Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2016 i The Gardener Magazine

The merry month of May has arrived, and to me that means crisp evenings, moody sunsets and trees donning their autumn hues. It’s just a damn fine time of the year! I also love our article on old-fashioned tips – it doesn’t matter who you are, you could be a third-generation gardener and you will still learn something from this piece of wisdom! There are tips here that save you money and make your gardening buck go that much further. And who couldn’t do with that these days! Our feature garden this month lives up to that saying, ‘a room with a view. Typical of modern gardening, it is made up of a relaxed style in a formal framework, and it has been done beautifully. It is a classy, classy…

Good gardening tips are like secret family recipes – passed on from one generation to the next. We have collated some old time-, money- and trouble-savers we have tried ourselves, read about or heard of over the garden fence. “A good day’s work can be done with a dirty spade” – Anonymous The fellowship of plants • Sow nasturtium and rue seeds at the base of your fruit trees. These plants seem to produce a bitter ingredient that acts as a deterrent to sap-sucking insects like aphids and scale. • Butterflies and beneficial predator insects like hoverflies and wasps love fennel’s yellow flowers. The flowers also act as a trap, attracting aphids away from other plants. In flower gardens, fennel thrives in the company of other sun-loving annuals and perennials…

Cool autumn weather from mid-April to late May is the best time of year to plant members of the family Proteaceae from the Western Cape. This includes pincushions (Leucospermum), proteas, sunshine bushes (Leucadendron), blushing brides (Serruria) and pagoda bushes (Mimetes). One of the most spectacular and free-flowering pincushions is the rocket pincushion or perdekop (Leucospermum reflexum), whose distinctive downwardly bent styles give the impression of a hurtling rocket. Native to the area between the Pakhuis Pass and Wupperthal in the Cederberg Mountains, the rocket pincushion grows naturally in colonies on well-drained sandstone slopes. It comprises two varieties, var. reflexum, which has light to deep orange or red flowers, and var. luteum, which is yellow. Forming a rounded shrub 3-4m high with a spread of 2-3m, the rocket pincushion becomes covered…

COLOUR NOW The beautiful and exotic-looking Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise) is about to start blooming. This dense, clump-forming indigenous species has long, assegai-like, dull green leaves on sturdy stems. The flowers are on equally long stems and are simply awesome in bright orange and deep blue, and both flowers and leaves are loved by floral artists and gardeners alike. The first graceful flowers appear in autumn, peaking in winter, and are still around in spring. These robust plants need full sun to flower and lots of space to spread as they can eventually reach a size of 1.5 x 2m. Low maintenance, easy to grow, always good-looking and a plant that will be with you forever. ALSO PLANT Abelia x grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’…

WINTER LEGUMES Broad beans and garden peas do double duty in winter, providing vegetable protein for the family and nitrogen for the soil. While the two have similar growing requirements, the sweet taste of garden peas and the earthy flavour of broad beans offers the food-garden cook plenty of scope for variation. Besides garden peas, one can grow snow peas (mangetout) for their sweet, edible pods or sugar snap peas that are a cross between snow peas and garden peas and are also cultivated for their edible pod. The pods are fatter than snow peas and may need stringing. When to pick Pick garden pea pods as soon as they are plump. If left longer the peas get hard and tasteless. Picking also encourages further pod production. Broad beans are…

You will need: • 1 cylindrical glass vase (20cm x 20cm) • 1 lemongrass leaf (or a broad-leafed grass alternative) • 1 large green Anthurium leaf ( a delicious monster leaf will also work) • 1 large green Anthurium flower • 3 green, single-bud chrysanthemums • 2-3 large green-and-white arum flowers WHAT TO DO 1. Cut away the end of the lemongrass leaf so that the hard spine and stem are removed, making it easy to manipulate. TIP: Wash the leaf first under a gentle stream of water. 2. Bend the leaf slightly and insert it into the vase so that it curls along the inside of the glass. Once inserted, the leaf should fit snugly along the inside wall of the cylinder, leaving one section of the cylinder open.…

DIY PROJECTS We love DIY. We love creating something from scratch and seeing the results. In our selection of the best we chose a water feature that was so popular, we think we may have uplifted the entire slate industry. The slate water feature published in 2008 had tremendous reader response, making this project one of our best. To that we have added the plum-coloured climber pyramid from 2011. Google ‘garden pyramid trellis’ and it will come up in the first row of images, making this project one of the top we have tackled. We think the bright colour we used had something to do with it, so try another bright colour or perhaps the latest Pantone colours of the year (rose quartz or serenity blue) for this project. Our…

Hypertufa, which was invented for use in alpine gardens, is a manufactured substitute for tufa – the porous rock that forms around mineral water springs. Alpine gardeners traditionally used antique animal water troughs as planters, but there was obviously a limited supply of these. Containers made with hypertufa are more porous and much lighter than the water troughs, so they are ideal alternatives. Hypertufa planters in the original trough shape are still popular, however it is possible to make them in many shapes. The smaller containers are really quick and easy to make – this one is made using a plastic basin as a mould. What you need: Cement Peat (the finer the better) Plastic basin and plastic sheeting Steps 1 Mix 1 part cement to 2 parts peat, and…

Sweetly scented flowers add an extra dimension to the whole atmosphere of the garden. Many plants, including trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials, have fragrant flowers. However, it’s often the smaller, quicker-growing annuals that make the most profound impact on the olfactory senses. Try these easy-to-grow flowers (annuals) in your garden this winter season. An interesting fact is that they all belong to the cabbage family. Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) This is a commonly cultivated, low-growing groundcover that forms a carpet of small, tightly packed stems and slightly greyish leaves. These are smothered in clusters of tiny, honey-scented flowers from 6-8 weeks after the seed has been sown until the plants succumb to the summer heat. White-flowered alyssum is undoubtedly the most popular due to the ease with which it…

April and May see the countryside gradually change from green to a multitude of rich autumnal shades of yellow, gold, orange, scarlet, red and brown, as deciduous plants prepare to lose their leaves for winter dormancy. This spectacular transformation of the landscape is especially noticeable in the colder parts of the country, as cooler temperatures play a significant role in bringing about these changes. Because of this, many people in colder areas choose their ornamental garden plants by their colourful autumn foliage. These are just a few of the most impressive, readily available plants for lending that special touch to the autumn landscape. Climbers The vineyard regions of South Africa are transformed into a blaze of colourful leaves during autumn. This can also be achieved in home gardens by growing…

When talking about indigenous plants, Andy James, the owner of the Indigenous Garden Centre in Pietermaritzburg, goes way past enthusiastic and into the realms of the fanatic. And when he talks, his fanaticism flows over you, infecting and enticing you, leaving you as convinced about indigenous flora as he is. Andy is convinced that the most spectacular indigenous gardens of the future will be in the frost zone, because of the Drakensberg ‘alpine’ flora that is barely exploited and is just waiting for someone to cultivate and market it. TREE Olinia emarginata (mountain hard-pear) A tall, elegant, upright tree, the mountain hard-pear can be a striking focal point in the cold-climate garden. The dense crown of dark green leaves contrasts with the pale pink trunk, and remains on the…

When organic gardeners talk about companion planting, it’s always herbs that come to mind. But their ‘good companion’ qualities extend well beyond the vegetable garden, especially in winter. Herbs are also ‘good companions’ in matters of health and healthy eating, beauty, and overall quality of life through their soothing, relaxing, detoxing and fragrant qualities. They offer comfort when winter feels too long and too cold. What better than a fragrant herb bath, a tasty herb-flavoured stew or a herb tonic for glossy hair? For winter crops, specific companion herbs keep bugs away, provide pollen and act as a soil tonic. Chamomile is known as a plant doctor and as a gentle stress reliever that promotes a feeling of wellbeing. It is an attractive garden plant (60cm high and 40cm wide)…

Late autumn gardening is about preparing for winter, and the best time to mulch with leaves and grass cippings. Mulching days are fertile or semi-fertile, and in dry regions it's vital to water before and after to keep beds moist and help dry leaves decompose. The days leading to full moon phase are ideal for adding colourful bed-annuals like pansies and petunias. The full moon is exact towards midnight and strict lunar gardeners avoid planting on this day. The most fruitful planting days (for everything) are Thu 19 and Fri 20.…

The sound of bubbling water is a wonderful asset in any garden. In this indigenous garden water is used to bring out the vibrant colours of the natural slate, which adds another dimension to the water feature. Once the selection of great plants is planted and thriving, the transformation of this corner of the garden is complete. What you need: ± 24 pieces slate of various sizes Round fibreglass pond from River Rock 8 bricks Eden 130G-10M, 3-core 230V, 10m cable pump from KLB Engineering 1m of 15mm copper pipe 10cm of 15mm copper pipe 15mm copper elbow 1m plastic tubing to fit the 15mm elbow Electrical point (to provide power for the pump) Tools: spirit level, hammer, electric drill, 8mm and 16mm masonry drill bits Steps 1 The pond…

“We used to take our boyfriends into the orchard to smooch in private” Talented landscape architects are commissioned to design their layouts and the latest technology is used to make them as eco-friendly as possible. The buzzword ‘sustainable’ is used often in connection with the quest to ‘grow your own’. Another buzzword is ‘superfood’, referring to veggies like kale. Generally we’re made to feel guilty for not planting them yet (I bought some kale out of curiosity, but turfed it straight away, as I thought it tasted like pure dreg!). We’re also told about designer herbs that can help you to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, calm your nerves, and keep your road and computer rage in check. Pretty flowers are grown as companion plants, but also to garnish…

Low-growing edging plants can be used to accentuate the lines of shrub beds and to counter large-scale plants behind them for more visual interest and effect. Using living edges can also define garden boundaries like pathways or act as a natural transition between areas with different garden themes. And apart from all of these already practical possibilities, you can use different edging plants or just a mass of one type of plant, to soften harsh lines anywhere in your garden. 5 rules to success with living edges 1. Blend lovely foliage and long-flowering perennials to keep the scene looking great in all seasons – using flowering plants like impatiens and bright coleus together would make a great edge in semi-shade. 2. Combine foliage or flowers that contrast with each other…

GET THE LOOK What better way to wake up in the morning than with a view of roses in front of the bedroom window? Standard rose ‘Electron’ underplanted with ‘My Granny’ and white agapanthuses fill this narrow bed, which is given an extra rosy effect by climbing ‘Wedding Garland’ between the windows. With clever planting it is amazing how many roses can be accommodated in one narrow bed. Obviously the soil needs to be well prepared. Dig down 40cm, remove the soil and mix it with Ludwig’s growing mix, or good-quality compost or matured manure, as well as peanut shells or shredded bark. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to a further depth of 20-30cm. Return the enriched topsoil to the hole and plant. Agapanthuses prefer some…

Good idea If you’ve left sowing a bit late or want an early start on winter veggies, check out garden centres for seedlings of Asian greens, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard. A nitrogen-rich liquid feed after planting will give them a kick start. Did you know that you can speed up the ripening process of green tomatoes by putting them on a tray with a ripe banana, red tomato or ripe apple? Lightly cover them with brown paper and keep in a dark room. Winter soil care Mulch beds that will be left empty over winter. Mulch protects microorganisms in the soil from the cold. Rest one or more beds in winter, especially those that have been very productive or where veggies have suffered…

Until the end of May 2016 Lifestyle Garden Design Show Lifestyle Home Garden, Beyers Naudé and Ysterhout Avenues, Randpark Ridge, Randburg, Gauteng Enquiries: 011 792 5616 or Lifestyle College 011 792 5054, www.lifestyle.co.za Course: Foundation drawing course This six-week course covers all the basics of drawing within the context of the garden. The Garden of St Christopher, Hyde Park, Johannesburg Enquiries: 011 447 1563, patriciamlauzioffice@gmail.com Course: Introduction to garden design This three-week course focuses on applying the lessons learned from the Garden of St. Christopher to your own gardens. The Garden of St Christopher, Hyde Park, Johannesburg Enquiries: 011 447 1563, patriciamlauzioffice@gmail.com Friday 6 – Sunday 8 The East Rand Orchid Society Autumn Show Edenvale Community Centre, corner of Van Riebeeck Road and Second Street Enquiries: André 011 453 6888…

These pyramid-shaped trellises are attractive decor items, elegant supports for climbing plants, and intriguing frames for topiary. Use your pyramids as focal points, climbing frames for flowering plants and vegetables, and frames for shrubs that you want to train into a pyramid shape. To do the latter, place the pyramid over the plant and, as it grows, regularly trim off any leaves and stems that protrude outside the framework. What you need: For each pyramid: 4 x (2000 x 38 x 38mm) pine for the legs 4 x (500 x 38 x 38mm) pine cross supports 4 x (385 x 38 x 38mm) pine cross supports 4 x (270 x 38 x 38mm) pine cross supports 4 x (155 x 38 x 38mm) pine cross supports 1 x (190 x…