There are many different varieties of grass for lawns. Some grasses do better in full sun, others are better for sun and shade. Climate and weather also make a difference when it comes to what grass type is best for lawns. For example, the best grass for shade in one...
There are many kinds of garden and lawn pesticides on the market. Some are touted as ‘organic’. Does that mean that the others are dangerous? Is the green grass you are sitting on toxic? The quick answer is that, unless you are a grub, your grass is safe to sit on,...
New to gardening? If you have heard of ‘mulch’ and ‘mulching your garden’, but you have never done it, the following simple Q&A offers simple answers to the most common ‘gardening newbie’ questions.What is ‘mulch’?Mulch is a layer of organic material put down on...
‘Lawn caterpillars’ is a catch-all term for a variety of lawn pests in grub or worm form, that can devastate your garden. They eat your grass, and many will also have a go at your bedding plants. You can never get rid of every critter, but you can control them early...
It is easy to spot the fungal lawn diseases if you know what you are looking for. There are three main lawn diseases that commonly afflict gardens in Gauteng (and elsewhere in South Africa). Spot them early, however, and you can easily save your lawn. All are caused...
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...
Lawnmowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes - and prices. With so many mower types and mower models to choose from, the best way to choose the best lawnmower for your garden is with expert advice. However, it will help if you know what mower types you will be...
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,...
You will often have heard of flowering plants being referred to as ‘annuals’ and ‘perennials’. The following explains is the difference between these two plant categories, with some common examples of plants in each category.Annual Plants Annuals are flowering plants...
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...
It makes sense that the best time of year to plant anything in your garden is spring. This is when all plants kick into gear after winter dormancy, seeds start to sprout, and when most plants have the best chance of growing. The days are getting longer and the sun...
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...
Lawn Edging tools are a personal choice and are often chosen for a variety of reasons.We all seem to have that problem if we do not have flower bed borders; the beds just seem to get bigger especially when you have put so much effort into designing your...
You have a blank canvas and you have no clue how to start, don’t be daunted think of yourself as an artist ready to tackle a canvas. Starting a garden from scratch allows you to reflect your own taste and personality so you can fully enjoy the experience....