Romance in the garden. Vivid red flowers, the herb of love and exotic Curcuma.
We’re planting … Dipladenia Diamantina (Jade Scarlet) in pots or hanging baskets for the patio. This is the first really compact, bushy Dipladenia that fills its container with bright red trumpet-shaped flowers. Plants perform best with plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade, so don’t position them against a hot, west facing wall. Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry. Fertilise monthly in summer and trim to keep neat. Details: ballstraathof.co.za
Garden tasks for February
• In very hot weather set the lawnmower on its highest setting so that the grass is higher to shade the roots.
• Watering in the evening helps plants to start the day moist and they will be less heat stressed.
• If it is very hot, delay fertilising until it gets cooler. This puts less stress on the plants.
• Succession crops of bush beans, beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard and rocket can still be sown.
• If annual herbs have gone to seed, sow a new crop of basil, rocket and coriander.
• Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.
Herb of the month
Did you know that Summer Savory (Satureja Hortensis) was known as the herb of love during Roman times? They believed this aromatic herb was a natural aphrodisiac and used it to make love potions. While we don’t have the recipe for the potions, you can still work culinary magic by using this herb to flavour roast chicken, slow cooked stews, and to season grilled meat on the braai.
The small, delicate, light green leaves have a peppery, thyme-like flavour with a hint of marjoram. Use it fresh or dried, but in small quantities so that it doesn’t overpower the dish. It can also substitute for sage.
To grow: Sow seed directly into the ground or in seed trays or pots. Transplant when seedlings are big enough to handle and space or thin out seedlings 20cm apart. Summer Savory thrives in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil. The aromatic leaves deter pests and it is a good companion plant for garden beans.
The first leaves can be harvested within 60 days from planting, or the whole plant can be harvested in the bud stage. Leave some plants to flower for the bees and butterflies. To dry, hang the plants in a warm, dark room. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za or buy seed online from www.gropak.co.za
Indoor plant of the month
Exotic and romantic, Curcuma, also known as Siamese Tulips, are the perfect gift plant for Valentine’s Day. Their unusual pink, white or purple flowers are carried on tall stems above the spear-shaped green leaves. To keep curcuma flowering for the rest of summer, cut down faded flowers at soil level to encourage new flowers and feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month. Place plants where they will receive bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. When they go dormant in winter, put the pot in a cool, dry place and let the soil dry out. Start watering again in spring for new growth. Details: lvgplant.co.za
Article and images by Alice Coetzee.
