Innholdsfortegnelse for Jan/Feb Summer Bumper issue 2024 i The Gardener Magazine

Petunia ‘Amore Queen of Hearts’ Unique heart-shaped flower pattern in creamy yellow and red on a mounding and spreading plant. Size 30 x 45cm. Petunia ‘Night Sky’ The ground-breaking colour pattern of starry white sparkles on dark purple. Size 40 x 90cm. Petunia ‘Baby Doll’ Little sister to ‘Night Sky’ with white sparkles on a bright pink background. A compact and neat size of 30 x 40cm. Petunias have always been grown from seed, a manner of propagation which cannot guarantee that the progeny will look exactly the same as the mother plant as genetics is involved. The hybridisers then started propagating interesting colour combinations vegetatively with cuttings, ensuring that all traits of the parent plant were preserved in the new plant, and polished up their performance. Their characteristics are…

Karin Morse of White River in Mpumalanga dedicated only 320m2 of her private garden to her extensive collection of bromeliads to create a special type of magic which is rich in structure and colour. Maybe a wizardly act, just sexy, or something that says “I do not blend in, I stand out”? My first question to Karin was why she was so enthralled by them. “Most people think of flowers when they think of colourful plants. Unfortunately, most plants only flower seasonally, and that is too short for me. Bromeliads are different, as their colour is their foliage and with more than 3500 species and many hybrids to be found the world over, each one with something beautiful to offer and being different in its own way, what more can…

USE OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS The flower arrangements in this trend are used to make rooms softer and add a more dreamlike feel. There are also bouquets with a voluminous, gentle appearance, or a few flowers that introduce softness thanks to the shapes or colours that run gently into one another. When it comes to plants, the transparent nature and soft leaves – in terms of colour and texture – will also be important. For the garden, soft and fluffy grasses are interchanged with denser plants. When it comes to flowering plants, the colours as well as the flower shapes are soft. PATTERNS The patterns vary greatly. There are romantic flower patterns as well as abstract patterns. The softness of the colours is what this array of patterns has in…

Sagina subulata Irish moss is an evergreen perennial plant that forms a dense carpet, sometimes in little mounds, that is not only beautiful to look at, but is also soft and cushiony to walk on. The rich emerald green foliage only grows a couple of centimetres high, but can spread to around 30cm or more. It looks very similar to a moss (as many of its common names suggest) but is in fact not one, but a member of the carnation family, Carophyllaceae. Tiny little white flowers pop up on straight stems about 3cm high from spring to summer, turning the carpet into a miniature meadow. It may look delicate, but will bounce back well after being walked on. It makes a great edging for a bed, a plant to…

Known as the crown of thorns, Euphorbia milii is a water-storing succulent from tropical Madagascar that needs very little maintenance when planted in full sun or semi-shade, just a bit water, food and very little care. Uses The very spiky stems also mean it’s useful as a substantial security barrier when many are planted together, and planted against an outside wall they make it harder to climb. It’s useful in the garden too, as a scrambling groundcover or even an upright shrub. It is superb planted in pots and can even be used as a houseplant in bright light as long as it is turned once a week to get as much light as possible. And to round things off, it is also salt-tolerant so adds coastal versatility to its…

Yes, you can, with the determining factors as enough light (sunlight or artificial light), space, a nutritious growing mix and your own available time. Getting the light right Vegetables, fruit and herbs need at least six hours of sunlight a day. That may be possible in homes with sunny windowsills, patios or courtyards and east, north or west facing rooms that allow in plenty of bright light. If that is not the case, you can simulate those conditions by using LED Grow Lights, which are stronger (20 to 40 watt) compared to household LED lights (9 watt). When grown under lights, edibles need eight to 12 hours of light a day and seedlings up to 14 hours. The lights must be switched off for at least 12 hours to emulate…

Totally coastal While driving around in a small coastal town in the Western Cape, we noticed a very practical, but elegant solution for a planter box pavement garden constantly buffeted by strong and salty winds. The plant, so artistically used and perfectly groomed, is the immensely popular Chenopodium robertianum (syn. Einadia hastata) – locally called the saltbush. The lovely silvery-grey foliage and white stems immediately attract the eye. This is a hardy and drought-resistant, fast grower which can be pruned into any formal shape.…

There are a few suggestions though to make sure that the plant will grow and flourish in its surroundings. Firstly, choose a plant that is tough and will survive a few days of neglect. Check out our selection of plants just for this purpose. Then send them off with care instructions: • Water every week. • Give it plenty of bright light. • Place one plant food stick into the soil once a month. VARIEGATION ON TREND Peperomia prostrata Also known as string of turtles, this peperomia is a gorgeous little vine with long stems and the cutest variegated leaves – like turtles. Like most peperomias, don’t overwater it, in fact, the once-a-week rule may have to be extended to once every 2 weeks. They love the warmth and bright…

With a passion for food and cooking, Wendy loves finding new ways to use what we grow in the garden. Grill all the colours Make the most of the colourful variety of summer vegetables you can harvest from the garden and place them all in a baking tray to grill. Sprinkle with a good olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill in a hot oven for 20 minutes. Turn halfway through and keep an eye on it to avoid scorching. Sauerkraut and Gammon on Rye It is often difficult to find new ways of using up left-over festive fare. If you have some leftover gammon or ham, try this tasty sandwich for a quick lunch, piled with sauerkraut and dribbled with honey and mustard sauce. Sauerkraut or ‘sour…

This old-worldly urn billowing with a Scaevola aemula hybrid and a pretty verbena was seen at the very elegant wine estate called Vergelegen in Somerset West. It grabbed attention because… • Scaevolas (fan flower) can take the extreme heat of summer with ease and have the panache to fill up and sprawl over container edges. This quick-growing perennial (mostly treated like a long-flowering annual and replaced every year), loves full sun, extremely fast-draining soil, and watering only when the soil feels dry. Available out there: The ‘Bondi’ range in light blue and white, and the ‘Touch’ range in deep pink and indigo. • Verbenas, available in various ranges and colours, have the same characteristics. They flower like crazy and can take the heat, needing little maintenance except water when the…

The business-end meaning of a survey, is a set of questions asked to gather information that is representative of a group of people. If done successfully and responsively, the surveyors can then make informed decisions or draw conclusions from the lot that has been surveyed. Unfortunately, most (or all) run-of-the-mill surveys requesting your attention and your time whether personally, telephonically, electronically or in print, start off on the wrong foot. They are too sensitive… No, my bloody age has nothing to do with it! Eish, what difference would it make whether I am male or female, black or white, rich or poor, or living in the Western Cape or in Limpopo. If you have ‘inside contacts’, go ask the government or the tax man, as they should have this information…

The grass is always greener when you use… …Bio Ganic for Lawns from Atlantic Fertilisers is the ideal organic food for all lawns, both new and established. The slow-release properties help to prevent thatch build-up, and it is an organic and environmentally-friendly product that is pathogen-free, friendly for children and pets, and will never burn your lawn. One or two handfuls per m2 every 10 - 12 weeks is all you need for a lush, healthy lawn. www.atlanticfertilisers.co.za Reach New Heights No more climbing ladders! This useful tool from Good Roots has a 1.8m telescopic handle that allows you to easily pick fruit straight from the tree. The soft cotton bag catches the fruit as it’s gently pulled off with the nylon and fibreglass teeth. A great tool to add…

STYLE TRENDS This theme involves adopting the earth as our connection with history. It gives rise to a slightly rough, coarse environment that is dominated by brown hues. There is a great fascination with everything that is found in the earth, such as the earth’s strata, different colours of sand, minerals and stones, as well as historical objects such as jugs or images that remind us of primitive art or ancient civilisations. This makes us feel as though we are connected with the roots of our culture. Different structures of materials are combined in order to ensure a rich contrast. KEYWORDS Natural, mystique, down-to-earth, authentic, history, archaeology, wild, and environmentally conscious. SHAPES The shapes used are rough, coarse and irregular or handmade, giving them a primeval appearance. They are naturally…

STYLE TREND As existing systems are becoming unstuck, we have to look for reform in every area. This involves experimenting and scrutinising everything from a different perspective. The same also goes for design. This helps to create an indoor space that is brimming with playful solutions and whimsical structural elements. Pipes cheerfully twist around each other before turning out to be a lamp, or giant chain links on the ground that actually form a bench. In short, a surprising and unorthodox take on both consumer goods and decorative products. USE OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS Hanging plants occupy centre stage when it comes to houseplants. They often provide a surprising contrast with the basic structures found in pots or wall decorations. PATTERNS In this case, the patterns are limited to stripes,…

Lotus berthelotii (pelican beak or parrot beak) is endemic to the Canary and Cape Verde islands. It is a highly appealing, evergreen plant trailing long stems hanging down like delicate chains with fine, needle-like, silver-greyish green leaves arranged along them in little whorls. As one of their common names suggests, the flowers resemble parrot beaks. It is believed that their shape was adapted for easy pollination by birds. Depending on different cultivars available in cultivation, they can be crimson red, orange or yellow. They appear in early spring and stay around all summer if the plant is happy and healthy. The survival of this desirable plant relies on: • Full sun (not bakingly hot) or morning sun only; • well-draining soil; • an even watering regime – watering only when…

The name Phalaenopsis is derived from Greek and means‘resembling a moth’ due to their flowers looking like flying moths. You can guess the common name – yes, moth orchids. A single stem or two grows from the base, growing long and straight before producing buds and eventually flowers, which will open and last between 2 and 6 months. They are one of the longest-flowering orchids and a worthwhile investment for floral arrangements. How to care for them Moth orchids are widely available, from nurseries to supermarkets. This is how to care for them: • Light – Make sure they get enough bright light, but not direct sunlight. The more indirect light they get, the better they grow and flower. • Water – As a general rule, these orchids will need…

Harvest excess veggies and herbs Harvest now and preserve them for use during the lean months. • Freeze – one of the quickest and easiest ways of preserving vegetables. Also, chop herbs into ice trays and fill them with water to freeze and use later. • Bottle – cook up batches of things like tomatoes and chillies to make sauces, or pack a selection of vegetables into jars and fill them with boiling water or pickling juice to can. • Dry and dehydrate – use the oven, dehydrator or just plain sunlight to dry veggies and herbs in single layers. Pack and store when completely dry. General tasks • Lemon trees in the garden must receive one of its four annual feeds in January or February. Water well and regularly…

The genus Pentas is found in tropical southern Africa, the Comoros, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. It’s technically not indigenous, although we should claim it for being such a cute plant! The old Pentas lanceolata tended to become leggy and floppy after a while and a new series with a more compact growth habit in a range of colours was introduced called ‘Lucky Star’. Our choice is Pentas ‘Lucky Star Violet’, a compact, upright growing plant with lush and hairy bright green leaves and clusters of violet flowers. It can be treated as an annual or as a perennial depending on the climate – in warm regions, it will stay around and flower all year. Size is about 40 x 35cm. Good to know… Pentas bloom heavily and repeatedly if…

BEST DAYS FOR JANUARY…

Dear Tanya… Winning letter I would like to know the name of this plant. I sent you a picture of the plant with pink flowers, now this one has a red flower. It came from my mother who has passed on and I have treated it the same way as the pink flower one. Thank you, Amy Bain Hi Amy, This beautiful plant is called an Epiphyllum. It is an epiphytic plant in the cactus family which is native to Central America and South America. The common names for these plants include climbing cacti, orchid cacti and leaf cacti. They are gorgeous. All the best, Tanya Please help us understand what should be done step-by-step to get tomato plants to grow very tall, and to be able to pick tomatoes…

STYLE TRENDS The abundance of crises has prompted a sizeable group of consumers to try and celebrate their lives and shut out all the misery and negativity for a while. This is exactly what this trend is about. It involves a cheerful, exuberant feeling that is bursting with passion, expressiveness and colour. These ingredients produce a warm, summery atmosphere that is reminiscent of southern Europe, with a touch of Central America occasionally thrown into the mix. The theme is full of decorative elements like patterns, wrought iron, mosaics, coloured tiles, tassels, frills and ruffles. SHAPES The shapes used are generally understated and have a contemporary appearance. However, it is the striking materials that give the objects an intensely decorative quality. Frills and tassels are also occasionally used. COLOURS A warm,…

Gardening is both a hobby and a skill, and like any skill, it’s learnt through trial and error. Every seasoned gardener has many stories about the mistakes they made when they were just starting out. If you’re new to gardening, understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and set you on a path to a thriving garden. Starting Too Big Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing, and when the gardening bug bites, it’s not uncommon for newcomers to dream big. However, diving in with a large garden can quickly become overwhelming. Managing a vast space requires time, effort, and resources. It can be challenging to keep up with watering, weeding, and general maintenance, especially if you’re still learning the ropes. Starting with a smaller, more manageable plot or even…

The spicy scent of herbs, the delicate fragrance of roses, the exotic aroma of frangipani and the heady perfume of jasmines are just some of the fragrances plants hold in store for us. Ironically, plant scent is not there for the benefit of the gardener (although we are quite emotional about it – we are all aware that a plant’s scent will sometimes trigger a memory of someone or something), but rather a vital form of communication between plants in a chemical language made up of volatiles that evaporate and float through the air to attract pollinators. It is a clever mechanism to ensure survival and the production of fruit or seeds. No species of plant produces the same scent. Those with flowers will have a more pronounced fragrance in…

Houseplants hold a cherished place in our homes, as evidenced by their unwavering popularity in recent years. They are beloved for their ability to infuse interiors with a touch of the outdoors, no matter where they are placed. But what if where you want to place them isn’t quite conducive to optimal plant growth? We all have ‘low light’ areas in our home we want to brighten with greenery. Rooms with small windows, or perhaps a plant placed far from a window all pose a problem for plants that need ‘bright indirect light’. Luckily, there are a few tough and resilient houseplants that don’t mind slightly darker corners. But before we look at the plants, it’s important to answer a vital question… What does ‘low light’ actually mean? The phrase…

The vision Food security — particularly in the context of global climate change — is one of the most important issues of our time. A lack of food security, within any tier of society, leads to instability and impacts everyone. While FTFA collaborates with various projects possessing extensive land resources, we also recognise that ensuring food security at the grassroots household level is a fundamental building block of community well-being and resilience. When families have the means to cultivate their own food, they not only gain access to a stable source of nutrition but also acquire valuable skills and knowledge. In 2018, FTFA conceptualised and implemented its first Garden in a Bucket (GinB) initiative as a way of empowering people to take control of their food sovereignty. The design The…

COLEUS For bright leaf colour in shade, coleus has to be at the top of the list. The bright colours verge on luminous, and some varieties offer a combination of colours that will excite any gardener. Coleus can also be planted in the sun too, so there’s just about nowhere in the garden that they won’t work. The botanists have changed the name from Coleus scutellarioides to Solenostemon scutellarioides, but you can still find them in the nursery as coleus. New varieties Check out the new varieties in the ‘Premium Sun’ range called ‘Crimson Gold’, ‘Pineapple Surprise’ and ‘Watermelon’ – wowzer-colours to brighten up any garden. How to grow Soil: Well-draining with added compost. Light: Full sun or partial shade. Water: Water well, especially in containers. Feed: Organic fertiliser when…

Delosperma scabripes is an indigenous groundcover which is maybe not that well-known yet, but designers of smart, mixed succulent pots and nursery owners planting up display window boxes to inspire their clients, often use it. It is a prostrate grower, vigorous and hardy, with thin stems and purple or deep magenta, glossy young leaves. Older leaves are light green. The succulent foliage alone makes it a winner, but the added beauty is a mass of intense magenta flowers throughout the year. A Cheerful addition to a collection of echeverias. Apart from the Delosperma scabripes, Echeveria ‘Marrom’, ‘Blue Swirl’ and ‘Carlos Blouech’ were used. Pot design: John Sauer from Ngena Succulents. Facebook @Ngena Succulents Email: John@ngena.africa…

BEST DAYS FOR FEBRUARY For more info on gardening by the moon, visit our website at www.moontime.co.za. Moonlight Calendar 2024, is also available online.…