Crucifix orchids are great beginner's orchids Wednesday, 14 August 2024 15:21 Written by Super User
Yellow Epidendrum Picture courtesy Laurent Capy from flickrCrucifix orchids with their long lasting flowers are a great beginner's orchid because they are tough and easy to grow indoors, and in our humid subtropical regions, they will thrive outdoors in full sun. They are wonderful in pots or hanging baskets, mounted on trees or driftwood, and they can even be planted in the soil amongst rocks.
Meet the Dancing Lady Orchids Monday, 12 August 2024 18:09 Written by Super User
Oncidium lineoligerum. Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrDancing lady orchids are excellent for beginner orchid growers because they won’t be damaged by occasional changes in temperature and will forgive you if you forget to water them every once in a while. If they are watered correctly and are provided with sufficient light and the right temperatures and humidity, they will put forth a profusion of flowers in graceful, long sprays. Learn everything you need to know to grow them successfully indoors and outdoors.
Crotons are rewarding ornamental plants Saturday, 10 August 2024 16:20 Written by Super User
How to grow and care for ‘Elatior’ Begonias Saturday, 10 August 2024 10:16 Written by Super User
Begonia Elatior Image by Nowaja from PixabayDress up your indoor spaces or a shady garden, balcony, porch or patio with the colourful, rose-like blooms of Begonia ‘Elatior’ Hybrids. Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in garden beds, hanging baskets, window boxes and pots for vibrant summer displays. Learn how to grow and care for them indoors and outdoors.
African Violets can flower continuously Wednesday, 07 August 2024 12:25 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
African violets are simply irresistible, and with their attractive leaves and endearing blooms in a lovely range of colours, they remain the most popular of the continuously flowering houseplants. If you can give them a good balance of light, water and food, they will reward you with blooms all year long. Learn all about caring for these little beauties below, but beware, you may become hooked on them!
Why you need to add Broccoli to your list of winter veggies Monday, 22 July 2024 16:54 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Broccoli Image by Nataly from PixabayBroccoli is not only highly nutritious but also so easy to grow during the winter months, and best of all its taste improves during cold weather. Although it’s too late to sow broccoli seed now, in cold regions established plants can still be planted out for a late winter or early spring crop. Learn more about broccoli and how to grow it below.
Selection of indigenous trees to bring colour and wildlife into your winter garden Saturday, 13 July 2024 13:06 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Calodendrum capense Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryArbour week is just around the corner, highlighting the need to plant more of our own trees, not only for their beauty but also to attract and sustain wildlife. Food becomes harder to find during the cold winter months, so consider planting winter fruiting or flowering trees this arbour week, and by next season they will be established enough to add some winter colour, but best of all attract all kinds of wildlife into your winter garden.
Important things to consider before purchasing a tree Thursday, 04 July 2024 15:11 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Fever Tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryThroughout the ages humans have planted trees for food, fuel, shelter, and medicine, and today we are encouraged to plant trees not only for their aesthetics but also for their ability to improve land, water and air quality, and to sustain and attract wildlife to the garden. Learn about climate amelioration and the important role trees play in the ecosystems of our cities and rural areas, and what you need to know before purchasing trees for the garden.
Shrubs to colour your winter garden Tuesday, 18 June 2024 15:17 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Camellia sasanqua' Henrietta' Picture courtesy horti.co.zaYour garden should never be drab and especially not in winter, so if it doesn’t inspire you at this time of the year, or you just want to add a little more winter cheer and colour to certain spots you will find this article helpful. Planting shrubs which flower or produce showy fruits in winter is an economical way to add colour to your garden each season without breaking the bank, and if you plant some now, you will reap the rewards next season. Gardening requires patience and planning ahead is the name of the game. Find some inspiring winter winners below.
What to do in your garden in June Thursday, 06 June 2024 12:50 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Camellia Image by Christiane from PixabayOne of my most popular sections on this website is my regional “Gardening Month by Month” guide, where you will find the most important gardening tasks to do for each month. And if you are an avid gardener you know that June can be quite a busy month in the garden. These articles have evolved over many years and have become far too long to include them in their entirety here, so I have included some of the most important gardening tasks for June below.
Herbs can do wonders for dogs and cats Friday, 31 May 2024 11:12 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Image by Alexa from PixabayGreens, and especially herbs are not just healthy for us humans but also for our furry friends, as they contain many valuable vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances to boost our immune system and general wellbeing. Learn about pet-friendly herbs to plant in your garden, what they are good for treating, and practical ways to use them to enhance the health of your pets.
Plant Ranunculus for effortless winter and spring colour Wednesday, 15 May 2024 17:13 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Ranunculus 'Pink' Image by Ralph from PixabayNothing rivals Ranunculus for their abundance of flowers when there is little other colour in the winter and spring garden. In South Africa you can plant from April to late May, and to extend the flowering season, staggered plantings can extend to mid-June. Learn how to plant and grow these beauties with other annuals in garden beds and pots, and how to make them last longer in a vase.
