Who needs crowded airports, lost luggage and big hotel bills! A no-fuss staycation has become the holiday of choice for many Brits, for whom their home is their castle and their front garden heaven. And when the sun is shining, where is more beautiful than Britain, with our glorious countryside, woodland walkways and coastal paths.
This glorious time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to beautify your balcony, patio or garden, to get you in the holiday spirit, even if you’re going nowhere near Easyjet or the Channel Tunnel. The experts at Pelargonium for Europe (PfE), have an abundance of ideas and inspiration about how to make an oasis of calm and floral splendour on your home turf, all featuring easy-care geraniums – the ideal choice of plant if you want maximum blooms for minimal effort!
Mediterranean mood with geraniums
The very sight of geraniums conjures up a holiday mood. This is hardly surprising, as these bedding and balcony flowers are widespread in the sun-kissed regions of southern Europe. Thanks to their South African origins, they can withstand intense midday sun. Even extreme heat and temporary drought won’t affect geraniums. In combination with other sun and heat-loving plants such as palms or lemon trees, they conjure up a Mediterranean feel that rivals any holiday destination in the south.
To create a real holiday haven in your garden, or on your balcony or terrace, you might need more than just flowering geraniums, but you don’t have to break the bank. Items such as rattan furniture, raffia accessories, colourful cushions and cosy blankets are essential ingredients for a relaxed, boho outdoor living area. Add a private pool to the mix (we’ve all got to dream!) and you have perfect holiday bliss.
A round wicker tray, small, colourful ceramic vases, cut geraniums and drumsticks (Craspedia globosa) – that’s all you need for a summer centrepiece that will brighten up any table.
