Freddie’s favourites – Local and dazzling
March 3, 2025 10:51 amJoin Freddie to find out what’s new and trending in the world of bedding plants. These Flowering Favourites are available…
Trees for Indoors
February 28, 2025 11:54 amIndoor trees may be trendy, but they are also timeless plants that bring life to a home. There is an…
Plant a colour explosion! Easy plants for your garden.
January 10, 2025 9:18 amAngelic angel wings and a dwarf morning glory can keep colour all around you from spring to autumn, and will…
The versatility of Anthuriums
December 20, 2024 7:57 amWith their glossy heart-shaped leaves and colourful spathes, anthuriums are a vibrant and exotic addition to any houseplant family. Thriving…
The best of summer
December 20, 2024 7:43 amJoin Freddie to find out what’s new and trending in the world of bedding plants. These Flowering Favourites are available…
Garden Galleria – Goodies and Gadgets
December 20, 2024 7:23 amStylish wooden sheds These wooden sheds from Upyard are not only beautiful but incredibly functional, too. They are made from…
December Gardening Tasks
December 4, 2024 12:22 pmDecember is here and it’s time to focus on key gardening tasks for the last month of the year. Sow…
Long – Haul blooms!
November 29, 2024 11:40 amConsistent 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 pmA 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 pmJoin Freddie to find out what’s new and trending in the world of bedding plants. These Flowering Favourites are available…
Gift guide
November 21, 2024 10:26 amMangaves for the plant collector Stop doing boring succulents. Do Mangaves instead! Mangave succulents are the cool kids of the…
Garden Galleria – New Products and Giveaways
October 16, 2024 10:30 amImpatiens rule the shade garden The most popular summer colour for the garden, Impatiens ‘Sunpatiens’, has a new sister in…
Why, What and When to prune
September 1, 2024 1:05 pmLike feeding your plants, pruning is one of the essential practises in gardening. It plays a vital role in supporting…
Drainage Do or Die
September 1, 2024 11:19 amWhy is drainage so important? We have a saying in our office, “You can plant in just abut anything as…
Plants For Dry Shade
June 30, 2024 3:45 pmDo not let a lack of sunlight combined with dry soil get you down. There are solutions to create vibrant…
Advances in horticulture
May 19, 2024 3:59 pmThe horticulture industry is vast, varied and always improving. Its history can be traced back thousands of years, to the…
Treat Your Plants to a Spa Day
May 19, 2024 2:33 pmIndoor plants have added great value to our lives by beautifying our spaces and cleaning our air. They are even…
How To Split Up Daylilies
March 21, 2024 1:26 pmWondering how to split up daylilies (Hemerocallis)? We know that clumping perennials start losing their vigour when the clumps become…
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…
Asparagus Ferns
November 25, 2022 8:12 amFern-likes of the forest. The genus Asparagus includes very decorative indigenous species and varieties that are popular houseplants or handy…
A Wall of Pots DIY
November 23, 2022 8:42 amWith a few tools, a little reclaimed timber and Woodoc 50, you can make this stunning wall of pots DIY…
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…
All About Irises
October 26, 2022 3:31 pmIris is the Greek word for ‘rainbow’, and amongst the different types of swamp irises, the Louisiana iris, native to…
3 Window Box Ideas
October 25, 2022 3:36 pmThere is nothing that lifts the spirits more than planting up window boxes – it’s like creating a miniature garden…
Bidens Ferulifolia – Beggartick
October 25, 2022 3:14 pmIn the olden days we planted Bidens ferulifolia (beggartick) on a whim and then forgot about it. Every now and…
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…
3 Flower Bombs
August 11, 2022 10:00 amAugust or early spring is the best time to flower bomb your garden and patio with three homegrown flowers! Cape…
Top-End Aggies
August 1, 2022 10:00 amRead in Afrikaans We have given the global gardening world a rich gift of our plant treasures to love and…
4-Point Spring Lawn Plan
August 1, 2022 10:00 amHere is our easy to remember 4-point spring lawn plan to get your lawn looking green and lush as it…
Tips for Building a Koi Pond
July 19, 2022 11:33 amAll you need to know about building a koi pond. Koi keeping is an exciting hobby that adds excitement to…
Make Your Own Seed Tape
July 19, 2022 11:12 amSeed tape sets your seedlings onto paper to help you store them for the next season. When it’s too cold…
Aquascaping 101 – Time for Livestock
July 19, 2022 10:59 amIf you have a planted tank and it’s looking great you might leave it at that: an underwater garden filled…
Boost Your Biodiversity
July 15, 2022 3:34 pmHow to invite wildlife into your garden. Sustainability is a buzzword that is all over social media. Companies use the…
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,…
An Impatiens Variety to Fit Every Need
July 14, 2022 12:40 pmNothing provides bright, bold colour in the shade quite like Impatiens walleriana, also known as busy Lizzies. The new impatiens…
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…
How Humankind Advanced Thanks to Plants
July 13, 2022 4:40 pmGardeners have a lot to thank plants for. They entertain us, calm us – even feed us. They make our…
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…
Aquascaping 101 – Taking Care of Your Tank
July 12, 2022 11:36 amA planted tank is little more than a very damp garden, and while you never need to worry about under-…
Concrete Leaf Wall Décor
July 8, 2022 9:47 amMix up some cement and make amazing things with leaves in this concrete leaf wall décor. What you need Quick-set…
Refresh an Old Trellis
July 8, 2022 9:27 amRepurpose and refresh a trellis by painting it in a bold colour to add a touch of instant brightness to…
Lawn Mower Maintenance
June 21, 2022 11:49 amWhile the little lawn plants are dormant, it’s a good idea to get any lawn mower maintenance done, services and…
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 pmCommon plants may be inexpensive, but propagated plants are free – nothing can beat that. Once you begin collecting plants…
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.…
The Creative Art of Paving Design
June 14, 2022 4:03 pmWhen contemplating paving design in the garden, there are a few key considerations: Practicality Is it, for example, practical to…
Living Sculpture of Mini Orchids and Ferns
June 14, 2022 3:41 pmEmbrace your inner sculptor for this plant and driftwood living sculpture that will make your home come alive this winter.…
Ficus Bambino
June 14, 2022 1:17 pmFicus lyrata ‘Bambino’ (dwarf fiddle-leaf fig) is destined to be the most popular ficus in the indoor section of nurseries…
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. There are many culprits…
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…
Ways With Autumn Leaves
May 12, 2022 11:27 amFallen autumn leaves may mean a bit more work, but they are free and make good compost or mulch. Here…
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…
The Art of Kokedama
May 11, 2022 4:15 pmIn Japan, kokedama is a popular garden art form that sprung from the art of bonsai. This art form is…
How To Prepare for Frost
May 11, 2022 3:33 pmInvest in frost fleece/cloth to cover seedlings and tender vegetables. If a severe frost is predicted it is worth covering…
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…
Working and Playing With Nature
May 11, 2022 2:38 pmIn an era where small gardens are the norm and our footprint has an impact on the planet, there is…
Easter Basket
April 11, 2022 2:36 pmTurn your garden bits into an upcycled Easter basket just in time for the children to enjoy hunting for Easter…
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…
Grow Perfect Sweet Peas
April 11, 2022 12:52 pmSweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are the prettiest and most rewarding spring-blooming cut flowers to grow. They should be sown in…
Get More Pelargoniums Via Cuttings
April 8, 2022 4:43 pmPelargoniums have had a whole season’s growth, producing enough plant material for you to take a few cuttings to propagate…
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.…
What’s In A Name?
April 7, 2022 4:22 pmUnderstanding and decoding plant names Plant names, or nomenclature, and Botanical Latin confound new gardeners. That’s not hard to believe:…
Lawn tasks in March
March 4, 2022 3:46 pmLawns always have a bad time over the December holidays. They are robustly used for playing on and some are…
When to Water Houseplants
March 4, 2022 3:11 pmMany houseplants are lost due to watering issues. So how do you actually figure out when they are thirsty? Although…
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…
Tips for working with design elements
February 22, 2022 1:33 pmWorking with accessories in small gardens When we’re talking design elements, a bold, eye-catching container or feature in a small…
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…
Upcycled Succulent Tins
January 25, 2022 5:17 pmThere are many of us who can’t resist an old tin, particularly one with a retro look to it, and…
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…
Achieve Planting Success
January 20, 2022 8:32 amIf you have achieved planting success you probably have a pretty garden that makes you happy and content without asking…
Bokashi Composting
January 11, 2022 9:53 amBokashi is an odourless composting system that uses up left-over meat, dairy and other food scraps that you wouldn’t normally…
DIY Fly Traps
January 11, 2022 9:37 amIt’s easy enough to make your own fly trap. The only problem is having jars filled with deceased flies hanging…
Make a Garden Journal
January 11, 2022 9:22 amA garden journal is a helpful tool for recording your successes, listing future plants you want to try, adding photographs…
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…
Butterfly Feeders
January 11, 2022 8:59 amBird feeders are all the rage, but what about our other winged friends? Butterflies are great pollinators, contribute to the…
The Language of Flowers
January 10, 2022 3:52 pmThere are two types of dialogue between humans and flowers: the first is in scientific Latin, and the other is…
Outdoor Office Space
January 10, 2022 3:15 pmIf trend forecasters and opinions are anything to go by, this year will change the nature of work as we…
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,…
It all starts with soil
January 10, 2022 10:02 amWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: feed your soil and watch your plants grow. Soil is the…
Xmas Wreath with Staghorn and Tillandsias
December 17, 2021 3:53 pmWhat you will need Airplants/tillandsias Staghorn Pinecones and pin oak seed pods Penny gum branches/ cuttings Sphagnum moss Coir Stockings/pantyhose…
3 Pots for Christmas
December 17, 2021 2:46 pmIf you are looking for some fun craft things to do this year to decorate your home and get the…
Cardinal Lobelia
December 1, 2021 2:48 pmNot all lobelias are neatly mounded for edge planting or trailing for hanging baskets, and not all lobelias are annuals…
Traditional Festive Herbs the South African Way
December 1, 2021 2:39 pmThe year 2021 has been like no other, and as the festive season brings it to a close this bitter-sweet…
A Peperomia for Every Season
December 1, 2021 1:58 pmLees in Afrikaans The peperomia is a houseplant collector’s dream. Also known as radiator plants (for their love of warm…
10 Quick Ways to Improve Your Garden Design
December 1, 2021 1:37 pmLet’s admit it – we all have our lazy moments when it comes to garden design. Huge projects that require…
Surviving the Holidays
November 30, 2021 2:44 pmDecember is holiday month and gardening generally goes into holding mode. Getting away for a week or more means the…
DIY Bromeliad Log
November 30, 2021 1:44 pmCreate a gorgeous centrepiece with a piece of driftwood and some guzmanias, a Vriesea ‘Splenriet’, a string of lights and…
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…
Flavours of Christmas
November 26, 2021 4:46 pmEnjoy our toast to the festive season with some décor ideas and enticing recipes. One of the things that gives…
December Checklist
November 24, 2021 4:25 pmHere’s your December Checklist of things to do in the heavy summer months to maintain your garden and keep it…
Silver Vernonia
November 23, 2021 9:29 amBeautiful silver vernonia – ideal for summer borders The silver vernonia is a striking member of the daisy family Asteraceae.…
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…
Enchanting Fuschias
November 22, 2021 11:23 amFuchsias are often referred to as the ballerinas of the flower world. Delightful varieties with masses of dainty blooms will…
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…
November in the garden
November 9, 2021 10:44 pmHere’s what to do in November in the garden – keep your checklist close to remind yourself. On trend container…
Slugs and snails
November 9, 2021 10:21 pmMitigating the menace of marauding molluscs. Slugs and snails are the bane of the gardener, and also wreak havoc on…
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…
Tips to Trump Weeds
November 8, 2021 9:18 pmWith every new awakening after winter comes the weeds, and if you neglect to kill them off they will keep…
Living From the Air
November 8, 2021 8:59 pmThese are all names commonly used for air plants, members of the genus Tillandsia. This is a genus of plants…
DIY Tiered Wall Pot Holder
October 13, 2021 4:40 pmCreate a wall pot holder with interesting angles to best display your potted plants. Sometimes it’s hard to find space…
Indigenous Flowers for Petite Gardens
October 12, 2021 4:58 pmIs it possible to use entirely indigenous flowers in a very small garden, to feel part of the ‘proudly South…
The Selfless Gardener
October 12, 2021 9:31 amGardening for the plants, the pets and the planet We may not like to admit it, but gardening is an…
Mow like a pro!
September 14, 2021 12:54 pmMost of the space in any suburban garden is taken up by a lawn – a dense mat of little…
The Dangers of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer
September 14, 2021 11:06 amAlthough these pests may be tiny, the presence of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) in South Africa is a massive…
Indigenous Spring Beauty Nemesias
September 14, 2021 10:37 amSpring flowers the world over have a softness and beauty that captures the spirit of the season itself. Our indigenous…
Offbeat Outdoor Spaces
September 14, 2021 10:23 amCreate offbeat outdoor spaces that fit your garden and you. Modern gardening requires a holistic approach. Gone are the days…
Repotting a Cactus
September 6, 2021 9:38 amThe gardener’s version of Mission Impossible? Repotting a cactus is a tedious activity that only comes once every few years…
Make Your Own Wormery
September 6, 2021 9:18 amVermicompost is 10 times more nutritious than commercially bought compost. Earthworm tea is a combination of earthworm urine and the…
DIY Carpenter’s Caddy
September 6, 2021 9:02 amA carpenter’s caddy, with its classic lines and functionality, can be used for more than just tools. Follow these easy…
Make Your Own Aloe Vera Skin Cream
September 2, 2021 5:14 pmFor gardeners the problem of dry skin is made worse by working in the garden, coupled in 2020 with the…
4 Country-inspired Bread Recipes That You Can Easily Make
August 19, 2021 11:04 amThe taste and aroma of newly-baked bread paired with Stork Country Spread will take you places – to a simple…
Wake Up The Lawn
August 5, 2021 9:04 pmWhen it comes to lawn care, this is the time for ‘spring scarifying’ your lawn. That means a short cut,…
Bringing Back the Hoya
August 5, 2021 8:50 pmRead in Afrikaans For many of us, hoyas are those plants our grandmothers had growing on the ‘stoep’ or in…
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…
Attracting the Good Bugs
August 5, 2021 9:35 amThe ladybird is almost universally recognised as the ‘good bug’ in our gardens. But did you know that there are…
Eco Tricks to Combat Snails
August 3, 2021 5:41 pmSnails can become pests in the garden, especially when they eat all the lettuce leaving little for the human family.…
Picture Frame Greenhouse
August 3, 2021 5:25 pmThis DIY picture frame greenhouse is the cheapest, quickest and cutest greenhouse you can possibly make! It can be used…
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…
Prime Petunias
July 12, 2021 11:42 amPetunias don’t have a specific season and can actually be planted all year round. But it is in the cold…
27 Winter Maintenance Jobs
July 9, 2021 8:52 pmOdd jobs to do now at your address… Regular winter maintenance to keep the house and garden in good nick…
Anthuriums: Bringing Back a Classic
July 9, 2021 8:26 pmRead in Afrikaans Anthuriums are exotic plants with unique, almost bizarre flowers that make them undeniably irresistible. The name stems…
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…
8 Flowers for Winter Colour
July 9, 2021 12:34 pmIf you wake up one morning and think, “I’m tired of browns and greys and leafless trees, I want colour!”,…
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 you have a pretty aloe like this ‘Twice as Nice’ hybrid, you’ll know that can become congested with ‘pups’,…
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…
4 Quick and Easy DIY Birdfeeders
July 7, 2021 12:02 pmAdd some creative fun to your garden with these novel DIY birdfeeders. Cake Pan Birdfeeder Baking lovers (or ex-bakers with…
How to Plant Up a Terrarium
July 7, 2021 11:39 amBack in fashion, terrariums are the way to go for indoor décor. Terrarium Pot Recipe What you need for your…
The Pathway Design Checklist
July 7, 2021 10:30 amYour foolproof guide to pathway design and planning. Pathways are an integral part of any garden, but are often left…
10 Top Tips for New Fishkeepers
July 7, 2021 9:39 amPet healthcare is so important, and fish are no different. They can’t talk to us so as fishkeepers we have…
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…
A Pallet-Able Wall Feature: DIY Pallet Potting Bench
June 18, 2021 10:14 amThis creative pallet bench wall feature can be used as a decorative shelf or even a functional potting bench. What…
Paving Patterns: All the Designs
June 18, 2021 9:39 amLaying pavers seems so easy and fun that anyone could do it. While that is somewhat true, there’s more to…
Creating a tropical garden
June 18, 2021 9:00 amOf all known garden styles, a tropical garden best connects you to the drama and serenity of Mother Nature, and…
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…
Success With Seeds
June 14, 2021 8:51 pmLast month we looked at the advantages of seeds over seedlings. Now we give you a few tips to ensure…
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…
10 Fun Garden Ideas To Try This Year
June 10, 2021 10:30 am“In terms of design, there are no strict gardening rules”. Here are some excellent garden ideas to try. Decorate your…
How to make beautiful living wall art
June 10, 2021 9:27 amThese innovative planters brighten up a dull wall! What you need to create living wall art: 12mm shutterply cut to…
Autumn Hanging Baskets
June 7, 2021 8:56 pmAlthough spring is synonymous with bright floral hanging baskets, they can actually be hanging around in cool seasons too, with…
A Touch of Class with Cordylines
June 3, 2021 8:52 pmThe common name of cabbage tree is a little unfair when it comes to these sculptural and colourful cordyline hybrids……
Hedge Planting Tips
June 3, 2021 3:19 pmThe fastest and easiest way to plant a hedge is to dig a trench that can accommodate all your hedgelings…
Gardening for the Birds
June 3, 2021 2:54 pmEncouraging our feathered friends to the garden is popular these days. Bird watching is a popular hobby and can be…
Fighting frost while still having a beautiful garden
May 21, 2021 10:26 amTired of losing money on plants that don’t survive frost and bitterly cold winters? There are steps you can take…
The Autumn Clean Up
May 18, 2021 3:07 pmJust as April is a month for planting, it is also a month for a good autumn clean up, clearing…
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…
Propagating Begonia Rex
May 18, 2021 12:28 pmHave you ever wondered if it’s possible to try propagating you Begonia rex (painted-leaf begonia)? Well, if you have a…
The Value of Sowing Seed
May 18, 2021 12:09 pmApril is an important month for sowing seed for winter and spring colour. Get planning and planting now! Some gardeners…
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.…
Cycads – Ancient Treasures of the World
May 17, 2021 10:28 amThe world of collecting cycads is as fascinating as the ancient plants themselves. Collecting and investing in cycads started in…
Stackable Composter
April 22, 2021 12:49 pmWhile composters come in all shapes and sizes, this stackable composter is one of the easiest to use, and it…
Daffodils for Your Spring Garden
April 22, 2021 12:00 pmAll your fundamental questions answered! Daffodils (Narcissus) are synonymous with spring, joy and (luckily for gardeners) hardiness. These beautiful bulbs…
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…
Tips for Adding Structure to Your Garden
April 21, 2021 9:40 amThe difference between mere vegetation and a space called a garden is structure … If you’ve spent extensive hours working…
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…
Weeds and Weedkillers
April 19, 2021 8:28 pmKeep on top of the invasion. The definition of a weed is essentially a ‘plant growing where you don’t want…
The Therapeutic Garden and Gardening for Good Health
April 19, 2021 2:14 pmHow helping your garden can actually help you. In a fast-paced world dictated by technology we have a tendency to…
The Long Garden
April 19, 2021 10:10 amWe create gardens to nourish our human spirits and satisfy our senses. When Tara Forster decided to return home to…
At Play in the Backyard – Kids’ Gardens
April 15, 2021 10:07 pmIf we don’t make time to teach young folk to love gardening, who is going to plant trees, flowers, fruit…
The Value of Earthworms
March 23, 2021 8:55 pmCharles Darwin, one of the world’s greatest naturalists, spent many years studying earthworms. He came to the conclusion that “no…
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…
Run Marble, Run – DIY for Kids
March 10, 2021 9:18 amThis fun kids game keeps them entertained for ages. For this kids game you need 915mm x 625mm x 10mm…
Life After the Knysna Fires
March 4, 2021 10:04 amCelebrating the rebirth. In gardening, and in life, we often have to contend with severe forces of nature. Lately we…
DIY Flower Press
February 24, 2021 8:44 pmMake your own flower press by following these steps: What you need for a flower press 3 x 300mm x…
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…
Great Design Ideas for Your Garden
February 23, 2021 9:15 pmWe love to visit garden centres and design schools to see what brilliant ideas have been thought up during the…
Cover Crops For the Soil
February 22, 2021 10:08 amThe ancient rhythm of cultivating vegetables has been one of work and rest, not just for the gardener but for…
A Tribute To A Legend – Nancy Gardiner
February 22, 2021 9:41 amVery sadly, a very long-time gardening friend, Nancy Gardiner, passed away during the last week of December 2020. Many of…
Getting to Grips With Galls
January 28, 2021 1:31 pmPlant galls may be unsightly, but they’re no reason to panic! Abnormal growths in plants can usually be attributed to…
Pink Summer Flowers
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…
Creating a Coastal Garden
January 24, 2021 11:08 pmThe key to success with a coastal garden is to create protected pockets and a gentler microclimate within a tough…
Indigenous Colour Planting Palettes
January 24, 2021 9:11 pmWe South Africans really are spoilt for choice when it comes to indigenous ornamentals that look gorgeous in gardens when…
Clever with Colour
January 21, 2021 10:28 amEveryone loves a colourful garden. Some enjoy heady swathes of bright colour while others prefer more subdued colour schemes. Whatever…
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…
Equisetum Hyemale – Snake Grass
December 10, 2020 10:28 amStop the spread of Equisetum hyemale (snake grass) in South Africa By Thulisile Jaca -Biological Invasions Directorate: South African National…
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…
Indigenous Bliss
August 31, 2020 12:08 pmCelebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful arrangement of indigenous spring-flowering plants, all competing for hop honours in the…
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…
Make Your Own Garden Gold
May 5, 2020 2:46 pmThe greenest thing a food gardener can do (apart from planting the green stuff) is to make compost. It ticks…
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…
A Personal Forest
March 20, 2020 1:10 pmWhen Stephen and Nicole Baverstock bought into Hawaan Forest Estate, they did so because they like the natural bush feeling…
Sedums
January 21, 2020 11:42 amRead in Afrikaans If we had to rate a stone and a stonecrop plant comparatively for low care characteristics, the…
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…
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…
Compost your food waste
October 8, 2019 2:12 pmFeed your waste to your soil, not a landfill. We all know that a healthy digestive system relies on healthy…
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…
DIY Boot Organiser
September 27, 2019 8:31 amLees in Afrikaans Keep your gumboots organised and out of the way with this attractive boot rack. What you Need…
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…
Save space (and your back) with a raised planter
September 19, 2019 11:41 amWell made the most of the large capacity of the Elho Grow Table by packing in a diverse selection of…
Sitting Pretty
August 26, 2019 2:01 pmLees in Afrikaans DIY Bench There is nothing more useful than a sturdy little DIY bench in the garden where…
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,…
Why would a florist need insurance for their flower shop?
August 16, 2019 9:15 amThere is constant debate around when insurance is vital. Although many entrepreneurs consider business insurance, they often think that they…
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…
Custom Couch-Arm Table
July 23, 2019 11:13 amLees in Afrikaans This little couch-arm table is pure convenience for your patio couch. What you Need for your Couch-arm…
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…
How the whole family can save water
July 23, 2019 8:15 amWe need water to survive, and that’s why it’s so important to save this precious resource. If you have children,…
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…
DIY Chair Restoration
June 20, 2019 2:59 pmWe used some elbow grease and Howard Feed-n-Wax to give an old chair a second chance. What you Need An…
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…
Trust in Sika Strength
June 11, 2019 1:29 pmLees in Afrikaans You can trust the strength and durability of the Sika universal anchoring adhesive, SikaAnchorFix® S. Sika AnchorFix®…
How to create a bed in your lawn – Perma Edge
June 4, 2019 1:26 pmLearn how to get perfect edges in your garden with help from Perma Edge. Here we are making a bed…
Moving your roses
June 4, 2019 10:58 amMoving roses? This is the month to do it! Garden plants always seem to find themselves in the wrong place,…
Crassulas For Your Water-Wise Garden
May 20, 2019 1:28 pmThe many different crassulas can confuse us no end (and probably some of the taxonomists too!). They seem to change…
Tool Charging Station
May 20, 2019 1:27 pmLees in Afrikaans Keep your cordless tools organised and recharged with this practical DIY Tool Charging Station. What you Need…
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…
Exciting Cyclamens
May 7, 2019 12:27 pmAdd some colour to your garden this winter with cyclamens! Cyclamens are always a winter favourite due to their long…
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…
Cool as Concrete
April 18, 2019 1:41 pmElegantly showcase your pot plants with this funky concrete pot stand! What you Need for your Concrete Pot Stand Cement…
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…
The Best of Both Worlds – Exotic And Indigenous
April 11, 2019 1:10 pmThis garden mixes exotic and indigenous plants for year-round interest. Close on eight years ago a couple swopped their home…
7 Tips To Keep Your Compost Cooking
April 10, 2019 2:58 pmNothing can match the richness of home-made compost. Making your own is not complicated or time consuming. There are however,…
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…
The Hilton Quarry
March 28, 2019 12:56 pmThe Hilton Quarry was initially overrun with large quantities of undesirable alien invasive species (AIS) which had self-propagated across the…
Easter parade
March 25, 2019 12:04 amLees in Afrikaans Why should Christmas be the only holiday to get wreaths? We think Easter deserves them too, and…
The secrets to perfect compost
March 4, 2019 1:39 pmGardeners dream of making the perfect compost to feed their precious plants and make them thrive. So how does one…
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…
Spiral garden
February 18, 2019 8:00 amRead in Afrikaans The spiral symbol represents movement, usually the movement from outer consciousness to inner awareness and peace. In…
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.…
From Boring to Enchanting – A Case For Repurposing
February 15, 2019 11:04 amRead in Afrikaans There always seems to be one troublesome area in a garden, and in the case of this…
Choosing Fertilizer
January 23, 2019 2:07 pmOnce one is equipped with sufficient knowledge it is easier to make choices from the wide variety of excellent garden…
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,…
Flower Press
January 21, 2019 8:00 amMake your own flower press by following these steps. What you Need 3 x 300mm x 300mm x 18mm wooden boards…
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…
Peace Lily paradise
December 14, 2018 3:46 pmHouse Vermaak – SALI Gold Award winning Garden 2018 – Garden Design This Gold SALI Award winning 2-acre ‘old Kloof’…
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…
Terracotta Composter
November 7, 2018 9:53 amComposting Made Simple! Scatter a few of these simple composters throughout your veggie garden for convenient, effective composting. What you…
African Thunder
October 26, 2018 10:55 amA South African designer took the Singapore Golden Show by storm with his creative show garden. Thunderclouds roll over the…
Pruning hedges and topiaries
October 17, 2018 9:06 pmLate spring and early summer is when plant growth is most rapid and vigorous, which is why many hedges and…
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…
Do You Have Stressed Plants?
September 21, 2018 8:36 amUnderstanding the Signs & Symptoms of Stressed Plants by Jenny Slabber A crying new-born baby is bewildering to inexperienced parents,…
Mini Greenhouse
September 3, 2018 8:07 pmKeep your plants warm in style with this DIY mini greenhouse made from upcycled plastic bottles. Fulfil your plant and…
A different kind of window box
July 30, 2018 11:49 amGet the jump on spring by growing seedlings in this little DIY greenhouse window box. What You Need Treated timber…
Low Evergreen Hedges
July 16, 2018 1:18 pmA low Evergreen Hedge is more than a Barrier – it’s also a Great Design Element! A hedge is a…
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…
This table’s a picnic!
March 27, 2018 2:15 pmThis is the twelfth DIY in our Working with Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the series…
Dare to be different
March 16, 2018 12:01 pmA monochromatic colour scheme can be elegant and effective. In the two previous parts of this series we chatted about…
Shape hedges with ease!
March 8, 2018 9:11 amIf you’re looking for a tool that effortlessly keeps garden hedges in check, look no further. The STIHL HSA 45…
For the pet of the house
March 8, 2018 8:44 amThis is the eleventh DIY in our Working with Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the series,…
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…
Green in-between – Window Box Makeover
February 21, 2018 9:31 amTo give an old window box a quick make-over paint it white and plant it up with a simple but…
For the love of leaves
February 19, 2018 3:08 pmCombining the varied colours leaves and textures of these dramatic foliage plants in a pot is not only a good…
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…
Buxom Buxus
February 19, 2018 1:24 pmPotted Plant Recipe Using Buxus The entrance to a home is much more welcoming when there’s a green focal point…
Shining Pot
February 19, 2018 12:53 pmShiny Below and Green and Gold on Top of the Pot What do you get if you combine a striped…
Made for Moonlight – Patio Flowers
February 19, 2018 12:34 pmIt need not be a back- nor a bank-breaking exercise to turn a plain patio into an elegant entertainment area…
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…
Round and Round the Pot Plant
February 19, 2018 11:37 amHave you ever considered creating shapes with the plants you are using to plant up a container? I did just…
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…
Pots of Autumn drama
February 16, 2018 9:42 amSpring and summer inspire potting recipes that are frivolous, flowery and colourful but autumn and winter are seasons needing a…
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…
Tropical Bathroom Twin Set
February 15, 2018 2:50 pmDecorating a bathroom with a twin plant set can be difficult. But, it’s not a problem if you use plants…
A tub for a bed
February 15, 2018 1:27 pmMake a splash in a flower bed by adding an old tub for height, planted up with flowers, herbs and…
Surprise Spring Pot
February 14, 2018 3:47 pmJuly 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 pmThe 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 pmA 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 pmPlant 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 pmPotting Plants One pot with three amazing potting plant options! As spring approaches, most gardeners get the urge to plant.…
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…
Plant Pansies in Pots
February 8, 2018 11:36 amAutumn and winter are the best seasons to use pansies to add happy colour to garden beds and pots. These…
Lightweight, nifty shears
February 8, 2018 11:27 amSTIHL HSA 25 cordless shrub shears, with a choice of shrub cutter and grass trimmer attachments, weigh just 0.6kg and…
A succulent love story
February 8, 2018 11:06 amThe colours of this design were inspired by those of the desert rose – take a close look at one…
Fireworks in a pot!
February 5, 2018 2:53 pmAsymmetrical 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 pmGet 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 amStrong, flowing lines are the essence of good garden design. A common problem, however, is that those ‘strong lines’ tend…
Indoor Tower Planter
January 24, 2018 11:19 amKeep your herbs close to the kitchen with this tiered planter, complete with growing lights. What you Need SA pine…
Designed for Feed – Veggie Patch
January 23, 2018 9:31 amFew gardening experiences are more rewarding than picking home-grown edibles, and the ways in how they are produced are always…
Softwood Cuttings
January 22, 2018 12:47 pmPlant Propagation Make More From what you Have Gardening happiness can take on many forms, but the purest joy is…
Hanging with the Flock
January 22, 2018 11:32 amWooden Bird-Feeder This is the tenth in our Working with Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the…
3 Ways to be Water Wise
January 22, 2018 9:11 am1. Build the Humus Content of your Soil to Stay Water Wise. Humus is the dark organic stuff that forms…
Stairway to Heaven with Runner Beans
January 19, 2018 10:54 amDelicious runner beans are easy to grow, especially once you’ve made this simple tepee to help them upwards and onwards.…
Wisdom of three sisters
January 19, 2018 10:19 amCorn, squashes and beans have been planted together by native Americans for thousands of years. Share in the wisdom of…
Straw-man!
January 18, 2018 2:33 pmBeware the Straw-Man! Use PVC pipes, glue, your old jeans and some creative energy to build a discouraging decoy for…
Composting
January 18, 2018 2:04 pmPlants need nutrients, and the easiest way to feed them is with compost The importance of compost Any successful home…
Ways To Save Water In The Garden
January 18, 2018 12:47 pmIn our semi-arid country every drop of water counts, and not just in times of drought. There are so many…
Chicken Tractor
January 17, 2018 1:44 pmChickens can be a welcome addition to the home food garden, eating pests, fertilising the soil and supplying eggs. Introduce…
Gardening Fowl
January 17, 2018 1:21 pmGardening most Fowl for your Soil As people seek a more sustainable lifestyle, it has become popular to keep gardening…
Get the most out of your soil!
January 17, 2018 12:57 pmSoil Preparation for Tip-Top Shape Soil A Variety of Plant Labels – Natural and Recycled It’s not always necessary to…
Peanut Containers
January 17, 2018 11:25 amGrowing Peanuts in Containers Peanuts are a good novelty plant to grow as they sprout and grow very quickly. They…
Scrounge for Containers
January 17, 2018 8:40 amBefore throwing any containers away, look at how it could be re-used or re-purposed. Instead of seedling trays use jumbo…
Garden Smoothie
January 17, 2018 8:11 amA smoothie for your garden soil Blend together banana skins, used filter coffee grounds, eggshells and some water. The banana…
Cladded Planter
January 15, 2018 1:59 pmLet’s be honest – plastic can be a bit ugly in the garden. To get around this we cladded a…
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 pmSedum spectabile is a rewarding, easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial with succulent foliage, which originates from China and Korea. Commonly known as…
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…
Marsdenia floribunda
January 11, 2018 12:44 pmMadagascar Jasmine Marsdenia floribunda is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is classified as a vigorous climber with very strong stems. This…
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…
Helianthus Annus
January 11, 2018 12:39 pmSunflowers There’s nothing more breathtaking than a field of golden Sunflowers holding up their heads to the sun. These regal…
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…
Spiraea ‘Arguta’
January 11, 2018 12:31 pmBridal Wreath, Foam of May Normal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and…
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…
Summer pests and diseases
January 11, 2018 10:55 amSummer is a busy time of year in our gardens. The weather is very unpredictable during these months and can…
A bold new battery powered edge trimmer
January 11, 2018 8:46 amAn Edge Trimmer Designed Just For You! The STIHL Lithium-ion battery-powered range, including the edge trimmer, has been designed for…
No Work, Workbench!
January 11, 2018 8:19 amThis is the ninth in our Working With Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the series we…
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…
Pavetta lanceolata
January 8, 2018 2:27 pmForest Bride’s Bush, Weeping Bride’s Bush Pavetta is a hardy, evergreen shrub with dense glossy green leaves and large, dramatic…
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 pmPhotinia x fraseri is guaranteed to bring a blast of colour to hedges. The foliage is the main feature on this…
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…
Plectranthus ciliatus
January 8, 2018 1:42 pmWhite Wild Sage There is a huge variety of Plectranthus species, most of which are shade lovers. Beautiful dark green…
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…
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 pmThe decorative leaves of indigenous aquatics, like the Nymphaea Nouchali, and the showy blooms in season always command attention. They…
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 – Shasta Daisies
January 8, 2018 8:47 amThe Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is every gardener’s favourite summer perennial, because it flowers non-stop and never gives its…
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.…
Lotus berthelotii
January 8, 2018 8:25 amThis unusual and yet striking plant originates from the Canary and Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The slender,…
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…
Euphorbia tirucalli
December 19, 2017 9:13 amSticks of Fire In nature Euphorbia Tirucalli often forms almost indestructible thickets which made it a popular hedge plant around…
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,…
Duvernoia adhatodoides
December 18, 2017 1:04 pmPistol Bush Duvernoia adhatodoides grows easily and is ideal for shady, moist spots. It has large dark green leaves and…
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…
Dieramas
December 18, 2017 12:47 pmHarebells, Fairy Bells Dieramas are members of the iris family, Iridaceae, and are noted for their graceful, arching sprays of…
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…
Chondropetalum tectorum
December 15, 2017 12:18 pmCape Thatching Reed Chondropetalum Tectorum, commonly known as Cape Thatching Reed, is an evergreen reed with long, tough, leafless stems.…
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.…
Bromelia Aechmea
December 15, 2017 10:39 amUrn Plant The benefits of displaying indoor plants in our homes are huge. Plants are a décor tool, moisturiser, therapist,…
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…
Bergenia Cordifolia
December 15, 2017 10:17 amHeart Leaf or Elephant Ear The common names of Heart Leaf or Elephant Ear for the Bergenia Codifolia allude to…
Aristea Capitata
December 15, 2017 9:13 amBlue Sceptre (previously knows as Aristea Major) Growing on mountain slopes, Aristea Capitata is endemic to the Western, South Western…
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…
Anthriscus cerefolium
December 13, 2017 3:01 pmChervil, French Parsley Anthriscus Cerefolium is a fairly low-growing plant, reaching a height of 30 cm and growing to about…
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…
Gateway to your Garden
December 13, 2017 11:19 amDIY Gate Transformation This is a quick and easy DIY gate transformation of an old gate into a stylish and…
Succulent Seat
December 13, 2017 11:03 amA retired old chair can be refashioned into a great planter succulent seat with some easy steps and a love…
Take a Knee
December 12, 2017 11:58 amKneeling Pad Do your knees ever take strain and start to ache from the many hours spent on them taking…
Bench Mark – Bench DIY
December 12, 2017 11:28 amMake this great little bench DIY for a corner of the garden or patio. What you Need for your Bench…
Anywhere Table
December 12, 2017 10:40 amEver wanted a table that can be used anywhere and then stored away flat? This table is just the thing.…
Clever Boxing
December 12, 2017 10:20 amElegant and useful, this hanging planter will serve you well planted with fruit or vegetables and placed close to the…
Creative Wall Art
December 12, 2017 9:59 amFrom some simple materials, you can make your own contemporary creative wall art in a few hours What you Need…
Flat Pack Bench
December 12, 2017 9:32 amMake your own bench that is designed to fit together like a balsa wood aeroplane – with no screws and…
Pebble Bowl
December 12, 2017 8:43 amBring zen to your desk with this easy DIY pebble bowl and keep calm through the trials of every day!…
Frost Resistant Veggie Trellis
December 12, 2017 8:30 amIn the cold, frosty parts of the country, winter can wreak havoc on your vegetables and garden plants. Many are…
Pyramid Trellis
December 8, 2017 3:38 pmThis pyramid trellis is an attractive decor item, that elegantly supports climbing plants, and intriguing frames for topiary. Use your…
Stone the Family
December 8, 2017 2:43 pmIn keeping with the miniature gardening trend that has hit the country, we came up with this little stone project…
Reach for the Sky – Trellises
December 8, 2017 2:26 pmBrighten up your veggie patch with colourful trellises, perfect for beans and other climbing plants that will reach for sky.…
Creative Christmas Hanging Planter
December 8, 2017 2:08 pmMake a Christmas hanging planter full of festive cheer. What you Will Need Christmas tree template (see below) 12 mm…
Unique Lawn Table
December 8, 2017 1:45 pmThis novel folding lawn table will stand out at any garden party and act as a quant centre piece to…
Garden Birds
December 8, 2017 1:07 pmEasy garden decor – Create a flock of cement birds for a quirky addition to a flowerbed. What you will…
Modern Planters
December 8, 2017 12:50 pmAlmost any plastic container can be used to create glamorous concrete planters using this easy DIY guide – decorate your…
Swinging in the Breeze with a Hanging Seat
December 8, 2017 12:39 pmEasily convert a rickety old chair into a picturesque hanging seat for your garden or patio. What you will Need…
Get Harvesting – DIY Veggie Basket
December 8, 2017 12:23 pmThis charming basket will make harvesting your veggies a pleasure. What You Will Need For Your Basket • 2 x…
Garden Reflections
December 8, 2017 11:56 amDIY Garden Mirror This easy-to-make garden mirror is a feature that reflects the best parts of your garden What you…
Sickle Moon Feeder
December 8, 2017 10:32 amMake this striking bird feeder out of metal, wire and glass. What you will Need Metal sheeting (see cutting list)…
Light, Hang, Plant! – Wooden Box
December 8, 2017 10:13 amYou can do so much with a simple wooden box! What you will Need 10 x 10 mm pine (300…
Treat your Tools Right
December 8, 2017 9:50 amWith a few minor alterations and a splash of paint, a pallet can be transformed into a handy tools storage…
Spiral Tower Garden
December 8, 2017 9:34 amCreate interest on your patio or garden with this tower planter designed and constructed in a beautiful spiral shape that…
Walking on a Whirl
December 8, 2017 9:07 amIn this great holiday project you make your own spiral pavers and walk on a whirl with these simple steps.…
Hanging Bucket
December 8, 2017 8:46 amFor a different type of hanging basket, try using a galvanised bucket with holes cut out on the sides to…
Frame a Pot
December 8, 2017 8:27 amWhat you Need Wood for the frame – we recycled painted pine timber (100 x 35 mm) Terracotta pot Pelargonium (in…
Pot Gift Idea
December 7, 2017 2:06 pmEver wonder what the perfect house warming gift is? Wonder no more! This pot gift is as cute as a…
Solar Garden
December 7, 2017 1:53 pmConsol’s Solar Jars are ideal little containers for plants and they make great table decorations or gifts for the festive…
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…
The Gables Insect Inn
December 7, 2017 1:33 pmA very easy (and eco-friendly) DIY insect inn to do for great impact on a wall in your garden, adding…
Pot Technique
December 7, 2017 1:23 pmThere are many ways to take a tired pot and give it a new look. Paint is the best thing…
Picture Perfect
December 7, 2017 1:15 pmDIY Wall Art Take your own pictures and have them printed on canvas, then block mount them for a gorgeous…
Tea Time Feeder
December 7, 2017 12:56 pmPut a special spin and personal touch on the standard concept of a feeder by using items from your own…
The Seed Snacker
December 7, 2017 12:44 pmSeed Snacker: What You will Need 20 mm pine Cutting list 1 x base (237 x 126 mm) 2 x…
Lunch in a bottle – Bird Feeder
December 7, 2017 12:32 pmA bird feeder is a simple yet effective means to truly bring life into your garden and outdoor space. This…
Fountain for your Garden
December 7, 2017 12:13 pmFlowing water adds something special to a garden. With a little bit of know how, you can make your own…
Splashing Out
December 7, 2017 11:47 amDIY Pool Paving Give your pool a new look with a round of new pool paving. Hardwearing, long lasting and…
Trendy Retread Tyres
December 7, 2017 11:33 amUpcycle your old tyres to liven up a garden wall, easily, quickly and to great effect. Recycling takes a stylish…
Doorway to Creativity – Garden Feature
December 7, 2017 11:08 amYou can create an eye-catching garden feature using an innovative paint technique and an old door. What you will need…
Sit a little
December 7, 2017 10:43 amDIY Cement Table and Chairs What you will Need for your DIY Cement Table and Chairs Large wooden board to…
Paving your Patio
December 7, 2017 10:16 amRecreate Your Patio Recreate your patio with the right choice of paving. And you can do it yourself quite easily…
Roofing Leftovers
December 7, 2017 9:52 amMake this easy and neat little garden planter with only a few leftover roofing materials, a bit of spare time…
Catch the Light – DIY Screen
December 7, 2017 9:23 amIt only takes some cement, a few old bottles and a bit of imagination to create an interesting ‘Gothic’ stained-glass…
Functional Beauty – DIY Bench
December 7, 2017 9:04 amBring texture and interest to your garden or patio with this DIY bench. It’s easy to make, easy to plant…
Bring the Birds – Hanging Bird Feeder
December 7, 2017 8:27 amYour garden can be a haven for birds – add a meal and maybe the word will spread. Follow these…
Herb Dryer
December 7, 2017 8:12 amThis easy-to-make herb dryer will ensure you never run out of herbs when you need them. Follow these quick DIY…
Floating Pot Rack
December 7, 2017 8:05 amMount this piece close to the kitchen door so you have your herbs on hand, or on an outside wall…
DIY: Desk with Folding Lid
November 28, 2017 12:53 pmThis is the eighth in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
Garden Bistro Table and Chairs
November 28, 2017 11:12 amBring the café lifestyle into your garden with a DIY garden bistro table and chairs that will last a lifetime.…
Lava Rocks
November 28, 2017 10:48 amCreating your own rockery masterpiece has never been made so easy as with this expansive concept and integration of Lava…
Basket of Creativity
November 28, 2017 10:29 amConcrete basket DIY What you will Need for Your Concrete Basket • Plastic bowl• 3 lengths ½ inch (12 mm)…
Simple Cement Bench
November 28, 2017 9:04 amWhat you will Need for the Cement Bench 2 x polystyrene boards (1200 mm x 1000 mm, at least 50…
Retaining wall and seat
November 28, 2017 8:37 amChange function into feature by building your own retaining wall and seat, give your outdoor wooden furniture a longer lifespan…
Paving the Way
November 28, 2017 8:09 amDIY Paving What You Will Need for your DIY Paving River sand Cement Pavers – we used Cosmopolitan pavers in…
Salad tabletop
November 27, 2017 3:54 pmMake a concrete tabletop planter for your veggies and you will have a kitchen garden feature to last a lifetime.…
Building an Arch
November 27, 2017 3:32 pmAn arch is a great means of linking two separate spaces, creating a doorway between one garden ‘room’ and another,…
Frame your pot plants
November 27, 2017 3:10 pmA garden wall is the perfect place to grow plants, especially when your garden is small. If you frame you…
A Home for Koi
November 27, 2017 2:52 pmDIY Koi Pond What You Need For the Koi Pond 1 pond (10 000 litre koi pond) 1 filter system…
Creative Cement Water Feature
November 27, 2017 2:09 pmAdd a touch of serenity to your garden with the sound of running water. Finish the edge of your patio…
Patio Perfect – DIY Pavers
November 27, 2017 1:47 pmGet the perfect patio look for your home with these DIY pavers that are easy to create and put together.…
Topiaries for Christmas
November 27, 2017 1:17 pmThis year do something a little different for your Christmas tree – a topiary. Here’s a selection of top plants…
Frame your Succulents
November 27, 2017 12:32 pmSucculents are a beautiful addition to any garden décor, but if you want to up the ante then follow this…
Birdhouse Feeder
November 27, 2017 11:43 amFor the Tweet Elite Attract more birds to your garden by making this birdhouse feeder. And then transform it into…
Solar Balls
November 27, 2017 11:24 amLighting up your garden beds means that you can enjoy another dimension of gardening after the sun sets. Rather than…
Make your own Pots
November 27, 2017 11:12 amDesigning and creating your own pots makes them that much more special. Use this basic recipe, and let the designer…
Seated in Style
November 27, 2017 10:41 amPicture yourself seated between two of your favourite shrubs – all cosy together on this unusual bench – while you…
Make a Doughnut Fountain
November 27, 2017 10:07 amInstead of throwing those old tyres away, why not ‘recycle’ them as moulds for this small ‘doughnut’ fountain water feature?…
Geometric Paver Set
November 27, 2017 9:53 amHere’s a novel and quick way to make sets of pavers that are pre-arranged in an interesting geometric pattern. Once…
3-D Living Picture
November 27, 2017 9:40 amPaint a 3-D Living Picture in your Garden There’s a world of exciting, surface-coating products to explore – just waiting…
Sundial
November 27, 2017 9:19 amLet 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 amFrom time immemorial, water and trees have been used to symbolise life. Inspired by that rich tradition, this delightful fountain…
Beach in a Box
November 27, 2017 8:28 amSandpit DIY This sandpit has an innovative split lid that folds open into two, facing benches – perfect for a…
Glam Glass
November 24, 2017 2:45 pmTerrarium DIY A terrarium can make a light and elegant focal point in a room, while creating the perfect, controlled…
‘Petrified’ Log
November 23, 2017 4:01 pmMake your own ‘Petrified’ log This ‘petrified’ log looks just like a log, but being made of cement means it…
Tool Cupboard Love
November 23, 2017 3:45 pmStore your trusty garden tools neatly in this easy to build tool cupboard! Shopping List for your Tool Cupboard 20…
Light the Tree
November 23, 2017 3:10 pmWe spend many an evening entertaining outdoors in South Africa, so why not light up the garden and let it…
Stair that Slope
November 23, 2017 2:57 pmSlopes or banks can be tricky to negotiate, so here’s an easy way to cut stairs into them, using concrete…
Easy Peasy Pavers
November 23, 2017 2:34 pmSet your imagination free this weekend and style your own garden pavers. It’s the small details that stamp your personality…
Gabion Bench
November 23, 2017 1:24 pmThis Bench Rocks! Assemble your own gabion bench! Traditionally used for erosion control on sloping land, gabions are cages filled…
Floating Volleyball Net
November 23, 2017 12:51 pmChallenge friends and family to a game of pool volleyball this summer. It’s great fun and building your own floating…
Build a Pergola
November 23, 2017 12:30 pmHey Presto – it’s a Pergola! Adding a pergola to an existing patio –or creating one from scratch – is…
Potting Bench
November 23, 2017 10:59 amTired of mess and an aching back? Builders have everything you need to make this special potting bench, allowing you…
Topped With Green
November 23, 2017 10:28 amGreen roof gardening is a fairly new concept in South Africa but planting on roofs for aesthetic and cooling purposes…
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…
Ochna serrulata
November 20, 2017 2:27 pmCarnival Bush, Mickey Mouse Bush The Mickey Mouse bush is a stunning garden subject that will eventually grow about 1.8…
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…
Save water with green cubes
November 15, 2017 1:38 pmDo you want to conserve water and grow healthy plants? BERA® Urbanscape Green Cubes are your solution. This non-toxic and…
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…
Deck in a Day
November 13, 2017 11:21 amBuild a Deck in a Day The lounging about comes later! For now you need to get busy. This 8m2…
Square Foot Garden
November 10, 2017 11:53 amA Square foot garden is a new way of growing more in less space. A hardware store will have everything…
Tranquil Spaces
November 10, 2017 11:22 amConvert that awkward sloped corner of your garden into a beautiful and tranquil area for entertaining or simply relaxing in…
Growing Gutter
November 10, 2017 8:03 amGet down to your nearest Hardware store this weekend to invest in the latest gardening trend of GYO in a…
Creative Curves: DIY Wooden Bench
November 9, 2017 3:24 pmThis month the Team found a perfectly placed, lonely tree crying out for a seat beneath its boughs. Armed with…
Build a Pond
November 9, 2017 2:51 pmAs the team settled in for yet another busy and exciting year, they decided that they needed somewhere quiet and…
The Chicken House
November 9, 2017 2:41 pmChicken Coop DIY Is cutting back on the food bill one of your New Year resolutions? Keeping chickens is easy…
Patio Party
November 9, 2017 1:54 pmA living screen, tea light tree and festive chandelier for your Patio. A Living Screen Filled with colourful, healthy plants…
A Clear View
November 9, 2017 1:18 pmGlass Planter Make this easy DIY planter with Glass and add an extra dimension to your interior décor by bringing…
Suited for the Boot
November 9, 2017 12:57 pmMake a fun boot rack feature to store the family wellies. What to Buy Meranti cutting list: 4 pieces 76…
Step out in Style
November 9, 2017 12:28 pmGarden Steps Building garden steps down a bank doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Energised by the warmer weather the…
Pallet Planter
November 9, 2017 12:00 pmGardeners are an innovative lot, always looking for new ways to grow and display plants. Here’s a way to up…
Make a Sun Lounger
November 9, 2017 11:54 amThis stylish sun lounger and table combo is perfect for long summer days around the pool, and when the cold…
Rock that Pot – Wooden Chair
November 9, 2017 11:31 amThis DIY requires only a discarded wooden chair, a terracotta pot with a rim, some paint and sealant, plus a…
One Hot Table
November 9, 2017 11:18 amCoffee Table DIY This trendy coffee table does double duty as an unusual heater. Pop down to your local Hardware…
Barn Owl Box
November 9, 2017 10:58 amWorldwide, the Barn owl is one of the most widely spread of the owl species. Unfortunately, their habits and appearance,…
Paved with Green Intentions
November 9, 2017 10:12 amDIY Garden Feature with a Birdbath If you need some (almost) instant gratification, here’s one way to get it. By…
Adirondack Patio Set
November 9, 2017 9:46 amImagine sitting on your comfortable Adirondack chair looking out over the mountains and contemplating nature – that’s just what Thomas…
Rotating Server
November 9, 2017 9:08 amImagine sitting on your patio, surrounded by friends and family, with a feast set out and ready to be enjoyed.…
Splash Birdbath
November 9, 2017 8:21 amDIY Birdbath Every garden needs a birdbath or two, and this one can be made in a flash. This is…
Recycling Bench
November 8, 2017 4:34 pmUsed household items, like glass bottles, aluminium and tin cans, and even paper, are far more likely to avoid ending…
Unique Water Feature
November 8, 2017 4:28 pmBuild your own tiered water feature using pots with the same design, but in three different sizes, for a unique…
Shower Power
November 8, 2017 2:04 pmIt is wonderful to be able to rinse off under a cold shower after a morning spent gardening in the…
Anyone for Cocktails?
November 8, 2017 12:55 pmThis handy cocktail table is built and assembled in pieces, making it easy to move around and even take with…
Digging Box
November 8, 2017 11:53 amMinimize damage to your flowerbeds by giving your dogs an exciting alternative. Materials Pine planks, as follows Sides: 2 @…
Hoot Hoot – Breeding Box
November 8, 2017 11:19 amBuild a breeding box and a pair of spotted eagle owls may just decide to move in and raise their…
Table Terrarium
November 8, 2017 10:36 amThis table terrarium is a fascinating alternative to a traditional flat-topped table and definitely calls for a new take on…
Festive Water Bauble
November 8, 2017 9:51 amWe’ve got just the thing for you if there’s a place in your garden crying out for a small, sparkling…
A Garden of Many Moons
November 8, 2017 9:37 amConcrete Half Moons These concrete half moon structures make an intriguing feature in a garden bed. Create an interesting wave…
Making Waves
November 8, 2017 9:21 amThe striking pattern on this patio table and benches makes them especially appealing. It’s easier than you would think to…
All Purpose Workstation
November 6, 2017 3:59 pmBuild this stunning wooden workstation from scratch and have the perfect space to do your garden and DIY work at…
For the Cats
November 6, 2017 3:30 pmFor the Cats – a DIY Scratching Post Materials 3 pine planks: 150mm wide x 18mm thick (see above for…
Doggie Digs
November 6, 2017 3:20 pmIt’s time to spoil the canine members of the family with a smart new kennel (and cupboard on the side).…
From Pebbles to Paving
November 6, 2017 12:11 pmWhat you Need • river sand • PPC cement • pebbles (1 x 20kg per ½m2) • rubber gloves •…
A Water Feature – In an Hour!
November 6, 2017 11:54 amThe water features now available in kit form make it possible to add a water feature to a garden almost…
Rustic Relaxation
November 6, 2017 11:06 amOnce you’ve made this rustic lounger and bench set for your patio you’ll always have a place to relax. Their…
Shelf Life
November 6, 2017 10:40 amDisplays of shelf flower pots on outside walls may be more popular in Europe than here, but it is definitely…
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…
Red Spider Mites
November 3, 2017 11:30 amSummer 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 amHarvester termites can do serious damage to lawns in particular and flower beds because they feed on dead and living…
Mealybug
November 3, 2017 11:14 amThe 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 amAbout Aphids Half of the battle with any insect pests in the garden is firstly finding or observing them before…
DIY Make a Log Cabin
November 1, 2017 12:15 pmThis is the seventh in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
Make your own Seedling Pots
October 16, 2017 1:13 pmA sheet of newspaper can make several seedling pots that can be planted straight into the ground once your seedlings…
Go modern with proteas
October 16, 2017 12:05 pmA balanced and rhythmical transition of proteas in an effortless design that can be used in your home or office…
The Lawn: Sod it or Plug it
October 4, 2017 12:51 pmIf you want a new lawn that establishes within a month or so, use sods. This option is expensive but…
Spring Gardening
October 3, 2017 1:10 pmWinter is history and the time has come to prepare for spring gardening. Whether you have a large garden with…
DIY Make a Hashtag Table
October 3, 2017 12:36 pmThis is the sixth in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
House Number and Post Box stand
August 31, 2017 12:53 pmThis is the fifth in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
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…
Growing Health: Lawns perfect for playing on
August 2, 2017 10:12 amExtract from book: ESSENTIAL ORGANICS the legacy of Irmela Reichardt A perfectly groomed, lush, green lawn sets the tone of…
Dog Kennel
August 2, 2017 9:38 amThis is the fourth in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
Planter Box
June 21, 2017 11:48 amThis is the third in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
Table Top Planter
June 15, 2017 9:06 amThis is the second in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…
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…
How healthy soil can help you save water
May 5, 2017 12:47 pmHealthy Soil holds Water for Longer Periods, Allowing less Frequent Watering! Healthy soil has greatly been effected by water restrictions…
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…
Edging Your Beds
March 1, 2017 12:46 pmEdging flower beds and pathways attractively and neatly is as important as hemming a dress or framing a picture –…
Hydro-zone: Is your Garden Zoned?
March 1, 2017 12:26 pmA Water-wise Garden should have Plants with Similar Water Requirements Grouped Together. This type of grouping is called a hydro-zone.…
Summer Lawn Care
February 6, 2017 1:17 pmFertilising your Lawn Question: If lawns are fertilised regularly, do they require mowing more often than lawns that have not…
Hanging in mid-air
January 12, 2017 8:57 amHaving greenery in an office environment is good for the body and the soul. This quick office DIY is great…
Celebratory Creations
December 9, 2016 6:31 amDecember is the perfect time to celebrate the past year, as well as the festive season, with pots filled with…
Flex your Gardening Muscles – Garden Gym
April 20, 2016 3:50 pmGetting fit and healthy can be an expensive affair if you consider the cost of gym membership – sweaty and…
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…
Gardening in Miniature
April 3, 2016 8:36 amAt some point or another when we were younger we all loved seeing and playing with a miniature version of…
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…
Watering Can Makeover
January 18, 2016 8:48 amThis aluminium watering can was given a makeover in a flash. Inspired by the colours of the flowers in a…
Water saving
January 18, 2016 8:38 amWe all know that our fresh water resources are under threat and by saving water at home, we can not…
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…
Verbena ‘Quartz Pink Xp’
January 18, 2016 8:15 amRed Eye Verbena, Verbena This new Verbena, the Verbena ‘Quartz Pink Xp’, is bright and showy, excelling in the heat and dryness…
Urns
January 18, 2016 7:53 amUrns carved out of stone and earthenware amphorae were used by the Greeks and Romans as drinking pitchers and to…
Stop and Stair
January 18, 2016 7:43 amLight aluminium ladders are taking over from the heavy, wooden variety as the ladder of choice. However, a discarded wooden…
Transform the trash!
January 18, 2016 7:39 amThere is always something lying around the house or the garden shed, or some ‘trash’ tucked away in the rafters…
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 X-Factor Stool
January 18, 2016 6:59 amInspired by the 50s X-base design, our Top Team makes versatile stools for an urban patio with this X-Factor stool.…
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…
Storing Winter Bulbs
January 15, 2016 7:44 amWhen your winter bulbs have finished flowering and the leaves have died back it is time to dig them up…
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…
Spring is a Good time to Aerate your Lawn
January 15, 2016 7:28 amSpiking your lawn with a garden fork (to aerate your lawn) will boost its growth and spring is the best…
Sowing Lawn Grass Seed
January 15, 2016 7:08 amSpring is the best time to sow lawn grass seed. This season Dactyloctenium Australe, the well-known and ever popular LM…
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…
Sowing Shady Lawn Seed
January 14, 2016 12:21 pmIt is possible to have a lush lawn in a shady area. All you need is lawn seed that is…
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…
Seed Sowing
January 14, 2016 11:45 amTiming is critical in growing your own flower or vegetable seedlings, so make sure that you sow seed during the…
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 amOne Australian perennial that contributes a new hybrid almost yearly is Scaevola Aemula, and sometimes the new release differs only…
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…
Rhinoceros Beetle
January 14, 2016 8:36 amThe rhinoceros beetle, so-named due to its large re-curving horn, is a well-known sight in gardens and on farms in…
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…
Recycled Wine Bottle Torch
September 23, 2015 11:49 amAdd ambiance to your outdoor evenings while you keep mosquitoesat bay with this wine bottle citronella oil torch. What you…
Inventive recycling
September 23, 2015 11:39 amThis easy-to-build water feature, made from discarded household items, bubbles soothingly in the smallest of spaces and takes recycling to…
Prettiest Pavement
September 4, 2015 7:11 amPlanting up a beautiful pavement garden is usually the last item on a gardener’s agenda, yet such a garden can…
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…
Portable water features
September 4, 2015 6:29 amGarden centres stock an array of portable water features that take no longer than a Saturday morning to install in…
Poodle cut your Plants
September 4, 2015 6:21 amIt isn’t difficult to create your own topiary with a ‘poodle cut’ and it’s a lot cheaper than purchasing one…
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…
Petunia x atkinsiana
September 2, 2015 8:44 am‘Marvel Beauty’ – ‘Blueberry’ and ‘Raspberry’ The Marvel Beauty – Blueberry and Rasberry – are exciting varieties with unique flower…
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…
Paving plants
September 2, 2015 7:56 amLarge paved areas in a garden can be very boring and one unfortunately often ends up inheriting spaces like this…
Paint an Alien
September 2, 2015 7:39 amAlien Invader DIY Don’t despair if your garden has a few alien invaders lurking in it. Once you’ve been ‘destructive’…
Paeonia lactiflora – Peonies
September 2, 2015 7:36 amPeony ‘Shirley Temple’ If you live in a very cold area, pretty peonies will brighten your day. Once you have them…
Osteospermum
September 1, 2015 12:31 pmOsteospermum are very popular late winter and early spring bedding plants, commonly known as Cape Daisies. Many daisy-like plants have…
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…
Mulch
August 31, 2015 9:13 amGardeners are often uncertain about the difference between compost and mulch. Compost is what remains once plant and vegetable matter…
Moonlight Gardens
August 31, 2015 8:57 amIn today’s stressful world, moonlight gardens might just be the antidote we’re all searching for, so spend this month planning…
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…
Moles
August 31, 2015 8:50 amMost gardeners have tried almost every method available to prevent moles from destroying their gardens and it is common knowledge…
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…
Metarungia longistrobus
August 31, 2015 8:13 amThe Metarungia Longistrobus needs little attention, provided that the plants are well mulched and fed with an organic fertiliser twice…
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…
Hypertufa Pots
August 25, 2015 8:59 amHypertufa, which was invented for use in alpine gardens, is a manufactured substitute for Tufa – the porous rock that…
Make A DIY Table With Pots And Glass
August 25, 2015 8:47 amMount polished glass on garden pots to make an instant and affordable DIY table. Add vinyl stickers to lift it…
Pebble Inlay
August 25, 2015 6:52 amMake this lovely pebble inlay around your fire pit for a bit of added elegance to your garden décor. Follow…
Make a living patio screen
August 25, 2015 6:41 amFilled with colourful, healthy plants this pot rack is guaranteed to brighten up an ailing area of your patio and…
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…
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…
Instant Style for Unused Spaces
July 29, 2015 12:39 pmUpgrade unsightly and unused spaces in and around your garden using ready-to-assemble kits, paving and plants. Utility areas no longer…
Installing a Water Feature
July 29, 2015 11:40 amLarge or small, a water feature will enhance your garden. With a little planning, a water feature can be installed…
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…
Heliconia hybrids
July 28, 2015 6:42 amLobster Claw, Caribbean Sunset, Heliconia Lobster Claws Heliconia Hybrids are a stunning group of plants from the tropical regions of Central and…
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…
Happy Spring
July 27, 2015 10:14 amAll the lovely fragrances of spring waft along as the season gracefully bows in, the heavily scented blooms reminding me…
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…
Grouting outdoor paving
July 23, 2015 10:23 amUsing cement for your paver grouting for an outdoor entertainment area makes it long lasting and gives it that finishing…
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 Siskiyou Pink
July 23, 2015 9:49 amPink Gaura Gaura Lindheimeri, Siskiyou Pink, or Pink Gaura, has bright to dark pink flowers and a more compact, bushy…
Gaura Lindheimeri Passionate Blush
July 23, 2015 9:46 amBlush Gaura Gaura Lindheimeri Passionate Blush, or Blush Gaura, has light pink flowers and its new leaves are a rich…
Gaura Lindheimeri Jingle Bells
July 23, 2015 9:44 amJingle Bells Gaura Gaura Lindheimeri, Jingle Bells, or Jingle Bells Gaura, has snow-white flowers that look like butterflies. It looks…
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 Therapy
July 21, 2015 12:17 pmA garden can help restore hope, reduce stress and promote a feeling of wellbeing, even for those whose eyesight if…
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…
Fuchsia Shadowdancer
July 14, 2015 8:18 amFuchsia Shadowdancer “Marcia”, “Peggy” The Fuchsia Shadowdancer range is sold under the Proven Winner label. This guarantees that these early flowering…
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 – Frangipani
June 11, 2015 8:26 amPlumeria rubra, one of the seven or eight species of Plumeria that are found in the wild and that go…
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…
Flexible and Versatile Edging
June 11, 2015 8:18 amTrim or mow over Perma Edge for a neat, tidy definition of beds, lawns or paths. It is ideal for…
Festive Chandelier
June 11, 2015 7:55 amWith a few simple products make this stunning chandelier. What You Need 1 split woven edging panel 5 small plastic…
Fertilising: Do’s and Don’ts
June 11, 2015 7:51 amThere are no hard and fast rules about fertilising, but a productive food garden often needs less fertiliser than you…
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…
Eradicate Alien Invader Plants
June 1, 2015 10:42 amThere are many reasons to remove an alien invader and its vegetation from your garden, but how does one go…
Elegia Tectorum
June 1, 2015 10:40 amElegia tectorum is technically not an ‘ornamental grass’ but a reed-like plant, and is part of the indigenous Restionaceae family,…
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…
Eco Pool Gardening – Swimming Pools
June 1, 2015 7:39 amWhen flying over densely populated parts of South African suburbia, you have the opportunity to peep into many urban backyards…
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…
Does your pool area need a facelift?
May 11, 2015 8:57 amA rock cascade adds value to your pool surround by giving it visual animation and the sound of cascading water.…
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…
Divide and Rule – Clump-forming Plants
May 11, 2015 8:01 amEarly spring is the ideal time to divide, or split, Dietes and other clump-forming plants like Carex, Liriope and Ophiopogon.…
Grandma’s Kitchen Table
May 8, 2015 8:07 amGrandma always had that old, well-scrubbed kitchen table in the corner – the one that just seemed to invite you…
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…
Designing with Aromatic Plants
May 8, 2015 7:35 amWhen the subject of fragrance is discussed we gardeners tend to think about the familiar, sweetly-scented flowering climbers and shrubs,…
Designer trees for small spaces
April 23, 2015 12:24 pmEven in a small garden there is space for at least one small tree. Like climbers, designer trees help to…
Shades of Shade
April 23, 2015 7:23 amDealing with potentially difficult shade conditions is easy if you have the right plants. In gardening, the term ‘shade’ is…
Dealing with Fleas Naturally
April 23, 2015 7:12 amFlea Facts These ancient, wingless insects have been on earth for 160 million years and spend 95% of their lives…
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…
Hemerocallis
April 23, 2015 6:52 amDay Lilies Day Lilies are shrugging off their image as simple, ordinary garden plants. They are still hardy and easy…
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…
Creating Space Using a Pond
March 27, 2015 10:57 amPonds have a wonderful ability to create an illusion of space. If you have a small garden place a pond…
Courtyard Gardens of Damascus
March 27, 2015 10:52 amWhen the Muslims first entered Persia 14 centuries ago, they discovered a sophisticated courtyard garden culture that had its origins…
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…
Spiral spray – Water Feature
March 27, 2015 10:09 amCreate a unique water feature by twisting soft-rolled copper piping into interesting shapes. This copper fountain water feature can be…
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,…
Organic Art with Leaves and Cement
March 27, 2015 9:19 amFollow these simple guidelines to make beautiful organic art for this leaf-shaped bird bath or garden sculpture that will look…
Combretum
March 27, 2015 8:51 amGardeners sometimes complain that deciduous trees, like the Red Bushwillow, are messy, with the falling leaves requiring constant raking up.…
Coloured Leaves from the Tropics
March 27, 2015 8:30 amIn the tropical climates around the globe, leaves are often as bright and colourful as the flowers. The hot, humid…
Coleonema Species
March 26, 2015 12:57 pmThere are two species of Coleonema that feature prominently in most South African gardens. Coleonema Pulchellum, or the white confetti…
Clivia miniata
March 26, 2015 11:21 amNatal Lily, Bush Lily The Natal Lily are lovely shade loving plants that will produce an absolute spectacle in spring with…
Clever fixes
March 26, 2015 11:12 amSome areas in a garden can be really tricky and require a clever garden fix. Here’s an ideal planting plan…
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
March 26, 2015 11:06 amBleeding Heart The genus Clerodendrum consists of numerous trees, shrubs and climbers, including the Bleeding Heart, that originate largely in…
Clerodendrum nutans
March 26, 2015 10:46 amNodding Clerodendrum, Bridal Veil There is no need to mourn the end of summer when splendid autumn flowerers like Clerodendrum Nutans…
Clausena anisata
March 26, 2015 10:40 amHorsewood Type:Medium Shrub, 3 to 5m.Form: Multi-stemmed and slender, with fine glossy foliage.Flowers: Bunches of small creamy-yellow ‘stars’ with pronounced…
Chlorophytum saundersiae
March 26, 2015 10:32 amWeeping Anthericum Type: Groundcover, 50cm.Form: Like tufts of wispy grass.Flowers: Little white ‘stars’ arranged along erect stalks, from September to…
Cerastium tomentosum
March 25, 2015 10:43 amSnow-in-Summer This plant is covered in masses of white, star-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, hence its common…
Carex Varieties
March 25, 2015 7:53 amBronze Form, Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge, Bronze Perfection There are many varieties to choose from in the genus Carex. Some are stately ornamental grasses…
Captivating Cannas
March 25, 2015 7:44 amAlthough deemed by many to be of a bygone era, Cannas still remain spectacular garden plants when used in the…
Camellia
March 25, 2015 7:34 amJaponica, Common Camellia or Japanese Camellia, Sasanqua, Camellia Japonica has dark green, lustrous, leathery leaves and its size varies according to…
Calibrachoa
March 25, 2015 7:15 amSeaside Petunia Calibrachoa are charming little plants and are relatives of the petunia, producing masses of small, bell-shaped flowers on…
Butterflies in your Garden
March 25, 2015 6:23 amGardening trends have changed a lot in the last 20 years. When I first came to South Africa, in 1980,…
Balcony Planters
March 24, 2015 11:08 amThese new balcony planters in fashionable colours are idea to plant up with easy to grow plants in complementary colours.…
Bagworms
March 24, 2015 10:59 amLike many other leaf-eating caterpillars, bagworms fall under the order Lepidoptera and its adult stage is a moth. Bagworms are…
Soil – Dishing the Dirt
March 24, 2015 7:56 amHow to Analyse your Soil Soil is special. It is far more complex than simply the dusty stuff we try…
African Bollworm
March 24, 2015 7:46 amAKA American Bollworm To avoid destroying the natural controls along with the pest you are targeting you need to follow…
A walk to remember
March 24, 2015 7:32 amIt is easy to create a flowery walkway if you know what to plant at ground level; we analyzed this…
Peonia officinalis
March 20, 2015 6:00 amPeonies, originally from Japan and China are virtually unrivaled to bring impact and drama to the garden. Once established they…
How to make compost heap
March 19, 2015 10:45 amScientifically, composting is defined as the biological decomposition of organic wastes under controlled conditions. Good compost is made by following…
Build a Swing Bench
January 27, 2015 6:58 amA swing bench is just the thing for lounging around on while you read your favourite gardening magazine. After a…
Build a Garden Scullery
January 27, 2015 5:52 amConvert a neglected corner of your courtyard into a prep and wash up area, or scullery. As long as you…
Build a floating shelf
November 26, 2014 8:46 amThis floating shelf is perfect for any wall. It can be used as a server, or to display a prized…
Build a Concrete Bench
November 26, 2014 8:18 amA secluded spot, out of direct sunlight, is the perfect place for a garden bench. A well-placed concrete bench invites…
A bucketful of water
November 26, 2014 8:06 amThis small water feature is simple to make and will add the sensory element of running water to a special…
Branching Out – A Shelf Inspired by Trees
November 25, 2014 11:38 amInspired by French designer, Olivier Dolle, our DIY Top Team make a shelf for gardening books Shopping ListPine battens in…
Simply Zen
November 25, 2014 11:32 amBamboo Water Feature Make a bamboo water feature in six easy steps that will bring calm and the glorious sound…
A New Patio From The Ground Up
September 9, 2014 12:25 pmDoes your patio look tatty and uninviting? This rebuild will inspire you to get the party cooking. What you Need…
Building Floating Steps
September 9, 2014 12:17 pmA front entrance should be the most welcoming part of a garden and floating steps leading up to the front…
Cuphea Mexicana ‘White Wonder’
September 1, 2014 8:07 amFalse Heather Formal gardens have been fashionable around the world since the times of early civilisations and still today they…
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Edward Goucher’
September 1, 2014 8:01 amAbelia x Grandiflora ‘Edward Goucher‘ is a tamer garden hybrid compared to the ordinary Abelia. This compact shrub with glossy…
Microfungi
August 22, 2014 10:38 amA large, beautiful and diverse group, micro-fungi remain a mystery to almost everyone except mycologists and plant pathologists. In contrast…
Amaranthus caudatus
August 22, 2014 10:02 amLove-Lies-Bleeding, Pendant Amaranth,Tassel Flower, Velvet Flower, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete A much-loved, ancient food, the Amaranth has literally become a worldwide weed,…
Acorus Gramineus
August 22, 2014 9:32 am‘Golden Edge’, ‘Mini-Gold’ & Variegatus Acorus Gramineus ‘Golden Edge’ is a grass-like evergreen perennial with delicate, slightly curved foliage that…
Cupressus Macrocarpa
August 22, 2014 6:24 am‘Gold Crest’, ‘Golden Monterey Cypress’, ‘Swane’s Gold’, ‘Pencil Pine’ Golden Monterey Cypress Conifers truly come into their own in winter.…
Rosa ‘Brilliant Pink Iceberg’
August 21, 2014 7:16 pmBrilliant Pink Iceberg flowers abundantly, producing half-double blooms in surprisingly vivid tones of dark pink to white. The flowers have…
Nandina domestica
August 21, 2014 7:07 pmNandina, Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo For Autumn colour there is nothing to beat Nandina Domestica and its cousins. The lacy leaves change…
Indigofera jucunda
August 21, 2014 6:21 pmIndigofera jucunda is a small tree or scrambling shrub with spikes of small pink or white scented flowers on spikes…
Festuca gautieri
August 21, 2014 6:13 pmSpiky Fescue or Bearskin Fescue Festuca Gautieri has fine, bright green blades and grows to about 20 x 20 cm. A stretch…
Dais cotinifolia
August 21, 2014 6:05 pmPompom Tree The slender Pompom Tree is the perfect size for a small townhouse garden. It has a rounded crown,…
Libidibia ferrea
August 21, 2014 6:02 pmLeopard Tree Libidibia ferrea or the leopard tree, formerly known as Caesalpinia ferrea, is a slender tree hailing from subtropical…
Butia Capitata
August 21, 2014 10:48 amYatay or Jelly Palm Yatay or Jelly Palm is a stately, single-stemmed palm tree originating from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina…
Burgundy Iceberg
August 21, 2014 10:39 amBurgundy Icebergs are beautiful, eye-catching roses worth planting en masse. Masses of velvety, generally wine-red flowers with a very delicate…
Bulbs, beautiful colour and bright ideas!
August 21, 2014 10:31 amTried and Trusted Bulbs March is a great time to garden because its time for bulbs in the Southern Hemisphere!…
Buddleja Saligna
August 21, 2014 10:27 amWhite Olive Use the hardy Buddleja Saligna, a fast-growing small tree or large shrub, as a windbreak or hedge in…
Brunfelsia Pauciflora ‘Floribunda’
August 21, 2014 10:18 amWherever a yesterday, today and tomorrow – Brunfelsia Pauciflora ‘Floribunda’ – grows there will be the sweet and unmistakable scent…
Bolusanthus Speciosus
August 21, 2014 9:38 amTree Wisteria The Tree Wisteria is a truly elegant deciduous tree with a neat, elongated silhouette in the landscape. It…
Blechnum Ferns
August 21, 2014 9:33 amThe genus Blechnum, from the family Blechnaceae, was derived from the Greek word blechnon meaning a fern. Blechnum are mostly evergreen ferns…
Bersama Lucens
August 21, 2014 9:20 amGlossy White Ash Type: Small tree, 4m. Form: Compact multi-stemmed tree, prominent foliage. Flowers: Spikes of small, greenish flowers, from…
Berberis ‘Golden Ring’
August 21, 2014 9:15 amJapanese Barberry This splendid foliage shrub is a specially selected form of the Japanese Barberry, Berberis Thunbergii Fatropurpurea. It has many…
Bacopa
August 21, 2014 9:10 amBacopa, Indigenous Phlox, Sutera or James Brittennia. Whatever the name, the Bacopa, an ankle-high ground cover, with tits graceful flowers…
Aucuba Japonica ‘Crotonifolia’, ‘Goldeyana’, ‘Variegata’
August 18, 2014 12:07 pmJapanese Laurel Aucuba Japonica is possibly not the first plant that one would choose if faced with all the beauties…
Asplenium Bulbiferum
August 18, 2014 12:02 pmHen-and-chicken Fern Hen-and-chicken Fern, Robust and stout, this fern has fronds resembling carrot leaves upon which plantlets are produced at…
Aristida Junciformis
August 18, 2014 11:56 amHeigras, Congoni Grass, Gongoni Three-Awn, Ngongoni Bristle Grass, Wire Grass Heigras, while not a favourite grass with farmers because it…
Argyranthemum frutescens
August 18, 2014 11:21 amCrazy Daisy, Bush Daisy, Marguerite Daisy, Starlight Red, Summersong White For quick colour, few plants beat the old-fashioned daisy bush,…
Apodytes Dimidiata
August 18, 2014 9:38 amWhite Pear White Pear is a bushy, evergreen tree that can easily be shaped into a slender growth form. The…
Anigozanthus hybrids
August 18, 2014 6:55 amCat’s Paw or Kangaroo Paw The cat’s paw, a plant of Australian origin, is a perennial that is available in…
Angelonia Angustifolia
August 18, 2014 6:47 am‘Angelface’, ‘Summer Snapdragon’ & ‘Serena Lavender’ Looking at the sweet hybrids of Angelonia Angustifolia, it is hard to believe that…
Anemone x hybrida
August 18, 2014 6:42 amJapanese Anemone Spectacular when in full bloom and forming ever-increasing clumps, the Japanese Anemone is easy-to-grow herbaceous perennials die down…
Alstroemeria
August 14, 2014 12:01 pmInca or Peruvian Lily As its common name implies, the Alstroemeria, or Inca Lily, originates from South America. Alstroemeria is…
Agapanthus orientalis ‘Queen Mum’
August 14, 2014 8:16 amQueen Mum Lily of the Nile Agapanthus Orientalis ‘Queen Mum’ is an exceptionally elegant plant with flowers that are blue…
Agapanthus africanus ‘Summer Gold’
August 14, 2014 8:11 amAgapanthus Africanus ‘Summer Gold’ is a slow-growing, variegated hybrid developed in California. It adapts well to local conditions, but can…
Agapanthus africanus ‘Peter Pan’
August 14, 2014 8:07 amDwarf African Lily, Dwarf Lily of the Nile, Dwarf Peter Pan Lily With all the new varieties of agapanthus that…
Agapanthus africanus ‘Double Diamond’
August 14, 2014 8:00 amAgapanthus Africanus ‘Double Diamond’ was developed in South Africa and suits most of our climates, except the extremely cold areas.…
Agapanthus ‘White Ice’
August 14, 2014 7:54 amAgapanthus ‘White Ice’ bears large white flowers on short stems. Mature plant size about 40 x 30 cm. During our…
Agapanthus ‘Blue Ice’
August 14, 2014 7:49 amAgapanthus ‘Blue Ice’ has unique flowers that are blue at the bases, while the rest of each petal is almost…
Agapanthus ‘Black Pantha’
August 14, 2014 7:41 amAgapanthus Black Pantha bears closed buds that are almost black, opening to violet blue. The flowers are fantastic as cut…
Agapanthus ‘Amethyst’
August 14, 2014 7:34 amAgapanthus ‘Amethyst’ has soft, lilac coloured flowers with a darker, amethyst-coloured stripe running down the centre of each petal. The…
Acanthus mollis
August 14, 2014 6:55 amBear’s Breeches Bear’s Breeches comes from Southern Europe and is considered one of the earliest cultivated garden plants. It has…
Abelia x Grandiflora ‘Cardinal’
August 14, 2014 6:30 amGlossy Abelia Abelia x Grandiflora ‘Cardinal’, or Glossy Abelia, has mint-green leaves with a narrow white edge and new foliage…
Abelia x Grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’
August 14, 2014 6:18 amAbelia x Grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a dwarf hybrid (70 x 90 cm) with ever-changing foliage. The new growth in spring…
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’
August 14, 2014 6:05 amAbelia x Grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’ is also known as the Golden Abelia. The leaves are often the colour of pure…
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