Falling for Fennel Friday, 16 June 2017 13:32
Picture courtesy Nick WarnerDiscover what the people of the Mediterranean region have known about fennel for centuries, their many creative uses for this summer vegetable will have you falling for fennel! Many people are familiar with fennel only in the form of the seeds which are found in various spice blends, where they're hidden away amongst the other flavours. As a result, the first time they're exposed to fresh fennel, the mildly liquorice-like flavour can be a surprise.
Plan your Dream Garden Monday, 12 June 2017 13:38
June is an interesting gardening month and the shortest day and longest night is on June 21, after which the days gradually start getting longer, but very slowly at first so that you hardly realise it! In the warmer regions, after about three weeks, you will notice that many plants have begun to grow again - spring in Durban starts in late July!
Colourful Winters Monday, 05 June 2017 10:33
ViolasOne of nature’s gifts to us during winter is the sweet, fragrant face of pansies and violas. These gorgeous little plants really take the bite out of winter. Bring some joy to your winter garden with these special flowers which are extremely easy to grow! Pansies have bigger faces and leaves than their cousin the viola which is also known as Heart's Ease.
Modern gardeners simply can’t do without Abelias! Monday, 29 May 2017 11:16
Abelia 'Cardinal'Abelias are among those old fashioned shrubs that the modern gardener simply can’t do without!
Not only are they renowned for their beauty and good looks all year round, but also for their reliable performance in gardens around South Africa.
Spring Festival 2017 – ‘Colour My World’ Wednesday, 24 May 2017 12:10
28 July to September 3
Spring means new life, new energy and a fresh start for the garden. Trying out something new, or planning a new look, doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. That’s the idea behind this year’s Spring Festival at Garden World, from Friday 28 July to Sunday 3 September.
South Africa wins 35th Gold Medal Wednesday, 24 May 2017 07:56
South Africa wins 35th Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show were jumping for joy this this morning when they learned that they had won South Africa’s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting at the prestigious show. And, in an additional accolade for the team, the display was also awarded with the prestigious President’s Award.
There’s so much more to cabbage than coleslaw! Friday, 12 May 2017 14:14
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
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
Cyclamen 'Friller' Scarlet. Picture courtesy www.ballstraathof.co.zaCyclamens are simply irresistible and bloom for months on end.
Cyclamens 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
Garden Design and Landscaping trends over the last 25 years have changed quite dramatically and this is primarily due to the following reason:
Climate change: Fact or fallacy? Meteorologists and environmentalists argue that global warming has definitely affected weather patterns which have become more erratic and unpredictable and this has affected the way we garden and the landscaping industry as a whole.
Evergreen turf lawns are eco-friendly Tuesday, 04 April 2017 10:40
Picture courtesy https://pixabay.comEvergreen turf lawns are trendy and eco-friendly for small gardens.
The 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 and bougainvillea, to miniature vegetables and fruits! While most gardeners are delighted by the selection available to them, they often don’t give much thought to their lawns. However, 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
Dianthus Bouquet Purple. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyYou CAN add a bit of seasonal colour to your garden without 'breaking the bank'
Does 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! It’s very hard not to get carried away at the garden centre when confronted with all those trays of delightful flowering seedlings, but please take a deep breath and stick to your original plan. Also, remember that no prize-winning flower garden can be created in the first year and a bit of planning beforehand will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Plant a fruitful winter veggie patch Monday, 20 March 2017 18:23
Raised beds are perfect for veggies. Picture courtesy Dave MaczugaFor a fruitful winter veggie patch, you need to "get cracking" this month!
Autumn 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.
The last roses of summer Monday, 13 March 2017 12:45
Winter Sun Picture courtesy www.ludwigsroses.co.zaThe last roses of summer are often the most perfect ones.
As summer draws to a close and the temperatures drop, your roses will take on a whole new intensity of colour and unfading beauty, seldom seen in hot weather. Their petals will unfurl perfectly and the blooms will last much longer too. And, if the temperatures play along, you can have roses well into April and May.