The South African 21 May 2013 With a 33rd Gold medal awarded to the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) Kirstenbosch – South Africa exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London, the hardworking team were overjoyed that in this Centenary year Kirstenbosch had come out tops – yet again. Now “100 blooming years” since Kirstenbosch was declared, the Garden is now a destination high on any tourist’s list. Acknowledged and … [Read more...]

It was in the early 1700’s in the Western Cape Mountains of Southern Africa that the Khoi San introduced Buchu to the European settlers. What may have looked like an ordinary shrub is in fact the world’s first natural anti-inflammatory - the leaves of this humble herb have been offering man instant natural pain relief for over three hundred years. Buchu was highly prized and a scarce commodity, and the Khoi San considered the herb to be a cure for all ills as well as an aid to longevity … [Read more...]

When you see insects in your garden, take the time to really watch what they're doing. Are they actually destroying the plant or just nibbling at it a bit? Many plants can outgrow minor damage. Also, in many cases, insects attack stressed out plants. Encourage the natural predators (beneficial insects/creatures such as the common ladybug, frogs, birds and lizards). Horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and garlic and/or hot pepper sprays also work well against many pests. Soft-bodied … [Read more...]

How to Plant a Tree  Steps for successful tree planting: Choose your spot carefully taking into account the eventual mature size of the tree. Get advice on what type of tree you require and consider the following: Wind Evergreen/Deciduous Shape i.e. Canopy Screening/Windbreak Choose a healthy specimen that is free of disease and free of pests. Dig a square hole 1m x 1m and 1m deep. Prepare a mixture of the excavated soil and well-rotted compost and backfill the mixture into … [Read more...]

Stodels, Cape Town Herb of the Month - Rocket Rocket originated in southern and central Europe (where it is known as arugula or rucola). It is a hardy annual herb, but it self-sows and is likely to come up every year in your garden once you have planted it. Rocket adds an immediate tang when added to other salad leaves. Its flavour is described as peppery, nutty and spicy. Grow your own Broccoli  Broccoli is packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and it’s delicious eaten raw in … [Read more...]

Hadeco In a country blessed with many horticultural treasures, Lachenalias or Cape Hyacinth hold a place of their own. Because of their excellent garden potential, breeders have been hard at work and have produced some stunning hybrids. They may be short in stature, their flowers grows on spikes about 25cm high, but they more than make up for this with their vividly coloured blooms, making them ideal subjects for pots, borders or pathways. An added bonus is that the blooms are long lasting … [Read more...]

Bouquet Garni The rewards of growing herbs are far greater than with other plants. Other plants in the garden are mostly planted for their decorative value. Herbs, on the other hand, can also be used for a myriad of other purposes that stretch from flavouring your food to curing your flu to ridding your home of insects.  Herbs are some of the easiest, most grateful plants to grow. If you follow the following basic guidelines for starting your own herb garden, they will richly reward you … [Read more...]

Hedging plants with edible foliage or fruit Portulacaria afra known as Spekboom or Elephant’s food is a wonderful, tough, drought-resistant hedging plant. It can be planted in sun or semi-shade. The leaves of Portulacaria can be eaten and have a sour or tart flavour. It is heavily browsed by game and domestic stock and highly favoured by tortoises. The leaves are used to quench thirst, sucking a leaf is used to treat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke. Crushed leaves can be rubbed on … [Read more...]

Children’s Garden for the Senses Plants for TOUCH Pelargonium tomentosum is an aromatic, low-growing, sprawling subshrub with branches spreading in all directions. The presence of soft hairs on the leaves mean they feel like velvet. Rub the leaves for a strong peppermint scent. The Pennyroyal Pelargonium will grow best in semi- or dappled- shade. Barbara Hey in A South African Guide to Herbs suggests lining the tin with the leaves before baking a chocolate cake. Festuca glauca Blue … [Read more...]

Create a sensory garden in your outdoor area using a combination of plants that will be a delight to your children’s senses. Plan your garden with walkways to explore the area, perhaps an open area for a bench or a pond to attract wildlife and birds (a safety net or adult supervision will be required with small children). In areas where you want to encourage touch, make your beds narrow so small arms can reach the plants or have stepping stones in the beds – pine ring steppers are a lovely … [Read more...]