IN THE GARDEN
BLOOMING BOLD Lavender (above) and white asphodel (right) are striking and thrive in the sun
• Plants such as Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’ GETTING STARTED
Living souvenirs It might be tricky to replicate a whole landscape in your own garden, but growing just one plant spotted on your travels can serve as a happy reminder of trips to distant lands. For example, while I can’t recreate an entire alpine meadow, I can incorporate a few species from this habitat, such as moss campion ( Silene acaulis ) or alpine pasque flower ( Pulsatilla alpina ), in an alpine trough to bring a touch of Switzerland to my garden. Alternatively, you may want to emulate a garden style where you need to substitute those plants that thrive in warmer climes with those that favour your conditions. Either way, you can introduce elements that will serve all year to remind you of a memorable holiday destination. If you do fancy adding a horticultural taste of your travels to your own garden, it’s worth remembering the old gardening adage of ‘right plant, right place’. Take time to check what conditions your chosen
thrive in a sunny position and might need overwintering in a greenhouse or your house. • You can substitute tender exotic species such as Bougainvillea with hardy alternatives that have the same habit. hotspots, including the Cornish coast and the Mediterranean, grow in well-drained soils, so add grit to poorly drained soils to help plants such as lavender or rock roses flourish. • Do your homework and check what conditions a plant requires before purchase to ensure it has the best chance of survival. • Many plants from holiday
plant will flourish in – whether it needs full sun, free-draining soil or protection from frost – so that it can thrive, not just survive. Then sit back, soak up the sights and scents and let your garden send you back to the places that inspired you the most.
Sally Petitt is head of horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Garden
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK AUGUST 2025 81
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