Gardening with the RHS Sowing Success: Garden Planning & Front Garden Inspiration
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Jan 30, 2025 James Armitage, an RHS botanist and editor, delves into the intricate world of seeds, discussing their unique structures and dispersal methods. Nick Turrell, RHS Gardening Advisor, shares practical tips for transforming front gardens into stunning, functional spaces, emphasizing the balance between aesthetics and utility. Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist, highlights the importance of wildlife-friendly gardens and offers advice on attracting local wildlife. Together, they provide a wealth of knowledge for garden enthusiasts looking to enhance their green spaces.
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Seed Diversity and Strategies
- Seeds exhibit remarkable diversity in shape, size, and dispersal methods, reflecting different survival strategies.
- Tiny orchid seeds rely on fungal partnerships, while large seeds like the Coco de Mer invest heavily in individual offspring.
Seed vs. Vegetative Reproduction
- Vegetative reproduction produces uniform plants, but seed propagation offers genetic diversity and adaptability.
- F1 hybrids demonstrate the advantage of seeds for creating vigorous, predictable offspring.
Breaking Seed Dormancy
- Nicking or sanding hard seed coats, like those of sweet peas, helps break dormancy and allows water absorption for germination.
- This mimics natural processes that soften seed coats over time.