Innholdsfortegnelse for July / August 2025 Bumper TG DT i The Gardener Magazine

Good day, Tanya, I live in Gillits, KZN, and have been in our home for two years. In that time, our heliconia bloomed twice. In October this year, we noticed that the heliconia bush was slowly dying. I believe that the previous owners had this for a number of years. I’m not sure if there is a lifespan for these beautiful plants and flowers. I even put some good compost in last month but see a very little difference. It would be sad to lose it all. How can I save it? Kind Regards, Brian Pillay Good day, Brian, Heliconias are usually hardy but can suffer if conditions aren’t ideal. Here are some tips to help revive your plant: Ensure the plant gets enough water, especially during dry spells. Heliconias…

The garden’s ambitious transformation began in May 2022, coinciding with renovations to the house. For John, the garden’s owner, it was a long-held dream that was finally taking shape. He had been thinking about his dream garden for years, and with the house being renovated, it was the perfect moment to take everything he had learned and loved from gardens visited and those he helped create around the world and distil that into something new. Before its re-imagining, the garden was already rich in character. Thanks to decades of planting, it had a strong structure. Trees and shrubs were added over time, creating a mature backbone from which to build. Despite its innate beauty, the garden called for a more cohesive and immersive design. That’s where landscaper Alan Dawson came…

The distinctive rings in the trunk of a mature tree record the thriving or struggling years of growth. If we could understand more ‘tree speak’, imagine what stories the ancient boababs, windblown white milkwoods, stately yellowwoods in the Knysna forests, large oaks in the Boland, fragrant camphor trees at Vergelegen, and the heritage old olive trees on a Greek island could tell us! I have had the privilege of planting many trees over the years as part of my job – some with a mere spade and others with the help of a digger loader and a crane. My reward now is gazing at their aged goodness and benevolence when driving past them or standing in their shade. They are growing into legacy trees that will last beyond my lifetime.…

For a stunning spring garden, these annuals need to be in the ground and growing this season. There is a lot of work that goes into a flowering spring garden, and one of the easiest ways to achieve success is to get seedlings in early so that when spring arrives, all that’s needed is the pollinators. This list of bedding plants will bring colour and interest to a garden bed or planted in a container, and are guaranteed to bring the bees and the butterflies. Things to know about planting poppies They thrive in well-drained soil in full sun and tolerate most soils, but always set them up for success when planting by adding extra compost. Water once a week, but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. They can…

Steps 1. Rinse your akadama to remove dust and take up water. Leave to soak for 30 minutes. 2. Add a piece of shade cloth or weed guard at the bottom of your pot and fill halfway with akadama. 3. Take your cutting, make the cut just below a node, and include a leaf in the cutting. 4. Place your cutting in the pot and fill with akadama to just below the brim. 5. Label and place in the clear tub and seal with the lid. Store in a bright-light area, avoiding direct sunlight. 6. Mist plants weekly. Roots will start developing after 2-3 weeks. Handy TIP Plants that enjoy high humidity conditions will do well with this type of propagation, like Epipremnum, Philodendron, and Hoya species. Smooth-leaved begonias can…

Sowing Guide July Highveld and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Cabbage (sow indoors), garden peas Middleveld (Tshwane and other less frosty areas) Lettuce, parsnips, radishes, Swiss chard, tomatoes (indoors), turnips Eastern Cape and Little Karoo Beetroot, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, peas, turnips Western Cape (and Southern coast) Beetroot, celery, garden peas, radishes, tomatoes, turnips Northern Cape and Great Karoo Onions, peas, Swiss chard Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal Coast Beetroot, beans, brinjals, carrots, chillies, cucumber, mealies, melons, pumpkins, radishes, squashes, Swiss chard, tomatoes Growing kale from seed Most of our local seed companies will have the variety ‘Chou Moellier’ for sowing in the garden. They have flat leaves with little curly bits on the ends and are known for being hardy for our environment, including frost-hardy. The leaves can be picked in as little as three…

How to make a fat ball Some birds love a fat ball in winter to boost their energy levels. These are easy to make and a fun project to do with the kids. Steps 1. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Use 2 parts dry ingredients to 1 part fat. A general equal amount of each dry ingredient is perfect, but it’s not essential. 2. Melt the lard or suet in a saucepan and add to the mix. Stir until well combined and sticky. 3. Make a hole in the bottom of the yoghurt pot with a big knot to hold it in place and then pack in the warm mixture so that the string sits in the middle. Make it long enough to hang outside on a…

1. Dig a square hole twice as deep and wide as the size of the tree’s root ball in its nursery container. Mix the excavated soil with compost and bonemeal or Atlantic Fertiliser Bio Root Builder. 2. Plant the tree at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery container, taking care that the flare of the main trunk is visible above ground. 3. Hammer in one or two opposing stakes away from the main trunk and check that the tree is straight and gently tied to its stake(s) before back-filling the hole. 4. Make a wide soil basin after planting around the tree and water deeply into the basin. 5. Supply a layer of wood chip mulch about 5 cm thick over the root area after watering.…

Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Gold Crest’ is really what we can call an ‘all-season’ conifer. The dense, scaly foliage with its fresh lemony scent when stroked or crushed, is a striking lime-green shade in summer, intensifying into a rich golden-yellow (with a sometimes coppery hue) in winter. Although able to reach a mature height of 10 m and more after many years of growth in the landscape, a fairly large pot will inhibit its size, leaving you with a lovely pyramidal specimen of only a metre or two. ‘Gold Crest’ is also a popular conifer to use as a Christmas tree and looks quite festive when adorned with fairy lights and bright baubles during the holiday season. In a nutshell ✔ Cold-hardy, evergreen tree or shrub. ✔ Needs a quality, well-draining potting…

Sowing time for… There are seeds that can be sown in trays and kept cosy through the winter, ready for spring, but there are also those that do better sown straight into the flower beds, and these are the ones we are talking about for this time of the year. They are the coldtolerant annuals that produce abundant pretty flowers in many different colours. Here are some to choose from: Bokbaaivygies – for low frost areas, these pretty succulent groundcovers are covered in brightly coloured flowers in early spring. Sow them in the garden in a sunny spot in sandy soil with good drainage. Poppies – Shirley poppies and California poppies are great additions for flowering in early spring. They are great to invite bees and butterflies into the garden.…

One of the most unnatural practises in gardening is planting a crop and then digging it up. If a field is left bare in nature, pioneer plants will soon fill it up. Plant a cover crop in your veggie garden to replicate this natural process. Cover crops are often used to slow soil erosion, smother weeds, increase pollinators, and improve soil health. They also bring more diversity into the garden and improve soil structure. Some cover crops can return nutrients to the soil to increase fertility, and these are the most useful. Legume cover crops These are beneficial for adding nitrogen into the soil. Crops like red clover, crimson clover, vetch, peas and beans release nitrogen into the soil to benefit new plants. They also release certain organic acids that…

Plant for pollinators As spring lifts our spirits and temperatures start to climb, the garden gets very busy, especially for the pollinators who struggle to find food in the sparse veld. Change up the look this year and grow something different. With the current nostalgic and romantic flower movement, we are seeing a trend with the Scabiosa, with its pinwheel-like flowers that are well worth planting in a mostly sunny spot. Available in white, blue and pink, this unassuming perennial is all the rage. Use them to attract pollinators all year. Bees in spring and butterflies in summer are the perfect addition to homepicked country-style bouquets. Wayne’s Favourites Collection 101 Boeing Road East, Bedfordview, Gauteng 011 453 8573 www.eckards.co.za https://eckards.co.za/…

It was more than twenty years ago when my elderly grandparents and other family members pitched up on my stoep for the usual Sunday lunch. In Ouma’s age-spotted hands, she held out a black plastic refuse bag, which she offered to me with a wink of the eye. These hands could create delicately beaded wedding dresses and design and line formal ladies’ suits, which she fashioned on her (to me extremely scary!) headless mannequin in her sewing room. The mannequin (expertly assembled by my grandfather) was adjustable to the bust and hip sizes of those needing a new outfit for a special occasion. Her hands could also bake the most intricate tiered wedding cakes with delicate iced wings, could peel a yellow peach with a sharp penknife in seconds without…

There is an easy answer for any gardening issue, and the human factor (our team at The Gardener) can solve it better than the unemotional ‘co-pilot’ on your screen. We are always out there in the garden! QUESTION My granadilla creeper has given me a huge glut of fruit. Do you have any ideas on how I can use all the fruit to enjoy the pleasure of the passion flower’s gifts for longer than just a short while? ANSWER Passion fruit, or granadilla in our country, is such an iconic tropical fruit with a flavour that goes so well with cakes and creamy desserts like cheesecake or even yoghurt. But my favourite way to eat them (before the birds, and in some cases, the monkeys get them) is to make…

Gardening on retaining and terrace walls is a fact of life in small gardens on suburban slopes. I do not see it as a burden but rather as just another form of ‘vertical gardening’ that has become so trendy lately. The only difference is that the scope is a bit bigger, and more planning and preparation is needed. What are your conditions like? When deciding on the plants to use, you will have to ascertain your retaining wall’s aspect to the sun for the most part of the day, as this will affect the type of plants you can choose. FULL SUN One must remember that a retaining wall, especially one built with concrete blocks, will become very hot and dry out fast. Plants to choose from should be tough…

In our pink pot Argyranthemum Madeira ‘Pink’ Daisy bushes are early to flower as they love cool weather, and the ‘Madeira’ series is a superior range to plant. No day passes without another feisty little daisy opening up. Argyranthemums flower repeatedly in spring and again in autumn. Dianthus ‘Jolt Pink Magic’ This is an interspecific hybrid with fringed flowers opening up from white to light pink and maturing into dark pink. It is an annual with an extremely long flowering period without any hassle, and you will never know what you are going to see every day. Petunia ‘Beautical Sunray Pink’ A new generation petunia (also called ‘Petchoa’, which features the best of petunia and calibrachoa). Specially bred to set a new beauty standard for pots and patios with a…

1 Camellia japonica Camellias love cold weather (though not heavy frost) and show their appreciation by producing the most magnificent blooms while you are shivering in your garden boots. They provide a strong framework in any garden and can even outlive a gardener, so planting one or more is a good investment. In summer, their dark green, luscious foliage has a strong and reassuring presence. Many hybrids of this trusty old favourite are available to plant, and flower colours range from pure white to different pinks and even reds. Visit your nearest garden centre now to see them in flower! Basic needs ✔ Morning sun and afternoon shade. ✔ Cool, moist, acidic soil. ✔ with rotted pine needles or milled pine bark. ✔ Water regularly. ✔ Feed in spring and…

Nandina domestica ‘Obsession’ There is an old legend that says planting a Nandina domestica in a pot close to your front door will bring you happiness and prosperity. We cannot vouch for this, but planting the dwarf and very colourful Nandina ‘Obsession’ will surely bring you years of joy! This is a feisty little evergreen dwarf reaching a height of about 60 - 70 cm. The lacy foliage changes colour from gold to deep red in winter, and new growth sprouting in early spring is bright red, changing to a fresh mint green in summer – one is, in fact, never sure which colour is predominant on this lovely little foliage plant! Plant a row of them as an informal low hedge, dot them around in gravel gardens, and fill…

The best time for fynbos Our more than 7000 species of fynbos are totally unique, making them a special group in South Africa. Since they are readily available in local nurseries and make very pretty blooming specimens for the garden or in pots, we can grow them in our gardens and help protect the species from becoming extinct. This very special Erica nana x patersonii ‘Glengold’ is a fine example of fynbos, characterised by its bright yellow, tubular clusters of flowers that attract birds and feed honeybees. For a low-maintenance, low-water-use shrub, ericas and other fynbos species are the way to go.…

Annuals: Feed your pansies, violas, primulas, sweet peas, and other winter colour like poppies, foxgloves, and snapdragons with a fertiliser high in potassium every 2-4 weeks to encourage flowering. Tall flowering annuals can be picked regularly for the vase, while short annuals should be deadheaded to encourage more blooms. Shrubs: Feed azaleas, camellias, and gardenias with acid-loving plant food to prevent bud drop and water consistently in the dry summer rainfall areas. Start to feed your roses with a balanced slow-release fertiliser after pruning and mulch around the base of the shrubs. Fruit trees: Feed citrus with a balanced fertiliser in early August to replace nutrients lost through fruit production. Feed to the drip zone of the leaves. Bulbs: Your spring flowering bulbs, like freesia, ranunculus, anemone, and daffodils, should be well…

The flowering laurel Evergreen shrubs are a great way to add serenity, permanence and structure to the garden. Known as the flowering laurel, the spring flowers on the Viburnum ‘Lisa Rose’ are oh so rewarding. The shrub is almost covered in pink-tinged buds which open to white petals, giving an overall pink and white display. Compact growing, they are well suited to a large container or as an anchor to the middle of a garden bed. A little slower growing also gives a more compact shrub with its dark green foliage a perfect foil to the flowers. If planted as a hedge, cut back after flowering to shape. Wayne’s Favourites Collection 101 Boeing Road East, Bedfordview, Gauteng 011 453 8573 www.eckards.co.za https://eckards.co.za/…

“Falling in love three or more times a day (and not getting into any trouble) is a distinct possibility when you have hellebores in your garden.”- Thelma Carson, erstwhile local grower of Helleborus. There is nothing brash about delicate-looking hellebores. These robust and extremely long-living perennials, which are also known as lenten roses, deserve a spot in all cold winter gardens. Being native to the deciduous forests of Europe, plant them in a semi-shaded spot, or an area that gets morning sun or even part afternoon weak winter sun. You can also plant them in pots on a shady, but airy patio. Hybrids range from moody colours such as deep maroons, plums, apple green, and dusky pink, as well as some sporting endearing speckles and stripes on single or double…

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For the birds Feeding birds in winter is essential to help them survive the cold months when natural food sources become scarce. If possible, leave perennial and grass seed pods on the plants for the birds to feed on or bring in extra food. Providing high-energy foods such as seeds, nuts, suet, and mealworms can give them the nutrients they need to stay warm and active. A variety of feeders, including hanging seed feeders, suet cages, and ground trays, can attract different bird species to your garden. Fresh water is also crucial, as natural sources may freeze; therefore, it is essential to break the ice regularly. To create a safe and welcoming environment, place feeders in sheltered spots away from predators and refill them consistently to ensure birds know they…

Winter blooms Growing cyclamens can bring vibrant colour to your garden or home, especially during the cooler months. These hardy, tuberous plants thrive in well-draining soil and partial shade, making them ideal for a woodland-style garden, rockeries, or indoor pots. Cyclamens prefer cool temperatures and require moderate watering, keeping the soil moist but never soggy to prevent tuber rot. When planting, ensure the tuber is slightly above the soil surface to promote healthy growth. Deadheading spent flowers and yellowing leaves encourages continuous blooming. Read on for many more plants to grow this season.…

Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’ The chocolate brown cross pattern on rough green leaves makes this begonia remarkable. As an evergreen perennial, you can enjoy this begonia all year round in the shade in the garden or as a unique houseplant. It will grow to around 45 - 60 cm tall and produce green-white flowers in the summer. The iron cross begonia has won the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Give it plenty of rich, well-draining soil and water only when the top layer is dry. Extra humidity will be appreciated, but be careful not to overwater as this could cause root rot. Lucky bamboo If you have trouble remembering to water your houseplants, then why not grow a plant in water? A lucky bamboo with a corkscrew shape on the…

Growing nutrition Kale is classified as a superfood due to its many health benefits. One cup of kale contains more than a day’s worth of vitamin A, which contributes to good eyesight and a strong immune system. Additionally, it’s rich in vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as manganese, copper, calcium, and magnesium. Even if it doesn’t taste that great, it’s still worth growing for winter nutrition, and you can easily hide it in a hearty soup or fry it until crisp. There are more than 150 known kale varieties, each with a different leaf pattern – mostly crinkled or flat. Learn more about growing kale from seed on page 62.…

The end of the apple season means that apples need to be preserved for the next six months until the next harvest is ready. This is a great opportunity to dive into some homesteading and can apple sauce and apple pie filling for wonderful winter warm apple pies. There are, however, many other reasons why apples are so popular for baking – they can replace eggs, butter, oil and sugar in baking, making them vegan-friendly. Not being a vegan in any way, I have to admit to not following the vegan, or even vegetarian way of cooking, but I did try a few recipes and have found that apple sauce is an excellent ingredient in a cake, any cake! If you like a moist cake, then apple sauce is the…

What to feed birds in winter Winter bird food needs to be fatty and high in calories (unlike our diets). Fats, nuts and seeds are all part of the ideal diet for birds. These are some of the best: • Peanuts: Rich in protein and fat, peanuts are a good source of food, but make sure they are not the salted varieties that humans love. • Sunflower seeds: One of the healthiest for birds and are often found in wild bird seed mixes. These are loaded with fats and protein. The black seeds are richer in oils, but the kernels of the sunflower seeds are also beneficial because birds don’t need to expend energy getting through the shells. • Fruits: Juicy apples, grapes, pears, etc, all provide energy for birds.…

Conifer aphids and sooty mould Some conifers are periodically affected by several species of aphids, collectively known as conifer aphids. These are sucking insects that destroy the plant’s ability to move nutrients and water through stems causing dieback. The aphids leave a residue when eating called honeydew, which is loved by ants and can increase the likelihood of attracting a variety of fungi we call sooty mould. This fungal infection produces a sooty substance on the surface of leaves and stem joints, and it is sometimes the first sign that there may be an issue with your conifers. What to do Controlling the populations of aphids will help reduce sooty mould. Aphids have some natural enemies that you will want to encourage, such as ladybirds and lacewings. You can also…

Get the flexibility of lilium bulbs Beautiful, big flowers are just the first reason we love liliums. They can be planted in flower beds to add height, in containers for patios and houseplants, and make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers. Plus, they are easy to grow. The trick to get liliums to perform well is to keep their roots in the shade and the flowers in the sun. Easy enough if planted in a busy flower bed. Also, take note of the following: ● Plant in full sun or semi-shade. ● Plant from May to August to flower from September to January. ● Water every three to four days for ten minutes. ● Space 20 cm apart at a depth of 8 cm. ● Enrich the soil with compost and make…

WHAT YOU NEED • Water-propagated trailing plant, I used Monstera adansonii • Bamboo ring • Rope Make a living wreath…

WHAT YOU NEED ✓ 36 CCA-treated poles (50 mm), cut to 500 mm each✓ 2 wooden posts (100 mm x 1850 mm)✓ 1 L Woodoc Water-Borne Plus-Life PRIMER✓ 1 L Woodoc Water-Borne MARINE Matt, Clear✓ 20 m nylon rope (10 mm)✓ Cement✓ Sand✓ Stone Tools Tape measure, saw, insulation tape, drill driver with 10 mm wood bit and 25 mm spade bit, sander, 120- and 180-grit sandpaper, paint brushes, paint tray, spade Steps 1. Measure 35 mm from each end of the 500 mm poles, mark and drill a 10 mm hole. 2. Sand all the timbers with a 120-grit sandpaper, followed by a 180-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. 3. Stir the Woodoc Water-Borne Plus-Life PRIMER thoroughly and apply a generous coat to each pole. 4. Once dry, apply…