Rare (uncommon) Tree of the Year 2017 Saturday, 02 September 2017 11:37 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Euclea pseudebenus Picture courtesy www.kyffhauser.co.za
Ebony Tree, Ebony Guarri, Ebbehout, Tsawib (Euclea pseudebenus)
If you are looking for an elegant indigenous shade tree which is evergreen and can cope with very hot and dry conditions, the ebony tree is one of the best and well worth searching for. This dessert plant is quite happy growing in both winter and summer rainfall conditions and is found in northern Namaqualand and eastwards to Bushmanland, where it hugs the Gariep River on both the South African and Namibian sides.
Common Tree of the Year 2017 Friday, 01 September 2017 15:08 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ziziphus mucronata Picture courtesy www.kyffhauser.co.za Buffalo-thorn, Blinkblaar-wag-‘n-bietjie, Haakdoring, umPhafa, mokgalo, mphasamhala, mutshetshete, Umpafa, umLahlabantu (Ziziphus mucronata)
Ziziphus is a genus of about 40 species of spiny shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn and jubjube family (Rhamnaceae), which can be found growing wild in warm-temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The Buffalo Thorn occurs throughout the summer rainfall areas of sub-Saharan Africa, extending from South Africa to Ethiopia and Arabia.
Iviki Lezihlahla, Arbour Week Tuesday, 29 August 2017 11:08 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Henkel's YellowwoodIviki Lezihlahla, Arbour Week - 1 to 7 September 2018
Don't forget to prepare for National Arbour Week- 1 to 7 September 2018, a time when all South Africans celebrate our indigenous trees by getting together as communities to plant as many trees as possible. This year South Africans will celebrate our Yellowwood Trees, and the rare or uncommon Shepherd's Tree, Witgat.
Nothing smells quite like pineapple sage. Tuesday, 18 July 2017 08:15 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Pineapple Sage FlowersNothing smells or tastes of the tropics quite like pineapple sage. It's Among the most intriguing of the sage family members, and pineapple sage is simply spectacular in late summer when in full bloom, with its masses of tubular blood red flower spikes contrasting perfectly against the bright green, fuzzy leaves.
Philodendrons add tropical ambiance Tuesday, 04 July 2017 09:49 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Philodendron Xanadu 'Havana' Picture courtesy www.kazimingi.co.zaGrown both indoors and outdoors for their lush evergreen foliage and dramatically lobed leaves, philodendrons add a lovely tropical ambiance to any garden or indoor space.
Winter Warmth and Smiles Sunday, 02 July 2017 10:51 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
CalendulaNo garden should be without calendulas at this time of year; it’s the only way to guarantee a little burst of sunshine when the weather fails you! Whether it’s a sweep of golden blooms or a vivacious display in a pot, calendulas are a golden ray on a cold winter day. What’s more, even the most inexperienced of gardeners can grow them easily.
Falling for Fennel Friday, 16 June 2017 13:32 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Picture courtesy Nick WarnerDiscover what the people of the Mediterranean region have known about fennel for centuries, their many creative uses for this summer vegetable will have you falling for fennel! Many people are familiar with fennel only in the form of the seeds which are found in various spice blends, where they're hidden away amongst the other flavours. As a result, the first time they're exposed to fresh fennel, the mildly liquorice-like flavour can be a surprise.
Plan your Dream Garden Monday, 12 June 2017 13:38 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
June is an interesting gardening month and the shortest day and longest night is on June 21, after which the days gradually start getting longer, but very slowly at first so that you hardly realise it! In the warmer regions, after about three weeks, you will notice that many plants have begun to grow again - spring in Durban starts in late July!
Colourful Winters Monday, 05 June 2017 10:33 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
ViolasOne of nature’s gifts to us during winter is the sweet, fragrant face of pansies and violas. These gorgeous little plants really take the bite out of winter. Bring some joy to your winter garden with these special flowers which are extremely easy to grow! Pansies have bigger faces and leaves than their cousin the viola which is also known as Heart's Ease
Modern gardeners simply can’t do without Abelias! Monday, 29 May 2017 11:16 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Abelia 'Cardinal'Abelias are among those old fashioned shrubs that the modern gardener simply can’t do without! Not only are they renowned for their beauty and good looks all year round, but also for their reliable performance in gardens around South Africa.
Spring Festival 2017 – ‘Colour My World’ Wednesday, 24 May 2017 12:10 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Spring means new life, new energy and a fresh start for the garden. Trying out something new, or planning a new look, doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. That’s the idea behind this year’s Spring Festival at Garden World, from Friday 28 July to Sunday 3 September.
South Africa wins 35th Gold Medal Wednesday, 24 May 2017 07:56 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show were jumping for joy this this morning when they learned that they had won South Africa’s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting at the prestigious show. And, in an additional accolade for the team, the display was also awarded with the prestigious President’s Award.
