Growing Winter Veggies Successfully

Winter feels like a Cinderella season in the veggie garden, but it really isn’t. Did you know that there are almost as many winter veggies as there are summer ones?

Fern And Bromeliad Fever

Specialising in indigenous and non-indigenous ferns and epiphytic ferns such as staghorns and imported bromeliads.

Indigenous Medicinal Herbs For Winter Ailments

How to use medicinal herbs Most herbalists caution that herbs are not a silver bullet. Herbs help to support and strengthen the body’s own systems and ability to heal itself, restore balance and ultimately health. Using fresh or dried leaves in a tea or tincture is usually the safest way to administer herbs.

3 Superfood Trees

Plant the following fruiting trees in your garden or even in large containers in a sunny courtyard and you will have very healthy and tasty produce at hand.

On Top Of The World In Paradise

This gem of an indigenous garden is worthy of a visit, if you love wildlife or gardens.

Luminous bokbaais

If you are a fan of vygies and similar plants, you can have swathes of these flat-growing succulents in flower every season if you plant different species, both indigenous and exotic, which are available as both annuals and perennials.

Time For Wild Hyacinths!

We told you in January that planting bulbs would be a great trend in 2021, so March is a good time to kick off your annual bulb planting quest with the indigenous wild hyacinths, also called Cape hyacinth, Cape cowslip and, more botanically correct, Lachenalia. Between South Africa and Namibia there are more than 120 natural species (some of which are sold in flower by specialist nurseries), but there are also many desirable hybrids bred by commercial bulb growers that are readily available in bulb form from the end of February.

What To Do Now March

Aeoniums are commonly called tree houseleeks, which is an indication that they form substantial side stems topped with their typical fleshy rosettes. They are also described as subtropical plants, and so require more water and less arid growing conditions than other succulents.

Top 10 Roses

There are over 150 rose species and thousands of hybrids, so compiling a Top Ten is something of a challenge. Here we have chosen some of our favourites, which we feel are essential for any good rose garden.

Veggies Are At The Frontline Of Health

Eating healthily to keep healthy and maintain a good level of immunity is as much of a strategy in this time of Covid-19 as wearing masks, social distancing and sanitising.

The Gentle Giant Among His Roses

A lifetime love affair with roses has shaped this expansive farm garden.

How To Extend The Harvest Of Baby Marrows

By March baby marrows are usually at the end of their productive lives, with most leaves covered in powdery mildew. Pulling them out is almost an act of kindness.

SPECTACULAR GEM

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

Preserving cauliflower

If cauliflower was a stock to trade, some would have made millions in the last few years as the humble cauliflower became one of the most versatile cruciferous vegetables in the kitchen. With an increase in the popularity of flexitarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto and plant-based diets, cauliflower is no longer only baked into a cheesy casserole, but spiced and grilled as ‘steaks’ on a braai, mashed, riced, sauced, powdered, blended and made into pasta or a crispy pizza base. There are not many vegetables that can do all that!

Mushroom plant

Mushroom plant (Rungia klossii) is a bushy perennial with crisp, mushroom-flavoured leaves that are good for adding to salads or for cooking. Steam just before serving so that the leaves don’t lose their fresh green appearance.

A passion for roses

For five generations of gardeners, maybe more, Ludwig Taschner has been the friendly face of rose growing.

Gone And Lost!

I knew we were heading for a rough ride on the day that it was announced that the ordinary Sweetie Pie chocolate was going to be discontinued, and later when I heard about a proposed sugar tax!

The Gardens Of Stone Cottage

“We knew Bedford and its special magic, so it was our first port of call when we were looking for our new home. Stone Cottage sat on the edge of the village, overlooking the mountains, and with the best sunsets in Bedford.”

Offbeat Outdoor Spaces

Create an outdoor space that fits your garden and you.

The Sweet Taste Of Spring Herbs

The arrival of spring is always a cause for celebration. Goodbye brown, frosty gardens, cold mornings, and nippy evenings. Hullo, sunshine, long days, and the fragrance of herbs as gardens burst into life.

Bringing Back The HOYA

For many of us, hoyas are those plants our grandmothers had growing on the 'stoep; or in a pot that hung from the dining room celling in a macrame pot hanger

Under The Grape Vine

Many of us fondly remember the grape-vine-covered pergolas and arbours in the backyards of our youth. In high summer, fat bunches of sweet grapes ready to be harvested lurked in the dappled shade of lush vine leaves, which later turned rusty brown and fell off to lay bare the rough old twisted stems of winter.

What Is A Calibrachoa?

Although the tiny flowers of calibrachoas resemble those of petunias, the plants are classified into two separate genera in the Solanaceae family.

Creative Air Plant Displays

Popular air plants are easy to look after, come in a variety of shapes and textures, and make for creative art displays. Try some of these quick and easy ideas:

Make Your Own: Aloe Vera Skin Cream

For gardeners the problem of dry skin is made worse by working in the garden, coupled in 2020 with the constant use of hand sanitiser. Fear winter no longer, for your plants are once again here to save you! The soothing, moisturising and cooling properties of aloe vera make it a prime candidate for a healing skin cream, and you can make your own by following these simple steps:

Water Features To Freshen Up Your Garden Design

Close your eyes. Imagine a relaxing spot in your garden, the one place you go when you need a break from the world. A space to wind down and be at peace. Imagine the fresh air, the sounds of birds and leaves rustling around you as you sigh and sink into nature and all its glory. Regardless of what you imagined, I guarantee it could be made considerably better with the addition of a water feature (unless you already imagined one, in which case props to you).

Design Your Own Herb Garden

If you’ve decided to grow your own food, think further than just vegetables.

Passionate about Pelargoniums

A garden filled with blooming pelargoniums is a positive symbol of life in technicolour…

Lockdown Guilt!

Ask yourself what you did wrong, and then tell yourself not to do it again…

Mirtehof PRINCELY PLENITUDE

A garden of Eden layered with colour, texture and scent in abundance.