Garden Galleria – Spring Essentials

Discover the must-have essentials for creating and maintaining a vibrant, thriving garden that flourishes all year round. 

Sow pet grass for your pets

Give your pet a treat with a healthy snack of pet grass. Like humans, our pets also enjoy fibre, and pet grass is a great solution. In addition, pet grass contains vitamins and nutrients for your pets. It can be planted in containers or in the garden in full sun, but make sure your plants are well established before allowing pets to snack on them. It is important to ensure that the pet grass is safe for pets and hasn’t been treated with pesticides or harmful chemicals. www.kirchhoffs.co.za 

Newman’s birds by colour

Newman’s Birds by Colour by Kenneth Newman, offers beginner birders a quick and simple way to identify southern Africa’s most common birds using colour as a starting point. In its fourth edition, this handy illustrated guide has been updated to include the latest common names, expanded habitat information, and up-to-date distribution maps. 

An informative introduction provides practical tips for identifying birds. It includes information on bird anatomy and classification and guidance on where to look for birds and what you need to go birding. Suppliers on www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za 

No more flies

Keep flies under control with Protek’s reusable and disposable Flyzone traps and bait. It contains a non-toxic, organic protein bait which is safe to use. The attractant is activated when water is added to the bag. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the top cap and drown in the water. Now available in the Mini and Maxi re-useable containers. www.protek.co.za 

Turbo-k – packet with nutrients

Introducing Turbo-K from Makhro Home and Garden – your all-in-one solution for general fertiliser needs. Every granule of Turbo-K is packed with nutrients fully consumable by plants, ensuring maximum effectiveness. This environmentally friendly product is free of sodium and chloride, promoting ecological balance, and has carefully balanced levels of potassium, magnesium, and sulphur, ensuring optimised crop yields. www.makhro.co.za 

Iron deficiency, sorted

If your leaves are yellowing, then this is the solution for you. Iron-EDDHA chelate is used to prevent and/or correct iron deficiency in crops. It is highly suitable for acid, alkaline, and chalky soils and is recognised as the most stable source of iron for correcting deficiencies in soils. This water-soluble powder will get your vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals back to health in no time. www.makhro.co.za 

Vibrant planters

Add a burst of colour to your patio with this colourful range of Sanscape pots. Attach the three-strand plastic hangers in matching colours to the pots to hang them up, or leave them off and use the pots on a table or plant rack. Available in green, white, anthracite, red, lime green, lilac, yellow, and orange. www.sanscape.co.za 

Purple is the new white

Look out for the new MayFord ‘Purpurina’ F1 hybrid cauliflower seed and try something fantastic in the veggie garden. This variety is a compact cauliflower with a pleasant purple shade and fine greens. It is particularly resistant to high temperatures and diseases, making it an excellent choice for all areas of the country. www.mayford.co.za 

Protek bonemeal

Bonemeal ensures healthy and strong roots, and lush foliage on trees, roses, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, lawns and seedlings. It is a natural fertilizer and will not burn the plants. Add Bonemeal at planting stage to make sure it’s getting to where it’s needed most. www.proteksa.co.za 

Eckards plant of the month

Did you know that all pelargoniums are geraniums, but not all geraniums are pelargoniums? Whichever you are planting this spring makes you a rockstar in our world. They are waterwise, plants for pollinators and have indigenous origins. Regal pelargoniums are distinguished by their large, ruffled blooms and striking colours ranging from deep purples and plum tones to soft pinks and whites. Grow the best in the morning sun and afternoon shade in well-drained soil and deadhead regularly for success. Spring gardening sees these wonderful gems shine in their garden centre. They are available in various sizes and ready to grow in your garden or on the patio. www.eckards.co.za