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Hollyhocks are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add height and color to their landscapes. These flowering plants, scientifically known as Alcea, are tall, erect biennials or short-lived perennials that belong to the mallow family. They are renowned for their striking, showy flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Hollyhocks are native to Asia and Europe and have a long history of cultivation dating back to ancient times. They were brought to Europe by the Crusaders and quickly gained popularity due to their beauty and versatility. Today, they can be found in gardens and landscapes all around the world.
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One of the main appeals of hollyhocks is their impressive height, which can reach up to 6-8 feet tall. This makes them ideal for creating a dramatic backdrop or adding vertical interest to a garden. The flowers, which come in a wide range of colors including shades of pink, red, yellow, purple, and white, are arranged in tall, spire-like racemes that bloom from bottom to top. Each flower has a prominent central column with numerous petals radiating outward.

In terms of care, hollyhocks are relatively low-maintenance plants that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.  They are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, hollyhocks benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Propagation of hollyhocks can be done through seeds or by dividing established plants. Seeds should be sown in early spring or late summer, and they usually take about two to three weeks to germinate. Dividing mature plants can be done in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.

As with any plant, hollyhocks may be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as aphids, rust, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help prevent or control these issues.
Overall, hollyhocks are a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. Their tall stature, vibrant flowers, and ability to attract pollinators make them a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Whether used as a focal point, border, or background plant, hollyhocks are sure to make a statement in any outdoor space.

​Oliver David Cook

Swimming is a great exercise to keep your body and mind happy and healthy. It is considered a fun and refreshing activity, especially during hot summer days. While many homeowners choose to build a traditional swimming pool, there is a unique option that can elevate your swimming experience — swimming ponds. Although not as popular as swimming pools, swimming ponds are becoming a new trend for those who prefer to swim in nature's surroundings. Swimming ponds can be more beneficial than swimming pools for various reasons. In this blog, we will discuss why swimming ponds are better than swimming pools.

Natural Environment - Swimming ponds provide a natural environment to swim in, which means you can experience a unique swimming experience that you cannot get from a typical swimming pool. The ponds are designed to mimic natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and ponds. They feature a natural filtration system where aquatic plants and microorganisms help in cleaning the water. With a swimming pond, you can enjoy an eco-friendly atmosphere and cool off in the summer without any stress or guilt that comes with unnecessary chemical treatments.

Aesthetic Appeal - Swimming ponds can blend seamlessly with the natural landscape in your backyard. Unlike swimming pools, which tend to stick out like sore thumbs, swimming ponds add a touch of unique beauty to your outdoor space. With the help of fish, plants, and rocks, swimming ponds can be personalized to fit your desired aesthetic appeal. This customization ensures that the pond complements your garden and gives a beautiful, natural look to your outdoor space.

Health Benefits - It is well-known that regular swimming can benefit your health. Swimming ponds provide an opportunity for you to indulge in this healthy activity while receiving additional benefits. Exposure to natural environments such as swimming ponds has been shown to improve mental health and reduce stress levels. Swimming in natural water is also known to unlock health benefits for the skin, such as moisturizing and detoxification.

Low Maintenance - Swimming pools require constant upkeep, including regular chemical treatments, shock treatments, and general cleaning to keep the water clean and safe. With swimming ponds, the maintenance requirements are much less tedious. Natural biochemicals and plants in the ponds work together to clean and filter the water without the need for harsh chemicals. This makes the process of maintaining a swimming pond much more eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Versatility - Swimming ponds offer versatility in design, size, and functionality. They can be designed to fit various living spaces and can be used for both swimming purposes and as a natural water feature. Swimming ponds can accommodate more than just swimming and entertaining; they can attract unique wildlife like birds and dragonflies, creating a beautiful setting for nature lovers.

Conclusion:
Swimming ponds offer a unique swimming experience that comes with a bevy of benefits. They provide a natural environment, aesthetic appeal, health benefits, low maintenance requirements, and versatility. With swimming ponds, you can enjoy a dip in a cool, eco-friendly environment that touches the senses and promotes physical and mental health. If you are looking for a swimming option that complements your natural lifestyle and beautifies your outdoor space, swimming ponds are a perfect choice.

Ground cover plants are extremely beneficial in suppressing weed growth within the garden beds and amongst the ornamental plants. However, utility does not have to be the primary function, ground cover plants are aesthetically beneficial too, with many being highly decorative in their own right. A variety of colours and textures are to be found and once established most weed seedlings that attempt to grow will be successfully smothered by the ground cover canopy, depriving them of light and competing with them for water.

Ground cover plants also have great benefits with regards to the garden location and site topography.
Where steep slopes exist and are subject to erosion, plants with a low spreading habit and vigorous root growth will provide stability to the soil, particularly after heavy rainfalls. The following are recommended:

Juniperus squamata – Blue Carpet.

Cotoneaster dammeri – Bear Berry.

Hypericum calycinum – Rose of Sharon.

A wildlife garden can benefit too with the addition of ground cover to attract the bees and butterflies, such as:

Thymus praecox – creeping thyme.

Lotus corniculatus – bird’s foot trefoil.

In dry locations and to inhibit evaporation from soil and to eliminate the use of a top surface mulch, ground cover plants should not be underestimated. A dense planting of evergreens will assist in shading the soil, keeping it cool and natural leaf decomposition will act as the mulch.
The following plants are suggested: 

Rosmarinus – rosemary

Lavandula – lavender

Cistus skanbergii – dwarf pink rockrose.

Cistus Corbariensis – hybrid rockrose.

Ground cover plants can provide colour to areas of shade, the following are examples:

Bergenia – Ballawley, elephants ears.

Euonymus fortunei – spindle emerald/gold.

Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Variegatum’

When selecting ground cover plants it is best to choose the ones of vigorous growth and that will cover their allotted space in a short duration of time. It is important that they are perennial, either evergreen all year round or emerging rapidly in spring before the unwanted weeds have a chance to set seed.

Ground cover plants are not necessarily confined to low growing, but taller shrubs of medium height can also be used to
suppress weeds beneath their own canopy and below tree canopies too, such as:

Fatsia japonica - ‘Variegata’

Cotoneaster conspicuss – Tibetan.

Prunus lauroceraus - ‘OttoLuyken’
 
There are numerous ornamental ground cover plants available that can provide great colour and interest to the garden and when preparing to plant, ensure that the ground is weed free prior to planting and take heed of the recommended spacing, as this can vary from plant to plant.

This year and the years to follow, why not reduce the weeding time and bring additional benefits to the garden by incorporating a variety of ground cover plants.