The Bismarck Palm creates a big presence in the landscape Tuesday, 29 August 2023 10:06
Bismarckia nobilis Picture courtesy Roger W from flickrThis palm is grown for its strong architectural form, colour and texture, and the eventual height of this species will create a dramatic statement anywhere it is planted. Read more below on how to grow, care for and propagate this palm, and how to use it in the landscape.
Coastal Rosemary grows on cliffs right next to the ocean Tuesday, 22 August 2023 13:06
Westringia fruticosa Picture courtesy Tatters from flickrThe neatly whorled leaves and long flowering time of coastal rosemary make it very popular in cultivation, and although its a coastal shrub, it also grows well inland. The blooms attract beneficial insects, and as a cut flower the stiff straight sprays are surprisingly handsome, and continue to open their buds for weeks. Read more below on how easy it is to grow and propagate.
Perennial Phlox is non-toxic and easy to grow Friday, 11 August 2023 12:56
Phlox paniculata Image by Sonja Kalee from PixabayPhlox is an old-fashioned favourite with gardeners because the blooms are impossible to miss at the height of the summer garden, and blooming will extend into autumn. It’s easy to grow, quick to flower, and needs little attention once established. Read more below on how to plant, grow and propagate perennial phlox, plus many other interesting facts about this plant.
Is the Obedient Plant making a come-back? Tuesday, 08 August 2023 13:21
Physostegia 'Crystal Peak White' Picture courtesy Ball StraathofIn South Africa obedience plants have not been easy to find for a long time and still aren’t. Just like everything else, garden plants seem to go in and out of fashion, and this wonderful old fashioned plant may just be making a come-back. Read more below about the Obedient Plant, how to grow and care for it, and how to use it in the garden.
Firethorns and Cotoneasters are Category 1B invasive species Thursday, 03 August 2023 12:50
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.