Firethorns and Cotoneasters are Category 1B invasive species Thursday, 03 August 2023 12:50 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Pyracantha 'Orange Charmer'Pyracantha and Cotoneaster are beautiful shrubs which belong to the Rosaceae, or Rose family. In South Africa, species of northern temperate origin were introduced as garden ornamentals, and in certain regions they thrived, and their invasiveness quickly became apparent. Read more below about the various species.
The Queen Palm is regal in appearance but very high maintenance Tuesday, 25 July 2023 11:26 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Syagrus romanzoffiana Picture courtesy K M from flickrQueen palms growing in the landscape appear carefree, but they are susceptible to many diseases, and if they are grown in the wrong soil pH, suffer from many nutritional problems. They are also very high maintenance and expensive, so before you purchase a queen palm, read more below on what their requirements are, and if you can’t give them what they need to thrive, rather select another tree for the site.
How to make Caldo Verde - Portugal’s Quintessential Soup Wednesday, 05 July 2023 11:45 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Caldo Verde - Portuguese Kale SoupIf you have kale growing in your winter vegetable garden and are wondering what to make with it, you can’t go wrong with Caldo Verde soup. It is modest, yet comforting, and although it is most often served at the beginning of a meal, it can also make a nutritious light dinner. And for all you vegans out there, we have included some options to replace the chorizo. Read more below on the health benefits of kale, and how to make this delicious meal at home.
Problems, Pests & Diseases of Aloes Monday, 03 July 2023 16:56 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Aloe barberae Picture courtesy Gareth BedfordThis article covers the most common pests and diseases of Aloes, and the most serious ones. Learn how to protect your plants against threats, how to identify problems early, and which products and methods are the most effective to use. If you are a collector, or only have a couple of aloes in your garden, it will be worth your while to read more about these problems and their solutions below.
The Coral Aloe is perfect to plant in gardens small or large Friday, 16 June 2023 13:13 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Aloe striata Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrThis small sculptural aloe with its handsome winter flowers and broad silvery leaves with no thorns is an extremely popular garden subject both at home and overseas. Read more below on how to use it in the landscape, as well as how to plant, care for and propagate it.
It’s time to start planting Liliums for spring and summer blooms. Wednesday, 07 June 2023 12:40 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Lilium Asiatic Hybrid Picture courtesy F. D. Richards from flickrIf planted in groups Liliums put on a stunning show, and if you select a variety and plant a succession of bulbs, you can have flowers from mid-spring to early autumn. Read more below about the various hybrids, when to plant them in South Africa, and how to care for and propagate them.
Aloe cooperi is our best grassland Aloe Friday, 26 May 2023 12:08 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Aloe cooperi flowers Picture courtesy Haakdoorn NurseryThe vast majority of aloes flower in winter, but some like the grass aloes usually flower in spring or summer. So, if you’re currently shopping for winter flowering aloes, include some that also flower at other times, like the lovely Coopers Grass Aloe. Read more below about this aloe, how to plant, care for, and propagate it.
The soap aloe is perfect for small gardens Monday, 22 May 2023 12:26 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Aloe maculata Picture courtesy The Blackthorn Orphans from flickrRead more below to learn all about this easy to grow aloe, how to care for it, where to plant it in the garden, how to propagate it, and a lot more.
What is Square Foot Gardening Thursday, 18 May 2023 09:52 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Square foot garden Picture courtesy Andy Walker from flickrThis revolutionary way to grow more in less space has been around for a long time, so if you want to grow edibles and need a quick and easy way to start, square foot gardening is a great way to go. If you want to know what square foot gardening is, where it comes from, what’s so great about it, and why it’s so popular that gardeners still use this method today, click to read more.
For a rich explosion of colours you can’t go wrong with Nemesias Wednesday, 12 April 2023 12:21 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Nemesia 'Sundrops' Mix. Picture courtesy Ball StraathofNemesias are striking and quite capable of creating a riot of colours all on their own, demanding attention wherever they are planted. In South Africa the annual cultivars are popular with gardeners as winter and spring flowering bedding plants. Read all about planting and caring for them below.
How to grow Common Foxgloves successfully in South Africa Friday, 31 March 2023 13:56 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Foxglove Dwarf 'Foxy Mix' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofHeirloom foxgloves like the grand old fashioned ‘Excelsior’ that blooms in its second year, and the same year flowering types like Dwarf ‘Foxy Mix’ remain popular with SA gardeners, and the new F1 hybrid ‘Camelot Series’ is quite sensational. Read all about foxgloves and how to grow them below.
Did you know that Sparaxis elegans is now ‘Near Threatened’ on the South African Red List? Friday, 24 March 2023 15:17 Written by Darlene Roelofsen
Sparaxis Mix. Picture Courtesy https://www.hadeco.co.zaIt has been used in horticulture for over 200 years because it’s easy to grow, and a long-lasting cut flower that demands attention in garden beds or containers. Read more below about its status in the wild and how to grow this striking little indigenous plant in your garden.
