Learn to care for your plants and watch your garden blooms flourish
Indigenous plant lovers should drop their spades and hot foot it to their local book store for the magnificent, beautifully illustrated large-format South African Indigenous Garden Plants. This massive – a little more than 600 pages – guide showcases some 2400 South African indigenous plants, and so much more. There’s an introduction which lays the groundwork – talking climate, various garden styles, spatial planning and garden maintenance, as well as a lovely section on gardening for wildlife.
The encyclopaedic Plant Catalogue forms the bulk of the book, with plants grouped by growth which form into 13 chapters, from bulbs, orchids and aloes through to shrubs, grasses, trees and fynbos. The introduction to each group provides essential information on the selection, planting and feeding of the species, and gives tips on growing and maintaining them in the garden or in containers. Following upon this is an extensive catalogue of plant species, pairing full-colour photographs with brief descriptions that cover size, shape, flowering times and best growing conditions. Some 570 pages in which you’ll find the handy Plant Selector, which helps gardeners to choose the most appropriate plants for specific areas or functions in their garden or home. Authors are leaders in their fields – Elsa Pooley, Geoff Nicols, Andrew Hankey, the photos are sensational, and it’s easy-to-use reference introduces a host of new and exciting possibilities for gardens and gardeners. Struik Nature, R850.
Veggie of the month … Pak choi (also known is Bok choy) is a Chinese heirloom veggie that offers a tasty variation for Winter leafy greens. The tender green leaves can be eaten raw or steamed, stir fried, or grilled. They turn bright green when cooked and have a mild mustard flavour. The broad white stems are also edible and are crunchy and slightly sweet.
Sow Pak choi directly into fertile soil that drains well in a position that receives full sun in Winter. Seed can also be started in seed trays and transplanted when seedlings are large enough to handle. Germination is quick (within 7 days) and baby leaves can be harvested within 30 days, mature leaves within 60 days. When harvesting individual leaves pick the outer leaves. The whole plant can be cut at the base and it will resprout. This plant is a heavy feeder and will flourish if a liquid fertiliser, like Margaret Roberts organic Supercharger, is applied once a month. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Details: rawliving.co.za
The moment Cyclamen appear on indoor plant stands you know that Winter is on its way. These beautiful cool season flowers provide indoor colour throughout Winter. They might look dainty, but they are easy to care for. Place them in a cool room that receives bright indirect light or on the patio. Don’t over water, just keep the soil lightly moist. Cyclamen come in a range of pink shades, but for a splash of warmth, red flowers or deep pink with red undertones will dazzle. Details: lvgplant.co.za
Garden tasks for May
Water at least once a week, depending on the temperature and sunshine. • Rake up fallen leaves and add to the compost or use as a light mulch around plants. • Grow edible flowers like pansies, and violas as a colourful border around veggie beds. • Have frost cloth ready to protect tender plants. The first frost is usually expected at the end of May. • Transplant roses that need a sunnier spot or are battling with root competition from nearby shrubs. • Give the lawn its last fertiliser before Winter.
