Home Trees

Trees

Araucaria

Araucaria in your room can live “forever”

Radek Štěpán 13. 11. 2023

Yes, araucaria does not lose its beauty over time and grows rather slowly so you don’t need to be afraid that it will push you out of the room after a few seasons. It looks exotic. Its relatives come from…

Mulberries

Mulberry jam from homemade pectin

Radek Štěpán 14. 09. 2023

Mulberries have a very low pectin content. That means they will not thicken or in other words, they will not turn into jam easily. If you add a commercial pectin, you would also need to add a huge amount of…

Tamarind

Tamarind in a flower pot will let you get away with almost anything and you can get seeds easily

Radek Štěpán 18. 08. 2023

The popular tamarind fruits come from a leguminous tree called Tamarindus indica. But this name is actually misleading as its original homeland is Africa and you will mainly find it in areas where long-lasting draughts are frequent. Tamarind does not…

Blackbird

Is the common blackbird a pest? Well, it depends…

Radek Štěpán 16. 06. 2023

The blackbird is undoubtedly one of the most famous birds across Europe. It is a beautiful, well-groomed silky black bird typical for its hopping around. This bird is certainly nice to look at, but on the other hand, blackbirds can…

Vinegar

Magical vinegar

Radek Štěpán 04. 06. 2023

Many of us know that ordinary vinegar is a much-needed ingredient and that many recipes require vinegar. But there are many other uses too, as evidenced by many housewives and experienced maids who use vinegar for various cleaning purposes. But…

Plum trees

Why your plum tree drops fruit prematurely?

Radek Štěpán 25. 05. 2023

Do you have plum trees in your garden? In Eastern Europe almost everyone has plum trees but not because they cannot do without jams or cakes… Plum brandy is the reason. But plum trees tend to be susceptible to various…

Yucca Schidigera

The secret of the Yucca Schidigera and its saponins

Radek Štěpán 31. 03. 2023

Do you know Yucca Schidigera plant? A rather unexpected question, to which most people will answer no, but there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not grown in our part of the world and getting information about this…

Indoor hibiscus

When and how to prune indoor hibiscus? The traditional all-year cut will no longer do

Radek Štěpán 22. 02. 2023

We buy these beautiful plants mainly for their lovely flowers that decorate our homes and gardens. However, if your hibiscus tree resembles a “used broom” it will not serve you well… Is there anything that you can do to keep…

Pre-spring pruning

Pre-spring pruning rules for fruit trees

Radek Štěpán 18. 02. 2023

Pre-spring pruning is not for all fruit trees. For example, if you try to prune cherries, sour cherries or walnuts you will damage them. On the other hand, pre-spring pruning is beneficial for apple and pear trees, but also for…

Cutting trees

Cutting down trees in your garden. What does the law say?

Radek Štěpán 30. 01. 2023

Can you cut down any tree in your own garden or do you need permission from the authorities? What conditions must be followed for safe tree removal? Can you get in trouble for cutting down your tree? Will you need…