Here you’ll find all things relating to my garden. I share my garden’s journey with you. Showing you what is flowering and what I’m growing in the veggie garden. The garden projects I’ve undertaken and give some insight into the birds, insects and other creepy-crawlies visiting my garden.
For centuries tea has been drunk for enjoyment, for comfort, for convalescence and for health. But did you know that there are certain teas that can benefit your garden? Strictly speaking these teas are not tea in the true sense of the word. Purists would agree that tea is only tea if made with the leaves from Camellia sinensis – the traditional tea plant. To be more correct we could rather use the terms herbal tea, infusions or even tisanes….
The concept of a no-lawn garden is an idea that has been gaining more support over recent years. Keeping a lawn well maintained is not cheap. It costs a lot in terms of time and resources. Bringing a drought-damaged lawn back to life would cost even more. So the idea of not having any lawn began to look even more appealing. This article is about how I put my landscaping skills to use and made the change to a no-lawn…
I have yet to meet a gardener who doesn’t bemoan the slugs and snails eating their plants. If you feel discouraged when newly planted seedlings are chomped overnight believe me, you are not alone. Do beer, egg shells and copper really work in deterring them? I put some of these methods to the test and share my findings and experiences about what to do to combat slugs and snails in your garden. I have a confession. I’ve killed many snails…
It is encouraging to see the different bird species that have made their homes in my garden over the years. I love watching them. Each with their own special characteristics and habits. One bird that is particularly amusing to watch is the mousebird. I call them my garden acrobats. Three species of mousebird are found in South Africa. I am fortunate to have two of them in my garden: the white-backed mousebird (Colius colius) and the red-faced mousebird (Urocolius indicus)….
Whether you know them as butternut squash or butternut pumpkin, butternuts are an easy crop to grow. Even the most novice gardener could be confident to give them a try. Interestingly this species of Cucurbita moschata is the result of cross breeding Hubbard squash and Gooseneck squash nearly ninety years ago. It gained popularity over the years and now this squash with its buttery orange flesh has become a firm favourite. Butternuts are an example of winter squash. They are…
Pumpkin flies are a cause for much heartache and despair amongst farmers and veggie gardeners alike. Often mistaken for a wasp, these deceivingly attractive-looking flies can destroy a crop of squash if left unchecked. In this blog I share my experience in tackling this pesky pest. What are Pumpkin flies? Pumpkin flies, or lesser cucurbit flies, are similar to fruit flies. Although, as their name suggests, they have a particular liking for cucurbits. And believe me, it’s not just pumpkins….
For centuries herbs have been used in remedies, tinctures, oils and more to promote healing and health but did you know they are also healthy for your garden? Many years ago when my mom gave me a book of herbal remedies she inspired me to look to herbs for their health benefits. Over the years I have come to respect their healing properties and have learnt that growing herbs can promote a healthy garden too. There are so many different…
Back in August the social media gardening groups were abuzz with comments about who was planting what for spring. Many recommended sowing seeds in trays in the greenhouse so the seedlings would be ready to transplant into the veggie garden as the weather started to warm up. Now, being two thirds of the way through spring, let’s see what I have managed to grow in my veggie garden. Being someone who has been known to follow solid, logical advice on…
My heart just sinks when I see aphids on my plants. I am sure this is the case with most gardeners. These little sap sucking insects can wreak havoc in the garden especially in spring time when there are so many new shoots and succulent leaves to devour. Remember though, nature is all about balance so at the other end of this see saw is the little ladybird. A hero in my eyes without a doubt. What is an aphid?…
The journey of the garden makeover continues. The drought had played a pivotal role in our decision to redesign our garden to include hard landscaping. In Part 1 of the story I shared details about the design and preparation work done thus far. The excitement was in the air on that November morning because it was the day that the exposed aggregate would be exposed. The retarding solution sprayed onto the cement had prevented the top layer from drying overnight….