Mind Your Own Business!



It was an honour to be able to tell members of the public at Hampton Court about the plants on display at the House of Plants plot at Hampton Court. Interestingly, however, the great British public were fascinated not so much by the exotic plants from all over the World, but that hardy UK growing plant, Soleirolia soleirolii, the common name of which is, 'Mind Your Own Business.' According to the BBC here are the main details of the plant species:

Attractive and maintenance-free alternative to grass as ground cover in moist, shady areas. It will tolerate sun or shade. Frost hardy, its leaves are killed by winter frost, but it will recover to grow vigorously in spring. The masses of tiny leaves clothe slender spreading stems that root as they run, forming a dense deep-pile carpet. As it covers the ground it will run over rocks, fallen logs, and so on, clinging to their shape so the features of the landscape are picked out. Quick to establish, it survives periodic dry spells and recovers quickly afterwards. It is a superb substitute for moss in a Japanese garden or shady courtyard. Propagate by division from spring to mid-summer.

A great many of the members of the public loved it, its feel and mat-forming growth. However, many people said it is incredibly invasive and will take over a whole lawn and then the whole garden, so be warned. Also, a wonderful plant for being generally offensive with, as when your annoying neighbour asks what the interesting ground cover in the front is, you can tell him to 'Mind Your Own Business'.


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