Topiary - an introduction
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Pruning can also be used to train
plants into attractive, boldly artificial shapes..... living
sculptures that express personal style and, in some cases, add a
humorous or even bizarre touch to the garden. It's called topiary, a
garden art that has been popular for centuries.
Topiary can be used in formal gardens,
perhaps to frame a vista or form an avenue..... and in informal
gardens as a contrast for less structured planting.
Plants used for topiary need dense,
pliable growth, small leaves, and the ability to recover quickly after
clipping. Unfortunately, finely manicured plants are difficult to
maintain in most parts of South Africa. The climate is too warm, and
the plants grow too quickly. But in the cooler temperate climates of
Europe, plants don't grow as vigorously, and so need to be clipped
less often.
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Bringing the garden indoors
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House plants add a
touch of beauty to the home such as no other
decorations can give, but they must be grown in
positions where light, air and sunshine can reach
them, not stowed away in dull, dark corners.
Also the matter of their cleanliness and their
nourishment requires to be studied, and their
general traits and characteristics understood.
They
must be kept free from insects, and must have their
foliage cleaned frequently to prevent the clogging
up of pores by dust. The pots must be periodically
scrubbed to remove any slimy growth.
A verandah may be converted into an ideal plant
house by closing in the sides with some light
material which permits air and light to permeate,
without undue draughts. Always avoid sharp draughts,
especially during the colder months of the year. Too
strong sunlight is also detrimental as it frequently
causes scalding and burning of foliage.
Lattice blinds or canvas on rollers will
materially help to attain desirable conditions for
plant culture. These can be used when the sun
becomes too fierce or when the weather is inclement,
or to prevent scorching by dry, hot winds. Tins
containing water (which evaporates and causes a
moist atmosphere) are beneficial in maintaining a
partially humid atmosphere suitable to many pot
plants. Plant stands or shelves may be constructed
of any rough boards with a coat of paint or any
other preservative.
All pot plants have not the same requirements in
water, light, temperature and soil, and it is only
by a close study of their needs that the greatest
success is arrived at in their culture. Such study
and care are amply repaid by their response in
growth and beauty.
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Karoo National Botanical Garden
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The Bree River Valley
in the Western Cape is well-known for its fine
wines, fruits and beautiful mountains. Not so well
known is the Karoo National Botanical Garden
in Worcester, one of eight curated by the National
Botanical Institute. It's thought to be the only
fully indigenous succulent garden in Africa and the
Southern Hemisphere, and one of only a handful of
outdoor succulent gardens in the world.
The garden has a
semi-desert climate with very low rainfall.... less
than 200 millimetres per year. Most of the rain
falls in winter. Temperatures vary from more than 40
degrees in summer, to below zero in winter. Strong
winds add to the drought and temperature extremes.
As a result most of the perennial plants are either
succulents, which can store water and food for long
periods..... or are tough and wiry with hard leaves.
A number of soil types can be found in the garden,
supporting many variations of vegetation. Most of
the plants are small shrubs.... herbaceous
annuals.... geophytes such as bulbs, corms and
tubers which shoot up seasonally from
underground.... and a rich and fascinating range of
succulents.
Several trails have been developed, including the
braille trail for blind or partially sighted
visitors. Here they can safely follow the path,
touching the plants and enjoying their fragrance,
stopping from time to time to read the signboards
printed in braille.
The shale trail gets its name from the abundance of
Malmsbury shale in the area. Once again information
boards are strategically placed at various points
along the way.
A recent introduction is the karoo trail, which is
nearly a kilometre long.
The most
eye-catching plants in the garden in spring are
without doubt the vygies.
This is the collective common name for many plant
species which bear similarly shaped flowers. Their
intensely bright colours can be a shock to the eyes
after looking at the gentle browns and greens in
other parts of the garden. Plants vary from creeping
groundcovers to bushes up to 75 centimeters in
height. The flowers are produced so freely in spring
that the foliage is often completely covered. Vygies
are native to winter rainfall areas, but adapt well
in other parts of the country, and are able to
withstand drought and heavy frosts. They prefer full
sun and good drainage. They make ideal rockery
plants.
Giant aloe's tower
over the surrounding vegetation.
Their height averages 3 to 5 metres, although plants
up to 9 metres have been seen. The common name is
kokerboom, or quiver tree because the koi people
used to make quivers for their arrows from hollowed
out branches.
Reaching about the same height is the naboom, or candelabra
tree. It's found mainly in the Northern Province
near Louis Trichardt. Although they'll do well in
the garden, only plant one if your garden is large,
or if you have a particular fascination for it, as
it'll eventually dominate your entire landscape!
The Karoo National
Botanical Garden is situated near Worcester, less
than an hours drive from Cape Town. It's open every
day from seven thirty in the morning to five thirty
in the evening. Plants and seeds are on sale from
Monday to Friday, and can also be ordered by mail.
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Lawn planting using lawn plugs
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STEP 1
Seek out trays of lawn plugs at your local
nurseryman - a variety of grasses are available in
this form, where each plug is a separate seedling
with its own roots already established. Push the
plugs out of the tray from the bottom using a blunt
end stick to avoid damaging the roots.
STEP 2
Plant them as one would plant any seedling, either
in straight lines about a trowel's length apart, or
plant them randomly but the end result will be the
same. With lawn plugs, an almost instant effect is
achieved and they will establish much quicker than
the stolons.
STEP 3
The planted lawn plugs would be best finished off
with a roller to compact the soil for a perfectly
level finish. Water thoroughly and keep the soil
moist until the plugs are well established.
Whichever method you
choose to plant your lawn, always consult your local
nurseryman beforehand for advice on which lawn is
best for your area, and refer to the sowing
instructions on the container. We are fortunate in
having a large choice of grasses in our country and
it is important to choose the right one.
Lawn planting from seed
Lawn
planting using kikiyu stolons
Instant
lawn
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Bedding plants for summer
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Colour is the first thing that catches the eye in a garden, and is achieved
by the clever use of bedding plants.
Even though we're keeping water usage to a minimum, we can still create a
colourful impression with a few well-placed pockets of annuals.
In spring and summer, our nurseries are bursting with tempting varieties of
seedlings, but before you go shopping, plan what you want to plant, and
prepare your soil. This should be done at least one week prior to planting.
Remove all weeds and other rubbish from the bed. Generously spread
well-rotted compost over the area, and a handful of bonemeal or super
phosphate per square metre. Work well into the soil, rake and level the
ground then water with a watering can.
The seedlings that you choose from your nursery, must be strong and healthy.
Make sure that the stems are not blemished or discolored and that the roots
generally are not overgrown The leaves should grow right down near the base
of the stem and the plant colour should be a good, uniform green.
Modern hybrid seedlings are bred to flower early, so if they're blooming
when you buy them it doesn't mean that they are past their prime.
Give your nurseryman the approximate size of the area in which you wish to
plant, and he'll advise you about the quantity of seedlings and the spacing.
After planting, remember to mulch your plants. Apart from conserving
precious water, mulching will protect their tender young roots.
All bedding plants need regular root and foliar feeding. A liquid fertiliser
or a soluble, granular preparation can be used. Mix in a watering can and
with just a little care, you'll have a great summer garden!
Seedlings should not be planted too deeply, nor in straight lines like a row
of soldiers. Rather do staggered planting. Should you find that one of your
plants is root-bound, very gently loosen the soil around the roots before
planting.
Slugs and snails are dangerous pests for young seedlings. Scatter bait
between the plants or place a saucer of beer on the ground.
The CHRYSANTHEMUMS MULTICAULE and PALADOSUM do best in full sun.
For more height, try NICOTIANAS in a range of colours.
BEDDING GERANIUMS are ideal for prettying up containers and once established
require little water. Dead-heading is essential for repeat flowering.
Old fashioned VIOLAS will flower well in summer, but do need to be grown in
only partial sun.
IMPATIENS and BEGONIAS are the two most popular summer bedding plants for
morning sun or light shade. They'll flower right through to the first
frosts, provided they're cut back after Christmas.
White, grey and silver plants do an excellent job of bringing out the best
in other colours.
PETUNIAS are truly a "rainbow" plant -they're available in all
possible shadings! They don't like wet feet, so make sure the soil is
well-drained. In summer rainfall areas, plant PETUNIAS before the rains
start.
Yellow MARIGOLDS certainly create sunshine in the garden, and look good when
planted next to AGERATUM. Several varieties of varying heights are available
that will bloom over a long period, provided they're dead-headed.
DIANTHUS, a most worthwhile perennial bedding plant, grows in pretty
clusters of three or four flowers to a stem. Some strains are plain others
have a contrasting coloured centre.
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Hydrangeas - planting tips
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Choose a location that
does not get hot afternoon sun. Prepare a hole
approximately twice the size of the root ball.
Hydrangeas like slightly acid soil (pH of 4.5 to 6.5).
If your soil is heavy, incorporate some humus-rich
material - bark or compost - with the earth you took
out. Backfill the hole as you plant such that your
finished job leaves the surface (top of the root ball)
about 4cm above original soil level.
If done right the settled
new soil will not leave a depression for water to stand
in. Water in well and keep moist in hot weather until
well established. Use an annual application of balanced
fertilizer with an eye to how it may affect your soil pH
levels.
Tips on flower colour
The colour of hydrangeas will vary considerably due
to the type of soil they are growing in. The blues are
best in acid soil and the degree of blueness is
controlled by the amount of available aluminum and the
capacity of a particular variety to draw it up. The reds
and pinks enjoy an alkaline or neutral soil. The whites
stay white but usually enjoy the same conditions as the
reds and pinks.
Blue flowers
To encourage "bluing" of the flowers, you need
to raise the acidity of the soil. This can be done by
soaking the soil around the hydrangea several times at
weekly intervals in the spring and again in autumn with
aluminium.
Pink flowers
To encourage pink to red blooms on plants in high
acid soil that gives blue flowers, apply lime to the
soil once or twice a year until the desired colour is
obtained. This color correction takes some weeks or
months for desirable changes to take effect.
Too much fertiliser?
If your leaves are lush and green and don't have any
blooms, it could be that you're fertilising too much.
High nitrogen-based fertilisers can actually inhibit
blooms on most varieties. Use a well balanced fertiliser
like 10-10-10 and only bi-annual applications.
RELATED
ARTICLES
Acid-loving plants
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Annuals for special purposes
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EDGING BEDS AND BORDERS
ageratum
eschscholtzia
pansy
alyssum
leptosiphon
portulaca
antirrhinum dwarf
lobelia sedum coerulea
candytuft
matricaria
tagetes
dimorphotheca
nasturtium, dwarf
BEDS
antirrhinum
marigold
stock
aster
petunia
verbena
dianthus
phlox
zinnia
SCREENS OR HEDGES
artemisia
sacrorum
kochia
ricinus
cosmos
lavatera
sunflower
dahlia
marigold African
CLIMBERS
cobaea scandens
humulus
sweet pea
convolvulus
ipomoea
tropaeolum canariense
gourds
nasturtium, tall
FRAGRANCE
alyssum
mignonette
stocks
carnation, marguerite
nicotiana affinis
sweet peas
petunia
matthiola bicornis
phlox drummondii
verbena
scabious
CUT-FLOWERS
antirrhinum
cosmos
gaillardia
aster
coreopsis
gypsophila
brachycome
dahlia
lavatera
browallia
dimorphotheca
larkspur
calendula
dianthus
lupin
chrysanthemum
didiscus
marigold
poppy
sunflower, small
nasturtium
salpiglossis
sweet pea
nemesia
scabious
sweet sultan
pansy
schizanthus
verbena
phlox drummondii
stock
zinnia
FOLIAGE
amaranthus
artemisia sacrorum
euphorbia marginata
celosia cristata
hemp
ricinus
centaurea gymnocarpa
kochia
centaurea ragusina
perilla
ANNUALS WHICH WILL SEED
THEMSELVES
alyssum
cosmos
nasturtium
calendula
eschscholtzia
portulaca
candytuft
larkspur
poppy
centaurea cyanus
linaria
sunflower
coreopsis
linum
virginian stock
ANNUALS WHICH WILL GROW
IN PARTIAL SHADE
alyssum
larkspur
oenothera drummondii
candytuft
lupin
pansy
clarkia
phlox drummondii
godetia
nemophila
verbena
nicotiana
DROUGHT-RESISTANT
(MODERATELY)
alyssum
dimorphotheca
petunia
antirrhinum
eschscholtzia
portulaca
bartonia aurea
gaillardia
salpiglossis
browallia elata
lavatera
schizanthus
calendula
linaria
stock
celosia
lobelia
sunflower
centaurea cyanus
marigold
sweet sultan
convolvulus minor
nemesia
tagetes
coreopsis
perilla
RELATED
ARTICLES
Bedding plants for summer
Bedding
plants in containers
Cut flowers - why do they die?
Beds and borders - forming
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Isn't it amazing how at the first sign of spring, our green fingers
suddenly get "the planting itch!" All those exciting seed packets
of garden flowers and delicious vegetables are quite irresistible.
Vegetables can be grown in any size area. They can even be grown most
successfully in pots but it is important that they have full sun and
correctly prepared soil. Basically, vegetables can be divided into four
groups:
The underground vegetables, such as
beetroot, carrots and radishes.
Fruity vegetables, like tomatoes,
brinjals and green peppers.
The leaf and stem category, such as
cabbage, lettuce, spinach and leaks.
And those that produce pods, like beans
and peas.
The golden rule for root vegetables
is that they must not be planted in rich, freshly manured soil. This will
produce misshapen, "forked"roots. Carrot, beetroot and radish
seed should all be sown "in situ". Try mixing carrot seed with a
little mielie meal for a lighter spread. Alternatively, to produce baby
carrots, sow the seed thickly and start harvesting at an early age, then
cover with about 1 centimetre of soil. Repeat sowing at monthly intervals.
Beetroot seeds should be sown in
"pinches" 8 centimetres apart, and I to 2 centimetres deep. The
soil must be kept moist until germination, but not muddy! Save every
precious drop of water that you can!
When you select tomato seeds, choose one of the newer disease
resistant varieties. Sow in seed trays, using a mixture of good soil and old
compost. Cover the seeds lightly. Prick the seedlings out when they are
large enough to handle, then transfer to the vegetable bed or to large pots.
Tomatoes grow well in pots, but remember to stake them and feed with a
liquid fertilizer. Growing them in pots will save water, as less will be
needed.
Brinjals
and green peppers are two other fruiting vegetables that grow well in
large pots. Both should be germinated in seed trays, and both must be
staked. When the plants are almost 15cm high, pinch out the growing tips, to
encourage fruiting on the lateral shoots.
For best results with vegetables, always rotate your crops. Where you've
grown a leaf vegetable, change to a root crop for the next season. Plant a
fruiting variety after the root crop, and follow this with a leaf or stem
crop.
Lettuces
are a "must" for summer gardens and do try growing different
varieties. They like well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and
should be fed with a liquid fertilizer.
Spinach
and swiss chard are very easy to grow, and are a valuable source of
iron. Chard seed can be planted either in trays or directly into the ground,
then the seedlings thinned out. Regular feeding and watering is necessary
for the plant to reproduce freely. Watch out for cutworm - specially when
the plant is young.
Mulch
with bark chips, straw or well rotted rough compost, build up the side edges
of beds to prevent water run-off and of course certain vegetables can be
grown in flower beds, so they all get watered together.
Beans
thrive splendidly in summer, but peas prefer cooler weather. The soil must
be very well drained so dig down at least half a metre. Add plenty of
compost or old manure.
Climbing beans
will grow up a wall or fence and look most decorative! Plant the seeds about
4cm deep and 25cm apart. Beans don't like having their roots disturbed, so
once planted leave the soil alone.
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