|
|
If it’s long lasting, bold colour you are after this summer then look no further than Begonia semperflorens or bedding Begonias. Just the thing to brighten up those dull areas in the garden; Begonias are renowned for their easy-growing and free-flowering habits. To top it all off they are available in the hottest colours - red, pink, white and cream, set off against bright green or deep bronze foliage.
|
|
|
Each spring and early summer these indigenous perennial plants bring splendorous colour into our shade gardens. |
|
|
Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za
|
 Bush lily, Boslelie, umayime -
Clivia miniata
Each spring and early summer these indigenous perennial plants bring splendorous colour into our shade gardens. Clivia miniata only occur in certain regions of South Africa, and nowhere else in the world; and are therefore referred to as "endemic" to these regions. Bush lilies can be found growing wild from Morgans Bay in the Eastern Cape, right up into northern Kwazulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga.
|
|
This gorgeous indigenous plant occurs only in certain regions of South Africa, and nowhere else in the world. |
|
|
Forest bell bush - Mackaya bella
This gorgeous indigenous plant occurs only in certain regions of South Africa, and nowhere else in the world; and is therefore referred to as "endemic" to these regions. It is found in evergreen forests, where it loves to grow alongside streams - from the coastal areas of the Eastern Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal, Swaziland and the Northern Province. Bella means "beautiful" in Latin, and is a tribute to the large, bell-shaped flowers, that adorn the plant in late spring. The flowers are mauve to white, and are marked with delicate purple-pink lines. The large, glossy, dark-green leaves are borne on long slender stems, and are most attractive.
It is essential for all shady gardens and will thrive if planted amongst trees or near
water, growing even in dense shade. In coastal gardens it can be grown
in more sun.
|
|
This plant is virtually maintenance free and needs only to be kept tidy |
|
Strelitzia reginae
|
Crane Flower, Bird-of-Paradise, Kraanvoëlblom, Geel Piesang -
Strelitzia species
Strelitzia reginae is
a perennial plant that grows wild in the Eastern Cape and
Kwa-Zulu Natal; where it grows in warm valleys, between other shrubs and
along riverbanks and clearings in the coastal bush. It forms large
evergreen clumps of stiff grey-green leaves and startling flowers that
resemble an exotic bird species. The flowers stand out above the
foliage, at the tips of long stalks, and are bright orange with purple
edges and bright blue tongues. Mature plants are very floriferous, with
flowers in autumn, winter and spring.
|
|
In cold regions the growing season for peppers is short, so sow seed in trays in early spring - transplant the seedlings into individual pots, and plant out once all danger of frost is over. |
|
|
Sweet, Bell peppers
|
Peppers (Capsicum species) are indigenous to central and south
America and were cultivated there 9 000 years ago. They were introduced
into Europe in the 16th century. Peppers belong to the same family of
plants as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants and are not related to true
pepper, the world’s most common seasoning. Peppers are used cooked or
raw in many dishes and can be pickled. They are rich in vitamin C and A;
if left to mature on the plants.
The two main types that are grown in the home garden are the bell or
‘sweet peppers’ and the hot or ‘chilli peppers’.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 5 of 15 |
| | | |
