Load-shedding, climate change, water shortages. It really is time to embrace a more natural style of gardening.
With all the current restrictions we face in SA, sustainable or eco-friendly living and gardening is the way only way forward. And yes, the start-up cost of setting up a sustainable home can be high, which is not something everybody can afford. But it doesn’t mean we can’t start somewhere. Like the garden.
Adopting a more water-wise approach to gardening is not only good for the earth, but it’s also good for our pockets and ideal for those who don’t have the time to maintain water-consuming gardens.
According to SA’s favourite gardener Tanya Visser, it’s important to prioritise water-wise plants in our gardens to minimise the use of scarce water resources.
“By prioritizing indigenous plants that have adapted to the local climate and require less water, gardeners can help conserve these resources and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Here are five water-wise indigenous plants that can be incorporated into our gardens…
A household favourite, the Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) which is also known as elephant’s food, is a succulent plant that can store water in its leaves. It is an excellent carbon sink and has been found to be highly effective in mitigating climate change. Its popularity with gardeners is its low-maintenance needs and ease of propagation from cuttings.
Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) have eye-catching blue or white flowers, commonly found in gardens around the country. They are drought-tolerant and can survive with little water, making them an ideal choice for water-wise gardens. Agapanthus also attract bees, butterflies and nectar-loving birds, making them an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Extensive cross pollinating of plants has also resulted in the formation of incredible colours ranging from almost black to velvet blue.
Another water-wise succulent is the Aloe (Aloe ferox), which is well-suited to our hot, dry conditions. It requires minimal water and can thrive in poor soil conditions. The plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as acne and skin abrasions. If the large Aloe ferox is not for you then do keep an eye out for the more compact aloe hybrids. These are not genetically modified, but have been created through selective breeding and cross pollination. Being low and compact they lend themselves perfectly to small gardens and of course pots and containers.
The Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a fast-growing shrub that produces clusters of orange or yellow tubular flowers that attract birds and bees. Cape Honeysuckle also responds well to pruning, making it a popular choice for hedging.
The vibrant, daisy-like flowers produced by the African Daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis) are a standout attraction in any garden with shades of purple, pink and white. The African Daisy is not only an ideal choice for water-wise gardens but also a popular choice for borders and rock gardens. Butterflies adore their large open-faced blooms.
