We’re planting… Lewisia cotyledon ‘Elise Mix’ because the flowers are heavenly, and it is a tough little succulent doesn’t need much water. Plant it in rock gardens, in-between pavers and in mixed plantings with other succulents or plants with low-water needs. Make sure the soil drains well and allow the soil to dry out between watering. In cooler climates, ‘Elise Mix’ does best in full sun, but in warmer areas it prefers partial shade. Fertilise once a month with an all-purpose fertiliser at half strength during its growing season. Protect from aphids, slugs and snails. Don’t over water in winter; less is more.
For more information: www.ballstraathof.co.za
Patio plant of the month… Pelargonium Kariba ‘Large Pink Eye’ adds autumn colour to the patio, with huge, glowing pink blooms that stand out against the dark leaves. Plants are neat and compact, (45cm high and almost as wide) great for dressing up an outdoor dining area or as a colour-pick-me-up for a dull corner indoors. Indoors plants need plenty of bright light and as patio plants they like morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep plants on the dry side; only watering when the top soil starts to feel dry. Nourish with a liquid fertiliser once a month; it will reward you with more flowers, especially if you diligently remove old flowers.
For more information: www.ballstraathof.co.za
Garden tasks for April
- Time to plant your winter and spring flower garden. Think pansies, violas, primulas, poppies as well as spring bulbs like daffodils, freesia, and ranunculus.
- Make a splash by sowing Namaqualand daisies or scatter packs of indigenous mixes or winter-flowering annuals.
- Water deeply once a week.
- Fertilise the lawn, perennials and shrubs for the last time before winter. Use a granular fertiliser like Vigorosa 5:1:5 that includes trace elements. Water in well afterwards.
- This is the last month to also fertilise the roses with Vigorosa. Morning dew can bring on black spot. Prevent it by spraying with Chronos or Garden Protector.
- Protect conifers from conifer aphid that becomes active in April. Spray monthly with Ludwig’s Insect Spray or Pyrol. Put the spray nozzle against the stem or branches and allow the spray mixture run down the stem and branches. This will kill the aphids but not the ladybirds.
- Broad beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, spinach and Swiss chard can all be sown.
