Perfect Plant, Perfect Place

Roy Lancaster - Author

£19.99

The surest way to select the right outdoor and indoor plants

Introduction

Years of experience answering questions on what to grow in problem sites - plus an impressive career at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum and plenty of practice in his own garden - make Roy Lancaster one of the best-qualified writers to advise on which plants to grow where.

Perfect Plant Perfect Place is an invaluable, updated compilation of Roy's best-selling titles What Plant Where, What Perennial Where and What Houseplant Where. It recommends plants for every situation, both in the garden and in the home. In each section, such as "Soil & Exposure", "Location", "Shrubs" and "Perennials", he takes different sites or conditions and offers an inspired selection of suitable plants. He also considers desired effects - perhaps planting to attract butterflies, or for autumn colour - and lists his choice for achieving these.

Plant suggestions are illustrated with magnificent colour photographs, supported by notes on the plant's special features and size, hardiness and soil requirements - in short, all the facts you need to guarantee the perfect choice.

• Roy Lancaster's personal plant selection for a comprehensive range of sites, conditions and design schemes
• Over 1800 sumptuous colour photographs illustrate the plant recommendations
• Features plants for all indoor and outdoor environments, from ideal houseplants for sunny rooms to suitable shrubs for coastal areas
• Includes practical suggestions for problem situations and expert advice on all aspects of caring for your plants throughout the year

Reviews

Submit a review

Press reviews

"...puts a stop to errors" The Blackpool Gazette

"...a bargain from a master plantsman" The Journal, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Submit a review

Interview

Check out our exclusive Q&A with Roy Lancaster below - happy gardening!

I have a fence in my garden that doesn’t receive any sun – are there any climbers that could grow there?

There are plenty that work. I would recommend the following:  Lonicera japonica  'Halliana'– a semi-evergreen, free flowering climber whose flowers turn form white to yellow fragrant flowers from summer into autumn; the vigorous Clematis ‘Avalanche’ which blooms white flowers in April and has evergreen ferny leaves; or the Dentata Variegata – a bold evergreen ivy with big creamy-white margined leaves.

I think my houseplant has aphids – what can I do?

Aphids are a common pest of some houseplants, especially on tender young shoots and leaves. If practical, take your houseplant outside on a calm day. Then, spray it with pirimicarb or an environmentally friendly insecticide such as derris, soft soap or pyrethrum, before returning indoors.

What are the best plants to grow on dry sites under trees and shrubs?

Dry soils in shade are hard to cope with especially if the soil is filled with tree roots. If you can find spaces to make holes then plant ground cover perennials such as:

Geranium macrorrhizzum in its several named selections. Low growing, semi persistent aromatic foliage and pink, purple or white flowers in early summer.

Iris foetidissima – a native iris grown for its shiny evergreen clumps of strap shaped leaves. They have small yellowish-purple flowers in summer and superb orange seed heads in winter.

Symphytum ‘Hidcote Pink’ – an excellent herbaceous perennial with leafy stems that can grow to 18 inches, and pendant clusters of pink and white flowers in spring.

My garden is overrun with rabbits – they are eating everything! While I don’t want to stop them being there entirely, are there any plants that they find unpalatable?

Rabbits tend to find the following perennials unpalatable: Agapanthus, Narcissus, Paeonia, Crocus, Nepeta, Sedum, Euphorbia, and Japanese Anemone.

Which houseplants would you recommend for a large room?

Among the more popular houseplants for a large room with average to good light source I would recommend – Parlour palm, Kentia Palm, Kangaroo Vine, India Rubber Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, House Lime, and Spineless Yucca.

I’m about to move into a cottage by the sea. Their previous owner left the garden neglected and I’d like to plant some new trees. What trees are tolerant of being near the coast?

I would recommend the Rowan, Whitebeam, Bay tree, and Snow Gum. The Cordyline australis works well in southern coastal areas, and the Evergreen Oak will go large eventually.

Whatever I do, I can’t seem to keep my houseplants alive! I travel frequently and perhaps don’t water them as often as I should. What would you say are the most low maintenance houseplants?

Even tough reliable houseplants need some care but those tolerant of reasonable neglect include – Cast iron Plant, the House Lime, the Kangaroo Vine, the Mother-in-laws Tongue, and the Variegatum.

When is the best time to re-seed a lawn?

The best time to re-seed a lawn is in September when the soil is still warm – that way, sown seed will germinate and the new grass will be established before winter.

The next best time is in April but you will need to water young grass regularly should the summer be hot and dry. Be sure to prepare soil thoroughly and provide adequate drainage before sowing and choose the best seed mix to suit your needs.

Product details