So you say you don’t have space to plant fruit trees? Thursday, 28 May 2020 15:11
Picture courtesy Michael Coghlan - see his flickr pageThere are many innovative ways of shaping fruit trees to keep them smaller, and gardeners can even grow their own ‘fruit salad trees’ using simple grafting techniques, and if you learn the art of espalier you can utilise the perimeter walls around your property to grow fruit. This article will inspire you to take a fresh new look at your garden and the spaces available to you to grow your own fruit.
The bizarrely beautiful ‘Jewel of the Desert’ Tuesday, 19 May 2020 15:56
Daubenya 'Mixed' Picture courtesy HadecoFind out how to grow this little bulb so aptly called the “jewel of the desert”- one of the most showy of our indigenous species . In South Africa it is planted from March to May, to flower in winter and spring.
Guerrilla Gardening Monday, 11 May 2020 12:38
Guerrilla Gardening Book By Richard Reynolds. Picture courtesy Gordon Joly see his flickr pageAre you worried that our food supply chain will not hold up during these troubling times? If so, it’s time to seriously consider ‘guerrilla’ vegetable and fruit gardening. And, once lockdown is over, if you can get your whole community involved, it can also be most empowering. Food is security, so read on to find out more about this fascinating subject.
The humble turnip is reaching new culinary heights Tuesday, 21 April 2020 11:21
Image by Achim Thiemermann from PixabayLearn how to grow this easy cool season vegetable, discover its health benefits, and be inspired by innovative new ways of preparing it.
Proteas - the ancient shapeshifters Friday, 10 April 2020 14:28
Proteas thrive in many climatic regions of South Africa, and there are types suitable for gardens large and small, many of which are listed below, so read more to find out how to grow these ancient plants.
Proteas are synonymous with South Africa and are grown the world over for their unique beauty. It’s hard to pinpoint what draws people to these almost rugged looking plants with their unusual flowers.
Herbs to treat winter illnesses Monday, 06 April 2020 14:45
Many of the herbs growing in our gardens have wonderful antibacterial, antifungal and anti-oxidant properties.
If made into an herbal infusion (tea), and taken regularly, they can banish winter sicknesses like the common cold and flu.
Feed the birds during lockdown Monday, 30 March 2020 11:55
Lockdown can teach families the simple pleasures of life
With South Africa under strict lockdown for COVID-19 and our shopping malls and restaurants, as well as open spaces like parks and playgrounds strictly out of bounds, our country has become eerily quiet. Early in the mornings, instead of the steady drone of traffic on our roads, all that can be heard are the sounds of ‘mother nature’ and especially the lovely sound of bird song.
Improving air quality indoors during self-isolation for Covid-19 Wednesday, 25 March 2020 08:46
Tips for cleaning the home during self-isolation and improving air quality indoors with pot plants.
In order to stem the spread of Covid-19, several countries across the world are under lockdown, with people being forced to stay indoors, with only brief forays allowed outdoors for a little solitary exercise or some essential shopping.
There’s no better time than right NOW to grow-your-own Wednesday, 18 March 2020 15:56
Radishes Image by Couleur from PixabayHow to boost your immune system and the health benefits of growing these easy winter crops.
Covid-19, market mayhem and lockdowns….how fast our world has changed! And two things this disaster is teaching us are how interdependent we really are and how fragile our current system is.
A shout out for Alliums Wednesday, 11 March 2020 16:33
Purple Allium growing at Hidcote Manor, Lawrence Johnsons Garden. Image by Ron Porter from PixabayAllium bulbs are lovely in spring flowering borders, and excellent cut flowers.
Do yourself a favour this autumn and plant some eye-catching flowering alliums, they are indispensable in the late spring and early summer garden, where they flower for ages alongside the last of the daffodils and tulips, and before the first irises burst into bloom.
Anemones are one of the best ‘bang-for-your-buck’ bulbs Tuesday, 10 March 2020 15:28
Anemone Double Mixed Picture courtesy www.hadeco.co.zaAnemones are one of the most eye-catching and productive winter and spring bloomers, and have always been a favourite with gardeners because they are easy-to-grow, and bloom abundantly just 3 months after planting out.
The pretty blooms are available in single or double forms.
If you want a winter veggie garden you need to get cracking now. Wednesday, 04 March 2020 13:38
Kohlrabi Image by Pezibear from PixabayThe usual planting time for planting a winter vegetable garden in the colder regions of South Africa is March, April and May, but in warm frost free areas, most crops can be planted throughout winter.
It’s March, and time to prepare for your winter and spring flower garden. Tuesday, 03 March 2020 16:07
Image by Jill Wellington from pixabayIn many regions of South Africa, in the evenings and early mornings, there is a distinctive ‘nip’ in the air reminding us that autumn is knocking on the door and it’s time to get our gardens ready for a stunning winter and spring garden.
Brussels sprouts taste better when harvested after a spell of frost Monday, 02 March 2020 13:52
Brussels Sprouts Farm. Image by Florin Birjoveanu from PixabayWhen you prepare them the right way, Brussels sprouts have a mild, sweet, almost nutty flavour, but when they're overcooked, they have a bitter taste with a slimy texture, and a strong, sulphur-like smell, giving them a bad rap, especially with children. However, Brussels sprouts are finally getting their due, with simple yet creative recipes from around the world taking centre-stage in homes and restaurants alike.
