, unless they are out of stock, in which case we advise you to expect delivery in up to 20 working days, though it is not normally this long.

How do you deliver?

We use a courier service for anything under 150cm in height and our own vans for larger plants.

Why does the website say I’ll get a quote for delivery and can I still order online?

Of course, no problem. If you’ve ordered a plant that is too large for our usual courier service then we use our own vans. For these private deliveries, we will calculate a price based upon your postcode. You can still finalise the order online and within a day or two a Sales Representative will contact you via email with a price for delivery. Don’t worry, no payment is taken before we receive confirmation from you that you’d like to go ahead with the order. Only once everything is confirmed do we take payments and begin arrangements for delivery. Private delivery charges do not show up on your online invoice but they will be confirmed in an email from a Sales Representative.

Can you deliver on an exact date?

For larger items and bulk orders we can usually arrange a date for delivery that is most convenient for you. For smaller items and orders, we try to give as precise a delivery date as possible but this is only an approximation and we cannot 100% guarantee your plants will be delivered on the advised day.

Can the driver call me before he delivers?

For private, quoted deliveries we can request the driver to let you know when he is nearby but we cannot guarantee that the courier service will do the same.

Do I have to sign for my deliveries?

Even with your permission for an item to be left unattended, a signature is usually required, although we can request otherwise. Our private drivers can leave plants without a signature should this be more convenient for you.

Do you deliver on weekends?

Not usually, though sometimes this will be arranged for the private deliveries.

If your questions are still unanswered, try our Contact page.

The Main Facts Regarding Vitis Vinifera (Grape Tree)

Vitis vinifera (Grape tree), also known as grapevine, is native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe and some parts of Asia. The plant has grown in these parts of the world for over 65 million years. It is classified in the order Vitales and family Vitaceae, the only one found in this order.

Over time, the tree has been spread to many other parts of the world. It can grow in virtually any part other than the Antarctic region. It earns many countries huge economic benefits. The main products for which it is grown include wine, raisin and table berries. Wine production has taken place for as many as 7000 years in some places.

The vines grow to a height of about 35 meters. They give rise to berries whose size vary depending on whether the plants are cultivated or are wild. Wild berries are smaller and measure just about 6mm in diameter compared to the cultivated ones that average 3 cm. A ripe berry may be green, darkish purple or red. Humid conditions and a good water supply are necessary for good yields.

In ancient times, grape trees were used both as medicine and for nutrition. Their sap was believed to cure several eye and skin conditions. The leaves were used to alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions. Originally, it is the wild varieties that were used but with the onset of the agrarian revolution farmers took up cultivation of the trees. Wine making is a practice that took place throughout ancient Greece. In Egypt wine was mainly drank by Pharaohs, their guests and the priests.

Farmers may choose to either grow the plants from their own roots or they may graft them on old plants. The former option is often preferred as the latter has no known benefits. In fact on some occasions, old roots may have been destroyed by low winter temperatures. Cuttings are collected after pruning and induced to start growing. This is done in the seasons of late winter and early spring.

Cuttings of about 0.8 cm are cut into smaller bud sections (3-6). They are put in bunches and covered with damp, well-drained soil. They stay there till summer when they can be removed and planted. One should ensure that they are well callused and have formed roots. Rooted vines that can be planted immediately are available commercially.

A distance of about 7 feet is required between one cutting and the next. Buds need to be protected from direct sunlight in the early period. Fertilizer is not a requirement during plant. Later, it is applied depending on the nutritional requirements. Pruning is avoided in the growing season as fruit is produced and done in the next dormant season.

The Vitis vinifera (Grape tree) is a plant that grows perennially. Harvest time is variable and depends on what the fruit is to be used for. The fruits that are harvested earliest are those that are to be used for jelly. This helps avoid sugar crystals that are formed as the fruit matures. These crystals usually cloud the product. Table berries are best harvested when their color and taste are at their peak. If the berries are intended for making juice, then it is important that they fully mature.??

How to Plant a Tree

A few simple steps can be taken to ensure that your newly planted tree will thrive and give you years of pleasure.

In general there are two ways of buying trees bare root and container, since all of the trees for sale on Garden Plants Online are of the container type we can leave bare root alone for now.

The first thing you are going to need to do is not dig the hole but to give your new tree a really good drink. Fill the container to the top allow the water to soak through and repeat.

Now you can start doing the fun bit, digging the hole! You should aim to have your hole one and half times bigger than the tree container, The first layer of soil that you are digging through is top soil and this is the good stuff. Place the top soil on one side. Then you will hit a tougher rougher looking soil this is called sub soil, place this on another side of your hole.

Now that your hole is dug you need to break up the bottom of the hole to form a loose crumbly type soil.If you have some general purpose compost mix in a couple of spade loads.

Place tree and position it to show of the best features from the main viewing point.

You will now need a sturdy tree stake, take the tree stake and angle it down into the base of the hole at a 45 degree angle and drive it into the ground when finished the higher part of the stake should be quite close to the tree trunk so you may affix the tree tie.

Fill the hole with water allow to drain, then add the top soil firming around the tree as you go and finally add the top soil making sure you are firming down with your foot. The last thing to do is sprinkle half a handful of a balanced feed like grow more around the tree.

Try to keep the soil moist as the tree gets established.

Gardening jobs for April

It is now starting to warm up and the sap is beginning to rise and the garden is coming to life after an overlong winter. So lets get out there and do some gardening . Here at Garden Plants Online we have a good list of things for you to do

It’s time to knock some of those shrubs into order, if your forsythia has finished flowering you can prune this back to the shape and size you want it. You may also prune back Buddleia ( this can be cut back by a third ) also the cornus may also be pruned back. With cornus the harder they are pruned the better the stem colour next winter

Now the soil has started to warm up you can plant a host of plants ( and at www.gardenplantsonline.co.uk we have a host of plants to delight you ) including sweet peas dahlias and all shrubs.

The worst thing about this time of the year is that the weeds start growing, so if you get on top of them as they rear their ugly little heads then you will win the battle. You could to help keep down the weeds and keep in the moisture mulch your beds ( depth of mulch should be 2 )

A general clean up of all your plants, cut out the dead wood and take off the dead leaves, if you have any rose bushes prune them back and make sure they are firm. Also you can sow half hardy bedding plants.

Have a look at your lawn, and if needed give it a cut but not too low and tidy up the edges, if your’re feeling keen, give it a good going over with a lawn rake.

Look out for our lawn care tips coming soon.

Bonsai Tree Care Part 5 – Re-potting

Following on from Part 4 we cover the process of re potting your bonsai in order to keep it healthy

RE-POTTING

Periodic re-potting is required to maintain the health of your bonsai. If the roots become visible all around the root ball then it is time to re-pot. Spring is the ideal time, just before the start of the growing season.

Before commencing, select a slightly larger pot

Carefully ease the tree from its pot

Loosen the compost from the edge of the root ball (you may need to use a root hook)

Comb out the roots and trim them back by 20-25%

Cover the drainage holes of the new pot with mesh

Thread wire through the drainage holes and mesh (to secure the tree firmly in the pot)

Place the tree into its new pot using fresh compost and secure it with threaded wire.

Water well

Allow the roots to recover for one month before starting to feed.

Try The Ficus Carica Edible Fig Tree

Home gardeners – whether preferring landscaping and flowers or vegetables and fruit – should be aware of the many attractions of Ficus carica edible fig tree. Easy to grow, very decorative, suited to many different kinds of soil, and hardy to most temperate zones, figs are winners that you should not ignore when planning your garden.

Many people do not want to fool with fruit trees in their yard, because they don’t want to prune or to deal with too much fruit that attracts critters and insects when it falls and rots on the ground. Figs do not grow very tall, so there is no need to worry about having to prune them to reach the fruit – at least for many years. They also bear only a little fruit – two crops a year – and figs are so delicious that there is little chance of them being left to fall to the ground.

They do not cast a dense shade unless they are truly venerable trees growing in ideal conditions. There is little fear of them overwhelming neighboring plants, and they mature at about nineteen feet in height. Both the leaves and the bark are very decorative, and the plants are distinctive and graceful.

Figs grow best in full sun, but will thrive in partial or light shade – although fruit may not be abundant unless the tree gets enough sun. They like deep, rich soil and moist areas but grow also in dry, sandy areas and in poor, rocky soils. They are hardy in many zones, especially if planted where walls can shelter them from harsh winter winds.

One of the best features of fig trees is that deer do not eat them, even when the plants are young and tender. Figs growing along deer trails or in meadows where deer roam every evening never seem to be nibbled on. This feature alone should make them world-famous. Add in delicious (and extremely perishable) fresh figs and you have an outstanding plant for the home garden.

Propagation is easy, too, so you can start with one fig and end up with several. Cuttings root well in sand and transplant with remarkable success, as long as they are kept moist for the first two or three years. You can also root lower branches by securing them to the soil or burying a section of a branch. When roots are well established, separate the branch and move it to its new location.

Several varieties of common figs do not need to be pollinated, so you can start with one plant and see how long it takes you to want to have a lot more. Brown Turkey is one such variety, and it is also among the hardier and most productive trees. This variety is easy to find at garden centers, nurseries, and in catalogs.

The Ficus carica edible fig tree is a very rewarding plant as well as a beautiful one. One or more should really be in every garden both for delicious fruit and distinctive beauty.

Try Ficus Carica Edible Fig Tree

If you are looking for a small, decorative tree for your garden, you might consider the Ficus carica edible fig tree. It has an exotic appearance, a graceful shape, bears delicious fruit, and will not overwhelm its space or its neighbors. It is mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts and thrives in many different zones and soils.

Figs do not grow very tall, with about nineteen feet being the average. They take a few decades to reach this sort of height, and young trees bear long before they get very large or cast a dense shade. Their branches and deeply-lobed leaves are very decorative and distinctive, so they are attractive even during the first year you plant them. Large fig trees are beautiful because of the pale, smooth bark of their branches, so pruning is seldom either necessary or desirable. The natural shape of the tree is extremely graceful.

The trees will grow in light or partial shade, but full sun is best if you want abundant fruit. The figs, green or brownish purple, are delicious and come twice during the summer season. Actually what is called the fruit is really part of the stem, but whatever it is, it is memorable. Since fresh figs do not last very long after being picked, the best way to get this delicacy is to grow it in your own garden.

People who live in temperate zones can grow figs successfully outdoors. These trees – some say shrubs – like deep, rich soil but grow and bear happily in dry, sandy soils and in rocky, poor soils. They send roots deep into the ground and can find water underground, which makes them remarkably drought tolerant. From the mountains of Virginia to the sand hills of North Carolina and on south, figs have become favorite additions to family orchards and gardens.

Another fabulous thing about figs is that deer, those voracious marauders that eat almost anything (especially what you most want them to leave alone) do not like figs. People say that in times of severe drought deer will eat anything, but you can be sure that your figs will be among the last plants to go. This feature alone makes them truly valuable.

Propagation is easy if you want to turn one tree into many. Cuttings thrive when started in sand and kept moist over the first two years of life. Low-hanging branches can be pegged to the soil and rooted. Just separate the rooted branch off the parent plant, replant it and keep it well-watered, and you’ll have a new, fairly mature plant almost instantly.

Many varieties of the common fig do not even need to be pollinated – only one kind of wasp does this task – and many are hardy to areas with occasional drastic dips in temperature. The Brown Turkey variety has both of these traits and produces an abundance of delicious fruit as well.

Look for Ficus carica in nurseries, garden centers, and catalogs. They are not even very expensive. Fun to grow, very attractive, and very hardy, this immigrant from the Near East is worth having in your yard.