Penstemons are a 'must have' for hassle-free colour in summer gardens Tuesday, 01 September 2020 11:06 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Penstemon 'Electric Blue' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofNot many perennials are hardy, water-wise, long flowering, and can also grow in full sun or semi-shade. Penstemons can and are available in many gorgeous flower colours, and in all sizes. Read more about growing and caring for them.
Iviki Lezihlahla, Arbour Week - 1 to 7 September 2020 Thursday, 27 August 2020 12:27 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Picture courtesy Food & Trees for AfricaTraditionally South Africans are encouraged to plant indigenous trees to celebrate Arbour week, and although the importance of preserving our indigenous trees should never be under estimated, perhaps in 2020, with all the turmoil and change it has brought, we should rather focus on food sustainability for our communities by planting fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
Common National Tree of the Year 2020 Thursday, 27 August 2020 12:15 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ekebergia capensis. Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT - see his flickr pageCape Ash, Dogplum, Essenhout, Mutovuma, Umnyamathi, Mmidibidi, Nyamaru (Ekebergia capensis)
SA Tree No: 298
How to grow Ericas in the home garden Monday, 24 August 2020 11:51 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Erica formosa 'White Bells' Picture courtesy MadibriEricas grow well in most parts of South Africa and this article describes many of our most popular species for the garden. Learn how to grow them successfully in garden beds and in pots.
Ensure that all your standard plants and young trees are securely staked Thursday, 30 July 2020 15:48 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Picture courtesy Alabama Extension see their flickr pageThere are many different types of tree stakes and ties, and various staking methods, depending on the size of the plant. Read more about them below.
Lawn care for spring and early summer Thursday, 30 July 2020 11:28 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image by StockSnap from PixabayA beautiful lawn needs regular care throughout the year but especially in spring and summer. It is also a great time to sow lawn seed. So if you want a gorgeous lawn this summer read the guidelines below and start preparing now.
How to grow Pincushion Proteas Wednesday, 22 July 2020 12:26 Written by Super User
Leucospermum 'Tango' Picture courtesy MadibriIf cared for correctly pincushions thrive in many of our provinces, adapting easily to the summer rainfall regions, and tolerating moderate frost. Our modern hybrids are irresistible, a lot more compact, and many thrive in pots.
Late winter and early spring are the best times to spray for scale insects Monday, 13 July 2020 11:52 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Red scaleScale insects infest many species of trees and shrubs and can do damage out of all proportion to their size. They often go unnoticed by gardeners until they start pruning in winter and spring, but luckily these are the best times to spray. Learn all about scale insects below.
Arctotis bloom abundantly under harsh climatic conditions Tuesday, 07 July 2020 13:37 Written by Super User
Arctotis - Picture courtesy Gunera - see flickr linkGarden centres around South Africa sell a beautiful selection of hybrid Arctotis in a lovely range of colours and growth habits, to brighten up any sunny space. They cope with a variety of harsh climatic conditions, are great water-wise coastal plants, and also do well inland. Learn how to grow and propagate Arctotis in your region.
It’s time to prune, plant and transplant Tuesday, 30 June 2020 14:39 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image courtesy freepik In most regions of South Africa July is traditionally known as the month when we prune, plant or transplant deciduous fruit trees, grape vines, roses and other deciduous plants. Many evergreens can also be moved at this time. Because the flow of plant sap is low in winter, pruning and transplanting at this time reduces the risk of infection, and the shock of transplanting.
Nandina looks gorgeous in all seasons with hardly any work Friday, 26 June 2020 15:31 Written by Super User
Nandina has panicles of white flowers with showy yellow stamens
Nandinas are perfect for busy gardeners - find out how to grow them and how both the tall and dwarf varieties can enhance your garden, not only with their beautiful white flowers, red berries and fiery coloured winter foliage, but also with their ease of growth and low maintenance requirements.
Peaches & Nectarines are a real sweet treat! Tuesday, 23 June 2020 13:10 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Peach blossoms - Image by jaqueline macou from PixabayLearn everything about growing peaches & nectarines: Pruning, watering, feeding and spraying, companion planting, common pests and diseases, their health benefits and a lot more. Twenty six varieties of peaches and nectarines are discussed, each with a ‘mouth-watering’ photograph.
