Cosmos is a lovely non-toxic flower Thursday, 22 February 2018 12:40
Cosmos 'Antiquity' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofModern cosmos hybrids are compact, easy-to-grow and very free-flowering. They last well in a vase, and the more you pick them, the more they will bloom, attracting butterflies, bees and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden.
Intermediate to cool season vegetable crops Monday, 19 February 2018 10:11
Broad Beans with white Primulas in frontTraditionally mid to late summer is the time to sow vegetable crops that enjoy growing in the intermediate to cool seasons. Want to save money on the family budget this year? Vegetable prices are very high right now, so why not try growing your own - it's really easy and nothing beats the flavour of home grown veggies.
This birdfeeder is worth its weight in gold. Monday, 19 February 2018 08:59
People love attracting birds to their gardens because they bring life, movement, bird song, and hours of joy. Here the Red Bishops and the little Cape Sparrows vie for space, but somehow they all manage to get their share.
Hanging Baskets Friday, 02 February 2018 16:14
Summer hanging basket for semi-shade.Have you ever admired a lush hanging basket bursting with blooms but simply thought it a bit overpriced? Well, not really, a well-designed hanging basket in full bloom has probably taken months of care to get it to a sellable size, and this is labour intensive too, so if you can afford one of these ’ready to go’ beauties, spoil yourself, you’re worth it!
Million Bells Thursday, 25 January 2018 14:53
Cabaret Cherry Rose Calibrachoa. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyMillion Bells is rather like a miniature petunia on steroids! They are short lived perennials which are often planted as summer annuals in South Africa - growing and flowering at an amazing rate! They bloom abundantly all spring and summer, until the first frosts, and in warm frost-free regions can flower all year round.
Gardenia is delighfully scented Tuesday, 23 January 2018 10:26
Gardenia augustaThere are many cultivars of Gardenia augusta, including groundcover, dwarf and medium-sized varieties, so there’s a gardenia for every size garden. All the cultivars also grow beautifully in containers, so even if you only have a small patio or balcony garden, you can plant a Gardenia.
Chillies are not only good to eat! Sunday, 14 January 2018 11:40
Chillies are stunning in a simple wooden container. Chillies make great gifts for all occasions, gifts you can easily make at home and which don’t cost the earth either! To make them special requires only a little flair of your own, so let your imagination run wild and use whatever items you have around the house that can be re-cycled.
Sutera is creating quite a buzz! Monday, 08 January 2018 13:32
Sutera WhiteSutera, with its profusion of delicate flowers all summer long, is creating quite a buzz amongst gardeners! It remains a firm favourites with gardeners around the world for their ease of growth and profusion of flowers throughout spring and summer.
Amaryllis just need a little TLC Wednesday, 13 December 2017 14:32
Amaryllis Blushing Bride. Picture courtesy www.hadeco.co.zaWith just a little TLC, Amaryllis will delight you with their gorgeous blooms year after year. Popular for their festive, oversized flowers, amaryllis bulbs are commonly sold for the Christmas holiday season.
Round Up Summer Colour Tuesday, 05 December 2017 11:00
Diantus Ask any experienced gardener and they’ll tell you that no garden bed is complete without a representative of this group of annuals bringing their particular brand of hardy good cheer.
The Bladdernut tree is tidy Tuesday, 28 November 2017 09:47
Diospyros whyteana fruit & pods. Picture courtesy Malcolm Manners - see his flickr pageThe Bladdernut tree makes a truly attractive and tidy subject for any garden and is especially suitable for small gardens.
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! 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.
Summer Snapdragons bloom continuously Friday, 20 October 2017 10:50
Angelonia 'Serena Blue' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofThese tropical evergreen perennials are tough, easy to care for, and are planted in summer for their lovely snapdragon-like flowers, born on slender upright spikes. They bloom continuously during the hot summer months; have attractive bright green willow-like leaves; and hybrids are available in clear flower colours or two-toned combinations of rose, pink, blue, lilac, violet-blue, purple, and white.