Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i The Gardener Magazine

Summer is in full swing and many of us are wondering where the months, weeks and days have gone! By the time you read this Christmas will be two months away. How time flies! But back to summer, I love this time of the year, with longer days, more time on the stoep in the evenings just sitting and enjoying the gorgeous light in the garden. I do hear many folk saying they battle with options or choices to plant and enjoy during the summer months. Fear not, our team has delved into the plant world and selected just the best options for you – in fact lol, we had many constructive arguments about what to fill the pages with and what to leave out. There were many solid cases…

We dusted off some old-fashioned stalwarts that would not be hard to find in local nurseries and are perfect for a windy coastal garden with a Mediterranean-like climate. You can trust them to fill bare spots between other plants growing in full sun and in fast-draining sandy soil. They tolerate some cold, a little frost, summer and winter rainfall, but will not be happy in a subtropical, humid climate. Heliotropium arborescens ‘Royal Marine’ This is an old-fashioned and much-loved soft-wood shrub with a spreading growth habit and roughly textured dull green leaves with a purple tinge. It becomes a sight for sore eyes when it produces large clusters of bluish-deep purple flowers with a lovely vanilla scent. Blooming time is from spring to late summer. This small shrub of 90…

If you’re not making use of the vertical space in your garden, you’re missing out on a huge and essential part of not only design, but also space saving. Space is at a premium in all gardens, but particularly urban gardens where choice is limited. Going vertical is the best way to make use of ‘empty’ space and improve your design at the same time. It’s a win-win. UP THE WALL The easiest way to use vertical space in your garden is to take advantage of a feature that often goes overlooked – walls. Walls are usually built with function in mind, but they can also add aesthetic value when making the most of the space. Simply attaching a few hanging planters filled with plants can draw the eye upwards…

Rippling green Asparagus ferns – which are very popular garden and indoor plants – are not true ferns, but rather related to the edible asparagus. One can however be forgiven for thinking that Asparagus densiflorus ‘Green Ripple’ is a fern due to its softly textured foliage and graceful stems which resemble fern fronds arching backwards. The needle-like, bright green leaves are densely packed along the stems and the whole effect is soft and billowing until your stroking hand touches the sharp little spines hidden on the stems. Summer brings on a mass of small white flowers which are followed by red berries. This lovely evergreen is a hybrid between A. ‘Meyeri’ (cat’s tail) and A. ‘Sprengeri’ (basket fern) and fabulous to grow indoors or outdoors in containers or in the…

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) tops the list of must-grow culinary herbs for summer because of its fragrant leaves that are delicious in salads, on pizzas, in summery tomato sauces and in pastas. This annual herb grows easily from seed, and likes sun or semi-shade (afternoon shade), and well composted soil that drains well. Basil also grows well in containers that receive some afternoon shade. Water more regularly than other Mediterranean herbs (like thyme, rosemary, sage) and especially basil growing in pots; the soil should not dry out. Feed once a month for lush leaves, but twice a month if grown in a pot. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the growing tips of small plants. Companion planting: It is a well-known companion plant for tomatoes, reputedly giving them more flavour, as…

If you’re looking for a container combination to brighten up your summer garden, you can’t go wrong pairing these classic garden plants. Although dahlias, salvias and petunias look great on their own, they look even better when paired together, with contrasting colours to ensure each flower shines. Why it works There are a few things to consider when deciding what plants to combine in a pot. Plant care should be top of mind, ensuring each plant enjoys the same soil, water, and lighting conditions. Use of space is important for design, keeping a combination of tall plants, medium-sized plants, and low growing plants to trail over the sides. Colour is another design factor, as different colours will enhance or interact with each other in different ways. This pot – filled…

NEW! SUBSCRIPTION DEAL! Subscribe to The Gardener for 1 year, pay R49 monthly and SAVE 30% Subscribe for an entire year, but enjoy the convenience of monthly payments. This deal only applies when purchasing subscriptions online. www.thegardener.co.za How do we deliver your subscription? Delivery is done by a hand delivery service provider in the urban areas. Rural area subscriptions are sent via the South African Postal Service, or ask us for a quote to get your magazine delivered by courier every month. Subscribe NOW! SCAN ME! stand a chance to WIN 2 ADDIS flower pots Valued at R1000 Subscribe or renew your annual subscription from 23 October – 20 November 2023 and you will be entered into the competition to win this prize. The winner will be contacted by telephone or email…

Don’t let bare walls get you down. Summer is a great time for DIY-projects and this wall hanging is easy enough to get the entire family involved. This decorative piece of art combines natural elements with a rustic or coastal aesthetic. So simple…yet so creative! What you need 1 piece of driftwood decorative pieces/shells 11 screw eyesChain: 1 x 110mm long; 2 x 160mm long;3 x 50mm long; 1 x 500mm longWoodoc Water-Borne MARINE Stirring spatulaRulerSander/sandpaper 120-gritDrill driverDrill bits: 1mm and 2mm all-purposeSoldering ironPaintbrushPencilSide cutters Cutting list: 2 x Pine wood (42mm x 5mm) cut to 200mm1 x Pine wood (42mm x 5mm) cut to 300mm Steps 1. Using a 42mm x 5mm Pine wood strip, 1m long, mark and cut your wood to size: 2 pieces 200mm long and…

A vondale’s journey began with the original owners Jack and Julie Grieves. Ardent gardeners, they were responsible for planting many of the mature trees that grace the landscape today. In 2000, the property changed hands, and the new owners embarked on a revitalisation project. For the next 22 years the garden underwent a transformation: from a smallholding with stables and grazing for horses, to a landscaped, cultivated garden. For many years it delighted visitors with its colourful beds in an English garden style. The owners acquired neighbouring properties, expanding the garden and transforming it into a magnificent oasis. As time went on, drier conditions and changing interests in indigenous species worked its magic and today, the focus is wholly on indigenous species and the conservation of the disappearing natural habitat…

Plumbago auriculata ‘Royal Cape’ South Africa gave the world the gift of plumbago or Cape leadwort as it is also known, and it was embraced all over as a well-loved garden plant, not shy to flower and not afraid to scramble with speed over other plants. It also suckers into the soil covering fairly large areas and will climb into trees to find some sun. A more compact form with vivid deep blue flowers called ‘Royal Cape’ was developed which stole our hearts. The foliage is mint green and the nectar-rich flowers attract birds and the common blue butterfly. ‘Royal Cape’ can tolerate cold and light frost, and if not too badly damaged, will soon sprout again in spring. It is perfect for windy, coastal gardens. Size about 1,5 x…

In the heat of summer in hot, dry conditions, zinnias will thrive and have a lovely long-flowering season. Give them the basic care requirements and they will perform brilliantly all through summer and into autumn. • Plant in well-draining soil that has been enhanced with plenty of compost to make it rich.• Make sure they get plenty of sun – at least 6 – 8 hours a day.• Prepare the area before planting seedlings as they can suffer transplant shock. To avoid this, go about removing the plants from the nursery containers carefully by pushing each cavity from underneath and popping the plants out and planting in holes the same depth as in the trays.• Water well when planting and then water at the base of the plants when the…

One of our favourite new varieties are in the Coreopsis ‘UpTick’ range which come in two-tone colours and have slightly larger flowers than any of the others. These hybrids have won many awards and will bloom from early spring all the way through to late summer. They have a tidy, mounding shape, are heat-tolerant, mildew-resistant and very low-maintenance. What they need Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Give them a boost by fertilising with a general slow-release product monthly. Once established they are medium water users. Note: Coreopsis lanceolata has become invasive in South Africa, competes and replaces indigenous vegetation and is poisonous to livestock. Stick to the hybrids to make sure you don’t add to the problem of this category 1 invader plant. Did you know? The name…

Thing to do in the edible garden this month Sow and plant the top 10 veggies that do well in spring – green beans, carrots, courgettes, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes and sweetcorn. Feed newly planted or sown veggies and herbs well with a liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Keep all edibles well-watered as the temperature increases. Keep an eye out for snails and slugs and use a petfriendly snail bait to trap them, or hunt them down at night with a torch and a bucket of soapy water in which to drown them. Spring prune fruit trees and remove any dead or damaged branches to prevent diseases from spreading. Make sure there is enough light throughout the tree so that all the fruit that sets gets enough sunlight.…

The team at Grow to Eat magazine asked blueberry farmer Pieter Duif what his expert tips are for growing blueberries at home. This is what he said: • Firstly, the soil pH is most important. Soil should be acidic with a pH of 4,5 – 5 as the ideal.• Good drainage is essential, so big pots of 40L+ and loads of full sun.• When it comes to feeding stay away from normal nitrate-based nitrogen fertiliser, they need the ammonium form of nitrogen. Blueberry roots are very delicate and burn quite easily with an overdose of fertiliser. Use small amounts at a time. A fertiliser that is specifically for plants like azaleas or camelias will work fine for growing at home. Make the most of your edible garden with the spring…

The natural growth form is vase-shaped with semi-arching, densely clustered wand-like stems bearing spikes of dainty flowers resembling fluttering butterfly wings. The flowering lasts from early spring to late autumn and attracts swarms of bees and butterflies. Although there are many gaura hybrids ranging from pure white, pink, dark pink, and nearly red to plant, this Gaura ‘Ice Cream Pink’ with its pretty two-tone soft pink and white flowers caught our eye as a new kid on the block. Growing gauras or angel wings successfully is easy in full sun or morning sun, and in compost enriched, well-draining loamy or sandy soil. Use them as long-flowering gap fillers in mixed beds, meadow gardens or between your roses. Aftercare • Sparse and leggy growth means that the plant is not being…

Many organic gardeners combine their practice methods with Lunar gardening principles as they support each other, and a sustainable environment, and both value seasonal flow and natural cycles. Our monthly guide notes the best days for specific garden activities, determined by the lunar garden rules, the position of the moon, and the nature elemental for that day. In mid-summer, tender seedlings are at risk from heat and pests. To ensure they flourish and bloom, note the days to "irrigate" and the days for "pest control''. BEST DAYS FOR NOVEMBER For more information on gardening by the Moon, visit www.moontime.ca.za…

Dear Tanya… Thank you for all the inspiration over the past few years. I thought I’d share these pics of my own garden and its transformation from 2021 to 2022 with you. This spring is sure to only bring more joy and growth with all the useful advice and information contained in the pages of The Gardener. Keep up the good work! Yogan winning letter Hi Yogan, incredible! Wow, you have been very busy and created an absolute masterpiece. My heart is full knowing that the pages of The Gardener have inspired you and guided you all the way. Now for the next project! Thank you for sharing, Tanya «Enhanced efficiency through innovation» I have been trying to plant this tree from its clippings, but they always die. I even…

HOME STORE OF THE YEAR 2023 WINNER: Builders Warehouse Port ElizabethA A GCA Garden Centre is not just about selling healthy plants. It is also a commitment to look after the environment – adopting environmentally friendly initiatives, as well as not selling alien invasive plants that are detrimental to our environment. It is also a pledge to share knowledge with the gardening public, because a knowledgeable gardener is a successful gardener, one who will keep on gardening. A SANA GCA Garden Centre guarantees that every customer will enjoy a high standard of shopping experience. Congratulations to the 2023 winners in the Garden Centre of the Year, and the Home Store of the Year competition. The 2023 Home Stores of Excellence are: Builders Warehouse Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape Builders Express…

Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’ has all the features of a good conifer – good shape, bright golden-yellow foliage which when crushed smells like lemon, and with enough of a pine-like appearance to step in as a Christmas tree when needed. On top of that it has award-winning status (RHS), so it’s a good investment in a tree. Outdoors, ‘Goldcrest’ can grow over 5m tall, but there are also dwarf varieties that are perfect for indoor containers and will grow to around a metre in height. Some cypress conifers can grow up to 40m in height, so these are quite small for conifers. What has to be remembered is that they are trees and require as much light as you can give them indoors – at least 6 – 8 hours a day.…

When it comes to seed, the team at MayFord are the experts. They source the best in seed, so that when you buy a packet you are assured of fresh seed, hermetically sealed, to give you the best opportunity for a good germination rate. These are the things to look out for this summer season: MayFord Helpful Icons At a glance, you can easily pick up on a rack of MayFord seed packets what the variety of seed can offer you. The helpful icons on the packets include ‘Waterwise’ for low maintenance plants; ‘Indigenous’ for our local varieties and also low water usage; ‘Bee Friendly’ for good pollinator plants (a very important one for a balanced garden); ‘Cut flower’ for those wanting to plant for the vase and ‘Throw &…

Colourful annuals Some of the best annuals are found with Scabiosa atropurpurea (sweet scabious) and these can be grown successfully from seed. The colours range from vintage creams to deep red and burgundy and they make a pretty display in a wild garden or in groups towards the back of flower beds. You can buy seed online from www.adeneflowers.co.za and her range of colours are gorgeous. What they need • Full sun.• Well-draining soil that is not too rich – they may flop over in too-rich soil.• Moderate watering, and they are drought-tolerant once established.• Avoid humid and high heat.• Deadhead regularly.• They have long-lasting cut flowers and sculptural seed pods. Local varieties You may have come across some of our local varieties in the indigenous section of your local…

The process of choosing some new bright and shiny living jewels to add to your collection is the highlight for most koi keepers. However, it can lead to stress if you have not added koi to your pond for many years. Your current older koi in your collection will not be used to certain pathogens and parasites and they will be isolated and not exposed to anything new. So, the best way forward is to quarantine the new koi you wish to add because it’s impossible to medicate to eradicate all microbes. I would recommend you buy a portapool to use as a quarantine pond. It is a cost-effective way that is easy to set up and take down. If you have not yet built a koi pond, you can…

While sitting on the stoep moaning about life’s difficulties (after a communal reading of the Sunday newspapers with each other’s reading glasses and acid commentary on its content, and especially the price of food nowadays), our old friend’s eyes closed as if in prayer. We respectfully shut up, thinking that he was in conversation with the Higher Order, but then he opened them up and said with a heavy sigh: “I so long for my mother’s lightly curried tripe!” I replied that I would rather eat freshly mown kikuyu grass than the organs and other odds and sods just before the tail end of any food animal – thereby reserving my favourites, oxtail and fatty sheep tails. We then moved on to ‘smileys’ – whole sheep heads – which he…