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Water is one of our
most precious resources. As the population
increases, the need for water increases too, for
domestic use as well as for industry. Our water
supplies are being pushed to the limit, even in the
years when rainfall is good. Naturally gardeners are
coming under pressure to use water carefully, to put
every drop to good use by effectively using the
resources that nature provides.
In the USA, the term given to this approach to
gardening is "Xeriscape gardening". It
means "water conservation through creative
landscaping."
In making use of xeriscape gardening, we benefit by
reducing water consumption, landscape maintenance,
use of fertilizers and pesticides. The principles
associated with the concept include appropriate
planning and design, soil improvement, more
efficient irrigation, practical turf areas,
appropriate plant selection, use of mulches, and
maintenance.
Group plants
An important part of using this concept is to
group plants with similar water needs together in
beds. This allows them to be watered as needed with
little waste of water. The use of beds also enables
the easy installation of a drip irrigation system.
This kind of watering system permits application of
water directly to the plants, thus reducing water
consumption as much as 60 percent over sprinkler
irrigation. Kits for installing drip systems are
available from some nurseries and garden centres.
Choose plants carefully
Plants that either avoid or tolerate dry
conditions should be chosen. Such plants are drought
tolerant only once they have become established and
watering is needed the first year or two after
planting. Plant annuals at least 30cm apart and
perennials 45cm to 60cm apart. Crowding plants too
close together results in competition for water.
Improve your soil
Soil, whether it is clay or sandy, should be
improved with organic material (compost, well-rotted
manure, or peatmoss). If you are unsure as to the
quality of your soil, ask your nurseryman where you
can have it tested. Beds should be graded to allow
water to soak into the soil and be used by plants
rather than being allowed to run off. Raised beds
tend to dry out more quickly and are discouraged.
Mulch
Mulch plays an important part in conserving
moisture. Mulching can reduce water demand by as
much as 40 percent, keeps the soil cooler,
eliminates weed competition, and reduces evaporation
from the soil surface.
Reduce lawn size
From the standpoint of water use, the lawn is
the largest and most demanding part of the
landscape. Lawn size should be limited as much as
possible. Remember, beauty does not have to be
sacrificed when establishing a water-wise landscape.
When done correctly, they don't look any different
from the traditional landscape.
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Choosing plants for a new garden
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When choosing plants for a
new garden, think ahead and not only of the immediate
appearance. Shrubs with flowers like Magnolias or trees
with beautiful autumn tints should not be avoided
because they are slow-growing. Avoid disappointments by choosing
plants which suit one's climate and don't insist
on growing tender things where winters are cold or by
planting spring-flowering deciduous shrubs in
subtropical areas.
When the trees have grown
to create shelter from the wind, you will be able to
grow sensitive or tender plants which wouldn't succeed
so well in a new garden.
Resist the
temptation to grow annuals in the first season,
except for a few which can be raised by
"throwing in" seeds.
Buy as many shrubs
as possible so that you can start off by achieving
"a permanent garden" from the beginning.
Trees and shrubs form the skeleton of the
garden.
Start collecting
perennials and bulbs of a permanent nature so as to
reduce future labour.
Lastly, plan to grow
annuals and vegetables.
Keep
it simple
Consider how much care you are prepared to
give your plants before choosing them. If one has dry or
rocky soil, make a feature of easily grown succulents or
plants which grow and spread easily. Plant moisture
loving plants in rich soil in shady places. One can
change the soil and alter conditions if one is prepared
to give one's plants extra care. Always prepare the
soil properly before planting anything as it will then
grow more quickly.
Variety
Avoid a repetition of the same plants all
over the garden. It becomes quite boring to find the
same mixture of annuals and perennials edging all the
beds in a garden from the front gate to the far corners,
even though they are well-grown and charmingly arranged.
When choosing plants try to obtain a large variety.
Acquire different plants so that there will always be
something in bloom all through the year. Shrubs and
perennials which flower during transition periods when
the normal display of annuals is over are especially
valuable. Although it is a good principle of garden
design to plant shrubs in groups of one kind for effect,
this can only be done in a very large garden. One can
plant groups of small shrubs instead, but should plant
as many differeng large shrubs and trees as possible.
Aim to collect leafy plants that may not be spectacular
in themselves, but help to make a garden mellow with
their creeping or luxuriant foliage
Colour Schemes
It is pleasant to plan colour schemes which
can be varied from year to year. Try a bed of blue and
white flowers or a yellow and white border, but don't
develop a fad about having only one or two colours in
the entire garden or it will become boring. If one is
fond of white flowers, for example, set aside a special
area devoted to a white garden and make it a feature.
Place a bench in it, surround it with white flowering
shrubs and roses and place it where it can be seen in
the evening when the light flowers show up well. If one
collects plants with grey leaves, plant a walk with
them, but try to place contrasting foliage beside them,
such as bronze-leaved plums, Ajuga or Lobelia
cardinalis, or they may look insipid on their own.
It is a thrill to see a planned colour scheme come to
life. Look upon common flowers as colour notes and do
not be a snob about planting easily grown, ordinary
plants like Ageratum, Cannas or Pelargoniums in order to
obtain a showy effect.
Fashions
Half the fun of growing plants is to find
something that is different. That is why hybridisers are
continuously bringing out plants in new colours and
forms. One is often tempted to plant something only
because it is different and not because it is any
better. Blue roses and black tulips may be desired
because they are novel, but may not be as beautiful as
the colours which are obtainable.
A beautiful plant is often overlooked because it is
common. Many plants that grow too easily in some
climates are rejected, although they are highly prized
elsewhere. One must, therefore, keep an open mind about
plant materials and try to use them in suitable places
without developing any prejudices against them.
Collecting Plants
Once the initial stages of laying out the
garden have passed, it is almost inevitable that the
enthusiast becomes a plant collector. This interest,
however, should not be allowed to spoil the general
appearance of the garden. Don't overcrowd the garden
at the expense of good design. If one specialises in
growing one type of plant like Aloes, Daylilies, Proteas
or Roses, try to group them into a pleasing arrangement
instead of merely growing them for their own sake and
dotting them about thoughtlessly or regimenting them
into straight beds.
The collector of precious bulbs that need to be raised
or kept in pots should group the pots on a paved area
under a tree near a tap, so that they can be cared for
properly and visited by people who like to see plants of
special interest. Such a spot can be used for keeping
shrubs and cuttings that are waiting their turn to be
transplanted into the garden.
Change your collections every few seasons rather than
try to grow a little bit of everything all over the
garden at the same time. This will widen your gardening
interests even if you are compelled to leave out some
things to try in another season.
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The Show is the first and most
important of 20 shows organised by the Royal Horticultural Society
each year. Participation is by invitation only. Since 1988, visitor
numbers have been strictly limited to 180 000, including 10 000
overseas visitors. Exhibitors, officials and contractors bring the
actual numbers to over 200 000. All tickets are sold out long before
the show begins.
The Great Marquee covers an area of
almost one and a half hectares, and is listed in the Guiness Book of
Records as the largest marquee in the world. It takes twenty workers
almost three weeks to erect. More than 800
journalists, photographers and TV crews are at the show on press day,
all looking for something different, a story that their particular
readers or viewers can relate to. At about two o'clock, the judges
arrive. They spend just a minute or two at each stand, deciding there
and then whether the exhibit deserves an award.
Exhibits are not judged in
competition with each other. In other words, they are not awarded
first second or third prizes. Instead, they are judged to a standard.
A gold medal is awarded for the highest standard, followed by
silver-gilt, silver and bronze. Even a bronze medal at Chelsea is an
achievement in itself.
The South African exhibit is always popular at Chelsea. It's one of
only a few foreign exhibits at the show. What makes it unique is that
it uses one hundred per cent South African indigenous plants.
Visitors are fascinated by the Cape flora, including Restios,
one of 3 components of Cape vegetation, commonly known as fynbos.
Until recently, they have been very difficult to propagate, but
horticulturists at Kirstenbosch have now developed a technique for
germinating many of these species. They are hardy, grow well in poor
soil and tolerate dry windy conditions. There is a rapidly increasing
international interest in grasses for providing textural features in
landscaping. The two other components of Cape fynbos are Ericas and
Proteas.
Twenty four stunning gardens manicured to perfection, stretch out
along the embankment site. Judging for these gardens begins almost a
year before the show. Would-be exhibitors are required to submit their
designs well in advance.
The gardens are first assessed by a
panel of professional garden designers who award points for overall
impression, design and construction, planting, special features,
practicality and the extent to which the garden reflects the original
proposal. Finally on Royal Preview Day, the judges themselves examine
the gardens, using their own set of criteria. They look to see whether
visitors will be able to draw inspiration from the displays, and apply
the principles in their own gardens.
Some people visit the show to look for new plants or good garden
design ideas..... others just want to be dazzled by perfect plants and
the sheer professionalism and high standards of the exhibits. But
whatever the reason, there's no doubt that each and every visitor
would agree that the Chelsea Flower Show is exactly what it claims to
be..... the most exciting horticultural event in the world.
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Tomatoes need at least six
to eight hours of sun a day to produce well-and full sun
is best, especially in cooler, more northern climates.
Provide well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 6.8.
In cold-climate areas, plant in spring after frost
danger is past. In hot climates, plant when temperatures
begin to cool in early autumn.
Preparation
Give plants a week or two of transition between indoor
and outdoor growing conditions by protecting them from
strong sun and wind and cold temperatures. Move them back
inside if frost threatens.
Soil
Work organic matter, such as composted manure, into
the soil until it's loose to a depth of at least 15 to 20
cm, using a rotavator or garden fork. Add bonemeal or
super-phosphate if required.
Transplant
Bury tomato stems up to the plant's second true set of
leaves, digging a 25 to 45 cm deep hole, if necessary.
Fill the hole with the amended soil. Roots will form along
the buried stem. Protect plants from cutworms by wrapping
a newspaper collar around the stems 2 to 4 cm above the
soil surface to 2 to 4 cm below. A circle of 30 cm high
black felt roofing paper around each plant gathers heat
for the young plants and protects them from wind.
Support
Choose from one of two basic support methods. In the
first system, position wire cages over the plants. Use
sturdy, 1,5m tall, galvanised wire mesh with holes big
enough to get your hand in to make cages 30 to 75 cm in
diameter. You need about 90 cm of mesh for every 30 cm of
diameter. Fasten the cages on two sides to short stakes
driven into the ground to prevent them from toppling over.
The second support system uses stakes and twine. Set
sturdy, 2m-tall, 3 to 5cm-wide stakes 30 to 45 cm apart,
between plants, down the centre of the row and at both
ends. When the plants get about a 30 cm tall, tie baler
twine to an end post about 20 cm above the ground and
string the twine down the row alongside the tomato plants,
wrapping it once around each post. At the end of the row,
begin working the twine back in the opposite direction 20
cm higher on the stakes. Weave plants through the twine as
they grow.
Tips
Determinate tomatoes stop growing at a certain height,
but indeterminate varieties continue to grow taller
throughout the season. Dwarf or patio varieties grow only
60 to 90 cm tall and produce cherry-tomato-sized fruits.
Keep tomatoes well watered throughout the growing season
to prevent disfigured fruits and avoid high nitrogen
fertilisers that encourage foliage at the expense of
fruit.
Related
articles
Bulbs month by month
Bulbs for summer
Bulbs Q & A
Bulbs
for autumn planting
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Declared weeds and invader plants
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Page
6
Botanical
name
Common
name
Type
Category
Details
Leucaena
leucocephala (Lam.)
de Wit (= L.
glauca Benth.)
Reuse wattel /
Leucaena
Onkruid / Weed
Category
1 plant in the Western Cape, Category 2 plant in
the rest of South Africa
Ligustrum
japonicum Thunb.
Japanese liguster
/ Japanese wax - leaved privet
Indringer /
Invader
3
Ligustrum lucidum
Aiton
Chinese liguster
/ Chinese wax - leaved privet
Indringer /
Invader
3
Only for use as root - stock if authorised by
the Executive Official in terms of regulation
15C(5)
Ligustrum
ovalifolium Hassk.
Kaliforniese
liguster / Californian
privet
Indringer /
Invader
3
Ligustrum sinense
Lour.
Chinese liguster
/ Chinese privet
Indringer /
Invader
3
Ligustrum vulgare
L.
Gewone liguster /
Common privet
Indringer /
Invader
3
Lilium formosanum
A.
Wallace (= L.
longiflorum Thunb. var. formosanum
Baker) (L.
longiflorum sometimes misapplied to this
species in S A)
Sintjosefslelie,
Trompetlelie / St Joseph's lily, Trumpet lily,
Formosa lily
Indringer /
Invader
3
Litsea glutinosa
(Lour.) C.B.Rob. (= L. sebifera Pers.)
Indiese lourier /
Indian laurel
Onkruid / Weed
1
Lythrum salicaria
L.
Purple
loosestrife
Onkruid / Weed
1
Macfadyena
unguis-cati (L.)
A.H. Gentry
Katteklouranker /
Cat's claw creeper
Onkruid / Weed
1
Melia azedarach
L.
Maksering,
Bessieboom / "Syringa", Persian lilac
Indringer /
Invader
3
Metrosideros
excelsa Sol.
ex Gaertn. (=
M. tomentosa A.Rich.)
Nieu-Seelandse
perdestert / New Zealand christmas tree
Indringer /
Invader
3
Previous
page
Next
page
Go
to page 1
(Info courtesy of the Dept
of Water Affairs and Forestry)
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Namaqualand in spring - 4
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The North Western Cape is a world of contrasts. One moment you're
surrounded by rough mountain ranges and endless rocky plains, the next
you're confronted by lush drifts of brightly coloured flowers and
foliage.
If you're planning a trip, here are some tips that'll make your
journey more enjoyable.
The flower season depends on the
weather, so phone ahead before starting on your journey.
Bear
in mind that the best viewing times are between eleven in the
morning and three in the afternoon when the flowers are fully
open. On heavily overcast, cool or windy days, they may not open
at all.
The flowers always face towards
the sun, so travel with the sun behind you for the best view.
The types of flowers vary greatly
from region to region. For example, vast expanses of daisies are
typical of Namaqualand while the fynbos is more impressive in the
Overberg.
Spring doesn't arrive all at once
throughout the region. As a rule, the flowering period in the
Olifants River Valley is from mid July to mid September, a little
less along the coast.
Along the West Coast, flowers
appear two months after the first rains, and disappear in late
September or early October.
In Namaqualand, they begin at the
Coast towards the end of July, lasting until the end of October in
the mountain regions.
Further inland in the North West
region, flowers can be seen from mid July to mid September, a
little longer in the Roggeveld Mountains.
Take along some mosquito
repellant. In some regions these insects can literally be a pain
in the neck!
Temperatures can drop below zero
at night, so make sure you take warm clothes.
Ask one of the tourist information
centres for a list of people offering private accommodation. It's
fun to meet and stay with the locals.
Several excellent books on
the Wildflowers of South Africa are available. This field guide is
published by the Botanical Society together with the National
Botanical Institute. We found it extremely useful as an aid to plant
identification. It's well illustrated and includes many of the flowers
which are likely to be seen in spring and early summer. It suggests
ways of identifying plants, gives botanical and common names, and
provides many hints that will make your visit more enjoyable.
We spent three days
looking at the wonderful wildflowers, and saw just a small part of the
area. If you're planning a trip next year, don't even think of going
for a shorter period. If you can, set aside a whole week to fully
appreciate the spectacular beauty of the Western Cape in spring.
See other articles on
Namaqualand...
Namaqualand in
Spring - introduction
Skilpad
Wildflower Reserve
Clanwilliam
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Gardens Wild and Wonderful videos
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Six VHS tapes featuring
the highlights of the popular TV series Gardens
Wild & Wonderful have been re-released in
time for spring 2001. The collection is ideal for new
gardeners, or for more experienced gardeners needing a
few fresh ideas. The tapes can be ordered from Hooper
Productions (Pty) Ltd, producers of the series by
calling (011) 467-0780, or easier still, visit their
website at www.hooper.co.za
to order online.
Here is a brief summary of the six tapes, each about 60
minutes duration...
LAWNS
Creating and maintaining a lawn is easy, as long as you follow a few important
rules. This tape will show you how to... start a new lawn using stolons, plugs, seed and instant lawn;
choose the right variety; identify pests and diseases and deal with them;
care for the lawn in summer - mowing, feeding, watering; care for the
lawn in winter - scarifying, aerating, top-dressing; and lots more!
PLANTS WITH A PURPOSE
Margaret stresses the importance of growng plants that can be used in the home. Her lifes work revolves
around medicinal and cosmetic plants, natural insecticides and foods for
health. On this tapes she discusses Sage, Horseradish, Thyme, Lavender,
Winter Savory, Buckwheat, Oats, Paprika, Soya, Mint, Fennel, Mustard,
Chillies and Gourds.
GARDEN VISITS - PART 1
If your garden's looking a little
tired, or you're planning a new one, then this tape's for you! We
visit 8 stunning small and medium size gardens, talk to the owners and
discover the secrets of their success. This tape is full of GREAT GARDEN
DESIGN IDEAS!
HOW TO... - PART 1
If you're the type that enjoys a little
perspiration along with inspiration, you'll LOVE this tape! We'll show you how to... build a flower-tower with Impatiens,...
transplant a Cycas... lift, divide and cross-pollinate Irises... make a hanging
basket... take cuttings... grow Clivias from seed and espalier a
pear tree.
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
True gardeners know that the secret to
successful gardening is to work with nature and not against it. Encourage
birds and insects, give nature a chance and you'll be amazed at how much
it'll help you look after your garden, and how much joy it'll give
you. The tape includes visits to wildlife friendly gardens, food for birds
and bird feeders, insects, nesting logs and boxes and much more!
WILDFLOWERS OF THE WESTERN CAPE
Namaqualand in spring must surely be one of the great natural wonders of the
world... a place where harsh,
unforgiving semi-desert lands are transformed, as if by magic, first to a
carpet of green before bursting into such intense colour that ones eyes
begin to water... from the bright colour and from the sheer beauty of it
all!
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There are few things
children enjoy more than digging in the dirt and making
mud pies. They are fascinated by looking for worms and
bugs and love to water the garden and anything else in
the near vicinity. Children also enjoy planting seeds,
watching them grow and harvesting what they have grown.
By cultivating their curiosity about these things, you
can help them to develop a love of nature and gardening.
They will also enjoy the special time they get to spend
with you.
Encourage their enthusiasm
by planting seeds that mature quickly and are large
enough for a child to easily handle.
Vegetables
are a good choice for young children. They germinate
quickly and can be eaten when mature. Some popular
choices are radishes, pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, peas,
broccoli and potatoes. Children may even be encouraged
to eat vegetables that they have grown and would
otherwise avoid. If you have enough room in the garden,
gourds are a good choice. After harvesting, they can be
decorated and used as birdhouses or autumn table
decorations.
To add interest and color to the vegetable garden, you
might want to add some flowers such as marigolds,
nasturtiums and sweet peas. Be sure any flowers you
plant are non-toxic. Children love to choose the seed
packets or starter plants for their garden and should be
allowed to do the planting themselves. They can then
proudly say it is "their" garden. After the
planting has been done, be sure to put the empty seed
packet or plastic insert in the soil next to the plants
to mark their spot.
It is also important to include the child when
deciding where to put the garden. This can be a good
time to talk about what is required for a successful
garden. Teach the young gardener that growing a healthy
garden begins with good soil. Explain that plants, just
like people, need to eat and drink. Make sure that the
chosen spot gets enough sun and has a readily available
source of water. The garden should be located where it
is easily accessible to the child and can be admired by
others.
When a place is chosen, remember to keep it small.
If you live in an apartment or don't have much space,
gardening in pots and containers can be fun and
productive. Allow the child to use his or her
imagination in choosing containers to be used as
planters. Just about anything that holds soil and has
good drainage can be used as pot.
Watering and
weeding their
garden may not hold as much interest for children as the
planning and planting did. Garden tasks will be easier
to remember if you put a garden calendar in your child's
room or on the refrigerator. That way he or she can take
charge of completing the tasks and crossing off the days
when each task has been completed.
Activities in the garden do not have to be limited to
springtime. Autumn is a good time to have
children assist in the planting of trees and
spring-blooming flower bulbs. Tulips, daffodils and
hyacinths are among the easiest plants for beginners to
grow successfully.
Re-seeding small
areas of the lawn
can be a fun activity for children. They will be more
likely to stay off of the newly seeded areas if allowed
to contribute to the project.
Children should
have their own tools
to use in the garden. Child-sized rakes, hoes, spades,
and gloves can be found in most garden shops. Less
expensive alternatives might include old, heavy kitchen
spoons for digging and measuring cups for scoops.
Sometimes waiting for spring to plant a garden is just
too long for a child. Many plants can be successfully
grown indoors by children. Avocado pits can be grown
in a glass in the window, and the top cut off of a
pineapple and grown in a pan can make a nice houseplant.
Herbs
are a good choice to plant indoors for children. They
grow fast and can then be tasted. With pruning, herbs
will grow all winter and can be planted outdoors in the
spring. If there's a cat in the house, children may
enjoy growing catnip on a windowsill in a pot.
One of the most fun and satisfying indoor gardening
projects is forcing flower bulbs. This is an
easy, inexpensive way to keep children busy in the
winter when they can't play outdoors and can be done as
a family activity. Bulbs started in the house in late
autumn can be given as holiday gifts to friends,
teachers or grandparents. The two most easily forced
bulbs are paperwhites and amaryllis. Because they
require no special preparation, these bulbs can be
potted as soon as you get them.
Gardens do not have to be planted in a square or
rectangle. A "pizza" garden can be
planted in a circle and divided into wedge-shaped
sections. Assign each child his or her own section or
plant different plants in each section. Or use a tripod
support to train climbing plants such as sugar snap
peas, beans or nasturtiums to grow a live teepee.
Planting sunflowers in a circle or square, leaving space
for entry, and tying the tops loosely together near the
heads can make sunflower houses or "hideouts".
The floor can be covered with a section of old carpet or
planted with clover or thyme
Gardening activities do not have to be limited to just
planting a garden. Raking fallen leaves into
piles, for example, is work to an adult but can be great
fun for a child. Children also enjoy making decorations,
like scarecrows, for their gardens.
More than just plants grow out of helping a child tend a
garden. Gardening gives children a sense of
responsibility and accomplishment and enables them to
learn about the environment and about the relationship
between plants and people. And most importantly, gardening
is a great way to spend time together as a family
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