How to Use Larch

Larch is a conifer which is indigenous to hilly areas throughout Central Europe where it can be found in large forests. It was introduced into England in 1639 for its…

How to Use Nasturtium

This lovely bright and colourful annual is one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow from seed. Nasturtiums come from tropical South America, where they are perennial. They…
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How to Use Oak

The oak is the most majestic of trees, and although it grows all over Europe it is regarded as being pecu­liarly English. The Common or British oak is intricately linked…
Posted inGeneral How To's

How to Use Opium Poppy

The bright red corn poppy is a familiar sight in un-sprayed wheatfields and likes to grow on disturbed land, such as ploughed or battle ground. From European battles of the…

How to Use Oregon Grape

Oregon grape is an attractive ever­green shrub with fragrant flowers. The stoneless berries used to be made into jams, and were valued as a remedy for malaria and intermit­tent fevers.…

How to Use Peony

This beautiful and exotic-looking flower comes from a family of 33 different species, native to Europe, China and North America. The peony is one of the most popular garden flowers…

How to Use Periwinkle

The periwinkle with its soft blue windmill-shaped flowers is a hardy evergreen plant with shining leaves making good ground cover in winter, earning its common name, joy of the ground.…

How to Use Pine

The majestic evergreen scotch pine has been revered for centuries in many parts of the world for its sym­bolic significance and medicinal value. It also has great economic value as…

How to Use Purple Cornflower

The Echinaceas are beautiful plants with pink to pur­ple daisy-like flowers. Their petals fall to reveal black spiny seed heads - the name Echinacea comes from the Greek echinos, meaning…

How to Use Sage

Herbal remedy Sage is highly antiseptic with antibacterial and antifungal properties. In the past it would have helped with intestinal and chest infections which could often have been fatal. Sage…

How to Use Rock Rose

The name Helianthemum derives from the Greek helios (sun) and antiunion (flower), since the flowers only come out when the sun shines. The American or Canadian rock rose, H. canadense,…

How to Use Sundew

Sundew is a carnivorous plant, one of 90 species of Drosera, which is found growing in the damp marshy edges of ponds and rivers in North and South America, Europe…

How to Use Sunflower

The magnificent sunflower is a native of Mexico and Peru and was brought to Europe in the 16th century because of its extraordinary economic value. Every part of the plant…