Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2017 i The Gardener Magazine

We’ve all heard the saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun!’ Well it’s true, because this month we proudly celebrate the birthday of Die Tuinier magazine! I shudder to think that a whole ten years have passed by, but what an incredible journey it has been. My grateful thanks to Anna Celliers, Henriëtte Treurnicht, Dinnie Geldenhuis and the rest of the team that work their creative magic every month bringing you gardening in one of the greatest languages I know. Here’s to another ten years team! Hoorah for Spring! At last the wait is over and the celebration can begin. For myself Spring brings with it the wonderful opportunity to travel to many Open Garden events and gardens, and this year I am as excited as ever. So to catch…

Eastern Cape East London Builders Express 086 099 4196 Floradale Nurseries PE 041 368 5169 Floradale Nurseries EL 043 748 2420 Jeffrey’s Bay Builders Express 086 099 4178 Newton Park PE Builders Express 086 099 4192 Port Elizabeth Builders Warehouse 086 000 8900 Queenstown Builders Express 086 000 8946 Red Leaf Nursery 046 624 8530 Uitenhage Builders Express 086 000 9518 Walker Drive P.E Builders Express 086 099 4190 Walmer P.E Builders Express 086 099 4183 Free State Alma Kwekery 057 392 1940 Bloemfontein Builders Warehouse 086 000 8909 Bruwer Kwekery Bk 051 433 2072 Greenside Kwekery 051 451 3042 Plants@Preller 051 436 7678 Urth Garden Centre 082 696 7876 Gauteng Akasia Plantland 012 549 4945 Bedworth Park Builders Warehouse 086 000 8914 Boksburg Builders Warehouse 086 000 8 923…

The ‘Lemon Flame’ veltheimia is a natural colour variant of the commonly grown dusky pink or rosepink forest lily, Veltheimia bracteata. The pink forms are native to the southern and south-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape, from the Baviaanskloof Mountains to Mazeppa Bay on the Wild Coast, and the ‘Lemon Flame’ colour form with its greenish yellow flowers is only known from the Bushman’s River Mouth and from near Port Elizabeth. V. bracteata grows from a bulb and occurs on coastal dunes between low bushes or on inland rocky slopes and cliff-faces. Veltheimias are members of the hyacinth family (Hyacinthaceae) and there is one other species, the exclusively winter-growing, summer-dormant V. capensis, which is widely distributed from Ladismith in the Little Karoo to south-western Namibia. Like the pink forms of…

A new season beckons, and walking into a garden centre is like visiting a chocolate shop or a book store; there is so much on offer that you don’t know where to start. The result? Shopper melt-down and impulse purchases that you may regret for the rest of summer. The first stop is your garden – see what’s coming to an end, where colour is needed, and which areas you would like to freshen up. Then draw up your list (based on our suggestions below) and go armed with that. You may not stick to it (what gardener does) but it will help you to focus. September… where to start No need to rush if pansies, violas and other spring flowers are looking good. But they will need replacing within…

Hedges and screens are an integral component of the modern-day garden, offering privacy and in some instances security while affording protection from winds and weather. They may be clipped or trimmed into formal square hedges or else left to grow into informal screens. The plants selected for this purpose are generally quick-growing evergreen shrubs with a dense growth habit, and flowers and colourful foliage are subsequently of secondary importance. Hedge plants need to respond well to regular clipping and continuously make new growth to maintain a long-lasting neat appearance. Freylinia tropica (honey bell bush) An attractive indigenous shrub with small grey-green leaves and tubular slender white flowers through summer and into autumn, is is also available in pale lavender- or blue-flowered forms. Plants are compact and bushy, and clip well…

A cidic soils are described as those with a pH value of below 7. The term pH is used to indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions, with 7 being neutral and higher numbers being alkaline and lower numbers being acidic. Soil pH influences plant growth quite significantly, with certain plant types being more specific in their requirements in order to grow successfully. The azalea or rhododendron group of plants is botanically classified as part of the Ericaceae family, which generally prefer acidic soil growing conditions. Included are some of the most beautiful flowering trees and shrubs that are cultivated extensively all around the globe. Locally, evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron indicum) are the major representatives of the family, and are part of many old, established gardens in parts where climatic and soil…

While clivias may traditionally be orange, today there are countless new shades, including a range of oranges to orange-reds, while one of the most sought after is the very rare red. Then there are peach, apricot and salmon, and the very desirable, rare and lovely pink. There are also patterned forms such as Versicolours, Splashes, Picotees and Bicolours, and there are forms of most colours with green throats to add to their attraction. A really spectacular form of clivia is the peculiarly named ‘Ghost’, in which the colour fades to create large light-coloured areas with darker edges, an example of which is ‘Florid White Lips’. Green-throated bronzes and yellows are also available, the most treasured of which is the green clivia, named ‘Hirao’ after its breeder, Dr Hirao of Japan,…

Plants that attract pollinators and predators: Calendula, coriander, dill, fennel, parsley, feverfew and yarrow. Plants that help with pest control: Mint, lavender, rosemary, alliums, wormwood, marigolds, nasturtiums, autumn chrysanthemums, pyrethrum, tansy and feverfew. Sacrificial plants or insect trapping plants: Nasturtiums, basil, nicotiana and calendula. Plants that prevent disease: Garlic, chives and stinging nettles. Plants that improve the soil: Peas, beans, clover, buckwheat, lupines and mustard. Companion planting Companion planting is part of the organic approach and is done to improve plant health, increase crop yields, deter pests, attract beneficial insects and to reduce the incidence of disease. Here are a few suggestions to get you started – if you want to know more about companion planting and all the benefits thereof, there are many good books and websites on the…

This is the fifth in our Working with Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will introduce you to some amazing new tools on the market that take the ‘work’ out of woodwork. WHAT YOU NEED Cutting list 2 x 1800mm x 76mm x 76mm (uprights) 1 x 990mm x 76mm x 76mm (top crossmember) 1 x 800mm x 76mm x 76mm (middle crossmember) 1 x 430mm x 76mm x 76mm (bottom crossmember) 1 x 330mm x 185mm x 20mm (number board) 8 x 525mm x 35mm x 6mm (lattice) 10 x 390mm x 35mm x 6mm (lattice) Wood glue 8 x 5.5mm x 120mm Tek screws 4 x 5mm x 60mm full-thread cut screws 12mm panel pins 8mm dowel TOOLS Festool Track Saw and Multi-…

KwaZulu Natal Midlands 16 – 17 September Angela Wolf River Goose Estate, 14 Fyvie Road, Howick Eileen Stuart Waterford Hall and Garden, off the Karkloof Road Glen and Liz Boyd Ben Eden Farm, Karkloof Road 16, 17, 30 September Eddie and Lyn Lion-Catchet Rosslands, Caversham Road (P133), Balgowan James and Tessa Chance Endebeni Forest, Lidgetton Valley 23 September – 8 October John and Jenny Robinson Benvie, Karkloof Hogsback Eastern Cape Spring Celebration 22 September – 15 October Open Gardens Meander 2017 16 – 17 September Six distinct gardens located in Houghton, Westcliff, Saxonwold, Parktown North, Parkhurst and Craighall Park Pretoria Sunrise Open Gardens 16 – 17 September Some of the Jacaranda City’s loveliest gardens will be on display for the annual Pretoria Sunrise Rotary’s Open Gardens. Lucette Wegelin 163 Anderson…

Step into Spring As we head for warmer weather and the spring blossoms start spreading their colourful joy, it’s time to get out and visit The Witness Garden Show at the Royal Showgrounds, Pietermaritzburg. It may be mostly about gardens and gardening, but there is also so much more, and something for everyone. If you are a keen gardener, the feature gardens designed to perfection will inspire and delight; the plants on sale will certainly get you excited about gardening, and there are many specialist growers offering you the chance to grow something new. Get the best specials and all your gardening goodies, new and old favourites, at this year’s show. For foodies, we have a range of gourmet food to try while you relax on the terrace and enjoy…

www.lifeisagarden.co.za When next visiting a garden centre, make sure it is a GCA garden centre. Leading garden centres belong to the Garden Centre Association and each one has to achieve a high level of good business practice before they can be accepted as an Approved Member. At GCA member garden centres you can be assured of excellent levels of service, plants of quality and associated products, together with innovative life-style displays, professional advice and information. • GCA Garden Centres constantly strive to improve nursery standards and are guided by the National Association. • GCA Garden Centres are committed to selling healthy and good quality products. • These Garden Centres are always on top of new legislation concerning the bio-diversity Act and are committed to not sell any alien invasive plants.…

Indigenous to southern Africa, the Resurrection Bush (Myrothamnus flabellifolia) is uniquely adapted to survive drought conditions without harm making it an ideal water wise plant. Witness the most fascinating phenomenon of resurrection in action just by adding water - a dry, seemingly lifeless plant soon awakes to new life. When water is unavailable, the plant enters dormancy and can survive in a desiccated state for several months. It is the ideal plant for people who forget to water or where water availability is limited. In African tradition it has a multitude of medicinal uses including respiratory ailments and wound healing. It is also taken as tasty tea. It is seen as a bringer of good luck and a symbol of great vitality. You can now have your own amazing Resurrection…

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What you need • Organic fertiliser pellets • Palm peat block (reconstituted in water) • Potting soil • Bonemeal or superphosphate • Stones • A terracotta container • A bucket for mixing soil • A selection of plants. We used: Origanum vulgare ‘Variegata’ Thymus ‘Mystic Lemon’ Echinacea ‘PowWow White’ Chilli ‘Tabasco’ Basil herbalea ‘Wild Magic’ Sutera scopia ‘Great White’ What you do 1. Make a soil mix by combining ½ potting soil, ½ palm peat, a handful of organic fertiliser pellets and a handful of bonemeal or superphosphate, and mixing well in a bucket. 2. Make sure there are drainage holes in the pot and cover these with a layer of stones. 3. Fill the pot ¾ of the way up and begin planting, using the taller plants in the…

It seems to be ingrained in us: flowers in the front garden, and edibles at the back, even though our garden spaces are no longer as conventional as they used to be. The problem is that veggie gardens can be unsightly or untidy, especially when crops are attacked by pests or diseases. But there are ways to blur the lines between edible and ornamental, and to enjoy the benefits of growing more edibles while still enjoying the flowers, along with the bees and butterflies. You don’t have to change the garden in one season, but here are some ideas: 5 ways to adapt your flower garden • Select compact, decorative, and colourful vegetables, such as baby/red cabbage, lettuce and other salad leaves, Swiss chard, spring onions, leeks and Asian greens.…

1 LAWNCOAT GRASS PAINT LawnCoat is the first and only locally manufactured, 100% biodegradable grass colourant and treatment that protects and instantly colours your grass a natural vibrant green. The formula is the result of extensive research and development by a chemical engineer with a history of producing inventive 100% natural and ecologically friendly products. It is specially formulated for areas with water restrictions, drought, froststressed grass and brown areas caused by pet urine. LawnCoat consists of a revolutionary breathable membrane that allows the grass to continue to photosynthesise while the active UV protector in the concentrate helps the grass withstand the harsh sun. Sulphates and minerals are also added to feed the roots and assist with growth, while it is 100% safe for children, pets and the environment. Packaged…

1 TREES FOR AFRICA National Arbour Week is from 1 – 7 September, which gives you seven official days to plant trees. Ziziphus mucronata (buffalo thorn) is an attractive, small to medium-size deciduous tree reaching up to 9m in height. It is also the official tree of the year for 2017. It produces a fairly dense spreading canopy, and young trees have sharp, paired and dissimilar thorns, one being straight and the other hooked. The flowers and fruit of these trees are sought out by birds and bees. This pleasing little shade tree withstands drought, is moderately frost resistant, and succeeds in most soils and conditions. 2 COLOUR IN YOUR BEDS Start planting begonias and impatiens in the shade and Sunpatiens in the sun. 3 CLIVIAS FOR YOU You’re reassured…

WESTERN CAPE Thursday 31 August – Sunday 3 September Cape Homemakers Expo Cape Town International Convention Centre, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town Tickets: R80, pensioners R70 and kids under 12 enter free. Enquiries: 021 511 2800, www.homemakersonline.co.za/exhibitions. Friday 22 – Monday 25 September The Hermanus Flower Festival Tickets: R25, pensioners R10 and kids under 12 enter free. Enquiries: Alta Pretorius 028 315 1619, 073 538 3685, www.fernkloof.org.za, botsochermanus@telkomsa.net Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 September 100th Darling Wildflower Show Tickets: R60, scholars R40 and pensioners R40 on Thursday and Friday only, kids under 13 enter free. Enquiries: Swartland Tourism 022 487 2989, swartland@cornergate.co.za, www.swartlandtourism.co.za GAUTENG Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 Spring Flower Show The Floreum, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Olifants Road, Emmarentia Saturday 12:30 – 16:00, Sunday 10:00 – 16:00 Tickets:…

I always turn to the reader’s letters and ‘agony aunt’ columns in magazines and newspapers first. It’s comforting to see that other folks also experience anger, fear, frustration, heartache and uncertainty, and are not afraid to ask for advice when things go wrong. After years of handling gardening columns, I have come to the conclusion that gardeners, however, have the most questions. Some are so difficult to answer that an experienced soothsayer with a crystal ball might be in a better position to answer them. I still remember a few that made me think twice. Question: I need advice about the maintenance of retaining walls. My husband built these walls (each about 1m high) across the length of our property. They looked good for a while, but have now turned into…