Groundcovers to plant between pavers and stepping stones Wednesday, 15 February 2023 10:01
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' Picture courtesy www.acemondo.co.nzAll too often the gaps between flagstone pavers and stepping stone garden paths become neglected and full of unsightly weeds, and may be due to the fact that the home owners gave up on finding suitable little plants tough enough to survive. Read more below on how to select the perfect candidate for the job, and my selection of plants.
The Cape Weed is classified as naturalised in South Africa Monday, 13 February 2023 12:35
Phyla nodiflora Picture courtesy Forest and Kim Starr from flickrThe Cape weed, Phyla nodiflora, is very tough and because it takes heavy foot-traffic, is often grown as a lawn substitute, or planted between pavers and stepping stones. Read more about this naturalised weed below.
Krauss' Spike Moss should be top of your list of plants for moist and shady spots Thursday, 09 February 2023 11:03
Selaginella kraussiana. Picture courtesy manuel m. v. from flickrSpike Moss (Selaginella kraussiana) is a popular groundcover for shady gardens that’s acclaimed worldwide for its luxuriant leaves and low growth, and is a first choice for use in plant terrarium’s and animal vivarium’s. Click the link below to read more about this fascinating little plant.
Corsican mint forms a dense, soft mat of very low growing foliage Friday, 03 February 2023 16:37
Mentha requienii. Image by Gerson Rodriguez from PixabayBecause the leaves of Corsican mint are highly aromatic and the plant is low-growing and tolerates light foot traffic, it is often put to good effect by planting it between pavers or stepping stones, where its wonderful peppermint fragrance can be released underfoot. Read more below about growing and using it in the garden and home.
Why aren’t we all planting Oortjies in our gardens? Monday, 30 January 2023 16:47
Falkia repens in bloom. Picture courtesy www.randomharvest.co.zaWhite carpet, or oortjies is a luscious evergreen groundcover with an abundance of large white flowers in summer. It's long lived, low maintenance, and versatile, growing in shade or sun, and in dry or moist conditions. Its low growth habit makes it perfect between pavers. Read all about growing and caring for this little charmer below.
Go wild with these gorgeous indigenous grasses! Tuesday, 24 January 2023 08:56
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Miscanthus junceus at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Picture courtesy Random Harvest Nurseryouth Africa has its own ornamental Miscanthus that are becoming popular here and overseas for their looks and hardiness. And, unlike the exotic species like Zebra and Silver Maiden Grass, if you plant our indigenous species you will have peace of mind, knowing that they are not invasive and also support our local wildlife. Read more about the lovely Miscanthus capensis and Miscanthus junceus below.
Are garden cultivars of Maiden Grass truly sterile and safe to plant? Thursday, 19 January 2023 11:00
Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' Image by Mark Martins from PixabayGarden cultivars of Miscanthus, like ‘Variegatus and ‘Zebrinus’, are considered to be sterile and therefore safe to plant in gardens. To test that theory, scientists put the plants to the test. Read about their conclusions below, and if you still want to grow them you can, as they are not classified as invasive in SA.
The Japanese Sweet Flag forms a beautiful and almost seamless groundcover Monday, 16 January 2023 10:05
Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' covers the ground below a pillar rose. Picture courtesy K M from flickrGrown primarily for its bright and cheery evergreen foliage that is clumping and grass-like in character, the sweet flag grows just as well in water as it does in garden beds, and is easy to cultivate as long as it can be watered regularly. Read more below on how to grow and use this lovely little plant in the garden.
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ and 'Emerald Falls' are such versatile garden plants Monday, 09 January 2023 12:30
'Silver Falls' Dichondra. Picture courtesy Ball Horticultural CompanyDichondra is easy to grow and can be used as a groundcover or for hanging gardens. It is a great addition to all styles of gardens, be they modern city, courtyard, vertical, rooftop, balcony, or romantic picking and cottage gardens. Read more below on how to grow it successfully, where to use it in the garden, and how to combine it with other plants for effect.
Irish moss remains one of the most popular low growing groundcovers Thursday, 05 January 2023 13:46
Sagina subulata 'Aurea' Picture courtesy Karen Maraj from flickrIrish moss is a low-growing groundcover which forms a soft, cushy mat that is perfect for a meditation cushion or barefoot-friendly pathway. Its great between pavers and boulders in rock gardens, and its delicate foliage is also a favourite for fairy gardens, and perfect for petite dish gardens. Learn all about growing and using this versatile little plant below.
Cat’s Tail – South Africa's very own Aloe Vera Tuesday, 03 January 2023 15:39
Bulbine frutescens 'Orange'The leaves of Cat’s Tail (Bulbine frutescens) are filled with a clear jelly-like sap that, like Aloe Vera, is renowned for its healing properties. It also remains popular with gardeners because it can be grown almost anywhere you have sunshine. It tolerates almost any soil, strong coastal winds, drought, heat and even frost. Read all about growing and using this little miracle plant below.
Are Mahonias invasive plants in South Africa? Wednesday, 14 December 2022 13:20
Oregon Grape Image by Elżbieta Michta from PixabayThe various species of Mahonias are commonly called “Oregon Grape”, “Holly Mahonia”, “Holly-leaved Barberry", “Chinese Hollygrape” or “Leatherleaf Mahonia” are loved and grown in gardens and parks in many countries. However, several members of this genus are now known to be aggressive invaders in many of these regions. Does Mahonia also pose a threat to our indigenous flora? Read more below.
Joseph’s coat is a good choice for those new to gardening Friday, 09 December 2022 15:19
Alternanthera bettzickiana 'Pink'Joseph’s coat is not only very pretty in the garden, it is also edible and used medicinally. It’s a popular groundcover, and a good terrarium and aquarium plant. Its colourful variegated leaves and ease of growth make it a good choice for new gardeners. Read more below about growing and maintaining this carefree little plant.
English Ivy and Canary Ivy are now classified as invasive Wednesday, 23 November 2022 13:55
English Ivy. Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann Anke from PixabayEnglish Ivy (Hedera helix) and Canary Ivy (Hedera canariensis) may no longer be sold or grown in South Africa. Read more below how this affects you if you have them growing on your property.