Datura stramonium commonly called ‘Moonflower’ or ‘Malpitte’ (above image) Many plants are poisonous to some degree. Some plants have poisonous seeds, leaves or sap, while other plants have varying levels of poisonous compounds throughout their structure.Highly...
A beautiful well-kept and manicured lawn is always the ideal centre-piece of a great garden. It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge sweeping lawn, or just big enough for a few people to sit on. Lawns are focal points in garden design and aesthetics. However, lawns are often...
Perennials add much colour to South African gardens. They die back, but they won’t die off completely, and they come back better than the year before with a touch of fertiliser just before blooming time. "A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives...
Time to start planning your Spring planting, so here’s five top annuals to add to your garden for a summer flower extravaganza! These popular annuals fit in well with a wide range of landscaping themes and designs, in waterwise gardens and lush subtropical gardens,...
Yes, you SHOULD INVEST IN ORGANIC LAWN CARE. Gone are the days of traditional pesticides and weedkillers to keep your lawn pest and weed free. Mostly, anyway… Before we go into what you should invest in organic lawn care – here’s a quick reminder of what it replaces:...
Frost can do a great deal of damage to garden plants and lawns. If you live in a frost-prone area, such Gauteng or the Free State, it’s a good idea to know how to predict it and take steps to protect your garden. What is frost, and when does it occur?Frost forms when...
Winter conditions vary greatly in South Africa. Some areas experience mild, frost free winters. However Highveld, Free State winters can get extremely cold. These areas are also very dry in winter. Conditions like this can wreck your carefully manicured lawn. Winter...
There are few things better than relaxing in a swimming pool on a hot summer's day, and a pool can certainly be the perfect addition to your home and garden. But when you have a beautiful garden, the last thing you would want is to bring the overall aesthetic down...
You’d think that you’d know how often to mow your lawn based purely on how long your grass is. However, there are a few things to consider, to ensure long term, problem free, maintenance of a beautiful lawn. Here are some pointers on managing your lawn: Firstly, grass...
Feng shui is the ancient art of placement, arrangement, for flow, harmony and balance, to promote good energy, wealth, health, success, and happiness. The practice of Feng Shui is a very detailed discipline. However, there are a few basic principles anyone can...
Dogs can wreak havoc on your manicured lawn. They might mot be as destructive as moles or grubs, but they make a mess of your grass over time. Following are some tips for keeping your lawn looking good as well as making it as a safe environment for your dog. What dogs...
Designing your garden is complete. Now, it’s time to turn the inspiration into reality. You are looking at a lot of hard work. But it’s also very satisfying work. If you have the time and tools to do it yourself, do it. Or do whatever you can do yourself. The benefits...
It’s not only lack of water that can make your lawn turn brown and patchy. Insects that eat the grass, or the grass roots, can destroy a perfectly manicured lawn in weeks!These, and other insects, will always be present in your garden, and in your lawn, but when a...
The function of a garden pathway is to lead you from one point to another – without stepping on lawn or plants. However, making it a focal point of your garden adds interest and encourages exploration of your garden. Garden pathways should never look too...
First impressions of your home do count! You do it all the time when you visit a friend or drive past a neighbour’s home. The entrance to a home is the first impression so make yours stand out with a healthy lawn and a few other focal points for that great...
Ever driven down a road on a hot summers day and you see people that are watering their lawn? You would be right if you shook your head and thought, “what a waste of water”. There is no need to be wasteful if you take delight in your lawn and garden. By...
For those that live in areas with water restrictions or you feel guilty about watering your lawn, choosing the right landscaping and grass is the way to go. If you are considering replacing your lawn, select indigenous and drought tolerant grass. Look for...