The Japanese lavender heather appears much more delicate than others of its species. Especially as it matures, it rewards every garden enthusiast with its picturesque growth, which appears very natural and combines well with grasses and other evergreen plants.
Euphorbia – Spurge was the Perennial of the Year 2013. With this campaign, the Association of German Perennial Gardeners (BdS) aimed to draw attention to particularly interesting perennials. The genus Euphorbia, with over 2,000 species worldwide, is incomparably diverse: Spurge plants offer a mul...
No other flowering tree blooms this late in the year, making it a popular shrub that makes a wonderful addition to a front door. Rubbing the leaves can produce a somewhat unpleasant odor.
The coneflower, also known as the rough coneflower, is a pretty and particularly summery annual belonging to the daisy family. It is highly sought after as a cut flower due to its long shelf life.
The lesser-known salsify (Scorzonera hispanica), also known as winter asparagus, is one of the most valuable winter vegetables. It is closely related to oat root, but has an even more delicate flavor. In contrast to its dark skin, its flesh is white, tender, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
If you have three to four months to spare and enjoy its sweet and spicy flavor, beetroot is the ideal plant for your vegetable garden. This easy-to-grow plant comes in many different varieties and can be eaten raw or cooked. The young tubers have a mild, sweet flavor: a true delight that's worth ...
The common hawthorn is a widely cultivated and thus well-known large shrub or small tree. Its fruits add a beautiful, crimson color accent to house, park, or street trees even in autumn.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinales) is definitely one of those herbs that no kitchen should be without. If you want to know why and what to look out for when growing it, as well as later when harvesting or preserving it, then read on.
Passion flowers are Mediterranean climbing plants from the tropics that are also conquering German gardens and terraces. They belong to the passionflower family, which includes more than 500 species. They are very robust and resilient.
Culinary circles say oregano is the most important herb in Mediterranean cuisine. Since there are many different varieties, there is a wide variety of cultivation options, but all oregano varieties have the same aromatic leaves.
The diva among showy perennials! An eye-catcher that's guaranteed to attract attention in any garden during its blooming season. This perennial belongs to the poppy family and is one of the most persistent of its kind. With its delicate yet magnificent appearance, the Turkish poppy is a true high...
The zucchini plant, a member of the squash family, offers a wide variety of preparation options and is particularly popular among home gardeners due to its ease of cultivation. With proper care, you too can soon harvest bountiful zucchini in your garden!
Gooseberries are often sold sour at the market, making them less suitable for direct consumption. However, cooked and sweetened beforehand, they are a true highlight in cakes, jams, or crumbles. These seemingly unassuming green berries definitely deserve a place in the garden.
They're very undemanding in terms of soil requirements and will certainly thrive on your property. Just make sure you have plenty of space, because sour cherries need it! Even the pits of these small fruits have a lot to offer: Boiled and dried, they make an excellent filling for cherry pit pillows.
The plum is probably one of the most tempting fruits. With its juicy sweetness and the multitude of possibilities for processing it, from cakes and compotes to countless and, above all, irresistible desserts, who could say no to that?
The medlar is certainly not a familiar name these days. It is a deciduous tree with a curved trunk and broad crown that bears edible fruit. In the Middle Ages, this species was widespread throughout much of Europe; today, it is mostly found growing wild.
In addition to the original name Mirabelle, this subspecies of plum is also known as “yellow plum”.
Native to the Mediterranean region, chard (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) is highly decorative, but is primarily cultivated for culinary purposes. Its bright red, yellow, or orange stems make it a real eye-catcher in the vegetable garden. Thanks to its low maintenance requirements, chard is a produ...
A wide variety of varieties and colors makes this robust vegetable an interesting addition to your garden. Whether cooked or grated, cabbage offers a wide range of preparation options for soups, stews, or regional dishes.
Fennel is trending – thanks in particular to Mediterranean cuisine, this aromatic bulbous vegetable has become increasingly popular in German gardens. The cultivated form of sweet fennel not only scores points with its mildly spicy, slightly aniseed flavor, but also with its versatile uses in the...
Cauliflower is one of the most popular types of cabbage – delicate in flavor, easy to digest, and versatile in the kitchen. However, cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is considered somewhat more challenging to grow. With proper preparation, site-appropriate varieties, and a little pat...
Whether with tomato and mozzarella, in fresh summer salads, or on pizza: basil has become an essential part of German cuisine. The most popular herb in Germany delights with its spicy, peppery aroma and can be found in almost every household – whether on the windowsill, in a balcony box, or in th...
The eggplant ( Solanum melongena ), also known as the "eggplant," is a true star of Mediterranean cuisine—whether in moussaka, ratatouille, or grilled. But did you know that you can also successfully grow eggplants in your own garden or greenhouse? With a little patience, warmth, and care, you'll...
The globe artichoke ( Cynara scolymus ) is not only a culinary delicacy, but also a decorative and healthy garden plant. Its impressive, thistle-like leaves and striking flowers make it a real eye-catcher in any garden. But how do you plant artichokes correctly? What does the plant need to grow, ...
Ask any person to name three types of fruit. The apple would almost certainly be one of them. After all, hardly any other fruit is as popular and used as extensively in cooking, especially in our region. Whether harvesting, making applesauce, or baking apple pie, apples provide a great deal of fu...
An addictive perennial – captivating with its variety of colors and characteristic appearance, anyone can easily catch the auricula bug. The auricula belongs to the primrose family. It naturally occurs only in higher Alpine regions, and even there it is very rare and protected. This small, early-...
Plum, damson, or even squash—this not only delicious but also extremely healthy fruit goes by many names. The plum (Prunus domestica subsp. domestica) is a subspecies of the plum that is now cultivated as a fruit tree in Europe, Western Asia, North America, and North and South Africa. Many garden...
They're a must-have in summer; almost everyone loves them. Besides their sweet fruits, cherries also bring with them a competition of the highest order: cherry pit spitting is fun for all ages! The sweet cherry, also known as the wild bird cherry, belongs to the rose family. The wild bird cherry ...
Ornamental tobacco is popular with hobby gardeners, particularly because of its pretty tubular flowers. It belongs to the nightshade family, and many varieties emit a pleasant fragrance at night. More than sixty species of ornamental tobacco can now be found worldwide. However, it is not suitable...
In late spring, the ornamental onion blooms in full bloom. Viewed individually, the spherical blossoms are impressive, and in a flowerbed, this cluster of bulbs creates stunning plant images.
In spring, grape hyacinths (Muscari) are true floral treasures for the home and garden. These small bulbous flowers are very easy to care for and wonderfully decorative.
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), also known as meadow spirea or field spiral, is a widespread weed that is considered a nuisance in many gardens and fields. It belongs to the morning glory family and is best known for its long, twining tendrils and pretty, funnel-shaped flowers. But this pl...
The thistle is a wild herb that is often considered a nuisance in many gardens and landscapes, but upon closer inspection, it reveals many fascinating qualities. Its prickly leaves and vibrant flowers make it a striking sight. But thistles aren't just known as "weeds"; they also play an important...
The dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) is a true all-rounder among wild plants. Known for its bright yellow flowers that appear in every corner of the garden, in meadows, and along paths, the dandelion has much more to offer than one might think at first glance. This plant is not only an importa...
Delicate, inconspicuous, yet remarkably resilient: Shepherd's purse ( Capsella bursa-pastoris ) is a true everyday wonder among wild herbs. You often encounter it without really noticing it – on roadsides, between paving stones, or in nutrient-rich beds. Yet it has a very unique, poetic character...
Couch grass is one of the most troublesome weeds in the garden—but why is it so persistent? Learn how to identify this root-weed plant, remove it sustainably, and what role it plays in nature.