Patio plant of the month
Fuchsia Bella is a compact-growing pot fuchsia with gorgeous two-tone flowers that are carried throughout summer. There are nine different varieties, all with distinctive colours. They like bright shade and can take some morning sun. Water regularly, so the soil remains moist but not soggy. Plants don’t like to stand in water. Pour water directly into the pot, early in the morning or late in the evening. Feed with a liquid fertilizer once every two weeks and remove faded flowers to encourage new flowers.
Details: www.ballstraathof.co.za
GARDEN TASKS FOR NOVEMBER
• Water the garden at least once a week, and mulch to reduce evaporation. Early morning or evening watering is best.
• There’s still time to sow quick growing annuals such as alyssum, cosmos, marigolds, nasturtiums, portulaca and zinnias, all of which are sun-lovers.
• For shady spaces, plant out bedding begonias, Impatiens Beacon – a highly disease resistant variety – and New Guinea impatiens.
• Plant summer flowering perennials such as coreopsis, rudbeckia, gaillardia, gaura, Shasta daisies, penstemon and perennial salvia.
• Get ready for the festive season by filling containers or hanging baskets with red calibrachoa, begonias or impatiens.
• Make sure hydrangeas get plenty of water and feed with hydrangea food to boost flowering in December.
• Water shrubs and trees deeply once a week and mulch to reduce evaporation.
A TASTE OF LITTLE SICILY
If you love tomatoes but don’t have the space to grow them, patio tomato Little Sicily can change that. It’s a compact, tidy grower that flourishes in a mid-sized container on the patio or balcony. Being a bush tomato, it’s a compact, tidy grower that stays at a manageable height of 60cm with healthy, green leaves that always look good. It needs sun, and the best position is morning sun and afternoon shade. Water daily in hot weather. The soil should not dry out. Feed with a liquid fertilizer once a week or every second week. The medium sized, bright red fruit is packed with flavour and the first fruit should be ready for picking within 60 to 65 days.
Details: www.ballstraathof.co.za
THE ANCIENT ART OF MACRAMÉ
The origin of macramé stretches back thousands of years … it’s an ancient, timeless art that, over the past year or so, has come back into fashion. We recently discovered Tide, a local business that creates bespoke, beautiful macramé art. Being hand-crafted, pieces are all one of a kind, each more lovely and intricate than the one before. Artist Gabi Morrell-Smith travels to the coast to collect the shells and driftwood she uses in her pieces … work of art wall hangings, pretty garlands, shopping or beach bags. We’re after one of these plant hangers and are equally besotted with these little jar covers. Great, great gifts (if you’re like us and already thinking Christmas). Tide has a really fabulous range, but if you want something specific, chat to Gabi and she’ll make up a custom piece for you. Prices from R200 up to around R750.
Details: Follow Tide Macrame on Instagram or Facebook for more ideas, or mail [email protected]
NO SPACE TO GROW YOUR OWN VEGGIES?
Think again. These ready-to-use pocket panels hang on the wall and are perfect to grow herbs and vegetables. There are a few sizes available, from two pockets for those really short of space, to 15 panel options. Priced from R195, they’re lightweight and durable. Details: verticalveg.co.za
Compiled by: KYM ARGO and ALICE COETZEE
