The Importance Of Grasses
November 24, 2023 1:32 pmOne of the many groups of plants we can be extremely thankful for, and one that we perhaps need more…
Striking Houseplants
November 22, 2023 3:56 pmTake a closer look at these must-have striking houseplants The houseplant craze shows no signs of dying down. In fact,…
Add A Touch Of Joy With Poinsettias
November 15, 2023 2:43 pmThe number one houseplant over the festive season has to be potted poinsettias. Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as Mexican flame…
Black Houseplants
November 8, 2023 2:27 pmSet the mood by adding black houseplants into your home. Many homeowners shy away from the use of the colour…
Turn Your Cypress Into Christmas
October 16, 2023 9:58 amCompact, lush and evergreen, a potted cypress makes a beautiful, decorated tree for the festive season. Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’ has…
Summer-Flowering Bulbs
October 11, 2023 10:44 amAdd a touch of extra colour to a summer garden with these summer-flowering bulbs that can be planted in October.…
Succulents: Water Warrior Heroes
October 10, 2023 10:54 amRead in Afrikaans Nature has provided plants with a number of adaptations to save water. Choose succulents and plants with…
Colourful Coleus
October 5, 2023 5:02 pmOne of the most important elements of a garden is colour. Whether you’re looking for a rainbow across your backyard…
Drosera Sundews
October 5, 2023 2:21 pmSpeculation on the history of carnivorous plants still exists, but with little fossilised evidence. With advanced molecular science technology, researchers…
Agapanthus That Sparkle
September 22, 2023 12:56 pmIf at all possible, the new agapanthus varieties on the market this year are bigger, better, more intense in colour…
Ginseng Ficus
September 14, 2023 11:29 amHouseplants that almost take care of themselves and have significant design value. Ficus microcarpa in its potted form is often…
Small Tree Care
August 29, 2023 10:45 amRead in Afrikaans Growing small trees in pots Planting and growing small trees in pots is a rewarding way to…
Small Trees For Small Spaces
August 25, 2023 3:42 pmRead in Afrikaans Perennials may be the backbone of garden beds, but trees should be considered the backbone of the…
Pelargoniums Fit For A King
August 21, 2023 12:31 pmThe indigenous Pelargonium grandiflorum (regal pelargonium) is a gardener’s delight with so much visual interest, it can be hard to…
Flamingo Party
August 16, 2023 1:42 pmAlso known as the flamingo flower or flamingo lily, anthuriums are known for their heart-shaped leaves and shiny flowers which…
Cycads
July 20, 2023 3:36 pmSouth Africa is a hotspot for cycad diversity with 38 indigenous species (over 10% of the world’s cycads). Thirty-seven species…
Everblooming Begonias
July 19, 2023 2:49 pmHouseplant enthusiasts looking for flowering colour indoors can look no further than Begonia elatior. These semi-tuberous hybrids are known to…
Freddie’s Flowering Favourites – Petunias & Calibrachoas
May 31, 2023 11:05 amHanging basket tips: It’s time to plant lots of glorious colour and there is no better than petunias and calibrachoas…
Using Hyacinths as Indoor Décor
May 15, 2023 9:18 amSome of the most popular spring bulbs to grow indoors are hyacinths. They provide a wonderful fragrance to the home…
Tall Evergreen Hedges
May 15, 2023 8:50 amSurrounding your garden with an imposing hedge is like planting a ‘neighbour’ you have chosen yourself and like a lot!…
Peace Lily Care
March 29, 2023 11:48 amThe peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is an iconic houseplant that deserves attention for it’s almost indestructible nature, beautiful dark green leaves…
Curcuma – Tulips from the tropics
March 29, 2023 11:38 amThe Curcuma genus of plants includes the edible spice Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric. It also includes these lovely…
Bright Shades Of Autumn
March 1, 2023 10:50 amThey are referred to as evergreen plants, but they are not quite ‘green’. These plants stand out in a garden…
Really Resilient Perennials
February 27, 2023 2:41 pmThere are those that are pretty but need constant pampering and watering, and then there are those that are equally…
Growing Hibiscuses
February 27, 2023 2:07 pmWant to take a selfie with a bright flower sitting behind your ear and another garnishing your cocktail? Then you…
National Treasures Of The Garden
January 26, 2023 3:09 pmOne of South Africa’s favourite plants is the extremely drought-tolerant, tough and versatile agapanthus. Whether growing in the garden in…
Sunset Shades and Lazy Days
January 26, 2023 2:39 pmDavid Austin (1926 – 2018) was considered one the great rose breeders in the world and his legacy lives on…
More Euphorbia Diamonds
December 14, 2022 11:04 amWe are all familiar with the lovely Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ and now we can enjoy two more varieties that are…
Plant a Succulent Terrarium
December 14, 2022 9:29 amTerrariums and succulents are not typically mentioned in the same sentence. Terrariums are known for jungle-like environments with high humidity,…
Suspended succulents
December 14, 2022 9:17 amUsing a colander as a hanging basket might be a bit unusual but it gives us a chance to create…
Succulent trio in glass jars
December 14, 2022 9:00 amWhat you need 3 glass jars 3 succulents: we used Echeveria ‘Secunda’, Crassula ovata ‘Sunset’, Sedum x luteoviride Coarse gravel…
Rose Tasks For December
December 13, 2022 3:53 pmIf you need help with your roses, here is a quick guide of tasks you can do to take care…
Aquatic Nymphs
November 25, 2022 2:24 pmGently floating lily pads on the water and the delicate appearance of the cup-like flowers suddenly emerging from the muddy…
Happy Bean Peperomia
November 25, 2022 10:46 amThe happy bean peperomia or pincushion peperomia (Peperomia ferreyrae) is a weird little perennial epiphyte hailing from South American rainforests,…
String of Hearts
November 25, 2022 9:35 amString of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is an indigenous evergreen, trailing vine with opposite pairs of dainty heart-shaped dark-green leaves marbled…
Adromischus
November 25, 2022 8:57 amPetit size, pretty leaves… The genus Adromischus, known colloquially as the bontplakkie, includes 28 endemic species to southern Africa. The…
Phlox paniculata
November 25, 2022 8:25 amAn old but beautiful classic! Phlox paniculata (garden phlox or autumn phlox) is a typical herbaceous perennial of the high…
Potted Mini Roses
November 22, 2022 3:59 pmA potted rose has many uses – it can make a lovely gift and can spruce up a patio or…
Dyckias
October 27, 2022 3:30 pmNot without gloves! Dyckias are technically not succulents, but bromeliads hailing from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. They produce…
Festuca Glauca
October 27, 2022 3:19 pmAbout a little blue grass… Steel blue or blueish grey is always a welcome contrast colour in the garden, and…
Bayou Beauties
October 26, 2022 3:31 pmA rainbow collection of flamboyant flowers on tall stems, sometimes reflected in still water, is a simple description of swamp…
Spring’s Most Glorious Flowers
October 25, 2022 2:58 pmThere is a good reason why we get so hyped up about spring! Feast your eyes on 10 spring shrubs…
3 Climbers For Your Pergola
October 25, 2022 2:10 pmIf you have a sunny little pergola-covered patio that needs some shade in summer, but there is no available space…
Roses For Containers
October 10, 2022 1:22 pmContainers have become a defining feature of our garden space, no longer just an afterthought for accommodating yet another impulse…
Agapanthus ‘Buccaneer’
September 12, 2022 1:13 pmOur indigenous agapanthus plants are truly a wonderful addition to the garden. They are easy to grow, virtually pest- and…
Mini Aloe Guide
August 3, 2022 2:47 pmThe size is diminutive, but the appeal is ginormous! If you are amped to start a collection of succulent plants…
The Princess Lavender
August 2, 2022 12:21 pmAn award-winning plant that is fairly new on the market is the vivid pink Princess Lavender. When this plant is…
Chamelaucium Waxflowers
August 1, 2022 10:00 amChamelaucium are tough shrubs that will produce billowing clouds of flowers from late winter to spring with such abundance that…
Flanders Poppy
July 27, 2022 10:00 amPapaver rhoeas The Flanders poppy is a flower that symbolises lives lost in conflict which is remembered and celebrated annually…
Designing With Containers
July 15, 2022 3:11 pmThe existence of potted plants as contained gardens must surely stretch deep back into time immemorial. Imagine, if you will,…
A Cut-Flower Garden For Beginners
July 15, 2022 1:56 pmGrowing flowers for the vase is something you can do yourself with a little planning and know-how. It is such…
Sempervivum arachnoideum
July 13, 2022 4:53 pmThe Sempervivum Arachnoideum, or cobweb houseleek, forms a mounding clump of little rosettes that look like they are covered in…
Pruning Roses
July 12, 2022 3:36 pmRose fundi Ludwig Taschner has many years’ experience with growing roses, so we know that when it comes to pruning…
The Latest On Hydrangeas!
July 8, 2022 9:49 amGone are the days when mophead hydrangeas only flowered for a few short weeks around Christmas. They now stay with…
3 Colourful Fillers
June 21, 2022 11:15 amEvery garden always has gaps – bits of bare soil between plants that can be filled with pretty annuals. So,…
Mastering Indoor Plant Propagation
June 15, 2022 1:12 pmPropagation is a budget-gardener’s greatest skill. Common plants may be inexpensive, but propagated plants are free – nothing can beat…
Make Your Own Mini Aloe Garden
June 15, 2022 11:45 amMore and more mini aloes are hitting the market, and they make a colourful and easy-to-care-for bowl of interesting succulents.…
Poppy Enchantment
June 9, 2022 12:57 pmTime for the four P’s There are four annuals with pretty petals and names starting with the letter ‘P’ that…
Indoor Plant: Troubleshooting Guide
June 8, 2022 2:42 pmWhat is wrong with my houseplant? This is probably the most common concern in indoor gardening. One plant starts to…
Aquascaping 101: The Plants
May 13, 2022 11:38 amAn introduction to the plants available for your underwater garden. The last time I had a fish tank, just about…
Succulent Exhibitionists
May 12, 2022 11:48 amIndoor plants are considered to be part of the décor, so why not make them shine? Here are three ways…
Overwinter Dahlias
May 12, 2022 11:07 amIf you want to see those fat pom-pom dahlia blooms the size of a soup plate in your garden again…
Indoor Plant Care: Reading a Plants Needs
May 11, 2022 3:20 pmThe explosion in popularity of indoor gardening has had an unfortunate consequence – a rise in misinformation about indoor plants.…
Plectranthus – Masters of Shade
May 11, 2022 3:04 pmThere are not many plants that can turn shade into a fairy landscape of dainty flowers in a season when…
Succulents to Grow Indoors
April 11, 2022 2:08 pmRead in Afrikaans It can be a challenge to keep indoor succulents happy as they generally need at least four…
Play Bulb
April 8, 2022 4:18 pmBulbs are weird little structures that look like they’ll never amount to anything when you’re holding one in your hand.…
Go Local With These Indigenous Bulbs
March 9, 2022 9:56 amSome of South Africa’s most beautiful spring bulbs are ready for planting in April, so it’s time to order them…
Lawn tasks in March
March 4, 2022 3:46 pmLawns always have a bad time over the December holidays. The are robustly used for playing on and some are…
When to Water House Plants
March 4, 2022 3:11 pmMany a houseplant is lost due to watering issues. So how do you actually figure out when they are thirsty?…
Aeonium ‘Kiwi’
March 3, 2022 4:57 pmAeoniums are commonly called tree houseleeks, which is an indication that they form substantial side stems topped with their typical…
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
February 23, 2022 2:44 pmMagnolia grandiflora, as its name suggests, is grown around the world as a large and magnificent ornamental tree, known for…
Our Top 10 Roses
February 22, 2022 2:49 pmThere are over 150 rose species and thousands of hybrids, so compiling our Top 10 Roses is something of a…
Three Plants for Inside and Outside
February 18, 2022 3:58 pmIn Mother Nature’s book there is no such a thing as an indoor plant per se. What we gardeners use…
Sow some veld
January 25, 2022 4:42 pmOrnamental veld grasses are a big part of modern prairie gardens, but sowing them is not something you would normally…
Carnivorous Plants
January 21, 2022 2:36 pmFascinating, bizarre, maybe even a bit creepy but undoubtedly beautiful, carnivorous plants have captured the imagination of naturalists, botanists and…
5 Purposeful Groundcovers
January 21, 2022 2:09 pmIndigenous groundcovering plants are cheap, functional, and tough as old garden boots. Plant these in your pretty spaces and problem…
Celebrate the Diversity of Perennials
January 11, 2022 9:02 amStart reducing the size of your demanding lawn by filling up more garden space with a variety of flowering perennials…
Caring about trees
January 10, 2022 2:44 pmYou can change your mind about any other plant by simply replacing it with something else. But changing your mind…
A beginner’s guide to indoor plants
January 10, 2022 10:35 amIn the century of tiny apartments and blaring screens, young nature lovers struggle to get their gardening fix. The solution,…
Xmas Wreath with Succulents
January 7, 2022 12:08 pmWhat You Will Need for your succulent wreath Succulent cuttings with 2cm-long stems. (We used mini aeoniums, echeverias and graptopetalums.)…
A Peperomia for Every Season
December 1, 2021 1:58 pmThe peperomia is a houseplant collector’s dream. Also known as radiator plants (for their love of warm air and tolerance…
Tropical Style for Indoors
November 30, 2021 1:27 pmBromeliads can add intrigue as well as wonderful forms and colours to your home. Bromeliads have made an effortless leap…
Caring for Air Plants
November 22, 2021 11:51 amThey cannot live on air alone! Caring for air plants is simple! The misconception that tillandsias survive on air alone…
Companion Plants for Roses
November 22, 2021 11:36 amCompanion plants for roses need to be carefully picked for success. These days rose bushes are often incorporated into flower…
Dazzle with begonias
November 22, 2021 11:05 amIf you really want to know how to make a splash with begonias, visit parks and gardens in summer and…
The Great Indoors
November 22, 2021 10:51 amHow to enhance your interior with plants. The choices for indoor plant-scaping are endless – a large potted palm, a…
Our Air Plant Picks
November 9, 2021 9:46 pmChoose the right air plants for you. Last month we discussed the Tillandsia genus – what it consists of, where…
Living From the Air
November 8, 2021 8:59 pmAir plants, air ferns, oxygen plants, tillandsias, Spanish moss, old man’s beard, air bromeliad… These are all names commonly used…
The Grass is Growing!
August 24, 2021 10:09 amDon’t let the grass grow under your feet this summer! With the joy of the recent rain, soil temperature has…
Kangaroo Paws
August 5, 2021 3:30 pmFill up your low-water zones like the gravel garden, rock garden and sunny low maintenance areas with new and very…
Quick and Easy Rose Pruning – 5 Easy Steps
July 12, 2021 12:52 pmRose pruning is a task that can instil fear in a gardener. However, as Ludwig Taschner says, “You can’t do…
Orchids in the Home
July 9, 2021 7:59 pmDon’t be intimidated by these exotic beauties. Many of us start our orchid growing with a Phalaenopsis or moth orchid…
Restios have soul and style
July 9, 2021 7:30 pmFor graceful movement in the wind, turn to the Cape reed family. If you’re looking for real plant elegance, turn…
Lilies for Every Occasion
July 9, 2021 11:47 amGet to grips with the diversity of the lily family. Lilies can be used in many different ways, from arranging…
Divide and Repot Aloes
July 9, 2021 10:13 amIf your pretty aloe, such as this ‘Twice as Nice’ hybrid with its striking red and white bi-coloured flowers, has…
Fabulous Senecio ‘Angel Wings’
July 9, 2021 9:51 amSenecio candicans ‘Angel Wings’ is sure to catch the eye, whether growing outdoors in the garden or sitting indoors in…
Small Trees for Screens and Hedges
July 6, 2021 9:53 pmUse the following small trees for screens or to create large hedges. White pear (Apodytes dimidiata) The white pear is…
Creating a Mini Woodland
July 6, 2021 8:37 pmIf you can’t get into the healing environment of a real forest to do some ’forest bathing’ you can go…
Invasive alien plants in your garden: Plant indigenous plants instead
July 6, 2021 9:04 amBy Tshegofatso Napo – Directorate on Biodiversity Evidence: South African National Biodiversity institute Gardening is a common activity in South…
Build Your Own Plant Stand
July 1, 2021 12:08 pmThis epic plant stand is made with plumbing pipes and sealed with tinted Woodoc 50 Exterior Sealer. For this DIY,…
Conifers: Timeless Evergreens
June 17, 2021 8:10 pmCould conifers be making a strong comeback? Conifers are an important group of largely evergreen plants that grow in many…
Cinerarias – Nothing Short of Spectacular
June 10, 2021 1:43 pmThere are not many annuals that bloom through cold weather, and that bloom better the colder it gets. Cinerarias (Senecio…
Autumn in Bloom – Autumn Flowering
June 3, 2021 11:57 amAutumn is often called the second spring because there are so many garden flowers in bloom at this time. Not…
How to sow primulas or garden fairies
May 18, 2021 2:26 pmThis year if you plant only one annual that flowers in late winter and spring, make it a colour cloud…
Garden Structures: pergolas, arbours and gazebos
May 17, 2021 2:33 pmGarden structures outside your house can enhance the look of the garden by making it more appealing and professionally finished.…
Balcony bulbs
April 26, 2021 9:42 amImagine a little balcony or patio decorated with pots filled with flowering daffodils and tulips in spring, and imagine windowsills…
Daffodils for Your Spring Garden
April 22, 2021 12:00 pmAll your fundamental questions answered Daffodils are synonymous with spring, joy and (luckily for gardeners) hardiness. These beautiful bulbs can…
Benefits of Indoor Plants
April 22, 2021 11:41 amWhy we need indoor plants As you may have noticed when strolling through interior shops lately, nature is a huge…
Plant Your Own Bog Garden
April 20, 2021 11:04 amIf out of the ordinary is what you’re looking for, look no further than bog gardens and the endless list…
The War of the Roses
April 20, 2021 9:59 amThe ‘Iceberg’ roses in this marvellous garden have a story to tell. Gardeners are interesting people and their priorities usually…
Echeverias: Stretched and Stressed
April 19, 2021 8:46 pmEcheverias are so popular with everyone, but sometimes things go sideways. You see fat and full echeverias with glowing leaves…
Water Gardening – How To Grow Water Lilies
March 11, 2021 9:29 amSummertime is flowering time for water lilies, and what could be prettier than our own blue water lily Nymphaea nouchali…
Three Plant Oddities and How To Grow Them
March 11, 2021 9:01 amThese three plant oddities all have strange looks and habits, and even stranger still, nothing gets them down once they…
How To Grow Lemon Trees
February 23, 2021 9:46 pmEvery garden needs at least one lemon tree. Here’s how to grow lemon trees successfully! These acidic yet aromatic fruits…
Blushing Beauties – Harness the Power of Pink
January 28, 2021 10:54 amSummer gardens are potentially the brightest and showiest of all the seasons. Plant growth is rapid and the results are…
Border Charmers
December 17, 2020 4:40 pmEdging Plants to Complement Good edging plants that either calmly complement or create a bright colour contrast are just what…
How to Create a Topiary
December 17, 2020 4:03 pmReady-made topiaries are much admired but fairly expensive. Luckily it is not too difficult to create your own topiary at…
Garden Ferns and All You Need to Know
December 17, 2020 3:34 pmWho needs flowers when the foliage is so spectacular? Ferns have been a prominent part of the vegetation on earth…
A Leafy Love Affair – Coral Bells
November 24, 2020 10:24 pmFans of foliage will love heucheras, a genus of perennial plants also known as coral bells. These plants were extremely…
Frame Your Indoor Plants
November 5, 2020 4:56 pmThis simple frame is an unusual way to display plants on a desk or wall. Build this frame for indoor…
Smart bordering
September 25, 2020 2:55 pmCompact plants can be used in rich swathes of colour and texture in the foreground of shrub beds that need…
Rustic Creeper Ladder
September 3, 2020 2:11 pmGive your creeper something to grow up with and add a cute a rustic feature to your outdoor areas with…
Growing Echeverias
August 14, 2020 8:00 amEcheveria is a large genus of succulents belonging to the Crassulaceae family, which is native to the semi-desert areas of…
Violas
August 7, 2020 12:43 pmViolas are irresistible. They are petite, fragrant, flowers without any fuss and come in every colour of the rainbow. What…
The Best of South Coast Splendour
July 24, 2020 1:39 pmThe indigenous gardens of Renishaw Hills have certainly caught many eyes, with both residents and visitors remarking on how spectacular…
Cymbidiums
July 3, 2020 12:20 pmThere are few places in South Africa where cymbidiums won’t grow – they are tough and can handle fair amounts…
Abelias: The A to B’s
May 7, 2020 4:12 pmAbelias are invariably the very first plant listed in most plant books and nursery catalogues. The genus includes some 30…
Calatheas
May 5, 2020 3:57 pmCalatheas make for great indoor plants, and even garden plants providing you are in a sub-tropical area. These plants originate…
6 Indigenous Bulbs to Plant
May 5, 2020 12:04 pmA colourful, fragrant spring garden is incomplete without bulbs. Whether in pots or flowerbeds, indoors or outdoors, bulbs are guaranteed…
Always Agapanthus
April 24, 2020 1:09 pmThe name agapanthus is derived from the Greek words agape which means love and anthos flower. So these truly South…
Lemons
April 8, 2020 1:26 pmEvery garden needs a lemon tree The lemon tree has a number of attributes that qualifies it for inclusion in…
Dianthus
April 2, 2020 2:47 pmDianthus needs to be added to the list of garden toughies that are water-wise, don’t mind neglect and outlast most…
Echinaceas
April 2, 2020 2:31 pmRugged beauties, daisies on steroids, call them what you will – Echinacea purpurea, otherwise known as the purple coneflower, is…
Air Plant Myths Busted
March 19, 2020 1:41 pmAir plants are becoming increasingly popular and are a great addition to your home or garden, but they are often…
Indoor Fern Care
March 18, 2020 12:30 pmPteridomania (Fern Fever) seems to have returned with the recent boom in indoor plant popularity. Ferns can be seen on…
Sedums…So Succulent
January 21, 2020 11:42 amIf we had to rate a stone and a stonecrop plant comparatively for low care characteristics, the stone would be…
Callistemon
December 2, 2019 11:52 amCitrinus Little John, Bottlebrush, Hot Pink, Endeavour A beginner gardener who cannot decide which flowering shrub to buy, won’t regret…
Gazanias Galore!
November 26, 2019 11:23 amWant to add colour to your succulent garden? Don’t know what to plant in your sandy soil? Looking for a…
Best Indoor Bromeliads
November 22, 2019 3:46 pmBromeliads have made an effortless leap from outdoor jungle to stylish indoor tropical plants. Elegant enough to match most modern…
Container Roses
October 29, 2019 3:26 pmGetting the best from container roses. With the right care, roses thrive in containers and can be the best option…
Grow Fuchsias From Cuttings
October 21, 2019 10:24 amFuchsias, with their beautiful and exotic flowers, are perfect additions to summer gardens, patio pots and hanging baskets. Don’t forget…
The Inca Lily
October 15, 2019 12:00 pmOriginating from South America with its home in the Andes mountains, the Inca Lily is a welcomed import to South…
Cover your plants in style
October 7, 2019 3:30 pmGet the best out of your potted plants. Indoor plants are a growing trend, one that is being embraced for…
7 Summer Roses
October 3, 2019 12:16 pmWith our strong summer sun, the summer roses that show up best and hold their colour are those with blooms…
Pincushion Protea
September 27, 2019 1:03 pmThe Pincushion Protea has long-lasting flower heads in yellows, oranges and reds consist of a large number of small flowers…
Fabulous Agapanthus Hybrids
September 26, 2019 2:42 pmSuperior modern Agapanthus hybrids now have longer and repeat flowering capabilities. These plants are very floriferous and tough, withstanding frost…
Beacon Impatiens
August 26, 2019 2:00 pmWelcome back summer’s best-loved flowers for shade. The fast-filling bedding Impatiens Walleriana, which all but vanished from summer shade gardens,…
Trimming and Training Roses
August 1, 2019 7:07 amGet your climbers looking good, and your garden off to a good spring start with some good old fashion trimming…
Silver-Foliaged Plants
July 23, 2019 10:30 amSilver-foliaged plants are mainly planted because of their functionality – they are mostly heat and drought tolerant due to hairy…
Pruning roses for better blooms
July 2, 2019 3:18 pmWhat do you expect from your roses? Do you want large, perfect blooms for picking or do you prefer masses…
Dividing Airplants – Tillandsia
July 1, 2019 1:14 pmIf your Tillandsia are growing well it might be time to divide them to create a bigger and more professional…
3 Colourful Kalanchoes
June 24, 2019 8:24 amKalanchoe Blossfeldiana Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana (Kalanchoes), less commonly known as the Widow’s Thrill, is often described as a flamboyant and colourful…
How to repot anthuriums
June 20, 2019 10:44 amWhen is the Best Time to Re-pot Anthuriums? Roots are growing through the drainage holes of the pots. There is…
Pansies To Brighten Your Garden
June 12, 2019 9:03 amPansies are the easiest way to add colour to the winter and spring garden! Nothing matches their charm, or the…
Succulent Plants: 5 Crassulas For Your Water-Wise Garden
May 20, 2019 1:28 pmCrassulas are an incredibly large and diverse genus of succulent plants with many species, subspecies, varieties and forms hailing from…
3 Indoor Plants For Your Home
May 20, 2019 8:00 amFicus Elastica ‘Robusta’ Ficus Elastica, commonly known as the rubber plant, has become a recent indoor plant staple. Its large…
Pink Knock Out® Rose
May 7, 2019 2:32 pmThe Knock Out® Rose is a sure win in any garden. This plant flowers continuously, producing beautiful medium pink flowers…
End of the Season Rose Care
May 2, 2019 9:51 amBy May the rose season is almost at an end and you can look back with satisfaction (or score the…
Lilies – Asiatics vs Orientals
April 12, 2019 10:26 amWithout a doubt, lilies stand out in terms of beauty and fragrance, and just burst with symbolism that make them…
9 Proudly South African Roses
April 10, 2019 9:47 amSouth African roses are amongst the most beautiful in the world. For many years we have had the ‘Madiba’ rose…
Keep going through winter
March 4, 2019 10:13 amHow to Keep up the Flower Power Now that winter has become milder, it’s possible for roses to flower all…
6 Flowers to Plant Now For a Spectacular Spring
February 18, 2019 8:00 amRead in Afrikaans Many of the most important spring flowers need to be planted out as young seedlings in autumn.…
Lewisia Cotyledon ‘Elise Mix’
January 21, 2019 8:00 amLewisia Cotyledon ‘Elise Mix’ is a strikingly beautiful addition to the range of flowering succulents for low-water gardens and containers,…
Enduring Everillo
January 16, 2019 8:59 amPlant this colour-rich ornamental grass to lighten and brighten your surrounds. Everillo is a highly decorative grass-like ground-cover with narrow,…
Russelia equisetiformis
January 16, 2019 8:57 am‘Firecracker’ This vibrant plant, Russelia Equisetiformis, is made up of clusters of scarlet tubular flowers; resembling small firecrackers, that provide…
Beat the heat
January 15, 2019 11:55 amHelp your Roses to Keep their Cool • Hot nights bother the roses more than the heat during the day.…
Fuchsia Electric Lights
January 9, 2019 1:49 pmFuchsia Electric Lights is the result of new breeding, which has produced a Fuchsia that thrives in full sun. It…
Forever beautiful
January 9, 2019 10:11 amGet the Look for your Rose Garden There are so many times when roses evoke a ‘wow’ from us! This…
Three small indigenous trees
December 18, 2018 12:43 pmLees in Afrikaans Gardens around the globe are shrinking in size, necessitating the planting of smaller trees and shrubs to…
Sowing Clivia Seeds
December 18, 2018 12:38 pmLees in Afrikaans If you have a shady garden with lots of Clivias that flowered well in spring, and you…
Hibiscus Graff
December 12, 2018 9:15 amHibiscus Graff is a new species of an improved Hibiscus series, with longer lasting flowers. The series formerly known as…
Bridelia Micrantha
November 27, 2018 12:13 pmMitzeeri or Coastal Golden Leaf Bridelia Micrantha is a medium to large deciduous tree (can reach 20m, though normally 8…
Quercus palustris
November 27, 2018 12:10 pmPin Oak The Quercus palustris is a tall (25m), stately, deciduous tree of North American origin that has adapted to…
Potted Gladiolus
October 12, 2018 2:15 pmGladiolus are known for their tall elegance in a garden bed, and as Australian TV personality Dame Edna Everage’s favourite…
5 Bulbs to Plant this Autumn
April 9, 2018 2:58 pmBulbous plants have been cultivated for centuries, primarily for their spectacular spring or summer floral display. Autumn is an important…
Black Diamond Crape Myrtle
February 28, 2018 9:01 amIf you’re looking for something different to plant, take a look at Black Diamond Crape Myrtle. This stunning new crape…
Exuberant sun lovers
February 19, 2018 2:07 pmWe picked a large pot and filled it with some exuberant sun lovers to lead you joyfully through the quiet…
Potted Meadow
February 19, 2018 12:05 pmWith the rich textures and subtle shades of ornamental grasses, and a splash of exuberant colour from a grass-like indigenous…
Containing elephant’s foot
February 19, 2018 11:13 amOur pot recipe this month is for Elephant’s Foot and is designed for a sunbaked patio that needs a graceful…
Potted Ferns
February 19, 2018 10:35 amFashions may change but ferns in pots have always been trendsetters. Potted ferns have been cultivated for centuries as ornamental decoration…
Potted Spring
February 16, 2018 11:05 amTo celebrate spring and inspire you to play with colour, Tanya and I spent a happy, flower-filled afternoon in her…
A cheery winter trio
February 16, 2018 10:36 amColourful winter annuals and perennials are not scarce at this time of the year. We went shopping and found lots…
Mini Rose Garden
February 16, 2018 9:10 amIt takes less than 30 minutes to create a mini rose garden using one patio rose in bloom and two…
Happy Hot Pot
February 16, 2018 8:49 amPlant up a pot of succulent heat busters. All you need to plant up a rock-solid potted garden to beat the…
Indestructible houseplants
February 15, 2018 3:12 pmToo much kindness – rather than neglect – might kill off these nearly indestructible houseplants! If you have children, there will…
Everlasting
February 14, 2018 1:29 pmA pretty, flowering everlasting, and a collection of bright succulents, were the inspiration for this colourful pot. I wanted to…
Pot some Azaleas
February 8, 2018 3:26 pmRhododendrons, or Azaleas as they are referred to here in South Africa, are amongst the most beautiful of all flowering…
Boxed-in Summer
February 8, 2018 2:45 pmIt’s high summer and the nurseries are filled to the brim with pots and punnets of annuals and perennials in…
Contained to Grow
February 8, 2018 1:37 pmContainer Plants Instant gardening with pretty plants and a variety of containers immediately raises the spirits, and this month garden…
Watsonia pillansii
January 15, 2018 8:47 amPillans Watsonia, Beatrice Watsonia, Bugle Lily Watsonia Pillansii is a medium-sized irid, growing from 0.45 to 1.2 m high. It is widely distributed…
Veltheimia bracteata
January 15, 2018 8:32 amThe natural habitat of the beautiful forest lily (Veltheimia bracteata) is the forests and coastal thickets of the Eastern Cape.…
Verbena peruviana
January 15, 2018 8:31 amOriginating from South America, Verbena Peruviana is an evergreen perennial that flowers prolifically from spring to autumn. The masses of…
Viburnum Odoratissimum
January 15, 2018 8:25 amIn a small garden, you may need only one of these shrubs to screen off your neighbour, the dog’s kennel…
Viola hederacea
January 15, 2018 8:14 amAustralian Violet, Trailing violet This ground cover forms carpets of rounded, bright green leaves with masses of white and purple…
Vitis labrusca
January 15, 2018 8:12 amCatawba Grape, Fox Grape Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years. Most fruiting vines are hybrids or cultivars of…
Trachelospermum jasminoides
January 12, 2018 2:41 pmConfederate Jasmine, Star Jasmine Trachelospermum Jasminoides is an exceptional cultivar that is not grown for its flowers but rather for…
Tweedia caerulea
January 12, 2018 2:39 pmTweedia Caerulea (also known as Amblyopetalum or Oxypetalum Caeruleum). This is an untidy, rambling, scrambling little sub-shrub from Uruguay that…
Sagina subulata
January 11, 2018 1:52 pmPearlwort, Irish Moss This is a low, mat-forming plant with tiny green or golden (Sagina Subulata ‘Aurea’) leaves and tiny…
Sansevieria trifasciata
January 11, 2018 1:17 pmMother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria trifasciata is a tough, hardy and enduring succulent from Africa is making a strong fashion statement in…
Santolina chamaecyparissus
January 11, 2018 1:15 pmCotton Lavender A compact-growing shrub with fine, feathery white or grey leaves of short and slender stature. Golden flower heads…
Searsia crenata
January 11, 2018 1:11 pmDune Crowberry The Searsia Crenata is a spreading and stocky coastal plant with a rounded shape. It survives against all…
Sedum spectabile
January 11, 2018 1:07 pmIce Plant Commonly known as ‘Ice plant’, Sedum Spectabile is tolerant of extreme cold and inclement winter weather conditions. It…
Sempervivum tectorum
January 11, 2018 1:05 pmCommon Houseleek, Hen and Chickens, St Patrick’s Cabbage A low, mat forming succulent comprising many rosettes of attractive grey-green leaves…
Senecio elegans
January 11, 2018 1:02 pmWild Cineraria Senecio is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, which is the second largest family of flowering plants…
Serruria florida
January 11, 2018 12:59 pmBlushing Bride, Pride of Franschhoek First recorded in 1773, the Serruria Florida, a well-known plant belonging to the Proteaceae family,…
Sisyrinchium ‘E.K Balls’
January 11, 2018 12:57 pmBlue Eyed Grass The Blue Eyed Grass is a charming little clump-forming perennial comprising of narrow, sword-like leaves growing to…
Solanum Rantonnetii
January 11, 2018 12:54 pmIn the days when we quickly had to order a few flowering shrubs to fill the instant colour aisles of…
Solenostemon scutellarioides
January 11, 2018 12:51 pmFrog’s Foot, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle This is a fantastic subject for filling in and covering bare patches of soil…
Stephanotis floribunda
January 11, 2018 12:44 pmFlower of the Princesses Stephanotis Floribunda, the ‘Flower of the Princesses‘ – this rare and infinitely precious perennial creeper comes…
Streptocarpus
January 11, 2018 12:41 pmCape Primrose This little, indigenous forest plant, Streptocarpus, was first discovered in Knysna in the 1800s and also occurs naturally in…
Sutherlandia frutescens
January 11, 2018 12:36 pmCancer Bush, Kankerbossie, Gansies Sutherlandia Frutescens, a small shrub, which can be upright or semi-decumbent (the stems grow parallel to…
Rhaphiolepis x delacourii
January 11, 2018 12:04 pmIndian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepis x delacourii is an evergreen shrub with medium- sized, tough, leathery leaves that are dark green, sometimes…
Rothmannia globosa
January 11, 2018 11:58 amSeptember Bells Rothmannia globosa is decorative ornamental shrub or small tree grows to a height of 6 m in a…
Pachypodium lamerei
January 8, 2018 2:31 pmMadagascan Palm A tall, ultimately tree-like succulent from Madagascar, hence the name Madagascan Palm, with a pronounced stem covered in…
Pentas lanceolata
January 8, 2018 2:05 pmPentas lanceolata, also known as Egyptian star cluster, was for many years part and parcel of most frost-free suburban gardens.…
Phalaenopsis
January 8, 2018 2:03 pmMoth Orchid If you live in a subtropical region, these awesome beauties are for you. Also known as the Moth…
Philodendron Scandens
January 8, 2018 1:56 pmSweetheart Creeper The Sweetheart Creeper, named for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves, is an attractive indoor climber. It will happily climb…
Phlox subulata
January 8, 2018 1:54 pmCandy Stripe, Alpine or Moss Phlox As its common names imply Phlox Subulata is a real little rock plant. It…
Photinia x fraseri
January 8, 2018 1:52 pmRed Robin The Red Robin is an evergreen plant that is water wise, wind-resistant, cold- and frost-tolerant, and also pretty in summer…
Phygelius aequalis hybrids
January 8, 2018 1:50 pmThe nectar-rich flowers of these charming indigenous Phygelius Aequalis hybrids attract sun birds whilst lending a splash of colour to…
Pieris japonica
January 8, 2018 1:44 pmJapanese Lily of the Valley Bush Pieris Japonica is an evergreen shrub with a compact growth habit. It is clothed…
Plumeria rubra
January 8, 2018 1:30 pmFrangipani or West Indian jasmine Frangipani grows best in the hot, humid sub-tropics but is often nurtured and pampered to…
Psychotria capensis
January 8, 2018 1:21 pmBlack Bird Berry Psychotria capensis is one of the most useful plants in a garden because it can be grown…
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
January 8, 2018 12:46 pmChincherinchee, Tjienk, Star of Bethlehem Chincherinchees or ‘tjienks’ belong to the genus Ornithogalum and are members of the Hyacinth family…
Orphium frutescens
January 8, 2018 12:44 pmSea Rose Orphium Frutescens is a small, erect-stemmed shrub (growing to 90 cm tall) with bright green, leathery leaves. It…
Oscularia deltoids
January 8, 2018 12:42 pmSandsteenvygie The Sandsteenvygie is a ground cover that will stand up to the hottest days of our summer and still…
Osteospermum fruticosum
January 8, 2018 12:40 pmFine-Leaved White, Rankmagriet Also known by indigenous growers as ‘Fine-Leaved White’ or ‘Rankmagriet’, it is an excellent coastal plant with…
Otacanthus caeruleus
January 8, 2018 12:38 pmLittle Boy Blue The Little Boy Blue is a sub-tropical, low-growing shrub from Brazil attains a height of about one…
Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea
January 8, 2018 12:24 pmBlue Water Lily, Frog’s Pulpit The decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics, like the Nymphaea Nouchali, and the showy blooms in…
Nymphoides thunbergiana
January 8, 2018 12:21 pmFairy Water Lily The decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics, like the Fairy Water Lily, and the showy blooms in season…
Magnolia grandiflora
January 8, 2018 11:09 amLittle Gem Magnolia Grandiflora is a handsome evergreen tree that originates from the South Eastern parts of the USA. Today…
Malcolmia maritima
January 8, 2018 11:06 amVirginia Stock, French Forget-me-Not As gardeners, we are always in search of fragrance so it’s a mystery why the sweetly-scented Virginian…
Mazus reptans
January 8, 2018 10:59 amCreeping Mazus Creeping Mazus is a mat-forming plant with lance-shaped, light green leaves. It produces small, lobelia-like flowers in either…
Melaleuca alternifolia
January 8, 2018 10:57 amThe Tree of Health The tea tree is an incredibly powerful medicinal plant, and beautiful too. There’s a lovely, peaceful…
Melianthus major
January 8, 2018 10:48 amHoney Flower (Kruidjie-Roer-my-Nie) The Honey Flower is a bushy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 metres high is…
Monstera deliciosa
January 8, 2018 10:45 amSwiss Cheese Plant, Delicious Monster These are completely at home in a retro-style décor setting, the Delicious Monster is a…
Myrciaria cauliflora
January 8, 2018 10:42 amJaboticaba Myrciaria Cauliflora (Jaboticaba) is both attractive as a garden ornamental and productive, bearing an abundance of delicious fruit during…
Malus oribunda
January 8, 2018 10:31 amJapanese Crab Apple Malus Oribunda is a small, deciduous tree that is smothered in delicate blossoms during spring. The deep,…
Lachenalia
January 8, 2018 9:17 amCape Hyacinth In a country blessed with many horticultural treasures Lachenalia, the Cape Hyacinth, holds a place of its own.…
Lantana montevidensis
January 8, 2018 9:14 amTrailing Lantana Lantana Montevidensis is a trailing, semi-woody evergreen that can either be used as a ground cover or to…
Ledebouria revoluta
January 8, 2018 9:07 amSouth Indian Squill South Africa is blessed with a wide and varied array of little bulbous plants, such as the Ledebouria,…
Leptospermum scoparium
January 8, 2018 8:57 am‘Cherry Brandy’ Miniature Tea Bush Leptospermum scoparium, with their dark, plum-coloured leaves and dense foliage of the miniature tea bush…
Leucadendron argenteum
January 8, 2018 8:51 amSilver Tree, Silver Leaf Tree Silver trees are wonderful garden ornamentals. Leucadendron Argenteum, the shimmering Silver Tree, is one of…
Leucanthemum x superbum
January 8, 2018 8:47 amShasta Daisy Leucanthemum ‘Shasta daisies’ are easy-to-grow. Clump-forming perennials that never fail to impress. Sturdy flower stems bearing solitary, single…
Limonium perezii
January 8, 2018 8:42 amSea Lavender or Statice A member of the Plumbago family (Plumbaginaceae), there are over 600 species of Limonium from around…
Lobelia
January 8, 2018 8:32 amThere are very few flowers that can match the true blue of Lobelia. For connoisseurs of blue there’s even a…
Lonicera x americana
January 8, 2018 8:29 amHoneysuckle Lonicera, or Honeysuckles as they are commonly called, are found growing naturally in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.…
Lysimachia nummularia
January 8, 2018 8:20 amGolden Creeping Jenny or Moneywort Lysimachia nummularia is a low ground hugging cover that has soft stems that root as…
Leonotis leonurus
January 8, 2018 8:17 am‘Minaret Flower’, Wild Dagga, Wildedagga Leonotis Leonurus is a very important traditional medicinal plant that has a naturally wide distribution…
Japanese Azaleas
December 21, 2017 2:01 pmThe Kurume group of evergreen Azaleas were bred in Japan for their cold tolerance, clusters of small flowers in spring and tiny…
Justicia brandegeeana
December 21, 2017 1:59 pmShrimp Plant Justicia Brandegeeana is another old favourite that needs more recognition as a good garden plant. The flowers are…
Iberis sempervirens
December 21, 2017 1:22 pmEvergreen Candytuft or Perennial Candytuft Iberis sempervirens is a charming little plant for cold, frosty gardens. This Perennial Candy Tuft forms low…
Ilex Crenata Hedges
December 21, 2017 1:17 pmBox-leaved Holly Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today they…
Ixora coccinea species and hybrids
December 21, 2017 1:08 pmFlame of the Forest Ixora are suitable for warm, steamy sub-tropical gardens only. ‘Spectacular’ is the only word to describe…
Hebenstretia dura
December 20, 2017 11:16 amCat’s Tail Hebenstretia Dura (family: Scrophulariaceae) is found from the Eastern Cape to the Northern Province. It is a hardy…
Heliotropium arborescens
December 20, 2017 11:09 amGarden Heliotrope Another striking plant in all its glory at this time of the year is the continuously- flowering Heliotrope,…
Helleborus orientalis hybrids
December 20, 2017 10:44 amLenten Rose The Lenten Rose is a perennial that forms clumps of leathery, dark green leaves comprised of 7 to…
Hibiscus syriacus
December 20, 2017 10:40 amRose of Sharon, Rose Mallow and St Joseph’s Rod Hibiscus Syriacus is certainly one of the most spectacular of all the…
Hydrangea quercifolia
December 20, 2017 10:06 amOakleaved Hydrangea Hydrangea Quercifolia originated from the Southern states of the USA as opposed to the common mop-head Hydrangeas, which…
Hypoestes aristata
December 20, 2017 10:00 amRibbon Bush or Purple Haze Hypoestes Aristata, more commonly known as the Ribbon Bush or Purple Haze, is an evergreen…
Gazanias
December 20, 2017 8:56 amGazanias are the dream plant for low maintenance gardens. Their vivid, cheerful blooms guarantee a sunburst of colour and the…
Geranium incanum
December 20, 2017 8:32 amCarpet Geraniums True Geraniums or Crane’s Bills – from the Greek word geranos, a crane, owing to its fruit which…
Gloriosa superba
December 20, 2017 8:27 amFlame Lily These are known to most gardeners as the ‘Flame Lily’ (‘Vlamlelie’ in Afrikaans) Gloriosa Superba is a trailing…
Graptopetalum paraguayense
December 20, 2017 8:21 amMother of Pearl plant or Ghost plant The Ghost Plant is a low growing, clump forming succulent comprised of rosettes…
Grewia Occidentalis
December 20, 2017 8:15 amCross-Berry The Cross Berry forms a shrub or small tree that grows up to 3 metres tall and 2 metres…
Fortunella japonica
December 19, 2017 10:28 amThe ‘Kumquat’ Tree The ‘Kumquat’ is a most useful and versatile plant that bears attractive fruit. It’s neat, compact growth…
Ficus trichopoda
December 19, 2017 10:25 amHippopotamus Fig or Swamp Fig From a bird-attracting perspective, this wild fig species ranks amongst the very best of the…
Ficus microcarpa
December 19, 2017 10:24 amIndian Laurel or Curtain Fig The medium-sized, leathery, lush green leaves of the Ficus Microcarpa plant create the perfect head…
Felicia amelloides
December 19, 2017 10:22 amKingfisher Daisy This is a little gem from our local shores. Felicia plants grow into sprawling or cascading sub-shrubs up…
Ficus sur
December 19, 2017 10:20 amCape Fig This large, evergreen tree provides a haven for a wide diversity of animal life. The fig family Moraceae…
Euphorbia trigona
December 19, 2017 9:18 amAfrican Milk Tree, High Chaparall, Cathedral Cactus Euphorbia Trigona – a tall, slender and erect succulent from Namibia. The dark…
Eucomis autumnalis
December 19, 2017 9:09 am‘Wavy-Leaved Pineapple Flower’, ‘Wildepynappel’ Eucomis Autumnalis, the ‘Wavy-leaved Pineapple Flower’ or ‘Wildepynappel’ has wavy, strap-shaped leaves, in green or deep…
Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’
December 19, 2017 9:07 amOleaster Elaeagnus are tough, cold hardy and extremely adaptable small trees or large shrubs that have become popular garden plants…
Echinocactus grussonii
December 19, 2017 9:04 amGolden Barrel Cactus or Mother-in-law’s Cushion The Echinocactus grussonii is a large barrel shaped cactus originating from Mexico. The swollen…
Dichroa versicolor
December 18, 2017 1:09 pmEvergreen Hydrangea Dichroa Versicolor – the ‘Evergreen Hydrangea’ – is a close relative of the Hydrangea and originates from China,…
Dissotis canescens
December 18, 2017 1:00 pmThe cosmopolitan family Melastomataceae is a very large group of more than 3 000 species of perennials, climbers, shrubs and…
Digitalis purpurea
December 18, 2017 12:54 pmFoxglove Described as a biennial or short-lived perennial, the common Foxglove is always assured of making a stately feature in…
Diascia barberae
December 18, 2017 12:40 pmTwinspur The Diascia Barberae is a dainty little perennial plant originating from the Drakensberg mountain range. It produces numerous upright…
Dianella tasmanica
December 18, 2017 12:38 pmTasman Flax Lily Dianella Tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax Lily is a grass-like, evergreen perennial that provides a…
Dasylirion wheeleri
December 18, 2017 12:35 pmDesert Spoon The Desert Spoon has a thick, short trunk. The leaves are a cool, grey colour with spiky, dry,…
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’
December 18, 2017 12:33 pmWinter Daphne Daphne Odora Aureomarginata has a delicious and unique fragrance that, once experienced, will never be forgotten. This is…
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora
December 18, 2017 12:30 pmBlue Ginger Gardeners have always enjoyed and admired plants with blue flowers, possibly because of the apparent scarcity of blue,…
Duranta
December 18, 2017 12:14 pmThe genus Duranta includes a number of tree and shrub species that originate in the tropical Americas and include many…
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Hybrids’
December 15, 2017 2:14 pmCroton Croton are one of the well-known sub-tropical foliage shrubs regularly purchased by up country holiday makers whilst on vacation…
Combretum kraussii
December 15, 2017 2:12 pmForest Bushwillow The Forest Bushwillow is an attractive, deciduous tree, no matter the season. It retains its rich autumn colour…
Couroupita guianensis
December 15, 2017 1:39 pmCannonball Tree or Ayahuma The words ‘striking’ and ‘strange’ are often used to describe Cannonball Tree, a large evergreen tree…
Cyphostemma juttae
December 15, 2017 1:36 pmWild Grape, Tree Grape, Blue Cobas This most interesting succulent plant belongs to the grape family and grows naturally in…
Cymbidium hybrids
December 15, 2017 1:16 pmBoat Orchid The genus Cymbidium in the Orchidaceae (Orchid) family consists of about 50 species, from which many thousands of…
Cycas revoluta
December 15, 2017 1:12 pmSago Palm The Sago Palm, native to Japan, is such a worthy specimen for pool plantings. It makes a bold…
Cyathea australis
December 15, 2017 1:09 pmRough Tree Fern The Cyathea Australis is such an elegant poolside plant, which is as graceful as our indigenous Cyathea…
Cussonia Paniculata
December 15, 2017 1:07 pmHighveld Cabbage Tree or Kiepersol Cussonia Paniculata, the ‘Highveld Cabbage Tree’ or ‘Kiepersol’, is a small, decorative and evergreen tree,…
Cuphea hyssopifolia ‘Hybrids’
December 15, 2017 1:00 pmFalse Heather False Heather is a small shrub with a neat, rounded growth habit, tiny leaves and masses of dainty…
Crinum macowanii
December 15, 2017 12:56 pmSabie Lily Crinums are members of the family Amaryllidaceae and have a very wide distribution in the tropics of Asia,…
Crassula spathulata
December 15, 2017 12:48 pmThe Crassula Spathulata is a sprawling succulent with rounded and toothed leaves which have a red tinge to the margins.…
Crassula ovata
December 15, 2017 12:45 pmJade Plant The Crassula Ovata, or Jade Plant is an upright-growing, multiple-branched, shrubby succulent that can grow up to 2m…
Clematis brachiata
December 15, 2017 12:42 pmTraveller’s Joy The Clematis Brachiata is a joy to gardeners as well, it bears masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers…
Choisya ternata
December 15, 2017 12:16 pmMexican Orange Blossom The Choisya Ternata is a compact, evergreen shrub with a neat and tidy growth habit attaining an…
Ceratostigma willmottianum
December 15, 2017 12:14 pmChinese Plumbago Ceratostigma Willmottianum, or Chinese Plumbago, is a deciduous shrub originating from the western parts of China and has…
Castanea Sativa
December 15, 2017 12:12 pmSpanish Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut These are the spiny husks of the Spanish Chestnut that are produced on large deciduous trees…
Cassia Fistula
December 15, 2017 12:11 pmGolden Shower Tree Flowering trees are amongst the most spectacular plants cultivated in gardens. Their sheer size and abundance of…
Calpurnia aurea
December 15, 2017 12:07 pmWild Laburnum The Calpurnia Aurea is one of our most rewarding small, semi-evergreen trees. It is fast growing and can…
Calodendrum capense
December 15, 2017 12:06 pmCape Chestnut Type: Large tree, 20m.Form: Single stemmed with rounded canopy. Bark grey, leaves light green and shiny.Flowers: Pink, large and scented, massed…
Calandiva
December 15, 2017 12:04 pmDouble Kalanchoe Calandiva plants are ideal ‘no-brainers’, pleasing the intrepid indoor gardener with long-lasting displays of hundreds of double-petalled, brightly-coloured flowers…
Cactus
December 15, 2017 12:01 pmThe benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a décor tool, moisturiser, therapist, climate improver…
Carpobrotus edulis
December 15, 2017 11:56 amSour Fig (Suurvy) No garden should be without the Sour Fig, an extremely valuable indigenous medicinal plant which originally occurred…
Burchellia Bubalina – Wild Pomegranate
December 15, 2017 10:41 amThe Wild Pomegranate is a neat growing shrub, up to 2.5 m in height, with beautiful dark green glossy leaves.…
Betula Pendula
December 15, 2017 10:34 amSilver or Common Birch The Silver Birch is one of the best-known trees in cultivation today, especially in temperate regions,…
Beschorneria Yuccoides
December 15, 2017 10:30 amThe Beschorneria Yuccoides is a lovely plant found in gardens around the country and yet often overlooked and possibly, to…
Arctotis Acaulis and Stoechadifolia
December 15, 2017 9:10 amAfrican Daisy, Gousblom, Silver Arctotis, Kusgousblom Arctotis is a fairly large genus of about sixty species within the daisy family…
Acacia xanthophloea
December 14, 2017 11:55 amFever Trees Fever trees are tall and slender trees, reaching up to 12m, with a spreading but light crown and…
Acokanthera oppositifolia
December 14, 2017 11:25 amBushman’s Poison Acokanthera Oppositifolia is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves. It grows to a height of 3 metres,…
Bauhinia
December 14, 2017 11:21 amGalpinii, Bowkerii, Tomentosa and Petersiana Pride of de Kaap The Bauhinia belongs to one of the world’s largest plant families,…
Asystasia Gangetica
December 14, 2017 11:18 amCreeping Foxglove The Creeping Foxglove is an attractive but very vigorous ground cover that tolerates quite a sunny position but…
Asparagus Densiflorus ‘Myersii’
December 14, 2017 11:16 amFoxtail or Cat’s tail Asparagus Densiflorus ‘Myersii‘ (Foxtail or Cat’s tail), which has remained popular for decades. A cultivar of…
Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
December 14, 2017 11:07 amFrench Tarragon Artemisia Dracunculus, or French tarragon, is a frost-hardy perennial with narrow green leaves. It becomes dormant in winter…
Artemisia Afra
December 14, 2017 10:53 amWild Wormwood, Wildeals Wild Wormwood is a highly aromatic, many-branched and bushy upright perennial shrub. Artemisia Afra can grow up…
Aponogeton Distachyos
December 13, 2017 3:05 pmCape Pond Weed The decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics and the showy blooms in season always command attention. Cape Pond…
Antirrhinum Majus
December 13, 2017 3:04 pmThe ‘Snapdragon’ For gardeners wanting an easy growing winter annual it is worth re-stating all the good qualities of Antirrhinum…
Alocasia cucullata
December 13, 2017 2:54 pmSpear Queen Alocasia Cucullata is a spectacular evergreen foliage plant belonging to the Elephant’s Ear family. Upright, fleshy, rhizomatous stems…
Aloysia triphylla
December 13, 2017 2:49 pmLemon Verbena Lemon Verbena is a popular shrub that was introduced into Western horticulture from Chile and Argentina as long…
Alluaudia procera
December 13, 2017 2:43 pmOctopus Plant The quest for strange or different looking plants continues. This unusual succulent plant from Madagascar, the Alluaudia Procera,…
Acer palmatum
December 13, 2017 2:33 pmJapanese Maple Acer Palmatum originates from China, Korea and Japan, and has become one of the most popular deciduous trees…
Acalypha wilkesiana
December 13, 2017 2:32 pmCopperleaf or Calico bush The Acalypha is the mainstay of so many coastal and sub-tropical gardens in the country. Acalyphas…
Acacia sieberiana
December 13, 2017 2:26 pmPaperbark Thorn Acacia trees are an iconic symbol of the African landscape. Here in South Africa the paperbark thorn is…
Abelia x grandiflora
December 13, 2017 2:22 pmDwarf Glossy Abelia Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today…
Aglaonema varieties
December 13, 2017 2:06 pmSilver Queen, Maria Compacta, Pattaya Beauty The benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a…
Ficus Hanging Around
December 7, 2017 1:44 pmIf you visit any stockist of indoor plants you are sure to come across small potted trees called Ficus Microcarpa…
Rosa banksiae
November 20, 2017 3:37 pmYellow Banksian Rose ‘Lutea’ The Banksiae Rose is a garden favourite around the globe. It originates in West and Central…
Nymania capensis
November 20, 2017 2:11 pmChinese Lantern or Klapperbos Perhaps best known by the Afrikaans common name, Klapperbos, Nymania Capensis is an upright shrub, or…
Nemesia denticulata
November 20, 2017 2:08 pmWild Nemesia The Wild Nemesia is not a true ground cover, but so worth having especially in small sunny gardens.…
Myrtus communis
November 20, 2017 2:06 pmCompacta, Dwarf Myrtle, Myrtle A well-known healing herb, Myrtus Communis, which is more often referred to simply as ‘Myrtle’, is…
Melaleuca bracteata
November 20, 2017 1:54 pmRevolution Gold, Golden Honey Myrtle, Johannesburg Gold Affectionately known as ‘Johannesburg Gold’ by most gardeners, this has to be the most…
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Variegata’
November 20, 2017 1:20 pmSweetgum, American Sweetgum This is a selected, variegated leaf form of the Liquidambar, which originates from parts of the Eastern…
Dymondia margaretae
November 15, 2017 2:03 pmCarpet Daisy, Silver Carpet Dymondia Margaretae, is a mat-forming ground cover with curly, greyish green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers in…
Buxus Sempervirens
November 15, 2017 12:08 pmBox, Boxwood, Little Leaf Boxwood Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and…
Brachystelma Pulchellum
November 15, 2017 12:01 pmThere are myriads of interesting and unusual plants growing in gardens and in the vast tracts of unspoilt wilderness that…
Bellis Perennis
November 15, 2017 11:38 amEnglish Daisy The English Daisy is a dainty little perennial often treated as an annual in the warm African climate…
Barleria Species
November 15, 2017 11:16 amBarleria Greenii, Wild Bush Petunia If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the Barleria Greenii in full bloom…
Citrus Psylla
November 3, 2017 11:46 amThe citrus psylla causes raised, pock-like swellings on the upper surfaces of young leaves. For each swelling there is a…
Tulbaghia violacea
August 31, 2017 12:17 pmSocial Garlic, Wild Garlic The hardy and easy-to-grow Tulbaghia Violacea has always been a very popular indigenous perennial, grown for…
Pittosporum tenuifolium
May 5, 2017 12:53 pmKōhūhū and Black Matipo Pittosporum Tenuifolium is a small evergreen tree, up to 10m. It is sometimes grown under the cultivar…
Gardening Tips for May
May 1, 2017 6:18 amTidy flower beds and remove collapsed plants and cut back anything that needs it. Clear remaining annuals and debris. Plant…
Autumn Gardening
April 19, 2017 11:53 amAUTUMN – a busy time of year for gardening enthusiasts! The crisp morning air and longer nights is a sign…
Leucosidea sericea
April 4, 2017 11:37 amOldwood, Ouhout Leucosidea Sericea (Oldwood, Ouhout) is a very cold-hardy, evergreen small tree that can tolerate lots of water but…
Growing ever upwards with climbers!
March 23, 2017 11:21 amClimbers are Opportunists that will try every Trick in the Book to get your Attention. Climbers cling to and twine…
Cinerarias by any other name
April 19, 2016 11:55 pmThis beautiful flowering plant with daisy flowers in a spectacular range of bright colours is still affectionately called cinerarias by…
Rosa ‘White Iceberg’
January 18, 2016 8:55 amA gardening book that discusses bestsellers and favourites would be incomplete if it did not include the iconic White Iceberg…
Watsonia species and hybrids
January 18, 2016 8:51 amThis is an indigenous cut flower that continues to impress globally. Some Watsonia form evergreen clumps of sword-like foliage whilst…
Veronica spicata ‘Heidekind’
January 18, 2016 8:19 amSpiked Speedwell, Speedwell A charming little plant that asks for very little and yet rewards hugely when flowering season arrives…
Tigridia species
January 18, 2016 7:10 amJockey’s Cap Lily, Mexican Shellflower Peacock Flower, Tiger Iris, Tiger Flower There is something rather mysterious and wonderful about a flower that lasts…
The Kindest Cut – Roses
January 18, 2016 6:49 amThis beautiful display of roses is one of the rewards of winter pruning, along with good soil enrichment, watering and…
The Bearded Iris
January 18, 2016 6:45 amThe Bearded Iris is rated amongst the most beautiful of all the flowering perennials and they have also, over many…
Tecoma Capensis
January 18, 2016 6:23 amExpect a lively concert from the garden wildlife if, perchance, you end up alongside a Tecoma Capensis, or Cape Honeysuckle…
Tanacetum vulgare
January 18, 2016 6:18 amTansy Tanacetum Vulgare is an aromatic perennial that is evergreen and frost tolerant. With its grey-green, finely divided, ferny foliage…
Syzygium pondoense
January 15, 2016 11:20 amPondo Water Wood Syzygium Pondoense (Pondo Water Wood) is a scarce indigenous species, but with a bit of luck you…
Syzygium paniculatum
January 15, 2016 11:09 amSyzygium Paniculatum is a well-known garden shrub with a multitude of uses. It is evergreen, has dense foliage, and grows rapidly…
Succulent hanging basket
January 15, 2016 10:54 amFollow our simple guidelines and plant up your own stunning hanging basket with heat beating plants. Baskets are often suspended…
Success with Clematis
January 15, 2016 7:57 amWhen one browses through magazines and gardening books, especially those from the UK, the pictures of Clematis are always inspiring.…
Birds of Paradise
January 15, 2016 7:51 amStrelitzias… Mother Nature’s incredible sculptures! From autumn to spring, when beautiful boat-shaped spathes crested by bright orange sepals and deep-blue…
Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’
January 15, 2016 7:38 amMexican Feather Grass The beautiful Stipa Tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’, which is always waving in the wind, is another favourite with…
Stachys byzantine
January 15, 2016 7:33 amLamb’s Ear Children and adults alike are fascinated with the soft texture of Lamb’s Ear, it immediately attracts people to…
Solanum Giganteum
January 14, 2016 12:27 pmAfrican Holly Solanum giganteum is a somewhat unconventional choice – but not for birds! Do not confuse it with the invasive…
Silybum marianum
January 14, 2016 12:25 pmMilk Thistle The spectacular Milk Thistle is huge, eye-catching and drought tolerant! Its massive rosette of white-marbled, seriously prickly, deeply…
Serruria hybrid
January 14, 2016 12:17 pm‘Tannie Evita’ The name says it all; Serruria hybrid is undoubtedly amongst the loveliest Blushing Bride. Serrurias belong to the…
Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’
January 14, 2016 12:11 pmDusty Miller Senecio Cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ (Dusty Miller) is a low-growing sub-shrub that is often treated as an annual. It…
Selago corymbosa
January 14, 2016 11:57 amPlant: Selago Corymbosa Type: Dainty shrub, 60cm.Form: Upright growth with feathery foliage.Flowers: A fine mist of delicate lacy white flowers…
Sedum spurium ‘Bronze Carpet’
January 14, 2016 11:31 amStonecrop The Sedum Spurium plant is a vigorous, evergreen ground cover with glossy, succulent leaves that are dark coppery-red in…
Sedum nussbaumerianum
January 14, 2016 11:28 amCoppertone Stonecrop Sedum Nussbaumerianum is an exotic species from Mexico, with unusual, copper-coloured rosettes on slender spreading stems. It is…
Scaevola aemula
January 14, 2016 11:21 amFairy Fan Flower One Australian perennial that contributes a new hybrid almost yearly is Scaevola Aemula, and sometimes the new…
Scabiosa
January 14, 2016 10:49 amOur colleague, Gerald Schofield, once described the hybrids of Scabiosa as ‘totally loveable’ plants. Most gardeners agree with his description of this…
Ruschia lineolata
January 14, 2016 10:11 amCarpet of Stars The Ruschia lineolata is a tough succulent is a versatile ground cover which produces masses of pretty…
Rumohra adiantiformis
January 14, 2016 10:06 amLeather Leaf Fern Rumohra adiantiformis is an evergreen fern with leathery foliage that can vary significantly in size, attaining heights…
Rose Strategies – Be water wise
January 14, 2016 9:39 amMany gardeners wishing to include roses in their borders might be concerned about whether they are appropriate for a water…
Red Roses – Rosa Hot Point Spire (BARhop)
January 14, 2016 8:50 amRed roses are associated with Valentine’s Day and this Spire rose grows into a stately 2,5m high specimen that produces…
Rhus crenata
January 14, 2016 8:38 amDune Crowberry The Rhus crenata resembles a bamboo with thick clumps with slender side branches and delicate rosettes of foliage…
Rhamnus prinoides
January 14, 2016 8:32 amDogwood or Blinkblaar Rhamnus prinoides are bushy with shiny dark green foliage. Its small greenish, insect-attracting flowers are followed by fleshy…
Repotting and Transplanting Roses
October 13, 2015 12:24 pmRoses don’t need to be re-potted that frequently because they have the ability to regenerate themselves. In winter the many…
Portulacaria afra
September 4, 2015 6:38 amElephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant, Porkbush and Spekboom The spekboom or porkbush, also known as elephant’s food, olifantskos, soetspekboom, suurspekboom, igwanishe…
Planting and Repotting Ferns
September 2, 2015 11:12 amFerns are easy to transplant and benefit from regular repotting into slightly larger containers. They can either be planted singly…
Phormium ‘Margaret Jones’
September 2, 2015 9:00 amNew Zealand Flax If flaxes, like the New Zealand Flax, should ever go out of fashion, we gardeners will sorely lament…
Philodendrons
September 2, 2015 8:48 amThe last couple of decades have seen many hundreds of thousands of these leafy Philodendrons absorbed into gardens around the…
Perovskia atriplicifolia
September 2, 2015 8:33 amBlue Rain Perovskias Perovskias are often underestimated in terms of the great value that they can add to the garden.…
Pelargoniums
September 2, 2015 8:08 amOne can fill pots and barrels with bush and king pelargoniums, and fill hanging baskets and window boxes with ivy-leaved…
Osteospermum
September 1, 2015 12:31 pmThese upright-growing Osteospermum bushes are topped with showy daisy flowers from late winter through spring. The hybrids are derived from…
Ophiopogon
September 1, 2015 12:17 pmOphiopogon, or Mondo Grasses have thin, curved, ribbon-like leaves and grow in dense tussocks. They are evergreen, exceptionally hardy, produce…
Nephrolepis falcata furcans
September 1, 2015 12:08 pmFishtail Fern, Fishtail Swordfern Large-frond, the Fishtail Fern (Swordfern), with coarse foliage, forms attractive clumps of cascading habit. It is…
Myrtaceae family
September 1, 2015 11:52 amMyrtle Myrtaceae is a large family of mainly trees and shrubs, including the Myrtle, with over a hundred different genera,…
Murraya exotica
August 31, 2015 9:26 amOrange Jasmine The dark green glossy leaves make the Orange Jasmine shrub attractive even when not in flower, but the…
Murdannia simplex
August 31, 2015 9:17 amType: Groundcover, 10cm.Form: Clumping, with lanceolate dark green leaves.Murdannia Flowers: Mauve, in terminal clusters, from September to May. The Murdannia…
Monanthotaxis caffra
August 31, 2015 8:53 amDwaba Berry, Dwababessie Type: Medium shrub, 2m.Form: Woody scrambler with sparse foliage.Flowers: Insignificant cream flowers, from December to March.Why plant…
Mmmm Marshmallows and butter
August 31, 2015 8:47 amMallow Family This month’s subjects all belong to the family Malvaceae; common names for this family include Mallow Family and…
Miscanthus
August 31, 2015 8:39 amBring movement into your garden with ornamental grasses and colourful companions such as Miscanthus. Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’ Common…
Microlepia speluncae
August 31, 2015 8:26 amLimpleaf Fern Tall growing, the Limpleaf Fern can reach a height of 1,5m. It is a clump-forming fern with lime…
Meet the Bignonia family, both good and bad!
August 31, 2015 8:07 amMuch like human families, plant families, like the Bignonia Family, also count amongst their members both the gorgeous and the…
Make your own Paver Planter
August 25, 2015 9:06 amMaking a planter out of pavers is a simple process – you simply glue the pavers together, reinforce the glue…
Magnolia x soulangeana
August 25, 2015 6:29 amSaucer Magnolia Magnolia x Soulangeana is a small, deciduous tree that grows to approximately 6 x 6 m, making it ideal…
Mackaya bella
August 25, 2015 6:24 amRiver Bells Mackaya bella, commonly called River Bells, this evergreen shrub grows naturally under trees and close to water. Hence…
Lobularia maritima
August 17, 2015 11:39 amSweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima is a delicate, fine-textured plant with masses of white blooms set against variegated foliage. It is…
Lobelia x gerardii
August 17, 2015 11:35 amBlue Lobelia The Blue Lobelia that most gardeners know is a tiny edging plant that is unparalleled for its intensity…
Liriope Muscari
August 17, 2015 11:05 amLiriopes, commonly known as lilyturfs, are evergreen flowering plants which form thick clumps of grasslike foliage. They are unique groundcovers…
Leucophyta brownii
August 17, 2015 10:53 amCushion Bush Leucophyta brownii is an interesting groundcover for a sunny position. Its has an unusual leaf shape that forms…
Leucadendron tinctum
August 17, 2015 8:56 amBergroos, Spicy Conebush One of the most appealing features of this greatly under-utilised Leucadendron Tinctum is the strong spicy aroma…
Leucadendron sessile
August 17, 2015 8:54 amSun Conebush Forming a neat rounded shrub that grows up to 1,5m high, this easily-grown species of Leucadendron sessile has…
Leucadendron
August 17, 2015 8:48 amThe plants in the genus Leucadendron make it one of the most conspicuous members of the Proteaceae family and most…
Laying the foundation for the Autumn flush
August 17, 2015 8:33 amNow is the time to prepare your roses for the autumn flush. Rose growers all look forward to the autumn…
Kalanchoes
July 31, 2015 7:48 amKalanchoes are a succulent group of plants that are tough, heat resistant and low maintenance. Most suitable climate for Kalanchoes…
Jasminum sambac
July 31, 2015 7:35 amArabian Jasmine Jasminum sambac – the heavy, exotic and enticing scent of this fabulously voluptuous sprawling scrambler (it is more…
Jasminum polyanthum
July 31, 2015 7:32 amPink Jasmine Chances are that if there’s a lovely, sweet fragrance wafting over from the neighbour’s garden at this time…
Jasminum multipartitum
July 29, 2015 12:59 pmStarry Wild Jasmine Type: Evergreen Jasminum shrub up to 3m. Form: Creeping or bushy (train long shoots can be trained…
Insect Hotels and Indigenous Plant Snacks
July 29, 2015 11:37 amThe way to attract wildlife to your garden is to provide comfortable insect homes and delicious meals. Insect hotels are…
Hostas
July 29, 2015 11:08 amHostas have always been useful perennials for shade gardens, especially very cold gardens. This is perhaps why, over the years,…
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Brilliant’
July 29, 2015 11:06 amChinese Hibiscus, China Rose, Hawaiian Hibiscus, and Shoe-Black-Plant This large evergreen Hibiscus rosa-sinensis shrub reaches 2 x 2m and makes a lovely hedge…
Hellebores
July 28, 2015 6:55 amFalling in love three or more times a day (and not getting into trouble) is a distinct possibility when you…
Helichrysum petiolare
July 28, 2015 6:41 amSilver-Bush Everlasting Flower, Licorice-Plant, Liquorice Plant, Trailing Dusty Miller and Kooigoed The Helichrysum Petiolare is an indigenous, shrubby plant with woolly, grey…
Hatiora
July 28, 2015 6:13 amEaster Cactus and Whitsun Cactus. Hatiora is a prolifically blooming cacti with fleshy, jointed or segmented stems with a slightly pendant or…
Halleria Lucida
July 27, 2015 10:11 amTree Fuchsia, umBinza or Notsung This small evergreen tree, known as the Halleria Lucida, or Tree Fuchsia, grows to 5…
Ericas – Simply Irresistible
July 23, 2015 11:11 amThe exceptional beauty and diversity of their floral form make Ericas irresistible to gardeners; these three species are well suited…
Grevillea Lanigera Mount Tamboritha
July 23, 2015 10:14 amSpider Flower Grevillea Lanigera ‘Mount Tamboritha’, or Spider Flower, is an utterly charming, low-growing shrub that copes perfectly in a…
Gomphostigma virgatum
July 23, 2015 10:08 amRiver Star The beautiful river star is a shining light amongst other greenery with its silvery foliage. Its size is…
Gelsemium sempervirens
July 23, 2015 9:53 amTrumpet Flower, Evening Trumpet Flower The Trumpet Flower is a light and quick-growing evergreen climber that clings by twining its slender…
Gaura Lindheimeri Blushing Butterflies
July 23, 2015 9:41 amButterfly Gaura Gaura Lindheimeri ‘Blushing Butterflies’ produces soft pink flowers and has leaves that are light reddish-green and become brighter…
Garden Flowers for the Vase
July 14, 2015 8:36 amCut flowers for the Home A vase of fresh cut flowers in the home adds both a touch of class…
Gaillardia Galya
July 14, 2015 8:21 amWild Fire Blanket Flower Gaillardia or Blanket Flowers, are perennial daisies. They are valued for their extended flowering season, blooming…
Freylinia Tropica
July 14, 2015 7:52 amBlue Freylinia, Waterberg Bell-Bush, Blue Splash, Blue Honey-Bell Freylinia Tropica with its delicate foliage and light mauve to pretty blue…
Freylinia lanceolata
July 14, 2015 7:48 amHoneybells, Honeybell Bush Freylinia Lanceolata is described by some gardeners as a rather wild and untidy plant, but it has…
Plumeria rubra
June 11, 2015 8:26 amFrangipani Plumeria Rubra, one of the seven or eight species of Plumeria that are found in the wild and that…
Flowering Bonsai
June 11, 2015 8:23 amFlowering Bonsai is a vast part of Bonsai and not an easy subject to condense into one article. However, I…
Evolvulus ‘Blue My Mind’
June 11, 2015 7:34 amDwarf Morning Glory Delicate, petite blue flowers cover these grey-foliage plants for months on end. Evolvulus, heat and drought-tolerant, these…
Euryops Pectinatus & Virgineus
June 11, 2015 7:28 amYellow Daisy Bush, Honey Daisy Euryops Pectinatus is an indigenous yellow daisy bush that will give you immense joy with…
Euphorbia pulcherrima
June 8, 2015 11:08 amPoinsettia Euphorbia Pulcherrima is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that has rich green leaves with dentate (toothed) margins.…
Euonymus Japonicus Microphyllus
June 8, 2015 11:03 amJapanese Euonymus, Dwarf Japanese Spindle, ‘Gold Dust’, ‘Aureus’ Euonymus Japonicus ‘Microphyllus’ is a rounded, very compact shrub with small, glossy…
Eucomis vandermerwei
June 8, 2015 10:54 amPineapple Lily The mountainous area around Dullstroom in Mpumalanga has yielded a very unusual dwarf Eucomis. The Eucomis Vandermerwii grows…
Erythrina lysistemon
June 8, 2015 10:30 amCommon Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree Erythrina Lysistemon, the Common Coral Tree, is deciduous, but it has the delightful habit of…
Erigeron karvinskianus
June 1, 2015 10:51 amMexican Fleabane, Latin American Fleabane, Santa Barbara Daisy, Spanish Daisy, Karwinsky’s Fleabane, or Bony-tip Fleabane. Erigeron Karvinskianus is an inexpensive, evergreen diehard that will…
Elegia capensis
June 1, 2015 10:37 amElegia is one of many plant species belonging to the family Restionaceae, a group of rush-like plants found largely in…
Echeveria agavoides
June 1, 2015 7:16 amThe species name ‘agavoides’ means ‘looking like an agave’, and this can be understood when studying this single-stemmed echeveria, which…
Down Many Garden Paths
June 1, 2015 6:55 amIn the Garden with Anna Recently, while visiting open gardens and garden shows, and judging gardening competitions, I met up…
Dovyalis caffra
June 1, 2015 6:50 amUmkokola, Kei Apples, Kai Apples, or Kau Apples Kei Apples have dense, glossy, oval leaves with a leathery feel –…
Dombeya rotundifolia
May 11, 2015 9:05 amWild Pear Dombeya Rotundifolia, one of the most attractive and reliable of the indigenous trees suitable for suburban gardens, has…
Dodonaea angustifolia
May 11, 2015 8:19 amSand Olive A Dodonaea Angustifolia, or Sand Olive, is a large shrub which grows fast and can handle wind and…
Distictis buccinatoria
May 8, 2015 7:59 amMexican Blood-Trumpet This showy climber, the Mexican Blood Trumpet, from Mexico was planted extensively by local gardeners during the latter…
Diospyros whyteana
May 8, 2015 7:57 amBladdernut The Bladdernut is one of those small trees with so many uses in both small and larger gardens. Its…
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
May 8, 2015 7:48 amThis plant is a ‘dramatic’ ground cover with a cascading habit. Its thin stems are sparsely clothed in silvery-white, round…
Dazzling dahlias
April 23, 2015 6:58 amIsn’t it strange how some flowers just go out of fashion, for no good reason? That’s been the fate of…
Davallia mariesii
April 23, 2015 6:40 amSquirrel’s Foot Fern Prominent, creeping rhizomes on the surface of the soil is a feature of the Squirrel’s Foot Fern. They…
Cyrtomium falcatum
April 23, 2015 6:35 amHolly-Fern, Japanese holly fern Handsome and single stemmed, this Holly Fern with robust, shiny foliage, is sometimes confused with cycads and…
Cynara scolymus
April 23, 2015 6:29 amGlobe Artichoke The Globe Artichoke is perhaps more commonly associated with the vegetable garden because the flower buds are usually…
Cuphea llavea
April 20, 2015 9:02 amFlamenco Samba The Flamenco Samba is a lovely compact shrub of around 40 x 60cm and flowers prolifically, bearing cherry…
Cotyledon Orbiculata
March 27, 2015 10:50 amPig’s Ear, Elk’s Horn, or Round-Leafed Navel-Wort Succulent plants are still extremely popular in the garden fashion stakes, especially during periods…
Cosmos bipinnatus
March 27, 2015 10:47 amGarden Cosmos or Mexican Aster From March through into April and always around the Easter holidays, fields of self-sown Cosmos spring…
Convolvulus cneorum
March 27, 2015 10:06 amSilver Bush Silver Bush is a low-growing, compact shrub with silky, silver leaves that have an iridescent sheen. White, tubular,…
Container Plants that Beat the Heat
March 27, 2015 9:58 amThere are a number of tough waterwise characters that thrive in containers and love being out in the midday sun.…
Combretum
March 27, 2015 8:51 amRed Bushwillow Gardeners sometimes complain that deciduous trees, like the Red Bushwillow, are messy, with the falling leaves requiring constant…