Beaded Secret Garden "Late Summer’s Melody" Tuesday, 22 March 2022 13:54 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
This garden was inspired by the bounty of a late summer garden still in full bloom, yet with a hint of autumn in the leaves. It was created with loving care and there will never be another like it, because just as each human is unique, so is every secret garden.
Bring out the artist in you - plant Dutch Iris bulbs this autumn! Friday, 11 March 2022 15:13 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Dutch Iris Mixed - Picture courtesy HadecoDutch Irises are irresistible when in full bloom, but to enjoy their beauty in spring you need to plant them in autumn. The bulbs are available from the end of February, for planting out as soon as the soil temperatures drop. Find out how to grow and care for these bulbs below.
Ixias are charming additions for spring gardens Tuesday, 08 March 2022 14:29 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ixia - Image by Beverly Buckley from PixabayAlthough Ixias thrive in the winter rainfall regions of SA, they also grow well inland, as long as the soil has perfect drainage. Be sure to add them to your list of spring flowering plants, you won’t be disappointed! Read more about growing them below.
Carob – an ancient food tree Friday, 04 March 2022 14:47 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ceratonia siliqua - Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from PixabayThe carob tree has deep roots in history because it produces edible seedpods with a sweet, chocolatey pulp, and the seeds are rich in protein. And, although the carob is not indigenous to South Africa, it shows much promise as a food tree in urban and rural communities for both animal and human consumption. Learn more about growing and utilising this ancient food tree below.
How to grow Moth Orchids indoors and outdoors Monday, 28 February 2022 13:31 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Phalaenopsis Moth orchid Image by Albrecht Fietz from PixabayDespite their exotic looks moth orchids are easy to grow without much fuss, if you simply give them what they require to flourish. For this reason, these exquisite orchids with their elegant arching sprays of long-lasting blooms are popular among novice and experienced growers alike. Read more about caring for them below.
Bespoke Fairy Houses Thursday, 24 February 2022 09:41 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Green Mushrooms Fairy House LightI hope my new fairy houses will make you smile :) Click here to find the full range.
Vegetables and herbs to sow and plant in late summer and autumn Sunday, 20 February 2022 14:55 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofThese tasty veggies and herbs are just the thing for a late summer garden that will keep on giving through autumn. It’s also the right time to sow seeds of many slower maturing winter vegetables, so get my list and tips below.
Gardening in the Eastern Cape Saturday, 12 February 2022 17:19 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
East London Picture courtesy South Africa Tourism see their flickr pageA good knowledge of the soil and climate type of the region you live in is half the battle won for gardeners, and especially helpful when selecting plants for your garden. Read more about gardening in the diversity of the Eastern Cape below.
Borage - an ancient herb with modern applications Monday, 10 January 2022 12:48 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image by virginie 1 from PixbayBees adore borage to such an extent that it’s often called “bee bread” and humans grow it for its refreshing, slightly salty, cucumber flavour, and its unforgettable vivid-blue flowers. Borage is also an invaluable companion plant and “green manure” for organically grown vegetable and fruit crops. Read more on growing and using this miracle herb below.
Cannas once again take centre stage in the summer garden Thursday, 06 January 2022 13:47 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Pink Cannas at Longwood Gardens Conservatory. Image by Glenn Marsch see his Flickr pageThere is nothing subtle about cannas with their voluptuous leaves, impressive height and exotic blooms, and these flashy extroverts just love being the centre of attention, adding a tropical ambiance wherever they are planted. They are fun and easy to grow so read more below about cultivating and using them in modern gardens.
The Persian shield makes a dramatic addition to the garden Thursday, 30 December 2021 14:47 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Strobilanthes dyerianus. Picture courtesy Ali Eminov See their flickr pageThe colourful leaves of the perennial Persian shield provide vibrant contrast for shady gardens in subtropical regions, and in frosty regions they are planted as summer annuals or grown as indoor pot plants. Read more below on how to care for them.
How to grow and care for the Polka Dot Plant Tuesday, 21 December 2021 14:52 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Hypoestes' Mix' Picture courtesy Nu-leaf NurseryPolka dot plants have tons of personality and looks to kill! Their brightly spotted leaves stand out in the crowd, and they grow just as easily in bright light indoors as they do outdoors. Read more about cultivating them below.
