THE MA PETITE FLEUR FIELD NOTES
The flower &
plant Wiki.
Care, made clear.
Flowers for the vase. Plants for your home. Something green for the garden. Find the right guide, then make the care your own.
53 guides · Real botanical photographs · Care videos
FIND YOUR CORNER
A home for every kind of green.
Start with where it grows or how you enjoy it.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Indoor plants
Choose for the light and space you actually have.
Explore the guide
ON THE WINDOWSILL
Flowering pot plants
Find your plant, then follow its care guide.
Explore the guide
IN THE VASE
Cut flowers
Seasonal stems, water checks and vase care.
Explore the guide
OUT IN THE GARDEN
Garden plants
Plan colour and care through the UK seasons.
Explore the guide
NEAR THE KITCHEN
Herbs in pots
Basil, mint, rosemary and useful everyday leaves.
Explore the guide
WHEN SOMETHING CHANGES
Plant problems
Look closely at leaves, compost and small flies.
Explore the guideFOUR SEASONS · TWO WAYS TO ENJOY FLOWERS
Follow the year in flowers.
Keep a living plant or bring home a few stems. Choose the guide that fits.
Photographs show examples. Flowering and availability vary with variety, weather, growing conditions and supply. Explore the month-by-month calendar ↗
GET TO KNOW YOUR PLANT
Familiar faces. Individual care.
Open a portrait for light, watering, flowers and the checks that matter.
A QUICK WAY TO THE RIGHT CHECK
Something changed?
Start with what you can see. The guide will help you check before changing the care.
FLOWERS THROUGH THE YEAR
For the windowsill. For the vase.
Choose flowers for a UK season and learn how to look after them at home.
Choose flowering houseplants for UK homes, with seasonal buying advice, light, watering, drainage and care after flowering.
Explore the guideBuy cut flowers by season in the UK and keep bouquets fresh with clear stem, water, flower-food and vase-care advice.
Explore the guideA month-by-month guide to potted and cut flowers, with separate home-care reminders and British seasonality notes.
Explore the guideROOMS & GARDENS
Make room for something growing.
Practical planting and decoration ideas, from a living-room corner to a garden tree.
Plan an inviting UK garden with planting zones, repeated containers, seasonal colour and practical maintenance.
Explore the guideStyle a living room with healthy plants, suitable light, balanced arrangements and separate care for vase flowers.
Explore the guide
Choose a garden tree by mature height, canopy spread, soil and seasonal interest, with named small-tree examples.
Explore the guideSelect compact container trees and manage drainage, watering, stability, feeding and winter root protection.
Explore the guideUnderstand airborne pollen, plant sex and cultivar labels when planning garden trees and seating for pollen sensitivity.
Explore the guideFLOWERS FOR THE MOMENT
Choose a gift. Know how to care for it.
Romantic colours, presentation and a personal message.
Explore the flowers
Roses and thoughtful choices for Mum.
Explore the flowers
A gift chosen around Dad’s taste.
Explore the flowers
Festive gifts, table styling and planning ahead.
Explore the flowersWATCH & LEARN
Plant care on video
Short RHS demonstrations to use alongside the written checklist.
VIDEO · ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
RHS Houseplant 101: getting started
A short introduction to the main groups of houseplants and the conditions they need.
2 min · Opens the privacy-enhanced YouTube player after you choose play.VIDEO · ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
RHS: sow basil indoors
See the sowing setup before starting your own warm, bright pot.
Watch · Opens the privacy-enhanced YouTube player after you choose play.VIDEO · ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
RHS: what to do after frost damage
Recognise damage and give plants time to recover before deciding what to remove.
Watch · Opens the privacy-enhanced YouTube player after you choose play.VIDEO · Royal Horticultural Society
Keeping Phalaenopsis orchids flowering
Tony Le-Britton demonstrates orchid care for the RHS. Follow the orchid-specific advice, rather than applying it to every flowering plant.
VIDEO · Royal Horticultural Society
Growing mint with the RHS
Watch the planting demonstration linked in the RHS mint growing guide, then use the checks in this article for your own container.
THE LIBRARY
Find your next
flower guide.
Explore flower care, seasonal choices, gifting and our London roots.
Browse the guides by topic
53 guides
All topics
Garden plants3 min read
Garden decoration: plants, pots and places to sit
Plan an inviting UK garden with planting zones, repeated containers, seasonal colour and practical maintenance.
Read the guideIndoor plants3 min read
Living-room decoration with plants and flowers
Style a living room with healthy plants, suitable light, balanced arrangements and separate care for vase flowers.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careGarden plants3 min read
Trees for small gardens: shape, seasons and room to grow
Choose a garden tree by mature height, canopy spread, soil and seasonal interest, with named small-tree examples.
Read the guideGarden plants3 min read
Trees in pots: choosing and caring for a patio tree
Select compact container trees and manage drainage, watering, stability, feeding and winter root protection.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careGarden plants3 min read
Pollen-aware garden planting: beyond “pollen-free trees”
Understand airborne pollen, plant sex and cultivar labels when planning garden trees and seating for pollen sensitivity.
Read the guideIndoor plants3 min read
Living-room plants: choose the right plant for your light
A practical UK guide to spider plants, snake plants, monstera and peace lilies, with watering, positioning and seasonal care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careGarden plants3 min read
Garden plants through the UK seasons
Choose garden flowers, bulbs and perennial plants by season, with a clear distinction between planting time, flowering time and frost protection.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careHerbs3 min read
Herbs in pots: from basil and mint to rosemary
Choose ten culinary herbs for windowsills, balconies and gardens, grouping them by sunlight, moisture and UK seasonal needs.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careHerbs3 min read
Basil in a pot: warmth, watering and a useful harvest
Grow basil on a bright windowsill or summer balcony in the UK, with sowing, picking and cold-weather care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Herbs2 min read
Mint in a pot: fresh leaves without taking over
Grow and contain mint in a pot, with moisture, harvesting, winter behaviour and root-care advice for UK homes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Herbs2 min read
Rosemary and thyme: sunny pots with good drainage
Grow rosemary and thyme in containers, with light, drainage, pruning and UK winter-care differences.
Read the guide
Herbs2 min read
Parsley and chives: small pots for everyday cooking
Grow parsley and chives in containers, with seed starting, harvesting, moisture checks and seasonal expectations.
Read the guidePlant problems5 min read
Small flies, sticky leaves and houseplant pests
Identify fungus gnats, aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites, with sensible first steps for houseplants and herb pots.
Read the guidePlant problems2 min read
Do basil, mint and citronella plants keep insects away?
Separate aromatic-plant claims from evidence: what a potted plant can do, why oils are different, and practical household prevention.
Read the guide
Garden plants4 min read
Protect plants from cold, winter wet and indoor heating
A practical winter checklist for outdoor containers, tender plants and houseplants, based on UK hardiness and actual growing conditions.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Potted flowers2 min read
African violet care: small plants, plenty of flowers
African violet indoor care: light, watering, compost and what to check when flowering slows.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Potted flowers2 min read
Flowering begonia care indoors
Indoor flowering begonia care: choosing the right variety, filtered light, drainage and care after the flowers fade.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers2 min read
Indoor azalea care: cool rooms and careful watering
Care for a florist’s Rhododendron simsii azalea: light, moisture, ericaceous compost and life after flowering.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Potted flowers2 min read
Amaryllis care: growing Hippeastrum in a pot
Indoor Hippeastrum care: planting, watering, tall stems and keeping the bulb after flowering.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Cut flowers2 min read
Cut tulip care: water, stems and a graceful vase
Care for cut tulips at home: first-day preparation, daily water checks, bending stems and choosing a vase.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers2 min read
Cut peony care: from bud to a generous bloom
Care for cut peonies: choosing usable buds, vase space, clean water and planning around seasonal availability.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers2 min read
Moth orchid care: flowers, roots and watering
Moth orchid Phalaenopsis care for UK homes: light, bark, watering, flower stems and practical checks after flowering.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers2 min read
Indoor cyclamen care through autumn and winter
Florist’s Cyclamen persicum care: cool bright rooms, careful watering, fading flowers and summer rest.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers2 min read
Christmas cactus care: buds, watering and winter flowers
Look after a Schlumbergera Christmas cactus, with filtered light, seasonal rest, watering and care when buds form.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
Potted flowers2 min read
Anthurium care: light, watering and lasting colour
Care for an Anthurium flamingo flower in a UK home: indirect light, warmth, airy compost and watering checks.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers4 min read
Spring potted flowers for your home
Which flowering houseplants to buy in spring, with light, water, compost and after-flowering care for UK homes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers4 min read
Spring cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
A UK spring cut-flower buying guide with seasonal stems, freshness checks and practical vase care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers4 min read
Summer potted flowers for your home
Which flowering houseplants to buy in summer, with light, water, compost and after-flowering care for UK homes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers3 min read
Summer cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
A UK summer cut-flower buying guide with seasonal stems, freshness checks and practical vase care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers5 min read
Autumn potted flowers for your home
Which flowering houseplants to buy in autumn, with light, water, compost and after-flowering care for UK homes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers3 min read
Autumn cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
A UK autumn cut-flower buying guide with seasonal stems, freshness checks and practical vase care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers5 min read
Winter potted flowers for your home
Which flowering houseplants to buy in winter, with light, water, compost and after-flowering care for UK homes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers3 min read
Winter cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
A UK winter cut-flower buying guide with seasonal stems, freshness checks and practical vase care.
Read the guide▶ Watch the carePotted flowers8 min read
Potted flowers: a season-by-season home guide
Choose flowering houseplants for UK homes, with seasonal buying advice, light, watering, drainage and care after flowering.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careCut flowers3 min read
Cut flowers: seasonal choices and vase care
Buy cut flowers by season in the UK and keep bouquets fresh with clear stem, water, flower-food and vase-care advice.
Read the guide▶ Watch the careSeasons3 min read
Which flowers to buy each month in the UK
A month-by-month guide to potted and cut flowers, with separate home-care reminders and British seasonality notes.
Read the guide▶ Watch the care
RosesRoses3 min read
Which roses should you give?
A thoughtful guide to rose colours, relationships, bouquet size and presentation, from our London family florist.
Read the guidePersonalise your roses
TreesTrees3 min read
Nordmann fir or Norway spruce?
Compare Christmas tree scent, needle retention, sizes and presentation before choosing a tree for your London home.
Read the guideChoose size & pre-order▶ Watch the careTreesTrees2 min read
A beautiful tree, all season.
A practical Christmas tree checklist covering arrival, placement, watering, stands and planning your December display.
Read the guideChoose size & pre-order▶ Watch the care
Occasions7 min read
The Christmas tree: story, style & size
Discover its history, meaning, care and the right height for your London home.
Read the guideChoose your Christmas tree ↗▶ Watch the care
People5 min read
Flowers for every relationship
For a partner, friend, colleague, neighbour or someone you have just met.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
Occasions6 min read
A flower for every moment
From birthdays and anniversaries to a thank-you or a new beginning.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗Meanings4 min read
The language of flowers
Red, white and blush roses: find the colour that fits your message.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
London5 min read
London, England & their flowers
Local flower stories, royal gardens and the arrival of spring.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
Care3 min read
Keep your roses beautiful
Water, flower food and a simple daily care routine.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗▶ Watch the care
Care2 min read
Care for flowers in a box or bag
Enjoy the flowers while protecting their presentation.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗Care2 min read
Look after a flower balloon
A little care for a gift with a sense of wonder.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
Care2 min read
How long do flowers last?
Understand what changes vase life and how to spot fading stems.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗▶ Watch the careOccasions2 min read
A thoughtful Valentine’s Day
Romantic roses, personal messages and planning ahead.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
Occasions2 min read
For Mum, with love
Choose around her taste and make the message personal.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗
Occasions2 min read
A gift for Dad
Flowers, keepsakes and thoughtful words for Father’s Day.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗Occasions2 min read
Flowers for a London Christmas
Rich colours, festive finishing touches and gifting advice.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗London2 min read
Send a little love across London
How to request your flowers, preferred date and delivery.
Read the guideChoose the featured gift ↗No matching guides. Try a plant name or .
01 / THE ROSES NOTEBOOK
Which roses should you give?
A thoughtful guide to rose colours, relationships, bouquet size and presentation, from our London family florist.
Open the guide02 / THE TREES NOTEBOOK
Nordmann fir or Norway spruce?
Compare Christmas tree scent, needle retention, sizes and presentation before choosing a tree for your London home.
Open the guideThe complete reading list · browse by subject
THE COMPLETE READING LIST
Explore by subject.
Indoor plants
Garden plants
- Garden decoration: plants, pots and places to sit
- Trees for small gardens: shape, seasons and room to grow
- Trees in pots: choosing and caring for a patio tree
- Pollen-aware garden planting: beyond “pollen-free trees”
- Garden plants through the UK seasons
- Protect plants from cold, winter wet and indoor heating
Herbs
Plant problems
Potted flowers
- African violet care: small plants, plenty of flowers
- Flowering begonia care indoors
- Indoor azalea care: cool rooms and careful watering
- Amaryllis care: growing Hippeastrum in a pot
- Moth orchid care: flowers, roots and watering
- Indoor cyclamen care through autumn and winter
- Christmas cactus care: buds, watering and winter flowers
- Anthurium care: light, watering and lasting colour
- Spring potted flowers for your home
- Summer potted flowers for your home
- Autumn potted flowers for your home
- Winter potted flowers for your home
- Potted flowers: a season-by-season home guide
Cut flowers
- Cut tulip care: water, stems and a graceful vase
- Cut peony care: from bud to a generous bloom
- Spring cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
- Summer cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
- Autumn cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
- Winter cut flowers: what to buy and how to care for them
- Cut flowers: seasonal choices and vase care
Seasons
People
Occasions
Meanings
Care
London
About the photographs · credits & licences
Real botanical photographs illustrate plant examples; cultivars and growing contexts differ. Open the linked guide for the full photograph and its context. Collection photographs show gift-design inspiration. They do not confirm stock or substitutions.
Anthurium · original photo — Forest and Kim Starr. CC BY 3.0 us. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
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Azalea · original photo — YvoBentele. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
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Basil · original photo — NeoMeesje. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Begonia · original photo — 阿橋 HQ. CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
_Begonia_hiemalis_(Begonia_elatior)_-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E7%A6%AE%E8%B3%93%E5%BA%9C_Hong_Kong_Government_House-_(9216128858).jpg){kind=link}
Cactus · original photo — Agnes Monkelbaan. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
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Cyclamen · original photo — Zeynel Cebeci. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Dahlia · original photo — Masum-al-Hasan Rocky (Rocky Masum). CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Gnat · original photo — AfroBrazilian. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Hippeastrum · original photo — Agnes Monkelbaan. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
_26-01-2021._(actm.)_05.jpg){kind=link}
Mint · original photo — USDA. Public domain. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Monstera · original photo — Mokkie. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
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Orchid · original photo — Remember. Public domain. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Parsley · original photo — Forest and Kim Starr. CC BY 3.0 us. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
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Peony · original photo — Liilia Moroz. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Rosemary · original photo — Lyndadelz. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Tree · original photo — Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Tulip · original photo — Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden.. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
Violet · original photo — Mokkie. Public domain. Resized to WebP; card crops retain the original licence.
