Asparagus ferns are one of the finest foliage plants Thursday, 30 October 2025 16:10 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Asparagus 'Meyerii' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofAsparagus ferns are grown primarily for their distinctive form and texture, and are one of the finest foliage plants. They are easy plants for beginner gardeners, and do not require any special care, thriving both indoors and outdoors in beds, pots, window boxes and hanging baskets.
Calatheas are easy to grow if you know how Tuesday, 21 October 2025 10:32 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Calathea zebrina crop picture by K M from flickrCalatheas are best known for their very diverse, colourful, and beautifully patterned leaves which look like they are hand-painted. They are beloved indoor pot plants worldwide, but in tropical and subtropical regions they also flourish in gardens.
Growing Granadillas in South Africa Saturday, 11 October 2025 14:47 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Passiflora flower Image by Kathryn Bowman (nee Selfe) from PixabayThe granadilla or purple passionfruit is an ever popular vine grown for its lush bright green foliage, stunning tropical flowers and delicious, juicy fruit.
Dwarf, Double and Triple Grafted Fruit Trees Tuesday, 23 September 2025 13:27 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Picture courtesy Michael Coghlan see his flickr pageIf you yearn to grow your own fruit at home but think that your garden is too small, you’ll be delighted to know that at last South African gardeners have a good selection of dwarf fruit trees to choose from, and now double and triple grafted trees are appearing on the market.
World-renowned South African spring & early summer flowering plants Wednesday, 03 September 2025 14:54 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Mackaya bellaSouth Africa has an intensely rich botanical heritage, and many of the ornamental plants that grace international gardens have South African roots.
Problems, Pests & Diseases of Citrus Trees Sunday, 24 August 2025 11:22 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
CitrusCitrus do need quite a bit of tender loving care, but will reward you with bumper crops if their needs are met; and choosing different varies, will provide you with fresh citrus for up to nine months a year.
Feed the birds responsibly Tuesday, 19 August 2025 15:52 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Southern Masked Weaver Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrAttracting birds to the garden is one of nature’s delights, and getting to know the various species, each with their own distinct personalities, is great fun for the whole family. And you will be surprised at how quickly the birds find their favourite treats.
Know Your Chilli Peppers Saturday, 02 August 2025 16:45 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Chilli Peppers Image by MiZie from PixabayFrom mild and fruity to fiery hot, the different types of chillies available to gardeners today caters for all palettes. Jalapeno, Tabasco, Cayenne, and Habanero are just some of the varieties you may know and love, but there’s a world of chillies out there to be discovered.
Cherry trees are beautiful assets to any garden Sunday, 29 June 2025 14:15 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Cherry Blossoms Image by Jarosław Deluga Góra from PixabayFresh cherries are a real treat, and if you have the right climate there’s no reason you can’t grow your own at home. They are also renowned for their profusion of spring blossoms and bright autumn foliage, making them a valuable asset to any garden. Today dwarf and semi-dwarf cherries allow more households to grow cherries
Grow a little deciduous stone-fruit tree Friday, 20 June 2025 13:32 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Peach Tree Picture by Image by Andrea Pók from PixabayWinter is traditionally deciduous stone fruit planting season, and if you would love to plant peaches, nectarines, plums, prunes, apricots, or cherries but never thought you had sufficient space, you need to read this article.
All you need to know about growing Avocado trees Monday, 09 June 2025 12:21 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Avocado Tree Image by Alanyadk from PixabayThe smooth and buttery flesh of Avocados may be the main draw for many gardeners but they are also quite beautiful shade trees with their bright green foliage and magnificent stature, and today dwarf varieties are becoming more freely available, making Avocados suitable for smaller gardens and pot culture.
Goldcrest Cypress trees truly come into their own in winter Friday, 30 May 2025 12:29 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Cupressus macrocarp 'Wilma' Picture courtesy Kazimingi NurseryCold weather intensifies the coloration of the foliage of conifers, and especially ‘Goldcrest’ and ‘Wilma’ cultivars, whose lemon scented foliage changes from lime-green in mid-summer to a rich golden-yellow in winter, providing year-round interest in your garden.
