The carefree Dusty Miller is ideal for busy gardeners Thursday, 21 November 2024 09:29
Jacobaea maritima Picture by Philip Goddard from flickrDusty miller has remained popular with gardeners for decades for its ease of growth and shimmering foliage which adds contrast and texture to all types of landscapes. Its speed of growth and pest-free nature make it ideal for busy gardeners who are seeking out plants that look good with little fuss. Dusty miller fits the bill perfectly and is deservedly taking its rightful place in the spotlight once again. Learn how grow the carefree dusty miller and how to use it effectively in the garden.
The Silver Bush is invaluable in the landscape Thursday, 14 November 2024 10:23
Calocephalus brownii Picture courtesy K M from flickrThe silver bush is not just hardy but also very good-looking, resembling a shimmering silver ball in the landscape. Silver-foliaged plants are heat and drought tolerant, making this little shrub a great choice for dry gardens. It’s airy, almost ethereal looks are great to add texture and contrast to the garden, working well in modern and minimalist garden designs. Find more ideas on how to use it in the garden, and how to care for this versatile garden plant.
Culinary herbs for aspiring chefs to grow this summer Friday, 08 November 2024 15:55
If you are an aspiring chef growing your own herbs is an easy and fun way to ensure you have just what you need at hand to add a pop of flavour to your dishes. No matter how large or small your garden is, you can create an herb garden. Find a list of the most popular culinary herbs below.
The Capulin Cherry is perfect for South African gardens Friday, 01 November 2024 15:35
Cherry Capulin Picture courtesy Just Berry PlantsUnlike its close relative the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) which can only be grown successfully in certain growing regions, the Capulin Cherry (Prunus salicifolia) is a great fruit for subtropical or warm temperate regions, making it perfect for South African gardens. Read all about growing and using this cherry at home.
Perennials for sunny summer gardens Tuesday, 29 October 2024 15:00
Arctotis acaulis 'Purple' Picture courtesy K M from flickrA really well-planned garden will include plants for all seasons and interest can come in many forms, including colourful foliage and deciduous shrubs that display great autumn colours, flowers, colourful berries or fruits, and even attractive seed pods. Find a list of summer perennials for all regions below.
Summer flowering perennials for shady gardens Monday, 21 October 2024 15:21
Creeping Jenny & Spurflower Perennials make it fun to design and personalize your garden and with a little planning you can create an ever-changing tapestry of colour in the garden, and a different look and feel for each season. Learn more about perennials and find a list of summer perennials that love growing in shade and semi-shade.
The Curry Leaf Tree is a lovely little ornamental Thursday, 10 October 2024 12:11
Murraya koenigii berriesThe curry leaf is a lovely small tree with beautiful aromatic leaves which are used for flavouring many dishes from India, Sri Lanka, and neighbouring countries. It is very ornamental in the garden, and easy to grow in pots. Learn all about growing and caring for this rewarding little tree at home.
Summer flowering annuals for shady gardens Saturday, 05 October 2024 16:41
Bacopa Abunda Colossal 'White' Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyWe have all heard friends bemoan the fact that their yard is mostly shady and "nothing will grow, not even grass!" Let's face it, gardening in shade can be daunting at first, and is often viewed with despair by those endeavouring to maintain a shade garden, especially if they happen to be trying to grow plants that will not do well there. But, rest assured it’s all a matter of determining how much shade your plants will receive, enriching the soil, and choosing the right plants.
Calamondin Oranges can bloom and fruit year-round Wednesday, 02 October 2024 15:08
Calamondin 'Variegata' Image by Светлана from PixabayThe Calamondin Orange has gained popularity across the world for its versatility and ease of care in the garden. Because it can flower and fruit year-round it is a magnificent ornamental, and its showy orange fruits are eaten fresh or used in sweet and savoury dishes. In this article we will explore the characteristics, uses, and cultivation of this dwarf citrus tree with its miniature fruits.
Kumquats have been cultivated for centuries Monday, 30 September 2024 15:32
Kumquats Image by Davide Tirindelli from PixabayKumquats are grown for their ornamental and culinary uses. Unlike other citrus the miniature fruits have a thin and chewy sweet rind which compliments the fruit’s tangy flesh. The availability of exciting dwarf varieties that thrive in pots, make kumquats perfect for even the tiniest of gardens. Learn more about growing and using these fascinating little fruits.
What’s the ‘buzz’ about Finger Limes? Wednesday, 18 September 2024 14:35
Finger Lime 'Colette' Picture courtesy Just Berry PlantsFinger Limes are hailed as the ‘caviar’ of the fruit world because their shiny pearls are the size and texture of caviar and give a burst of effervescent, tangy lime flavour when chewed, earning them the nickname “lime caviar”. Finger limes are grown in the same manner as other citrus fruits, and do exceptionally well in pots, making them perfect to grow at home. Learn more about these fascinating natives of the rainforests, and you may just be tempted to buy a couple!
Make a statement indoors with Marantas Thursday, 12 September 2024 16:37
Maranta Lemon-Lime Picture courtesy Carol Von Canon from flickrThese gorgeous natives of the rainforests of Brazil have mesmerizing foliage that folds up at night as if in prayer. If you place them in a warm and well-lit spot indoors they will make a bold statement in any room, and if you’re looking for child and a pet-safe plant, you will be happy to know that prayer plants are non-toxic. Learn what they need to thrive indoors, including lighting, watering, humidity, temperatures, feeding, repotting and propagation.
The luscious Heartleaf Philodendron is not only gorgeous, but also easy to grow Thursday, 05 September 2024 15:47
Philodendron 'Brazil'The ‘Heartleaf’ or ‘Sweetheart Philodendron’ was named for its lovely heart-shaped leaves but this indoor pot plant has won the hearts of gardeners for its ease of growth. It does well in lower light conditions and thrives under artificial lighting, making it ideal for homes and offices, and best of all, it’s a strong air purifier. Learn everything you need to know about caring for this tropical beauty.
Make a splash with the quirky Corkscrew Rush Tuesday, 03 September 2024 14:36
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' Picture courtesy Sue Luxton from flickr'Spiralis' is a quirky indoor pot plant that adds a touch of elegance to any room, and is easy to grow if kept moist. It can also be grown in any aquatic landscape because it thrives in both still and flowing water, and can be grown partially or fully submerged in both fresh and saltwater aquariums. In this article I cover its ideal growing conditions, both indoors and outdoors, including: sunlight, temperature, humidity, watering and water depth, soil requirements, fertilisation, pruning, propagation, and other tips for maintaining a healthy and vibrant plant.