Category: Perenniels

Welcome to my garden

I am seeing the results of all the hard work and love that I have put into my garden these last few months. With spring on its way, it is looking like a loving space where I can wander and stay awhile. The grass is green and lush – thanks to Neutrog Blade Runner and all my newly planted shrubs are already showing signs of flowers. I am now reaping the rewards and all the big landscaping projects are completed – for now! I will now sit back and watch my garden grow. But first … I will still need to sow my vegetable seeds in September!

[one_half]Feels very welcoming[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The lawn is so green![/one_half_last]

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Tags country garden, garden design, organic garden

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels

Indigenous Roadside Flora

We took photos on the way back from Harry Goemans Garden Centre of the beautiful flora along the roadside. The drive is a very picturesque stretch that takes us over the Ou Kaapse weg (The Old Cape Road) over the Steenberg Mountain Plateau where the Silvermine Nature Reserve is situated. Harry Goemans Garden Centre is situated in the Noordhoek Valley near Fishoek – so this was a special outing for the two of us! Below you can see the flora near the Silvermine Nature Reserve and the view of the Constantia Valley from where we came.

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Just a bit of geographical history: The Noordhoek Valley is bounded in the north by Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Ridge and the sweep of mountains which make up the Steenberg Plateau towards Muizenberg, all of which form a magnificent natural amphitheatre. For many years Noordhoek was a fairly remote and inaccessible corner of the southern peninsular. Until the Ou Kaapse Weg was completed in 1960s, the only access for nearly 300 years was via the main road that follows the railway line along the False Bay shore from Muizenberg via St James, Kalk Bay and Fishoek to Simons Town.

We passed the most beautiful protea and indigenous flowers – none of which we could identify. I hope our African friends can help us name the many flowers we encountered! Maybe some of our South African visitors can identify these plants……….. Thanks for sharing with us xxx

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Tags flora, indigenous flowers, natural flora, proteas, Silvermine Nature Reserve

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Gaura beauties

Hi Chris, I have so much to show you this week because I have been busy in my garden this past weekend. I am busy planting all the great plants we bought last week on our outing and I wanted to show you the special Gaura plants you bought for me!

[one_half]Already a flower![/one_half]

[one_half_last]First butterfly flower[/one_half_last]

I planted them with my roses and in two days I have brand new shoots and flowers! So, they must be happy where they are! I can’t wait for the “whirling butterfly” flowers to cascade and fill the gaps in the rose bush bed.

Gaura is a phenomenal perennial, producing waves of delicate, butterfly-like flowers in spring through to fall. The long flower spikes provide a marvelous background for lower-growing flowers. Plant in sun or part sun in good soil. It is quite drought tolerant – so a must in our gardens!

I’m going to enjoy this beauty! Thanks my friend! xxx

Tags guara, Guara lindheimeri, whirling butterflies

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Favourite Foliage

As I was getting ready for the monthly Garden Bloggers Bloom Day I realised that although I love having pretty flowers in my garden, I’m actually far more taken with the foliage of plants. When I’m shopping for plants these days I look for plants with interesting foliage rather than questioning the colour or look of the flower. If a plant has gorgeous foliage and the flowers appeal to me too, well then it’s an absolute winner of course, but I’m attracted to the foliage of a plant and don’t care too much about its flowering potential.

My big bulb planting experiment has taught me a lot about my plant preferences. Now that the bulbs have all emerged and are mostly in bud, I know exactly which ones I will nurture and replant next year and which will end up in the compost bin. Some of my “favourite flowers” won’t be making it back into the planting scheme. For example, Dutch Irises (which are true bulbs) are one of those destined for composting. I simply love having a vase of these gorgeous blooms in my home but regrettably I don’t particularly like the actual plant in my garden. The flopping foliage doesn’t do anything for the overall look of the garden once it emerges, but I remain hopeful that the flowers will make up for it once they bloom. After that, Sayonara!

Rhizomatous Irises on the other hand, like the Siberian and Bearded Irises which are so popular, have wonderful, large, strappy leaves that contrast beautifully in a plant setting, regardless of their flowers. I would have these in my garden even if they did not produce a single bloom, simply because I love the strong, strappy upward growing leaves that contrast so well with more delicate and ornate foliage. Even the Agapanthus, when not in flower, contributes to the overall look of my garden and ornamental grasses? Well these are in a class of their own and my love affair with grasses has only just begun…

Today I’d like to share some of my very favourite plants that I love specifically for their foliage. These are the plants that create atmosphere and interest in my garden.

[one_half]Carex evergold[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Big strappy Irises[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Festuca glauca[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ficus benjamina ‘Starlight’[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Chameleon’[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Nandina domestica Sacred Bamboo[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Purple[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Inherited Ponytail Palm[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Plectranthus madagascariensis[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Inherited Philodendron[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Hypoestes phyllostachya[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lilium Longiflorum[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Agapanthus africanus[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Panicum Virgatum “Shenandoah”[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Chondropetalum tectorum[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Nandina pygmaea ‘Dwarf Sacred Bamboo’[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Plectranthus ciliatus[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Cynara – Globe Artichoke[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Acanthus mollis[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Cinerarias (annuals)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Helichrysum petiolare[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Heliotropium ‘Royal Marine’[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lavender (I forget which type)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Delphinium ‘Belladonna Casablanca’[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Acorus gramineus ‘Variegata’[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Nandina pygmaea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hypoestes ‘polka dot plant’ white[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Duranta ‘Sheena’s Gold’[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Caladium (I think?)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Alocasia cucullata[/one_half_last]

All the Spring flowering bulb purchases, researching and planting, caring for and watching has been an amazing experiment and I’ve enjoyed the learning process and wonder of it all. I’ll enjoy a summer of not having to buy flowers for the vase but will make very different choices next year when I plant my spring flowering bulbs. I think I am “growing up” as a gardener. From planting odd pretty plants that I bought on impulse to carefully planning and researching, trying different combinations and making bolder decisions … it’s been a huge learning curve and very rewarding.

I’m linking up to Pam at Diggings monthly Foliage Follow Up, a monthly Garden Blog meme for lovers of Foliage!

What is your favourite foliage plant in your garden?

Happy Gardening
xxx

Tags bulbs, foliage

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Hellebores in pictures

Those of you that have been following this blog you’ll already know how I lusted after Hellebores and finally found some at a specialist nursery in April (seems they are not on the average South African Gardeners’ wish list – so not for sale at every corner nursery). I brought home three fair sized plants, planted them in a bed with my Azaleas which live and thrive under the trees, and after lovingly planting, feeding and composting them I saw no action from them. Not even a new leaf or growth … nothing.

At the beginning of July I found a few very small Hellebore plants at Starke Ayres nursery and bought 5 of them – and planted them in the same bed as we still have a few bare patches under the trees. Mid July I was delighted to see that two of my now collection of 9 helleborus plants had buds. Joy of joys, the two plants are now flowering and have lots and lots of additional buds. I’m amazed at how long each flower lasts and, for a delicate looking flower, its actually very strong (these are not little flowers that fall off or bruise when you touch them or wiggle them around to photograph them – they bounce right back, strong little things).

They are already a good few days old and still look lovely. One of the plants has three flowers open now, all look different. (see the last two photos). One is white(ish) or cream on the back and the other is pink on the back and the third is somewhere in between. All on the same plant.

No more words … here is my photo essay on the Hellebores

[one_half]The first Hellebore purchase in April[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The small ones I found last month[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The first buds …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Close up of the first bud[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another bud full of promise[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Two days later she is opening[/one_half_last]

[one_half]And the next day …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A closer look inside[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Here she is fully open and lovely[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Still lovely today! What Joy![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Same plant …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]… different colours?[/one_half_last]

I can’t get over how long each bloom lasts. What a Joy these little flowers are! I look forward to years of pleasure from these plants. I suspect the newer five I bought will only flower next year or the next … there really is always something to look forward to in the garden isn’t there?

Thanks for joining in my delight of the Hellebores.

Happy Gardening
xxx

Tags hellebores, helleborus

Annuals Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Buds galore and my first ever Tulip. Could it be …

Post author By Christine
Post date August 7, 2011
23 Comments on Buds galore and my first ever Tulip. Could it be …

… that Spring is on its way?

When I look past all that still needs to be done in terms of preparing my garden for the imminent arrival of Spring and Summer, it gladdens my heart to see buds, buds and more buds all over the place! If you had told me two years ago that I would get excited about seeing buds on plants, I would have asked you what you were smoking, but that’s exactly how it is right now. I’m like a child in a candy store, jumping around from bed to bed and getting excited about the buds I see and the promise of things to come, just a few short weeks away!

Buds are everywhere and in my enthusiasm I must have taken about 200 photographs yesterday of all “my buds”. Whilst not all the plants and bulbs I planted are “budding” yet, most are and I am really thrilled.

I thought I would share some of my favourites with you …

The promise of things to come …

[one_half]The first Ranunculus Bud[/one_half]

[one_half_last]On the Lemon Tree[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Murraya Exotica buds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cinerarias (I think thats what these are)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Nandina (heavenly bamboo) blossoms[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Heliotropium arborescens ‘Marine’[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Madevilla splenens always in bud[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Pink Azaleas are everywhere[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Yipee! Tulip buds …[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Oh my … what have we here?[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The first of the Tulips opens[/one_half]

[one_half_last]So excited about my first ever Tulip[/one_half_last]

I’ve excluded photos of the buds on the lime tree, the snow drops (Leucojum aestivum), Freesias, Dietes grandiflora, Viburnum tinus ‘Lucidum’, Impatiens, Liliums and the Camellia buds which are not giving up just yet. Also flowering are Hellebores, Violas, Dianthus, Alliums and Lobularia.

What’s “budding” in your garden right now? What are you excited about?

Happy Gardening
xxx

Tags buds, bulbs, flowers, spring

Barbie's garden Gardening Perenniels

Powis Castle Art

Hi Chris, we had so much rain yesterday, I could do nothing in the garden, but my new grass patch got a good drenching (and so did my chickens, shame!!) but I did manage to take a photo of my beautiful Artemesia Powis Castle in the front garden. Do you remember the post I did a few months ago on these amazing plants?

Artemesia Powis Castle

Like other Artemisias, Powis Castle is highly fragrant and very drought tolerant, however it is different from both its parents, Wormwood and Tree Wormwood, because it is a very light bloomer. For the landscape this is a definite advantage, because when Artemisias bloom they are not only on the blah side but they also tend to fall apart. The best way to prune Powis Castle is for looks. In autumn or spring prune for shape. It is not necessary to prune for the health of the plant. If left unpruned, this Powis Castle Artemisia may grow to 3m (10 feet) or more in diameter, but the appearance will be wild and untamed.

These soft ferny leaves make an aromatic bouquet ideally suited for crafting fresh herbal wreaths or drying for potpourri. The blooms that it does make can be used also and are particularly suited for filling the outer edge of a wreath.

Like all Artemisias, Powis Castle can adapt to most soils and sun levels.

I guess this is a favourite of mine!

I just love how the rain drops stick to the leaves……. enjoy the photos!

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Tags artemesia powis castle, artemesias, Powis Castle, Wormwood

Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Happy Days the Hellebores are waking up

Post author By Christine
Post date July 19, 2011
15 Comments on Happy Days the Hellebores are waking up

Is this a sign of things to come? Forgive me my excitement but this is only my tenth month of being a “gardener” and I am very excited about Spring this year. Mid July here in Cape Town means we are just past the mid-winter mark and with the glorious weather we’ve had for the last ten days the early spring bloomers seem to think its time to start waking up …

You might remember my thrill at finding Hellebores at a nursery in Elgin at the beginning of April. No? Ok, Hellebores are not readily available as standard stock at the average nursery here in South Africa but I managed to buy three Hellebore plants at a specialist nursery after having admired them on many overseas blogs. I duly brought them home, planted them and believed they might take a year or two before they flower (if I even managed to keep them alive that long). So imagine my excitement when I discovered actual buds on two of the plants this weekend! I’m absolutely thrilled – I actually can’t explain how delighted I am. I’m like a child at Christmas because … well it feels like maybe, just maybe, I might actually be on the way to becoming a real gardener! I chose, bought, planted and nursed a plant to flower, all by myself! It feels really great!

So here they are and some other things that are making me happy today!

[one_half]My masterpiece – Hellebore buds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]… because I’m proud, another shot[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Nestled amongst the Azaleas & Liliums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Exotic Tulip bulbs are coming up![/one_half_last]

To all my gardening friends in the Northern Hemisphere that encouraged me to get the Hellebores and especially to Carolyn of Carolyn’s Shade Garden in North Carolina for all her advice, Thank You!!

Happy Gardening
xxx

Tags hellebores, helleborus, tulips

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Rose pruning

After that terrible storm, it was such a pleasure to see the sun rays out again. I hurried into the garden – with my Barbie Gum Boots and a mug of coffee – and took note of what needed my urgent attention over the weekend. I just recovered from a bout of flu, so I had to select my garden task wisely! So my important task was to prune the rose bushes. We are now in mid-winter so it is time! I usually ask the plants for forgiveness before I start cutting anything off them. So with pruning secateurs I started removing all those thorny branches. I always knew I had to prune them back hard, but never had any formal training nor the confidence. I did, however, follow the instructions from the DVD series from The Gardener Magazine and I felt more confident and knowledgeable this time. Ludwig, from Ludwig’s Roses, was the guest speaker on the DVD series and a huge big AHA moment came to me when I saw how he pruned the roses – from the light prune to a hard prune. This time I wanted to prune – HARD!

This is where the decision-making dilemma starts. The BIG question is – What branches are superfluous?

1. Hard pruning means we decide that about 75% of the upper branches are superfluous from a 2m tall rose bush, and we select 3 to 4 basal stems. cut them down to 50cm and remove all the other inside growth.
2. Medium hard pruning entails removal 50% superfluous wood by selecting 4 to 5 basal stems or branches cutting them down to about 70 cm and leaving some of shortened side stems.
3. With light pruning one removes about 30% of the wood.

[one_half]Roses needing a haircut

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[one_half_last]Saved the last few roses

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[one_half]First stage with excess cut off

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[one_half_last]After the big cut!

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[one_half]Final cut – not much left!

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[one_half_last]Now I can see my Fuchsia bush

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I believe I have succeeded in doing this job right! Let’s see how the roses fare! Now I can enjoy my Fuchsias this winter – they are looking really beautiful and with the extra light, I hope they will flourish!

Hope you have a happy gardening week xxx

Tags hard pruning, pruning, rose pruning, roses

Christine's garden Home page features Perenniels

Peony in a packet

A friend of mine brought me a gift in the form of a Peony, all the way from overseas, so I am now the proud owner of my very own Peony. As with all plants that are new to me, I always have to do at least some research before planting, so once again, knowing less than nothing about peonies I needed to find out where and how to plant it and how to care for it. All I know for sure is that mine is a red peony and that I should probably plant it up in a pot for starters. That way I can test where it will fare best in the garden as I move it around. Unfortunately my track record with plants in pots is not good (I tend to kill pot plants) and I consider this too special to let it “go to pot in a pot” – so I needed to find the right spot for it. And I need to get it right as I believe they don’t enjoy being transplanted (that is what I’m reading).

My endless searching on the internet had me totally confused and then, quite by chance, Master Gardener and architect, Donna at Garden walk Garden Talk published an article about her Peonies. (How lucky was that?). Her photographs are beautiful – if thats what I can hope for then I am really happy to have this new addition to my garden! What I found really useful in Donna’s photographs was seeing the plant size in relation to the others she has planted them with, as I can now see how much space I need to allocate to mine. This is not always easy to figure out by looking at photographs on the internet as they tend to show close ups of just the flowers or foliage, and not a whole established plant, planted in and amongst other plants. Thanks Donna!

[one_half]Peony in the packet[/one_half]

[one_half_last]When it grows up I’m hoping for …[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Newly planted[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Looking good …[/one_half_last]

So with my newly acquired knowledge I’ve found a spot for it and have planted it where it will receive at least six hours of afternoon sun (as I’ve learnt it needs), in well drained soil, in a spot where it will have space to grow and where it can be admired.

Do you have any advice for a newbie Peony owner? I’d love to hear!

Happy Gardening
xxx

My Notes on Peonies:

Peonies are grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers. Due to their colorful and attractive flowers, Peonies have gained a huge popularity these days and are also made available in artificial form which are used as indoor decoration.Peonies are extremely long-lived plants lasting up to 50 to 70 years, so once you get them planted correctly, you will enjoy them for years and years. Peonies are gorgeous perennial flowers that grow as a herbaceous cultivar and as a peony tree. Peonies should be planted away from large trees or shrubs because they will have compete for root space and nutrients, resulting in the size and the quantity of the flowers being reduced.

Tags flowers, peonies, peony