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Ericaceous plants are plants and flowers that need to be grown in ericaceous soil. Ericaceous soil is soil that is acidic, making it the perfect pH level for certain types of plants. These plants will not grow well in limey soil and will eventually die if not grown at the right pH level.

Some examples of common ericaceous plants are:

1.  Rhododendron
2. Camellia
3. Azalea
4. Pieris
5. Heathers

These types of plants are also known as lime haters. They will need to be kept away from other plants that prefer to grow in alkaline soil, as they will not complement each other.

Lime-induced chlorosis occurs when ericaceous plants are grown in the wrong soil. It is best to grow lime-hating plants in pots and containers, so they can be given the right kind of soil for them. You can then place the planters in the right part of the garden, as many of these plants like some shade.

Camellias are colourful autumn/ winter plants that will often bloom around November time. This means they are just starting to come out now, and are adding a splash of colour to gardens throughout the UK. They will come out into bloom regardless of the weather, thriving just as much in warmer or colder conditions than usual.

The camellia is dark red in colour, with a yellow centre. They will stand out at this time of year, as well as blend in beautifully with the autumnal colours that are still around.

There are two popular types you can grow in your garden: the Japonica camellia and the Sasanque camellia. There are other varieties as well, meaning you can grow a variety of shades.

Camellias should be planted in the autumn for winter blooming. They are naturally woodland plants, so will thrive in shady conditions. However, if watered enough, they can also be grown in sunlight.

A gardener will be able to help you out with landscaping, planting and maintaining your garden, no matter how big or small it is. Most gardeners charge by the hour, so it won’t matter how much or how little work you have for them. If you are going to hire a gardener, make sure you know what you are going to want them to help you with you that you can select someone with the relevant skill set.

You can find lots of gardeners online who will be available for you to hire. You may also be able to get recommendations from your friends and neighbours. This can be important, as a gardener is about much more than simply having someone who is going to be working in your garden. They also need to be someone who is honest and reliable, who will arrive on time and who you can trust to work on your home.

Too many flowers can actually be detrimental to a garden. They can get out of hand, threatening to swamp other plants and flowers. You get a good balance by also incorporating foliage and greens into your garden. Here are some things to think about:

• Think about colours. Use heucheras to create a range of colours, from purples and reds to greens and yellows. Some also have attractive flowers as well.
• It will be more low maintenance. A range of shrubs, trees and grasses will help to keep the weeds at bay and will not need pruning.
• Evergreens are beautiful year round. A garden that uses evergreens will still be stunning in winter when everything else has died off.
• Heucherellas will also add height and colour. They are shade tolerant so can be grown easily in places where flowers may not thrive. The combination of green leaves and delicate flowers add interest.

Lilies are beautiful, striking flowers that will usually bloom in the summer months. They can be grown in containers very successfully as they can be placed somewhere that gives them plenty of light and they can be planted in the correct soil. They should be planted in autumn, though they could also be planted until the spring.

Most lily varieties can be planted in multi-purpose compost. However, certain varieties will not grow well in lime and should therefore be planted in ericaceous compost. There should be a layer in the bottom of the container for drainage, unless planting in a plastic container that is raised up off the ground.

Liles need to be in moist soil but should not be overwatered. They will grow best when fed a high potassium liquid fertiliser every few weeks. They shouldn’t be left out in the frost and need to get plenty of sunlight.