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Practical Gardening

The versatility of Anthuriums

December 20, 2024 7:57 am Published by

With their glossy heart-shaped leaves and colourful spathes, anthuriums are a vibrant and exotic addition to any houseplant family.  Thriving…

Long – Haul blooms!

November 29, 2024 11:40 am Published by

Consistent flowering and easy to grow, is what HibisQs is all about. Summer is synonymous with alluring hibiscus flowers covering…

Orchid Christmas

November 21, 2024 1:25 pm Published by

A Phalaenopsis orchid is the perfect gift for someone special and a décor item that will transform a festive table…

Seasonal garden stars

November 21, 2024 12:17 pm Published by

Join Freddie to find out what’s new and trending in the world of bedding plants. These Flowering Favourites are available…

July Gardening Tasks

June 26, 2024 3:57 pm Published by

July is deep winter for us in South Africa, but that just means it’s one step closer to spring and…

june checklist

June Gardening Tasks

June 1, 2024 10:53 am Published by

June is South Africa means winter is at our doorstep, the days are getting shorter and colder making it harder…

Propagating Kalanchoes

May 19, 2024 2:50 pm Published by

Read in Afrikaans Many (or most) succulents can be swiftly propagated via stem cuttings, including all the prettiest kalanchoes. So…

May Gardening Tasks

May 1, 2024 6:18 am Published by

‘Winter is coming.’ The now-famous line from Game of Thrones is also true of gardening, so get your seeds sown:…

April Gardening Tasks

April 1, 2024 12:27 pm Published by

April in Africa means warm and mild weather that most of us gardeners love. Working in the garden is a…

Gardening on a slope

March 22, 2024 10:55 am Published by

Want to find out more about gardening on a slope? In this article, our editor Tanya Visser describes how she…

Transform Your Lawn

March 18, 2024 3:06 pm Published by

A lawn is so much more than a liability that needs weekly mowing. Treat it right and it can turn…

Climate Resilient Gardens

March 18, 2024 2:09 pm Published by

Greener Innovations for the Future Rand Water’s support for homeowners and communities in becoming responsible water consumers is ongoing. This…

March Gardening Tasks

March 1, 2024 9:59 am Published by

With the long summer months slowly passing into the cooler and calm autumn days of March, it is time plan…

Understanding Mulch

December 11, 2023 6:29 pm Published by

Never underestimate important role that mulching plays in your garden. What Is Mulch? ‘Mulch’ is described in The Royal Horticultural…

Grow Green, Save Blue

August 29, 2023 10:01 am Published by

In a time where the environment is increasingly under threat, it is critical that we rethink and reshape our relationship…

How To With Fertiliser

August 21, 2023 9:47 am Published by

Fertilisers can be confusing as we now have access to a wide variety of sophisticated products with specialised formulations. The…

Natural Gardening

May 23, 2023 1:03 pm Published by

Gardening tasks like watering and feeding winter-flowering potted plants, pampering the crops in winter veggie beds, and the making of…

How To Stretch Water

April 21, 2023 3:40 pm Published by

As far as water management and keeping plants alive go, a gardener has two main concerns. One is to save…

False Codling Moth

March 1, 2023 11:42 am Published by

Citrus and avocado trees are popular in home gardens – but if yours aren’t doing as well as they should,…

Bright Shades Of Autumn

March 1, 2023 10:50 am Published by

They are referred to as evergreen plants, but they are not quite ‘green’. These plants stand out in a garden…

The Beauty Of Soil

March 1, 2023 10:20 am Published by

Always be water wise! Soil is one of the most important resources on earth. Healthy soil is a living ecosystem…

March Pruning

Pruning in March

February 28, 2023 12:02 pm Published by

With the long summer months slowly passing into the cooler and calm autumn days, it is time to take stock…

Plant for Balcony

Plants for Balconies

February 27, 2023 12:30 pm Published by

Following on from our balcony feature, here are designer Karen’s top choices for container plants that can cope with the…

How Plants Cope With Stress

February 15, 2023 8:46 am Published by

Literally rooted to the spot, plants cannot escape the environmental factors that can cause them stress. Plants have to deal…

Get Your Kids Gardening

Get your Kids Gardening

January 26, 2023 10:26 am Published by

The festive season is ahead, and it happens to coincide with our gardens growing fast and furious, which means we…

Saving Water in your Garden

January 23, 2023 10:35 am Published by

Water is the driving forceMaintaining a beautiful garden needs water. It is, however, a scarce and increasingly expensive source that…

Garden Helpers

December 13, 2022 4:20 pm Published by

Make gardening simple Making composting easy Composting is an essential gardening task if you want to save money and use…

Lily Borer

November 25, 2022 10:55 am Published by

The lily borer (also known as the amaryllis borer) can be identified by its distinctive black-and-yellow banded body of up…

A Wall of Pots DIY

November 23, 2022 8:42 am Published by

With a few tools, a little reclaimed timber and Woodoc 50, you can make this stunning wall of pots DIY…

Window Box Cheery Yellows

3 Window Box Ideas

October 25, 2022 3:36 pm Published by

There is nothing that lifts the spirits more than planting up window boxes – it’s like creating a miniature garden…

How To Make Hydrangeas Blue

October 11, 2022 1:51 pm Published by

Hydrangea macrophylla are naturally pink bloomers, but can be blue bloomers if the aluminium content in the soil is increased…

Feeding Your Plants

September 12, 2022 12:04 pm Published by

Plants are very clever in that they are able to make their own food by capturing energy from the sun…

homegrown flowers osteospermum

3 Flower Bombs

August 11, 2022 10:00 am Published by

August or early spring is the best time to flower bomb your garden and patio with three homegrown flowers! Cape…

mini aloes

Mini Aloe Guide

August 3, 2022 2:47 pm Published by

The size is diminutive, but the appeal is ginormous! If you are amped to start a collection of succulent plants…

Container Teammates

August 2, 2022 11:06 am Published by

For the best planted containers you need to get the basics right, and that requires some teammates. Firstly, it’s imperative…

biodiversity

Boost Your Biodiversity

July 15, 2022 3:34 pm Published by

How to invite wildlife into your garden. Sustainability is a buzzword that is all over social media. Companies use the…

designing with containers

Designing With Containers

July 15, 2022 3:11 pm Published by

The existence of potted plants as contained gardens must surely stretch deep back into time immemorial. Imagine, if you will,…

pruning roses

Pruning Roses

July 12, 2022 3:36 pm Published by

Rose fundi Ludwig Taschner has many years’ experience with growing roses, so we know that when it comes to pruning…

lawn mower maintenance

Lawn Mower Maintenance

June 21, 2022 11:49 am Published by

While the little lawn plants are dormant, it’s a good idea to get any lawn mower maintenance done, services and…

colourful fillers

3 Colourful Fillers

June 21, 2022 11:15 am Published by

Every garden always has gaps – bits of bare soil between plants that can be filled with pretty annuals. So,…

overwinter dahlias

Overwinter Dahlias

May 12, 2022 11:07 am Published by

If you want to see those fat pom-pom dahlia blooms the size of a soup plate in your garden again…

Hydrozone Definitions

May 3, 2022 10:10 am Published by

People have begun to understand that landscapes can be sustainable and still maintain their aesthetic appeal and function, by hydrozoning.…

What is potting soil?

April 8, 2022 4:30 pm Published by

Read in Afrikaans Technically, commercial potting soil is not soil at all, but a blend of materials like composted bark,…

aquascaping

What is aquascaping?

March 15, 2022 3:30 pm Published by

And now for something completely different… We love exploring new ways of gardening, because it opens up so many more…

Zone your landscape!

March 7, 2022 3:11 pm Published by

Dividing your garden into high/medium/low/very low water-use areas is responsible and efficient. A hydrozone in a landscape refers to a…

lawn tasks

Lawn tasks in March

March 4, 2022 3:46 pm Published by

Lawns always have a bad time over the December holidays. They are robustly used for playing on and some are…

dividing agapanthus

Dividing Agapanthus

March 4, 2022 3:25 pm Published by

Although agapanthus don’t mind being a tad overcrowded, they will in time lose their natural vigour and will need to…

top 10 roses

Our Top 10 Roses

February 22, 2022 2:49 pm Published by

There are over 150 rose species and thousands of hybrids, so compiling our Top 10 Roses is something of a…

sow veld

Sow some veld

January 25, 2022 4:42 pm Published by

Ornamental veld grasses are a big part of modern prairie gardens, but sowing them is not something you would normally…

permaculture

Permaculture Inspiration

January 24, 2022 4:03 pm Published by

Learn from the finest Permaculture is the finest guide for sustainable, organic food gardening. It is a complete ‘system’ that…

Achieve Planting Success

January 20, 2022 8:32 am Published by

If you have achieved planting success you probably have a pretty garden that makes you happy and content without asking…

bokashi bin

Bokashi Composting

January 11, 2022 9:53 am Published by

Bokashi is an odourless composting system that uses up left-over meat, dairy and other food scraps that you wouldn’t normally…

Foodscape your garden

January 6, 2022 3:56 pm Published by

Why replacing ornamentals with edibles is the next big thing… When we picture an edible garden, we typically imagine neat…

december checklist

December Checklist

December 1, 2021 3:07 pm Published by

It’s that time of year again when you have to do constant maintenance on the garden and everything is growing…

bromeliads

Tropical Style for Indoors

November 30, 2021 1:27 pm Published by

Bromeliads can add intrigue as well as wonderful forms and colours to your home. Bromeliads have made an effortless leap…

december checklist

December Checklist

November 24, 2021 4:25 pm Published by

Here’s your December Checklist of things to do in the heavy summer months to maintain your garden and keep it…

companion plants for roses

Companion Plants for Roses

November 22, 2021 11:36 am Published by

Companion plants for roses need to be carefully picked for success. These days rose bushes are often incorporated into flower…

fuchsias

Enchanting Fuschias

November 22, 2021 11:23 am Published by

Fuchsias are often referred to as the ballerinas of the flower world. Delightful varieties with masses of dainty blooms will…

begonias

Dazzle with begonias

November 22, 2021 11:05 am Published by

If you really want to know how to make a splash with begonias, visit parks and gardens in summer and…

indoor plant-scaping

The Great Indoors

November 22, 2021 10:51 am Published by

How to enhance your interior with plants. The choices for indoor plant-scaping are endless – a large potted palm, a…

Holiday gardening!

November 16, 2021 12:14 pm Published by

Now is a great time to get your home and garden ready for holiday visitors, so here are some pots…

november in the garden

November in the garden

November 9, 2021 10:44 pm Published by

Here’s what to do in November in the garden – keep your checklist close to remind yourself. On trend container…

slugs and snails

Slugs and snails

November 9, 2021 10:21 pm Published by

Mitigating the menace of marauding molluscs. Slugs and snails are the bane of the gardener, and also wreak havoc on…

october checklist

October in your garden

November 9, 2021 9:28 pm Published by

Here’s your October checklist and a quick guide to remind you what to do in your garden in October. Seedling…

weeds

Tips to Trump Weeds

November 8, 2021 9:18 pm Published by

With every new awakening after winter comes the weeds, and if you neglect to kill them off they will keep…

pruning in november

Pruning in November

October 12, 2021 4:28 pm Published by

When you’re pruning in November remember to prune flowering peaches, almonds and ornamental quinces as soon as they have finished…

No rest for the wicked

September 23, 2021 1:53 pm Published by

Especially in summer! In nature you find the good (beneficial organisms), the bad (destructive pests) and the ugly, which includes…

Flower power on high

September 22, 2021 3:37 pm Published by

Spring is the time to decorate your home with loads of colourful flowers in baskets or pots. Baskets of fun…

Rewilding your garden

September 15, 2021 12:14 pm Published by

With biodiversity under never before seen pressure, we can and should all do our bit by creating a wildlife refuge…

lawn mowing

Mow like a pro!

September 14, 2021 12:54 pm Published by

Most of the space in any suburban garden is taken up by a lawn – a dense mat of little…

offbeat outdoor spaces

Offbeat Outdoor Spaces

September 14, 2021 10:23 am Published by

Create offbeat outdoor spaces that fit your garden and you. Modern gardening requires a holistic approach. Gone are the days…

101 Spring Tips

September 13, 2021 3:56 pm Published by

1. Creative succulents Create stunning containers by mixing succulents with different textures, colours, and shapes. These fleshy plants are tough…

repotting cactus

Repotting a Cactus

September 6, 2021 9:38 am Published by

The gardener’s version of Mission Impossible? Repotting a cactus is a tedious activity that only comes once every few years…

wormery

Make Your Own Wormery

September 6, 2021 9:18 am Published by

Vermicompost is 10 times more nutritious than commercially bought compost. Earthworm tea is a combination of earthworm urine and the…

Get more from metal

August 24, 2021 1:26 pm Published by

Plastic may be incredibly versatile and useful in the garden, but sometimes you want something with more aesthetic appeal in…

The Grass is Growing!

August 24, 2021 10:09 am Published by

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet this summer! With the joy of the recent rain, soil temperature has…

lawn care

Wake Up The Lawn

August 5, 2021 9:04 pm Published by

When it comes to lawn care, this is the time for ‘spring scarifying’ your lawn. That means a short cut,…

Attracting the Good Bugs

August 5, 2021 9:35 am Published by

The ladybird is almost universally recognised as the ‘good bug’ in our gardens. But did you know that there are…

Waterproofing at its best

July 30, 2021 4:44 pm Published by

Eco Rubber™ is an established, proudly South African waterproof­ing manufacturer with its origins firmly rooted in the rugged Eastern Cape.…

Divide and Repot Aloes

July 9, 2021 10:13 am Published by

If you have a pretty aloe like this ‘Twice as Nice’ hybrid, you’ll know that can become congested with ‘pups’,…

seed sowing

Success With Seeds

June 14, 2021 8:51 pm Published by

Last month we looked at the advantages of seeds over seedlings. Now we give you a few tips to ensure…

autumn hanging baskets

Autumn Hanging Baskets

June 7, 2021 8:56 pm Published by

Although spring is synonymous with bright floral hanging baskets, they can actually be hanging around in cool seasons too, with…

hedge planting

Hedge Planting Tips

June 3, 2021 3:19 pm Published by

The fastest and easiest way to plant a hedge is to dig a trench that can accommodate all your hedgelings…

gardening for birds

Gardening for the Birds

June 3, 2021 2:54 pm Published by

Encouraging our feathered friends to the garden is popular these days. Bird watching is a popular hobby and can be…

Approaching winter

May 28, 2021 1:11 pm Published by

As winter approaches, we spend less and less time in the garden as the days get shorter and plants hunker…

Every Drop Counts

May 26, 2021 12:45 pm Published by

There is a limit to the amount of water that we have and that can be supplied in the pipe…

propagating begonia rex

Propagating Begonia Rex

May 18, 2021 12:28 pm Published by

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to try propagating you Begonia rex (painted-leaf begonia)? Well, if you have a…

sowing seed

The Value of Sowing Seed

May 18, 2021 12:09 pm Published by

April is an important month for sowing seed for winter and spring colour. Get planning and planting now! Some gardeners…

stackable composter

Stackable Composter

April 22, 2021 12:49 pm Published by

While composters come in all shapes and sizes, this stackable composter is one of the easiest to use, and it…

iceberg roses

The War of the Roses

April 20, 2021 9:59 am Published by

The ‘Iceberg’ roses in this marvellous garden have a story to tell. Gardeners are interesting people and their priorities usually…

weedkillers

Weeds and Weedkillers

April 19, 2021 8:28 pm Published by

Keep on top of the invasion. The definition of a weed is essentially a ‘plant growing where you don’t want…

long garden

The Long Garden

April 19, 2021 10:10 am Published by

We create gardens to nourish our human spirits and satisfy our senses. When Tara Forster decided to return home to…

earthworms

The Value of Earthworms

March 23, 2021 8:55 pm Published by

Charles Darwin, one of the world’s greatest naturalists, spent many years studying earthworms. He came to the conclusion that “no…

A Watchdog’s Garden

March 1, 2021 9:57 am Published by

A large family dog and an avid gardener don’t necessarily make for a peaceful team in any backyard, but there…

Pink Summer Flowers

January 28, 2021 10:54 am Published by

Summer gardens are potentially the brightest and showiest of all the seasons. Plant growth is rapid and the results are…

kleurskema

Clever with Colour

January 21, 2021 10:28 am Published by

Everyone loves a colourful garden. Some enjoy heady swathes of bright colour while others prefer more subdued colour schemes. Whatever…

Lysimachia nummularia edging plants

Border Charmers

December 17, 2020 4:40 pm Published by

Edging Plants to Complement Good edging plants that either calmly complement or create a bright colour contrast are just what…

topiary

How to Create a Topiary

December 17, 2020 4:03 pm Published by

Ready-made topiaries are much admired but fairly expensive. Luckily it is not too difficult to create your own topiary at…

Pets in the garden

December 10, 2020 10:36 am Published by

Most pet owners are aware of the importance of pet-safe gardening – avoiding toxic plants, fencing off no-go areas and…

Pot Covers

December 2, 2020 11:42 am Published by

There’s a classy pot cover to suit your taste and needs. With indoor plants all the rage these days, a…

More Than A Garden Shed

November 3, 2020 11:03 am Published by

A garden shed may be inherently practical, but we gardeners attach so much more to ours. They become a place…

Smart bordering

September 25, 2020 2:55 pm Published by

Compact plants can be used in rich swathes of colour and texture in the foreground of shrub beds that need…

Garden Day 2020

September 15, 2020 3:33 pm Published by

Garden Day returns for a virtual celebration of our beloved green spaces Inspirational flower crown ambassadors, a packed calendar of…

Colour in the sky

September 4, 2020 1:13 pm Published by

6 spring classics for hanging baskets To celebrate the arrival of spring, why not try your hand at planting some…

Indigenous Bliss

August 31, 2020 12:08 pm Published by

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful arrangement of indigenous spring-flowering plants, all competing for hop honours in the…

Water Gardening

August 24, 2020 5:11 pm Published by

Go with the Flow Water features to freshen up your garden design. Close your eyes. Imagine a relaxing spot in…

Growing Echeverias

August 14, 2020 8:00 am Published by

A word of warning to the gardener who is developing a liking for echeverias. If you start collecting them you’re…

Creating a hardy backbone

July 22, 2020 2:48 pm Published by

Any garden or landscape needs a backbone to ensure a low-maintenance landscape, which is expected by homeowners. This can be…

Game changer garden!

July 12, 2020 4:17 pm Published by

If the design brief for a typical, very modern South African garden dictates the use of a limited and tough…

Lawn Edgings

June 10, 2020 3:25 pm Published by

A beautiful lawn is the envy of many a gardener. One of the most important aspects of a lush, neat…

Power clean your paving

June 10, 2020 1:24 pm Published by

Powafix Mortar Off is a powerful acid detergent that is effective at cleaning bricks, paving, concrete and slasto surfaces. It…

Always Agapanthus

April 24, 2020 1:09 pm Published by

The name agapanthus is derived from the Greek words agape which means love and anthos flower. So these truly South…

lemon

Lemons

April 8, 2020 1:26 pm Published by

Every garden needs a lemon tree The lemon tree has a number of attributes that qualifies it for inclusion in…

A Personal Forest

March 20, 2020 1:10 pm Published by

When Stephen and Nicole Baverstock bought into Hawaan Forest Estate, they did so because they like the natural bush feeling…

Indoor Fern Care

March 18, 2020 12:30 pm Published by

Pteridomania (Fern Fever) seems to have returned with the recent boom in indoor plant popularity. Ferns can be seen on…

Garden Kids

January 22, 2020 12:21 pm Published by

Too many kids spend their days sitting inside being kept entertained by screens, and the lack of outdoor time in…

Starting over in Knysna

January 21, 2020 12:48 pm Published by

When the devastating fire swept through Knysna in June 2017, the Knysna Hollow Country Estate was razed to the ground.…

Sedums

January 21, 2020 11:42 am Published by

Read in Afrikaans If we had to rate a stone and a stonecrop plant comparatively for low care characteristics, the…

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Callistemon

December 2, 2019 11:52 am Published by

Citrinus 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 am Published by

Want to add colour to your succulent garden? Don’t know what to plant in your sandy soil? Looking for a…

Grow Fuchsias From Cuttings

October 21, 2019 10:24 am Published by

Fuchsias, with their beautiful and exotic flowers, are perfect additions to summer gardens, patio pots and hanging baskets. Don’t forget…

7 Summer Roses

October 3, 2019 12:16 pm Published by

With 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 pm Published by

The Pincushion Protea has long-lasting flower heads in yellows, oranges and reds consist of a large number of small flowers…

Silver-Foliaged Plants

July 23, 2019 10:30 am Published by

Silver-foliaged plants are mainly planted because of their functionality – they are mostly heat and drought tolerant due to hairy…

Dividing Guzmanias

July 23, 2019 9:49 am Published by

Lees in Afrikaans Guzmanias are bromeliads that produce vibrant star-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours. They are popular…

kalanchoes

3 Colourful Kalanchoes

June 24, 2019 8:24 am Published by

Kalanchoe 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 am Published by

When is the Best Time to Re-pot Anthuriums? Roots are growing through the drainage holes of the pots. There is…

Moving your roses

June 4, 2019 10:58 am Published by

Moving roses? This is the month to do it! Garden plants always seem to find themselves in the wrong place,…

Pink Knock Out® Rose

May 7, 2019 2:32 pm Published by

The Knock Out® Rose is a sure win in any garden. This plant flowers continuously, producing beautiful medium pink flowers…

The Hilton Quarry

March 28, 2019 12:56 pm Published by

The Hilton Quarry was initially overrun with large quantities of undesirable alien invasive species (AIS) which had self-propagated across the…

spiral garden

Spiral garden

February 18, 2019 8:00 am Published by

Read in Afrikaans The spiral symbol represents movement, usually the movement from outer consciousness to inner awareness and peace. In…

Choosing Fertilizer

January 23, 2019 2:07 pm Published by

Once one is equipped with sufficient knowledge it is easier to make choices from the wide variety of excellent garden…

Russelia equisetiformis

January 16, 2019 8:57 am Published by

‘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 am Published by

Help your Roses to Keep their Cool • Hot nights bother the roses more than the heat during the day.…

Forever beautiful

January 9, 2019 10:11 am Published by

Get the Look for your Rose Garden There are so many times when roses evoke a ‘wow’ from us! This…

Sowing Clivia Seeds

December 18, 2018 12:38 pm Published by

Lees in Afrikaans If you have a shady garden with lots of Clivias that flowered well in spring, and you…

garden design

Peace Lily paradise

December 14, 2018 3:46 pm Published by

House Vermaak – SALI Gold Award winning Garden 2018 – Garden Design This Gold SALI Award winning 2-acre ‘old Kloof’…

Terracotta Composter

November 7, 2018 9:53 am Published by

Composting Made Simple! Scatter a few of these simple composters throughout your veggie garden for convenient, effective composting. What you…

show garden

African Thunder

October 26, 2018 10:55 am Published by

A South African designer took the Singapore Golden Show by storm with his creative show garden. Thunderclouds roll over the…

Potted Gladiolus

October 12, 2018 2:15 pm Published by

Gladiolus are known for their tall elegance in a garden bed, and as Australian TV personality Dame Edna Everage’s favourite…

Do You Have Stressed Plants?

September 21, 2018 8:36 am Published by

Understanding the Signs & Symptoms of Stressed Plants by Jenny Slabber A crying new-born baby is bewildering to inexperienced parents,…

Aloe ‘Peri-Peri’

May 23, 2018 10:53 am Published by

We all love aloes, those hard-to-kill, structural beauties that are such a striking part of our natural landscape and this…

variegated

Dare to be different

March 16, 2018 12:01 pm Published by

A monochromatic colour scheme can be elegant and effective. In the two previous parts of this series we chatted about…

Exuberant sun lovers

February 19, 2018 2:07 pm Published by

We picked a large pot and filled it with some exuberant sun lovers to lead you joyfully through the quiet…

Buxom Buxus

February 19, 2018 1:24 pm Published by

Potted Plant Recipe Using Buxus The entrance to a home is much more welcoming when there’s a green focal point…

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Potted Meadow

February 19, 2018 12:05 pm Published by

With the rich textures and subtle shades of ornamental grasses, and a splash of exuberant colour from a grass-like indigenous…

Potted Ferns

February 19, 2018 10:35 am Published by

Fashions may change but ferns in pots have always been trendsetters. Potted ferns have been cultivated for centuries as ornamental decoration…

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Potted Spring

February 16, 2018 11:05 am Published by

To 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 am Published by

Colourful 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 am Published by

It takes less than 30 minutes to create a mini rose garden using one patio rose in bloom and two…

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Indestructible houseplants

February 15, 2018 3:12 pm Published by

Too much kindness – rather than neglect – might kill off these nearly indestructible houseplants! If you have children, there will…

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Surprise Spring Pot

February 14, 2018 3:47 pm Published by

July is a great time to plant up pots and containers for a spring pot display of the highest order.…

The pot goes on

February 14, 2018 1:48 pm Published by

The Pot that Goes on and on In the October 2013 issue of the magazine, we featured a pot within…

Everlasting

February 14, 2018 1:29 pm Published by

A pretty, flowering everlasting, and a collection of bright succulents, were the inspiration for this colourful pot. I wanted to…

Potting by Water Zone

February 14, 2018 12:30 pm Published by

Plant lovely containers to match specific water zone needs. Responsible gardening hinges on good water management to get the best out…

One Pot, Three pots

February 13, 2018 1:25 pm Published by

Potting Plants One pot with three amazing potting plant options! As spring approaches, most gardeners get the urge to plant.…

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Pot some Azaleas

February 8, 2018 3:26 pm Published by

Rhododendrons, or Azaleas as they are referred to here in South Africa, are amongst the most beautiful of all flowering…

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Boxed-in Summer

February 8, 2018 2:45 pm Published by

It’s high summer and the nurseries are filled to the brim with pots and punnets of annuals and perennials in…

container plants

Contained to Grow

February 8, 2018 1:37 pm Published by

Container Plants Instant gardening with pretty plants and a variety of containers immediately raises the spirits, and this month garden…

Fireworks in a pot!

February 5, 2018 2:53 pm Published by

Asymmetrical design helps to create balance in this pot of variegated green and bright red plants that closely mimic the…

Summer Bowl

February 5, 2018 2:11 pm Published by

Get into the spirit of summer by potting a special blend of florals and edibles, put together with love and…

Edging

February 1, 2018 8:04 am Published by

Strong, flowing lines are the essence of good garden design. A common problem, however, is that those ‘strong lines’ tend…

softwood cuttings

Softwood Cuttings

January 22, 2018 12:47 pm Published by

Plant Propagation Make More From what you Have Gardening happiness can take on many forms, but the purest joy is…

Straw-man!

January 18, 2018 2:33 pm Published by

Beware the Straw-Man! Use PVC pipes, glue, your old jeans and some creative energy to build a discouraging decoy for…

compost

Composting

January 18, 2018 2:04 pm Published by

Plants need nutrients, and the easiest way to feed them is with compost The importance of compost Any successful home…

gardening fowl

Gardening Fowl

January 17, 2018 1:21 pm Published by

Gardening most Fowl for your Soil As people seek a more sustainable lifestyle, it has become popular to keep gardening…

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Scrounge for Containers

January 17, 2018 8:40 am Published by

Before throwing any containers away, look at how it could be re-used or re-purposed. Instead of seedling trays use jumbo…

garden smoothie

Garden Smoothie

January 17, 2018 8:11 am Published by

A smoothie for your garden soil Blend together banana skins, used filter coffee grounds, eggshells and some water. The banana…

Watsonia pillansii

January 15, 2018 8:47 am Published by

Pillans 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 am Published by

The natural habitat of the beautiful forest lily (Veltheimia bracteata) is the forests and coastal thickets of the Eastern Cape.…

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Verbena peruviana

January 15, 2018 8:31 am Published by

Originating from South America, Verbena Peruviana is an evergreen perennial that flowers prolifically from spring to autumn. The masses of…

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Trachelospermum jasminoides

January 12, 2018 2:41 pm Published by

Confederate Jasmine, Star Jasmine Trachelospermum Jasminoides is an exceptional cultivar that is not grown for its flowers but rather for…

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Tweedia caerulea

January 12, 2018 2:39 pm Published by

Tweedia Caerulea (also known as Amblyopetalum or Oxypetalum Caeruleum). This is an untidy, rambling, scrambling little sub-shrub from Uruguay that…

Sansevieria trifasciata

January 11, 2018 1:17 pm Published by

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria trifasciata is a tough, hardy and enduring succulent from Africa is making a strong fashion statement in…

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Searsia crenata

January 11, 2018 1:11 pm Published by

Dune 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 pm Published by

Sedum spectabile is a rewarding, easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial with succulent foliage, which originates from China and Korea. Commonly known as…

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Sempervivum tectorum

January 11, 2018 1:05 pm Published by

Common Houseleek, Hen and Chickens, St Patrick’s Cabbage A low, mat forming succulent comprising many rosettes of attractive grey-green leaves…

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Senecio elegans

January 11, 2018 1:02 pm Published by

Wild Cineraria Senecio is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, which is the second largest family of flowering plants…

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Serruria florida

January 11, 2018 12:59 pm Published by

Blushing Bride, Pride of Franschhoek First recorded in 1773, the Serruria Florida, a well-known plant belonging to the Proteaceae family,…

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Solanum Rantonnetii

January 11, 2018 12:54 pm Published by

In the days when we quickly had to order a few flowering shrubs to fill the instant colour aisles of…

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Stephanotis floribunda

January 11, 2018 12:44 pm Published by

Flower of the Princesses Stephanotis Floribunda, the ‘Flower of the Princesses‘ – this rare and infinitely precious perennial creeper comes…

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Streptocarpus

January 11, 2018 12:41 pm Published by

Cape Primrose This little, indigenous forest plant, Streptocarpus, was first discovered in Knysna in the 1800s and also occurs naturally in…

sunflowers

Helianthus Annus

January 11, 2018 12:39 pm Published by

Sunflowers There’s nothing more breathtaking than a field of golden Sunflowers holding up their heads to the sun. These regal…

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Rhaphiolepis x delacourii

January 11, 2018 12:04 pm Published by

Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepis x delacourii is an evergreen shrub with medium- sized, tough, leathery leaves that are dark green, sometimes…

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Pachypodium lamerei

January 8, 2018 2:31 pm Published by

Madagascan Palm A tall, ultimately tree-like succulent from Madagascar, hence the name Madagascan Palm, with a pronounced stem covered in…

Photinia x fraseri

January 8, 2018 1:52 pm Published by

Photinia x fraseri is guaranteed to bring a blast of colour to hedges. The foliage is the main feature on this…

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Plectranthus ciliatus

January 8, 2018 1:42 pm Published by

White Wild Sage There is a huge variety of Plectranthus species, most of which are shade lovers. Beautiful dark green…

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Ornithogalum thyrsoides

January 8, 2018 12:46 pm Published by

Chincherinchee, Tjienk, Star of Bethlehem Chincherinchees or ‘tjienks’ belong to the genus Ornithogalum and are members of the Hyacinth family…

Oscularia deltoids 

January 8, 2018 12:42 pm Published by

Sandsteenvygie The Sandsteenvygie is a ground cover that will stand up to the hottest days of our summer and still…

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Nymphoides thunbergiana

January 8, 2018 12:21 pm Published by

Fairy 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 am Published by

Little 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 am Published by

Virginia Stock, French Forget-me-Not As gardeners, we are always in search of fragrance so it’s a mystery why the sweetly-scented Virginian…

jaboticaba tree

Myrciaria cauliflora

January 8, 2018 10:42 am Published by

Jaboticaba Myrciaria Caulifl­ora (Jaboticaba) is both attractive as a garden ornamental and productive, bearing an abundance of delicious fruit during…

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Leucadendron argenteum

January 8, 2018 8:51 am Published by

Silver Tree, Silver Leaf Tree Silver trees are wonderful garden ornamentals. Leucadendron Argenteum, the shimmering Silver Tree, is one of…

Limonium perezii

January 8, 2018 8:42 am Published by

Sea Lavender or Statice A member of the Plumbago family (Plumbaginaceae), there are over 600 species of Limonium from around…

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Lobelia

January 8, 2018 8:32 am Published by

There are very few flowers that can match the true blue of Lobelia. For connoisseurs of blue there’s even a…

Lotus berthelotii

January 8, 2018 8:25 am Published by

This unusual and yet striking plant originates from the Canary and Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The slender,…

hebenstretia

Hebenstretia dura

December 20, 2017 11:16 am Published by

Cat’s Tail Hebenstretia Dura (family: Scrophulariaceae) is found from the Eastern Cape to the Northern Province. It is a hardy…

heliotrope

Heliotropium arborescens

December 20, 2017 11:09 am Published by

Garden Heliotrope  Another striking plant in all its glory at this time of the year is the continuously- flowering Heliotrope,…

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Gazanias

December 20, 2017 8:56 am Published by

Gazanias are the dream plant for low maintenance gardens. Their vivid, cheerful blooms guarantee a sunburst of colour and the…

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Geranium incanum

December 20, 2017 8:32 am Published by

Carpet Geraniums True Geraniums or Crane’s Bills – from the Greek word geranos, a crane, owing to its fruit which…

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Fortunella japonica

December 19, 2017 10:28 am Published by

The ‘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 am Published by

Hippopotamus Fig or Swamp Fig From a bird-attracting perspective, this wild fig species ranks amongst the very best of the…

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Ficus microcarpa

December 19, 2017 10:24 am Published by

Indian Laurel or Curtain Fig The medium-sized, leathery, lush green leaves of the Ficus Microcarpa plant create the perfect head…

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Euphorbia trigona

December 19, 2017 9:18 am Published by

African Milk Tree, High Chaparall, Cathedral Cactus Euphorbia Trigona – a tall, slender and erect succulent from Namibia. The dark…

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Euphorbia tirucalli

December 19, 2017 9:13 am Published by

Sticks of Fire In nature Euphorbia Tirucalli often forms almost indestructible thickets which made it a popular hedge plant around…

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Dieramas

December 18, 2017 12:47 pm Published by

Harebells, Fairy Bells Dieramas are members of the iris family, Iridaceae, and are noted for their graceful, arching sprays of…

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Duranta

December 18, 2017 12:14 pm Published by

The genus Duranta includes a number of tree and shrub species that originate in the tropical Americas and include many…

cabbage tree

Cussonia Paniculata

December 15, 2017 1:07 pm Published by

Highveld Cabbage Tree or Kiepersol Cussonia Paniculata, the ‘Highveld Cabbage Tree’ or ‘Kiepersol’, is a small, decorative and evergreen tree,…

crinums

Crinum macowanii

December 15, 2017 12:56 pm Published by

Sabie Lily Crinums are members of the family Amaryllidaceae and have a very wide distribution in the tropics of Asia,…

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Calpurnia aurea

December 15, 2017 12:07 pm Published by

Wild Laburnum The Calpurnia Aurea is one of our most rewarding small, semi-evergreen trees. It is fast growing and can…

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Cactus

December 15, 2017 12:01 pm Published by

The benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a décor tool, moisturiser, therapist, climate improver…

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Bromelia Aechmea

December 15, 2017 10:39 am Published by

Urn Plant The benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a décor tool, moisturiser, therapist,…

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Beschorneria Yuccoides

December 15, 2017 10:30 am Published by

The Beschorneria Yuccoides is a lovely plant found in gardens around the country and yet often overlooked and possibly, to…

bauhinia

Bauhinia

December 14, 2017 11:21 am Published by

Galpinii, Bowkerii, Tomentosa and Petersiana Pride of de Kaap The Bauhinia belongs to one of the world’s largest plant families,…

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Asystasia Gangetica

December 14, 2017 11:18 am Published by

Creeping Foxglove The Creeping Foxglove is an attractive but very vigorous ground cover that tolerates quite a sunny position but…

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Aponogeton Distachyos

December 13, 2017 3:05 pm Published by

Cape Pond Weed The decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics and the showy blooms in season always command attention. Cape Pond…

chervil

Anthriscus cerefolium

December 13, 2017 3:01 pm Published by

Chervil, French Parsley Anthriscus Cerefolium is a fairly low-growing plant, reaching a height of 30 cm and growing to about…

alocasia cucullata

Alocasia cucullata

December 13, 2017 2:54 pm Published by

Spear 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 pm Published by

Lemon Verbena Lemon Verbena is a popular shrub that was introduced into Western horticulture from Chile and Argentina as long…

adenium obesum

Adenium Obesum

December 13, 2017 2:38 pm Published by

Impala Lily, Desert Rose or Sabi Star Adenium Obesum, sometimes called Adenium Multiflorum, is an interesting, or unusual grey to…

Succulent Seat

December 13, 2017 11:03 am Published by

A retired old chair can be refashioned into a great planter succulent seat with some easy steps and a love…

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Pyramid Trellis

December 8, 2017 3:38 pm Published by

This pyramid trellis is an attractive decor item, that elegantly supports climbing plants, and intriguing frames for topiary. Use your…

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Stone the Family

December 8, 2017 2:43 pm Published by

In keeping with the miniature gardening trend that has hit the country, we came up with this little stone project…

Ficus Hanging Around

December 7, 2017 1:44 pm Published by

If you visit any stockist of indoor plants you are sure to come across small potted trees called Ficus Microcarpa…

Trendy Retread Tyres

December 7, 2017 11:33 am Published by

Upcycle your old tyres to liven up a garden wall, easily, quickly and to great effect. Recycling takes a stylish…

Basket of Creativity

November 28, 2017 10:29 am Published by

Concrete basket DIY What you will Need for Your Concrete Basket • Plastic bowl• 3 lengths ½ inch (12 mm)…

Retaining wall and seat

November 28, 2017 8:37 am Published by

Change function into feature by building your own retaining wall and seat, give your outdoor wooden furniture a longer lifespan…

Sundial

November 27, 2017 9:19 am Published by

Let your Garden Tell you the Time A classical sundial makes the perfect focal point in any garden. What you…

Trees of Life

November 27, 2017 9:00 am Published by

From time immemorial, water and trees have been used to symbolise life. Inspired by that rich tradition, this delightful fountain…

Potting Bench

November 23, 2017 10:59 am Published by

Tired of mess and an aching back? Builders have everything you need to make this special potting bench, allowing you…

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Buxus Sempervirens

November 15, 2017 12:08 pm Published by

Box, Boxwood, Little Leaf Boxwood Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and…

Bellis Perennis

November 15, 2017 11:38 am Published by

English Daisy The English Daisy is a dainty little perennial often treated as an annual in the warm African climate…

Tranquil Spaces

November 10, 2017 11:22 am Published by

Convert that awkward sloped corner of your garden into a beautiful and tranquil area for entertaining or simply relaxing in…

Step out in Style

November 9, 2017 12:28 pm Published by

Garden Steps Building garden steps down a bank doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Energised by the warmer weather the…

Citrus Psylla

November 3, 2017 11:46 am Published by

The citrus psylla causes raised, pock-like swellings on the upper surfaces of young leaves. For each swelling there is a…

Red Spider Mites

November 3, 2017 11:30 am Published by

Summer sees a proliferation of red spider mites on a host of different crops and ornamentals in the garden. They…

Harvester Termites

November 3, 2017 11:20 am Published by

Harvester termites can do serious damage to lawns in particular and flower beds because they feed on dead and living…

mealy bug

Mealybug

November 3, 2017 11:14 am Published by

The Mealybug is a tiny oval-shaped insect that feeds on plant material and will infect most of the host plant…

Aphids

November 3, 2017 10:14 am Published by

About Aphids Half of the battle with any insect pests in the garden is firstly finding or observing them before…

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Go modern with proteas

October 16, 2017 12:05 pm Published by

A balanced and rhythmical transition of proteas in an effortless design that can be used in your home or office…

Spring Gardening

October 3, 2017 1:10 pm Published by

Winter is history and the time has come to prepare for spring gardening. Whether you have a large garden with…

Tulbaghia violacea

August 31, 2017 12:17 pm Published by

Social Garlic, Wild Garlic The hardy and easy-to-grow Tulbaghia Violacea has always been a very popular indigenous perennial, grown for…

Autumn Gardening

April 19, 2017 11:53 am Published by

AUTUMN – 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 am Published by

Oldwood, Ouhout Leucosidea Sericea (Oldwood, Ouhout) is a very cold-hardy, evergreen small tree that can tolerate lots of water but…

Edging Your Beds

March 1, 2017 12:46 pm Published by

Edging flower beds and pathways attractively and neatly is as important as hemming a dress or framing a picture –…

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Summer Lawn Care

February 6, 2017 1:17 pm Published by

Fertilising your Lawn Question: If lawns are fertilised regularly, do they require mowing more often than lawns that have not…

Rosa ‘White Iceberg’

January 18, 2016 8:55 am Published by

A gardening book that discusses bestsellers and favourites would be incomplete if it did not include the iconic White Iceberg…

Water saving

January 18, 2016 8:38 am Published by

We all know that our fresh water resources are under threat and by saving water at home, we can not…

Verbena ‘Quartz Pink Xp’

January 18, 2016 8:15 am Published by

Red Eye Verbena, Verbena This new Verbena, the Verbena ‘Quartz Pink Xp’, is bright and showy, excelling in the heat and dryness…

Stop and Stair

January 18, 2016 7:43 am Published by

Light aluminium ladders are taking over from the heavy, wooden variety as the ladder of choice. However, a discarded wooden…

tecoma capensis

Tecoma Capensis

January 18, 2016 6:23 am Published by

Expect 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 am Published by

Tansy Tanacetum Vulgare is an aromatic perennial that is evergreen and frost tolerant. With its grey-green, finely divided, ferny foliage…

Syzygium paniculatum

Syzygium paniculatum

January 15, 2016 11:09 am Published by

Syzygium 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 am Published by

Follow 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 am Published by

When one browses through magazines and gardening books, especially those from the UK, the pictures of Clematis are always inspiring.…

strelitzias

Birds of Paradise

January 15, 2016 7:51 am Published by

Strelitzias… Mother Nature’s incredible sculptures! From autumn to spring, when beautiful boat-shaped spathes crested by bright orange sepals and deep-blue…

Storing Winter Bulbs

January 15, 2016 7:44 am Published by

When your winter bulbs have finished flowering and the leaves have died back it is time to dig them up…

Sowing Lawn Grass Seed

January 15, 2016 7:08 am Published by

Spring is the best time to sow lawn grass seed. This season Dactyloctenium Australe, the well-known and ever popular LM…

Seed Sowing

January 14, 2016 11:45 am Published by

Timing is critical in growing your own flower or vegetable seedlings, so make sure that you sow seed during the…

Sedum nussbaumerianum

January 14, 2016 11:28 am Published by

Coppertone Stonecrop Sedum Nussbaumerianum is an exotic species from Mexico, with unusual, copper-coloured rosettes on slender spreading stems. It is…