Zantedeschia hybrids are easy to grow Tuesday, 14 November 2017 09:08
Zantedeschia 'Jack of Hearts' Picture courtesy BLOOMZ, New ZealandZantedeschia hybrids are easy to grow and today a new generation of Zantedeschia hybrids have been bred from our original indigenous species; not only for their spectacular fashionable colours but also for their sheer flower power.
Attracting wildlife to your garden Thursday, 02 November 2017 10:07
Attracting birds and other wildlife to your garden can be so simple!
Many indigenous as well as exotic plants can be incorporated into your garden design to attract wildlife, and it doesn't matter how large or small your garden is; if you follow a few simple guidelines you will soon be rewarded with the delightful sound of birdsong, and the fleeting beauty of a flitting butterfly or busy bee.Because of the continual expansion of our urban areas into the natural environment, city gardens, parks and open areas have become vital in sustaining wildlife; and it is possible - with a bit of planning - to create both a beautiful and sustainable sanctuary for birds and other wildlife in our suburban gardens.
Gardening in the Western Cape Wednesday, 18 October 2017 13:32
Cape Agulhas Dune Fynbos - Overberg. Picture courtesy South African Tourism. Visit their flickr pageKnowing your climate is half the battle won when you start selecting plants for your garden. The Western Cape Province is exceptionally topographically and climatologically diverse, with many distinct micro and macroclimates, created by the varied topography and the influence of the surrounding ocean currents. This can pose many problems for gardeners, unless you understand the subtle nuances of your particular region.
Summer Show Stoppers Monday, 09 October 2017 07:49
Salvia farinaceaHailing from around the globe, including several indigenous varieties, Begonias come from a massive genus consisting of more than a thousand species. With over ten thousand documented hybrids there is an almost confusing array to choose from. When it comes to long lasting, outdoor colour however, there is little to be confused about. Begonia semperflorens or bedding Begonias and its numerous cultivars, are just the thing to brighten up those dull areas in the garden.
Looking at Thyme in a whole new light! Wednesday, 27 September 2017 13:14
Common ThymeIt’s time we started looking at Thyme in a whole new light - it’s equally at home in a caramel sauce as it is in a dreamy macaroni and cheese!
Thyme, for many people, brings up happy memories of eating traditional roast chicken with thyme and onion stuffing, or classic turkey with sage and thyme at thanksgiving. For others it is associated with pasta sauces and pizza. But alas - poor thyme, she seems to always be the bridesmaid, never the bride - destined to work tirelessly as a culinary Cinderella in the kitchen.
Landscape Layout for Newbies Wednesday, 13 September 2017 18:03
Picture courtesy www.gardenworld.co.zaHave you just bought your first home and the budget for the garden is very limited, or perhaps you are just tired of the way your garden looks and want a fresh new look, but are concerned about expenses? If so, it is comforting to know that you can do it yourself - landscape design is not that difficult, as long as you have patience and a plan in hand!
Carpets of Colour Tuesday, 05 September 2017 12:14
Marigolds If it’s warm, rich colours you are after then marigolds are just the thing for you. Their colourful flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, red and bi-coloured, with many flower shapes and sizes to choose from. You may be forgiven for thinking that surely marigolds are a bit old fashioned, because they bring back memories of your grandmother’s garden. This may have even been true a few years back, however they have made a big comeback in contemporary gardens.
Rare (uncommon) Tree of the Year 2017 Saturday, 02 September 2017 11:37
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
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
Henkel's YellowwoodIviki Lezihlahla, Arbour Week - 1 to 7 September 2018
Don't forget to prepare for National Arbour Week, its 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
Pineapple Sage FlowersNothing smells or tastes of the tropics quite like pineapple sage.
Among the most intriguing of the sage family members, 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
Philodendron Xanadu 'Havana' Picture courtesy www.kazimingi.co.zaNothing adds tropical ambiance to gardens or indoor spaces like the lush evergreen and dramatically lobed leaves of philodendrons.
Grown 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
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.