Tea-time with Adriaan
How herbal tea rescued my health and how to grow your own. I cover everything from soil preparation to harvesting and making delicious, healthy herbal teas
Make Your Own Compost and Mulch This Autumn
Here’s a handy compost guide on making compost and mulch with material collected from your own garden. Don’t let all those free leaves go to waste!
Top 10 plants for attracting butterflies to your garden
Attracting butterflies to your garden can be quite a conundrum at times. We want beautiful butterflies to grace our gardens but not their caterpillars which are the larval stage of butterflies. Caterpillars feed on their specific host plants, whilst causing some damage to the plant, it is not enough to harm them permanently. The host […]
Grow your own Heavenly Hyacinths
Anyone who loves beautiful things will adore a garden of Hyacinths. From ancient Greek lore to French royalty, these gorgeous blooms have been a favourite throughout history. Hyacinths originate from the eastern Mediterranean, West and Central Asia but are grown and adored all over the world. In South Africa, the most commonly seen hyacinths stem from […]
What the fungi
From bread mould to penicillin, fungi are an integral part of our world. Although it might not be obvious, fungi are all around us. The Fungal kingdom is so big that in 2017 estimates suggest that there may be between 2.2 million to 3.8 million species in existence. What makes Fungi truly amazing is its […]
Weird and Wonderful Plants
All plants are unique and wonderful in their own way, yet there are some plants that truly stand out. Welcome to the wonderful world of Orchids, Bromeliads, and Carnivorous plants. Whether it is Orchids or Bromeliads which stun with their exquisite flowers or perfect geometric designs, or Carnivorous plants which have managed to turn the […]
Bougainvilleas: the ultimate splash of summer colour
Through all the hail and dry weather my Bougainvilleas at home still have so many flowers that I cannot even see the leaves. Though I have to admit that I really don’t feed them as often as I should. Bougainvilleas are one of those plants that continue to amaze me year after year, with their […]
Gardening for birds: All about nesting logs and boxes
In this stressed modern world, many urban dwellers are increasingly turning towards their gardens to renew their bond with nature. Therefore, inviting birds to your garden is one step closer to living more serenely. Read on to learn more about how to cater for the nesting needs of our feathered friends. The life-cycle of cavity […]
Blueberry basics – Grow your own
Strangely enough, one of my favourite flowers belongs to a plant better known for its delicious fruit. Blueberries have the most elegant white bell shaped flowers. The best part is that as soon the flowers fade those tasty berries start growing. Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, making them a true super food. Read on […]
All you need to know about Cymbidium orchids
Besides their flowers, their appeal also lies in how exceptionally easy they are to keep. One could almost say that they “thrive on neglect”, with even the most uncared for plant still having the chance to astound with its blooms. With that in mind, providing your Cymbidium with its preferred growing conditions can only result […]