Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2024 i The Gardener Magazine

I am feeling the holiday vibes! Long sunlit evenings and bright early mornings are the perfect recipe for me. I enjoy making the most of the summer days, but I have to admit I am still running out of time to get everything I want to done before it’s gone, so I am looking forward to a little office downtime. I have a list – actually a long list I have called: ‘Must Do this Holiday’. I think I may be overextending my ability to get the entire list done, but there is so much I would like to do: repotting, dividing, pruning, more cuttings and hopefully get to finish my pond. The last one currently looks like a meteor crater! Perhaps I have set the taskbar a bit high……

Stand a chance of winning 3 stylish medium Acapulco Pots from by subscribing this month. Features and benefits • Made from eco-friendly upcycled plastic.• Will not crack, chip or fade due to UV protected material.• Acapulco pots available in 3 sizes, and also in white and terracotta colours. ADDIS has been creating innovative, high quality and trusted products right here in South Africa since 1914! They are proud to be a member of ISO Environmental and are increasing their range of products made from recycled material. Forty percent of the products are made from locally sourced recycled materials including these beautiful Acapulco Pots. ADDIS products are available at leading nurseries and garden centres and stores including Builders Warehouse, Makro, Pick ‘n Pay and Mr Price. Subscribe or renew your annual…

Plants are our passion, and when it comes to a quick fix before guests arrive through the garden gate, we scour the nurseries and home shops for noteworthy plants that create a fast impression (not that all of them do not!). If you are now wondering how to green up fast and get noted, we can advise you of the following: • If you love bright anthuriums (the best value for money in the indoor and outdoor department because they are always in flower!), get two rather than just one in a festive colour and plant them together in a pretty pot to display.• If you have been pampering your herbs in pots at the back door, carry them to the patio and display them together. Imagine the aahs when…

About Fébé Fébé’s Floral and Fields, a venture born out of passion and a deep connection to nature, has blossomed into a thriving business that celebrates the beauty of local wildflowers and the importance of sustainable living. At the helm of this enterprise in Stanford in the Western Cape is Fébé, a visionary with a heart of gold and a mind brimming with creative ideas. Fébé’s journey began in the midst of the pandemic, when her simple act of crafting wildflower wreaths for her home sparked an unexpected interest from her neighbours. This serendipitous event ignited a flame within her, turning her passion into a fulfilling career. Beyond her floral artistry and bath products, Fébé offers workshops where she shares her knowledge and expertise with others. @febesfloralandfields www.febefloralfields.com MATERIALS ✓…

Pork and Kimchi Burgers PREP COOK TIME 45 MINUTES, SERVES 6 800 g minced pork1½ cups (120g) thinly shredded Chinese cabbage (normal cabbage will do)4 spring onions, chopped finely2 tablespoons miso or substitute soy sauce1½ tablespoons chilli paste2 teaspoons ground white pepper2 teaspoons sesame oil400g kimchi1 small carrot halved, and julienned½ cup (150g) Kewpie mayonnaise (regular mayonnaise is also fine6 brioche burger buns, split1 cup coriander leaves Heat a covered gas braai with all burners set to high and the hood closed. Alternatively, prepare a charcoal braai to medium heat for direct cooking. Place pork, cabbage, spring onion, 1 tablespoon of the miso or soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of the chilli paste, pepper and sesame oil in a large bowl. Mix to combine well. Season with salt. Divide mixture into…

Hostas are surely the most beautiful foliage plants for shady gardens. While they do flower in summer, the main attraction is the varied size, colours, and textures of their leaves. These long-lived perennials grow easily and with minimal care in any shady or partially shady border, under trees, in a courtyard, or in patio pots. Growing tips • Plant in deeply dug, -composted soil and give plants space to grow.• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, or allow it to dry completely.• Mulch under the leaves to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.• Remove dead flower stalks to encourage new leaves and cut down dormant plants in winter. Companion plants for hostas Phygelius capensis (Cape fuchsia) – fast-growing small flowering shrub. Begonia ‘Baby Wing White’ – non-stop…

TIP: Adding the dead leaves to the compost heaps helps to break it down. What’s to like Yarrow is a beautiful garden perennial because of its prolific flowers and clumps of feathery greyish-green foliage. The new hybrids are more compact and don’t fall open, keeping their mounded shape. While the foliage remains low, the flower spikes can reach up to 30 cm, which is good for picking for the home. How to grow Yarrow needs full sun and grows easily in most types of well-draining soil. Mix compost into the soil before planting. Keep the soil moist with regular deep watering. Trim back hard after the first flush of flowers to keep plants neat and compact. Deadheading encourages more flowers. Plants can be cut back at the end of winter…

Place the squares of shade cloth over the drainage holes in the pot and fill with succulent mix. Mound the soil so that the centre is higher than the sides. Working in groups in numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, place the sempervivums in the succulent mix and press in well. Remove some of the soil from around the roots before adding to the container. Place some decorative rocks into the design. Add a layer of gravel to finish it neatly and give it a mulch. What you need • Low terracotta bowl 50-60 cm wide• Squares of shade cloth or crocks to fill the drainage holes• Succulent mix• Plants – a selection of sempervivums• Decorative rocks• Gravel Care tips • Water once a week when the soil is…

There are so many festive ideas this month that we have to share a few. Care is simple • Supply bright, indirect light.• Rotate potted plants indoors to ensure well-rounded specimens.• Water regularly, but only when the top layer of soil feels dry.• Feed monthly from spring to autumn with a water-soluble fertiliser. A feeding tip for you Pilea plants are not fussy growers, so take care not to overfeed them in the growing season and never in winter, as this will cause leggy plants with weak stems. This is also the case for most other houseplants. Petit pilea for special spots Although pilea plants are members of the nettle family (Urticaceae) and include over 600 species, some are well-known and quite dainty indoor plants that can be used in…

Phalaenopsis orchids, also called ‘moth orchids’, are known for their stunning, long-lasting flowers in various colours and patterns. They can add an elegant touch to any space. This Christmas, decorate with orchids to bring a tropical luxury to festive tables and spaces. Here are some ideas to decorate with orchids: • Table centrepiece: Use orchids as the focal point for a table and add moss, driftwood, baubles, beads, pinecones, candles, or fairy lights and greenery to bring it to life.• Decorative balls: Add orchids to clear glass or plastic orbs, decorate the table, hang them on a tree or suspend them from the ceiling or in windows.• Tropical displays: group several potted Phalaenopsis orchids together for tropical opulence.• Orchids and candles: Pair candles with potted orchids for a mantle or…

WHAT YOU NEED PAR Pine cut as follows: ✓ 4 x (22 x 44 mm) @ 1000 mm (legs)✓ 4 x (22 x 44 mm) @ 455 mm (cross braces)✓ 2 x (22 x 44 mm) @ 460 mm (inner top frame)✓ 2 x (22 x 44 mm) @ 500 mm (outer top frame) 12 mm Plywood, cut as follows: ✓ 1 @ 500 x 500 mm✓ 2 @ 455 x 415 mm Tools and hardware JigsawDrill Driver (screwdriver bits, large wood bit and speed pilot)Tape measure, set square and pencil3.5 x 40 mm wood screws3.5 x 30 mm wood screwsWood glueWood clampsPaintbrushOld rags1 litre Woodoc Water-Borne MARINE, Clear Matt20 ml Woodoc Colours (Opal)Fine sandpaper Step by step 1. Place your bucket in the centre of the 500 x 500…

Even in a small town, months can go by without seeing or spending time with friends, neighbours, acquaintances and even the friendly neighbourhood handyman who often bartered a small job around the house in exchange for a cold beer on the stoep. In the back of your mind, you always knew they were around until word is spread along some ‘grapevine’ that you are moving away. I saw some driving more regularly past the house to see if we were still in residence. Others who I met by chance at the local supermarket said, “When are you going? Maybe we should have a good natter before you leave, but it is probably too late now!”. The rest wanted to know when I would throw a good farewell bash on the…

Winning letter Dear Tanya… I have sat for the past hour going through some old copies of The Gardener but did not find any information for my situation. We have moved into a beautiful cottage in the Kloof area, but the garden is VERY ‘tired’ with overgrown trees, shrubs etc. It is quite overwhelming to know where to begin to get it back to its former glory. Is spring a good time to start? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. With thanks, Penelope Rapson Hi Penelope, Now is a great time to clean up the garden. I suggest first identifying the overgrown shrubs. If you are having difficulty, please send us some pictures, and we can assist. To decide what needs pruning, look out for shrubs that have become ‘naked’…

Mangaves for the plant collector Stop doing boring succulents. Do Mangaves instead! Mangave succulents are the cool kids of the plant world. Tough, easy to grow in a combination of colours and patterns that make them totally chic and a must-have for the novice and experienced plant collector. Thriving on a bit of neglect and still looking fabulous is their jam. Mangaves are super versatile succulents and will grow almost anywhere from indoors in very bright light or outdoors in a mostly sunny to light shade spot. Treat yourself or a friend. We’re mad about Mangaves at Eckards and we know it’s only a question of time till you’ll be too. www.eckards.co.za Veld – The Gardens and Landscapes of Patrick Watson A new book by Garreth van Niekerk with photographs…

The main point of fixing up a garden to enjoy leisure time in it is not to graft all day long in it, but to actually sit or lie down in it, to enjoy summer and to relax a bit. Luxurious sun loungers Watch any gathering, and you will see all running for the sun lounger first, giving the old plastic folding chairs a wide berth! Why? It is simply the top-end of lazy relaxation in great comfort. This lovely Adirondack lounging chair with its comfortable footrest is displayed cohesively with potted tropical plants and a lovely cushion with a botanical theme. These classical-style garden chairs are readily available in the patio furniture trade and are a great investment that will give many years of pleasure. Bench for grandpa and…

With the right charcoal as well as an understanding of direct and indirect heat, your cooking will be perfect every time. Buy good-quality charcoal Always try and buy good-quality charcoal. Look at your supermarket or braai stores for charcoal made without accelerants. This charcoal lights easily, burns better and won’t taint the flavour of the food. Use a charcoal chimney or stack A charcoal chimney is a metal cylinder with a grate at the bottom, holes in the side, and a handle on the side which means you can light charcoal easily with a few sheets of newspaper. The coals will catch and start glowing quickly and easily. A chimney also protects the coals (and you) on a windy day. Once the coals are ready, you can safely and easily…

Join Tanya this December with her favourite plants and the must-dos to keep the garden healthy. Note: Yellowing leaves on Gardenia ‘Impulse’ can indicate a lack of trace elements like magnesium. Rectify this with a dose of commercial microelement plant tonic. If the leaves turn yellow and drop off, the plant is probably overwatered or suffering due to bad drainage. December favourite Gardenia ‘Impulse’ The delicate appearance and exceptional fragrance of a gardenia flower have earned a place of honour in the hearts of many gardeners. My favourite is Gardenia augusta ‘Impulse’. This is an evergreen dwarf variety (size 40 x 80 cm) with glossy, dark green foliage and single, waxy flowers with a divine scent. Under ideal conditions, all gardenias bloom prolifically, starting in late spring and continuing throughout…

Greg has a passion for turning green spaces into living canvases, and creating gardens into breathtaking outdoor art whilst working towards a sustainable future. With an artist’s eye and a gardener’s touch, Greg will create a bespoke garden for you, endorsed by an extensive portfolio and award-winning designs. www.gregdowsett.co.za. Festive touches If you have many topiary shrubs, give them a light trim and thread some solar-powered fairy lights through them. At home with the lawn If you are not going on holiday, you will probably spend some time on your lawn. If it is not up to scratch, there might be some reasons for it and some things to do quickly. It is not green enough Using slow-release organic fertilisers is fine and saves water, but it will take time…

Begonias of any description Begonias are by far my favourite summer colour. They’re my go-to plant for morning sun and afternoon shade, and they’re set. They need less water than many people think, but they need water to keep the flowers longer. My secret is giving them a good start. I ensure good soil at planting by adding liberal amounts of compost and a handful of organic fertiliser pellets. Once planted, I always add a layer of mulch around the base, too. My top tip is not to put them in too much shade. They will get spindly or end up with sick leaves, and it’s not worth saving them then. Nandina, the sacred bamboo I have a beautiful, fully established nandina in my garden. One of my mentors told…

This month, I am using whatever I can from the food garden to share with others. It’s the season of giving! Beeswax eco firelighters I like the idea of an eco-firelighter. I made these using beeswax and bits of dried fynbos flowers and eucalyptus leaves. Heat the beeswax slowly until melted. Use bits of string and dip them into the wax – these make excellent wicks for lighting. Pour the wax into small paper cupcake holders, insert the wicks and decorate with dried leaves and flowers. Package as a gift or use them yourself to light your next braai. They do work, I checked! A small gift that someone has taken the time to make is someone I appreciate much more. Here are some of my ideas for giving this…

To coincide with the spring display of the South Africa Flower Exhibit, winner of several awards at the Chelsea Flower Show, being reconstructed in the small town of Stanford on the Western Cape coast, the town got together to celebrate its rich floral heritage. Besides the many events, the highlight for Tanya and Izolda was the Stanford Scarecrow Stalk. The idea of a workshop to build scarecrows was one that the members of the Stanford Garden Club thought of doing for a while. The idea was accelerated when the news of the Chelsea exhibit coming to Stanford was announced, and the enthusiastic team got involved in celebrating the flora of their town. The garden club held two workshops for their members, village residents and children to build over 40 scarecrows…

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Brilliant’ For every summer’s day and beyond, you can expect a new flower which is bold and tomato-red with slightly overlapping ruffled petals and a distinctive floral tube with yellow anthers and red stigmas. This is a vigorous and well-branched evergreen hibiscus for the garden and is great in containers. It prefers a temperate climate and will tolerate coastal conditions. Plant in full sun in compost-enriched, well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially in pots. When established in a garden, they can tolerate dry periods. Feed in spring and mid-summer with a slow-releasing fertiliser suitable for fruit and flowers. Prune in early spring to shape and control its size (2,4 x 2 m). Interesting to know: The edible flowers were used to colour liqueur or to dye hair and eyebrows.…

Botanical background By using DNA markers and a virtual time machine (AKA a phylogenetic tree), scientists have determined that a group of plants called lycophytes (spore-bearing plants) evolved during the Devonian period, between 359 and 420 million years ago. This means that these plants survived the last mass extinction (think the dinosaurs) around 65 million years ago, and are still here and available for your garden. Selaginella is one of these survivors and belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. Despite its common name, spike moss, it’s not a true moss but just has a moss-like appearance. It is often referred to as a fern ally, which means that it is not a true fern but does have spores like ferns, as opposed to seeds. Selaginella specifically carries both male and female…

Health Natural pools are healthier as they avoid toxic chemicals. Chlorine, commonly used in conventional pools, can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and have negative environmental impacts. Natural pools eliminate these risks, providing a safer swimming environment. It feels better Swimming in a natural pool feels better as it doesn’t kill beneficial bacteria on our bodies. It provides an experience of invigoration, leaving swimmers feeling renewed and revitalised. Environmentally friendly Natural pools have a minimal ecological impact compared to chlorinated pools. They foster diverse wildlife habitats, supporting breeding, feeding, and shelter for frogs, toads, insects, birds, and small mammals. They also enhance plant diversity and attract insects, aiding pollination and natural pest control. Beauty Natural pools blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, creating an oasis rather than a…

We have all planted them in borders and pots, and we enjoy their never-ending flower power in sultry conditions like hot weather (even extreme heat) and high humidity. It seems that they were bred for hot local gardens! Angelonia ‘AngelDance’ Excellent for mixed borders with tall flexible stems that ‘dance’ in a breeze and lovely bicolour flowers. Plant ‘Fuchsia Bicolor’ and ‘Violet Bicolor’. Size 45 x 35 cm. Angelonia ‘Archangel’ – size 30 x 30 cm. A range hailed for blooms which are three times larger than other varieties, and available in six colours including pure white. Angelonia ‘Serenita’ – 35 x 35 cm. This range is compact and very free-flowering and recommended as border plants or as fillers in mixed pots. You will find them in 6-pack punnets either…

Join Freddie to find out what’s new and trending in the world of bedding plants. These Flowering Favourites are available this month at garden centres countrywide ready to be planted in your garden or in a pot. Begonia x tuberosa We can’t forget the tuberous begonias at this time of the year for their special double and semi-double blooms, perfect for bringing colour indoors. Look out for varieties like ‘Non-Stop’ in a range of colours to liven up the living room. SEASONAL GARDEN STARS BEGONIAS Known for their low maintenance, compact form and delicate flowers in lots of bright and pastel shades, annual begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are the ideal choice for a position in the garden with partial shade. Some varieties, like ‘Senator’, ‘Dragon Wings’, and ‘Big’, will even tolerate…

Classically old fashioned Some plants instantly transport you back to a place or time when they flower. We grew up with what my mother and grandmother referred to as ‘farm salvia’. On our family farm, there was a large formal garden laid out in the 1950s, where my grandmother grew what she knew and could in the Free State weather extremes: large beds of cannas and, of course, salvias. We used to pick the flowers of the Salvia Leucantha, sip the sweet nectar, and run around freely, as youngsters should. Growing in full sun to very little shade, they will grow as a large clump nearly a meter tall and covered in full flowering tips that sway in the wind, adding texture and movement to any garden. The only maintenance…

What’s to like Salvia ‘Icterina’ has glowing gold and green variegated leaves, Salvia ‘Tricolor’ has white and green flecked leaves with a purplish tint coming through, and Salvia ‘Purpurascens’ has reddish-purple young leaves that mature to grey-green, with lilac-blue flowers in summer. All three are low-growing and evergreen. How to grow: Salvia officinalis and all its variations need full sun and soil that drains well. Sandy or sandy loam is the best. If you have clay soil, grow sage in a pot. Once established, water it infrequently, as sage is sensitive to overwatering and does best with some benign neglect. If you harvest regularly, feed twice a month with a diluted liquid fertiliser. Trim after flowering to keep the plants in shape. Replace after three to four years or when…