Grape vines grow in gardens almost throughout SA Wednesday, 25 February 2026 15:05 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Grapes Image by Hubert Ngo from PixabayGrapes can be grown easily at home, and with some patience, training and TLC, your family will be sitting under the welcoming shade of its verdant foliage, enjoying bunches of succulent grapes fresh from the vine for generations to come.
Black Chokeberries are now available in SA Tuesday, 10 February 2026 16:36 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Aronia Berries Image by januszwietecha from PixabayAronia berries, commonly called “chokeberries” are a little known superfood that is quickly gaining recognition for its tremendous nutritional value, as well as for its ornamental value in the garden, and low maintenance. Research is showing that this berry deserves recognition as one of the world’s super fruits, and it is fast becoming a very attractive addition to other fruit crops.
Almonds are beautiful shade trees for gardens Wednesday, 04 February 2026 13:12 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Spring Almond Blossoms Image by Carlos Ramón Bonilla from PixabayAlmonds are not typically giant trees, making them manageable for many home gardens. They form a nice rounded or spreading canopy, and their spring blossoms are sure to delight. As deciduous trees they provide light dappled shade in summer while allowing the winter sunshine in – perfect!
Festive Foliage and Flowers Wednesday, 26 November 2025 14:29 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Red and White Poinsettia. Image by Michael Bubmann from PixabayReal trees and well-known ‘Christmas’ flowers make beautiful decorations, and if you purchase your favourite ones and decorate them, they make wonderful inexpensive gifts that will just keep on giving. Many of the classics like hydrangeas are planted into the garden after the festive season, and you family and friends will thank you next season when cutting them for the vase.
Bushman’s Poison is a worthy garden subject Tuesday, 11 November 2025 13:27 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Acokanthera oppositifolia Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryAlthough poisonous Bushman’s Poison is safe to touch, and a worthy garden subject with attractive evergreen foliage and non-aggressive roots. The highly fragrant flowers can be smelled from a great distance away and the ornamental fruits attract birds.
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.
