Home & Lifestyle Magazine (July / August 2021)

Page 152

GA R D E NS · · ·

PRETTY IN PINK IN TIME FOR SUMMER By Alia Babapulle

Who doesn’t like the lovely shades of pink which we find in nature? From deep shades to very faint blush, they lend an air of sophistication with Peonies and rustic happiness with Carnations – the red Carnation being the national flower of Spain. There is a huge spectrum of colour with the pretty in pinks. Let’s have a look… Pink is the symbol of femininity, love, romance and tenderness. It is a common choice for gardens as it is also known to contribute to calm and relaxation. Studies also relate this colour to individual features and suggest that people preferring pink colours in their every-day life are organised and good planners and stick to already formed habits rather than being lovers of trying something new. Pink colours are associated with positive emotions and are believed to be a source of smiles and positive vibes. It is perceived as one of the most romantic and attractive colours which, at the same time, is cheerful and playful. We are all familiar with Roses, Hyacinths (with their heady perfume), Fuchsia, Tulips, Dianthus, Camelias, Azaleas, Begonias, Buddleja, Calla Lilies, Carnations, Cherry Blossom (unforgettable in Japan), Chrysanthemums, Dahlia, Hibiscus syriacus and Geraniums, just to name a very few. Many of them have a heady perfume, so we are blessed with beautiful flowers and a wonderful aroma in our gardens. As always, if you go to your garden centre, ask the staff there what you should buy. If you have a sun-filled garden, like mine, flowers which prefer a more subdued light and heat will not flourish. If you are growing in large pots, move them around. I am a great believer in doing this; it’s as if the plants have a holiday growing and blooming in a different spot. 152

If you want to pop in some pink bushes, try these... Bougainvillea (who doesn’t know about this iconic flower, living as we do in Spain) Elderberry, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Quince, Lilac and Lantana. All are very hardy and can take the hot Spanish sun. As always, never water flowers from the top – only the roots. If they have become dirty after a wave of dust from Africa, wait until the evening and only then can you wash the flowers/bushes down from the top. Use good fertiliser, open up the soil around the plants from time to time so it does not become compacted, and dead-head when you can. All these normal practices will keep your flowers/bushes growing beautifully for a long time. Put various pots of pinks together, mixed with some dark or silvery leaves – all flowers look gorgeous with dark or silvery leaves – and don’t stint. Obtain large pots, good soil, fertiliser and three plants together, for impact. Plant the leaves at the back, making sure they will grow higher than the flowers. Of course, if you plant into a garden, the same applies. Well that’s a start to pretty in pinks. I hope you have a lot of success and always have fun. Contact me by email if you have any queries for gardening in general and for landscaping projects. Stay safe to enjoy your terrace or garden. Alia Babapulle – Interior and Exterior Designer (including landscaping) Tel. (+34) 616 670 975 aliabdesigns@live.co.uk

JULY & AUGUST 2021

Gardens HL75.indd 152

28/06/2021 17:13


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Articles inside

The Final Word: specialist expatriate advice from leading experts

2min
pages 178-180

Bulletin of companies, organisations and people in the headlines

7min
pages 172-177

Festive review of inaugurations celebrations and presentations

3min
pages 168-171

Open Road: bespoke Bugatti Chiron Hermès

4min
pages 166-167

Construction Trends: Mediterranean gardens

3min
pages 154-157

Art & Culture: poignant forest images

1min
pages 164-165

Hotels & Getaways: panoramic Barcelona

2min
pages 162-163

Medical Minutes: visionary breakthroughs

2min
page 161

Wine Notes: role of the sommelier

4min
page 159

Gourmet News: artisanal gin experience

1min
page 158

Health & Beauty: helping the lonely

2min
page 160

Gardens: pretty in pink

2min
pages 152-153

Exhibition News: Design Week Marbella

2min
pages 142-143

Business News: cutting-edge “smart” showroom

2min
pages 150-151

Bedrooms: superlative relaxation

1min
pages 138-141

Property Advice: location and orientation

2min
page 149

Design Showcase: contemporary comfort

4min
pages 144-147

Architecture News: Spanish Biennial

1min
page 148

Bathrooms: modern sanctuary

2min
pages 130-137

Lighting: showstopping transformation

4min
pages 120-129

Fabrics: eye-catching patterns

5min
pages 86-97

Walls: artistic expression

3min
pages 104-109

Outdoor Living: summer inspiration

10min
pages 34-61

Living Rooms: welcoming ambience

9min
pages 66-85

Tableware: elegant entertaining

6min
pages 12-23

Home Office: ergonomic support

2min
pages 98-103

Dining In: timeless aesthetics

4min
pages 24-33
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