There’s so much more to cabbage than coleslaw! Friday, 12 May 2017 14:14 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Pak Choy. Picture courtesy Alison AriansNext time you’re out grocery shopping – grab some cabbage! It’s easy for cabbage to get lost amongst its “sexier” counterparts like curly kale, vibrant beets, Swiss chard and pretty little cauliflower or broccoli florets, but this is a shame because cabbage is packed with goodness, and half the price of other spotlight-grabbing superfoods!
Autumn Delights Thursday, 04 May 2017 12:33 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Iceland Poppy If it’s the “wow” from flowers you are looking for, then Iceland Poppies (Papaver naudicaule) are just the thing for you. Planted in autumn temperatures, they will help transform your garden into a winter wonderland.
Cyclamens are simply irresistible Wednesday, 26 April 2017 17:22 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Cyclamen 'Friller' Scarlet. Picture courtesy www.ballstraathof.co.zaCyclamens never fail to delight gardeners with their swept-back flower petals resembling shooting stars, and their heart-shaped leaves embroidered with intricate, silvery patterns. Florists’ Cyclamens (Cyclamen persicum) start showing up in grocery stores and garden centres throughout South Africa in autumn, and for many people their first encounter with these fascinating plants is when they are given one as a gift.
Enchanting Gardens Tuesday, 11 April 2017 08:24 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Garden Design and Landscaping trends over the last 25 years have changed quite dramatically and this is primarily due to climate change.
Evergreen turf lawns are eco-friendly Tuesday, 04 April 2017 10:40 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Picture courtesy https://pixabay.comThe trend towards smaller gardens and homes in South Africa and around the world has led to the development of many beautiful miniature garden plants; from azaleas, roses, to miniature vegetables and fruits! While most gardeners are delighted by the dwarf selection available to them, they often don’t give much thought to their lawns. A small piece of evergreen lawn in a small garden just adds the finishing touch to a well-furnished garden –like the perfect carpet completes a perfect room!
Add a bit of seasonal colour to your garden Wednesday, 29 March 2017 13:44 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Dianthus Bouquet Purple. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyDoes your summer flower garden start to fizzle out as soon as the cooler weather arrives? If so, you need a new plan to keep your beds blooming, and one which doesn’t cost a fortune either!
Plant a fruitful winter veggie patch Monday, 20 March 2017 18:23 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Raised beds are perfect for veggies. Picture courtesy Dave MaczugaAutumn is knocking at the door, and in the morning and evening on the Highveld, there is already a slight nip in the air. If you want a fruitful winter garden, you need to "get cracking" and start sowing or planting out your winter vegetables this month.
When in bloom the coral tree is intensely beautiful Tuesday, 07 March 2017 15:52 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Erythrina caffraCoral trees are extremely handsome all year round, but impossible to ignore when adorned with their intensely scarlet flowers. The flowers appear either before, or with the first spring leaves, and are filled with delicious nectar for our feathered friends.
Boldly Clowning Around Friday, 17 February 2017 12:01 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Salvia farinaceaSalvia splendens, commonly known as scarlet sage or rooi-salie, also comes in shades of red, purple, pink, cream, white and blue. Not only are they easy to grow, with their showy flowers and deep green leaves, this eye-catching bedding plant offers glorious, long-flowering heads 30cm tall. They flourish in full-sun positions and once established, they withstand high summer temperatures.
Watercress contains more vitamin C than oranges Tuesday, 14 February 2017 14:03 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Gram for gram, watercress contains more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more folate than bananas.
Felicia always catches the eye Monday, 06 February 2017 08:42 Written by Super User
Felicia blueBlue is a sought after colour amongst gardeners because it is quite rare, especially a true blue shade. Kingfisher Daisies, with their masses of striking sky-blue and sunny yellow flower heads fit the bill, catching the eye wherever they are planted.
Jerusalem Artichokes are an ideal crop for small rural farmers Monday, 01 February 2016 11:31 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Jerusalem Artichoke. Picture courtesy Richard Camps Today Jerusalem Artichokesare widely cultivated across temperate regions of the world for their tubers, which are used as a gourmet root vegetable.
