September is the perfect opportunity to cultivate a garden that is not only visually appealing, but also beneficial for local wildlife, which includes bees and butterflies. Additionally, with water scarcity being a common issue in many parts of South Africa, embracing water-wise gardening practices is essential.
Start by planning your garden layout and cleaning up the remnants of winter. Remove dead plants, fallen leaves and debris to give your garden a fresh start. This clean-up helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering in your garden. Evaluate your garden space, considering areas that receive the most sunlight and those that are shaded, to decide where to plant various species.
A thriving garden relies on healthy soil. Test your soil’s pH levels and nutrient content to determine if any amendments are needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil with organic matter, improving its texture and fertility. If you have soil that is sandy or clayey, incorporating organic matter helps retain moisture and provides essential nutrients for plant growth.
Sustainability in gardening involves minimising environmental impact and promoting biodiversity. Use organic fertilisers and avoid chemical pesticides. Compost kitchen scraps and garden waste to create a nutrient-rich amendment for your soil. Regular maintenance is key to a flourishing garden. Prune dead or damaged branches, deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your irrigation system to ensure it’s functioning efficiently.
Creating a garden that attracts bees and butterflies is beneficial for pollination and biodiversity and always looks beautiful! Also encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps to take up residence in your garden. These insects control pests naturally, negating the need for chemical pesticides (which are not good for the earth and animals). Planting herbs such as dill, fennel and parsley attract these helpful insects. There is also a large variety of plants that you can incorporate into your garden that will entice both.
Water conservation is crucial in South Africa, where droughts can be a significant concern. Implementing water-wise gardening practices ensures your garden remains lush and healthy without wasting precious resources. There are a number of ways that you can reduce water consumption while still maintaining a healthy and lush garden. These include:
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or straw, around your plants. Mulch retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature.
Drip irrigation
Install a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root
Rainwater harvesting
Collect rainwater in barrels or tanks to use for garden irrigation. Free of chemicals, rainwater is best for plants.
Drought-tolerant plants
Choose native and drought-resistant plants that can thrive with minimal water. Succulents, such as crassulas and agaves, are excellent options.
Preparing your garden for spring involves thoughtful planning and sustainable practices, but doesn’t need to be a high-maintenance affair. By focusing on bee- and butterfly-friendly plants and implementing water-wise gardening techniques, you can create a vibrant, eco-friendly garden that both supports sustainability and conserves water.
BEE AND BUTTERFLY-ENTICING PLANTS
Aloe
Aloes are hardy, drought-resistant plants that produce nectar-rich flowers, attracting both bees and butterflies. Varieties like Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii are particularly effective.
Lavender
Known for its aromatic scent and beautiful purple flowers, lavender is a magnet for bees and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)
This fast-growing, evergreen shrub produces vibrant orange-red flowers that are highly attractive to sunbirds, bees and butterflies.
Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus)
Also known as lion’s tail, this plant produces bright orange flowers that are a favourite among pollinators. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
African daisy (Arctotis)
These cheerful, colourful daisies are not only beautiful, but also resilient and water-wise. They attract a variety of pollinators, including birds, bees and butterflies.
Plumbago
Adored by birds, butterflies and bees, plumbago is a magnificent blue indigenous scrambling shrub (there is also a white variety). It’s drought-resistant and grows well in full sun or semi-shade.
