The African Mangosteen has many uses Tuesday, 18 March 2025 12:36
Garcinia livingstonei Fruit. Picture courtesy Imbe 063 from flickrMangosteens are known for their delicious fruits, and the African mangosteen is no exception. It grows slowly and saplings have a unique sculptural form, with young branches growing at right angles from the trunk in a pyramidal shape, allowing this feature plant to be grown for many years as a beautiful evergreen shrub.
Your garden in March Monday, 24 February 2025 12:02
Cosmos Sonata 'Carmine'March is a wonderful month in the garden, and as the days grow shorter our thoughts turn to our winter and spring gardens. Gardening in the cooler months is a pleasure and if you do all your tidying, planting and sowing now, your flowers, bulbs and vegetable seedlings will have a chance to establish themselves before the cold weather arrives, ensuring a good winter and spring harvest and a beautiful show of flowers.
The exotic pomegranate is a rewarding garden plant Tuesday, 11 February 2025 13:46
Pomegaranate Tree Image by Yuliya Yuliya from PixabayAfter thousands of year’s humans are still cultivating pomegranate trees for their exotic looks, delicious fruit, and pretty orange-red blooms. A pomegranate tree can make a perfect addition to your garden or patio as it doesn’t take up much space and grows well in large pots. Learn all about pomegranates and how to use and grow them at home.
Colour your garden in midsummer with Pride of India Wednesday, 05 February 2025 11:08
Mature Pride of India. Image by Bishnu Sarangi from PixabayThe pride of India is widely cultivated for its long flowering period in mid to late summer, its beautiful bark and attractive autumn foliage. 200 Years of garden cultivation has resulted in cultivars with widely varying characteristics, making this spectacular plant suitable for a wide range of landscaping needs. Varieties vary from tidy street trees or dense barrier hedges, to fast-growing dwarf types.
The Chinese fringe flower is beautifully elegant Thursday, 30 January 2025 12:43
Loropetalum chinense. Picture by Megan Hansen from flickrThe Chinese Fringe Flower is a charming shrub, and a relative newcomer to the gardening scene. Gardeners are embracing it for its winning combination of showy evergreen foliage and brightly coloured flowers. Learn how to grow and care for it at home, and how to use it effectively in the garden.
The quince is a lovely garden ornamental Friday, 17 January 2025 17:38
Quince Image by Hans from PixabayIf you wish to add edible trees to the landscape you can’t go wrong with a quince. It’s very ornamental, producing beautiful fragrant blossoms in a shade of pink or white in early spring, and the fruits slowly develop through summer and are ready to harvest in late autumn or early winter. Learn more about growing, caring for, and using Quinces below.
Gardening Trends 2025 Tuesday, 14 January 2025 12:07
Image by congerdesign from PixabayI love the gardening trends for 2025, and I like to think of them as "gardening with a purpose" as gardeners are choosing to grow what matters to them. Traditional methods are being updated, along with a fresh perspective on the role gardens play in our daily lives.
In 2025 gardeners are encouraged to plant deeply personal and environmentally friendly gardens that are a true joy to behold.
Growing Goji Berries at Home Monday, 06 January 2025 10:26
Goji Berry Picture courtesy www.justberryplants.co.zaThis hardy, deciduous shrub has increased in popularity in recent years. It yields a plentiful supply of nutritious red berries, which can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried. It's easy and fun to grow this superfood at home, and not only will this save you money, you can also rest assured that the berries are fresh and organically grown. Goji berry plants are versatile and can be grown directly in garden beds or pots, making them great for small or large gardens.
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.