This strange and fascinating plant genus was named after the potion (Nepenthes pharmakon) given to Helen, in Homer’s Odyssey, by an Egyptian queen, to make her forget her sorrows. To this end the famous botanist Carolus Linnaeus described the plant as “if this is not Helen’s Nepenthes, it certainly will be for all botanists” (Linnaeus, Hortus Cliffortianus).

Thus since being first described, so many horticulturists and gardeners have become fascinated by the marvellous Nepenthes and have forgotten their sorrows.

Quite a few years ago I remember visiting a lovely garden in which I found a delightful path that just begged me to explore its hidden treasures. As I wended my way along its sensuous curves, I was completely captivated by its charm. I could not wait to discover the destination of such a lovely piece of garden architecture. This path had some important elements of good garden design.

As the warmer days of summer approach, it is great to be able to take refuge in the cool depths of the garden. Nothing can be more refreshing than the sound and visual effects of water in the landscape. Not only does it physically cool surrounding spaces, but psychologically we feel cooler when we see or hear running water.

It is said that a garden without a pond lacks a soul. I would agree. I think this is particularly true in warmer, humid climates where water is such an important part of the landscape.

Silver or grey foliage plants used as a dominant garden theme are an established tradition in planting design for temperate gardens, and especially for Mediterranean and dry subtropical regions where many familiar favourite grey plants have their native origins.

These truly unique plants belong to the arum family (ARACEAE) which encompass over 200 species.

Amorphophallus, meaning deformed or shapeless penis, originates in the tropical and subtropical regions from West Africa through to Polynesia.

One of the joys I find of growing tropical plants, is being able to fill the garden to overflowing, covering the mulch and garden edges with the varying layers of plants reaching up into the canopy.

One of the ways to achieve this is by using the trunks of palms and trees as another surface to grow plants. There are many plants that can be either attached to the trunks and branches or planted close to the bottom of the trunks and allowed to climb up them.

Care to lighten your garden to make it safer and more enjoyable to walk around after dark?

Solar lights that were sold many years ago have now been replaced by more effective solar panels, energy efficient LEDs (light emitting diodes) and lightweight materials of plastic and metal.