Tag: garden

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Barbie's garden Do it yourself Fertiliser Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous

Keep on Growing

I am proud to say that I am a Seed Gatherer! I have grown Heirloom seeds with some success and with the rewards, I am collecting the next seasons crop! The two tomato variations I have grown are Blondkofchen and Amish Salad Tomato.

Blondkopfchen

An heirloom tomato from eastern Germany. The name of this adorable heirloom cherry tomato means “little blonde girl”.
These tomato seeds produce big, leafy, indeterminate, regular-leaf tomato plants that yield a phenomenal amount of  grape-sized, brilliant yellow/gold, cherry tomatoes in clusters of 20-30. The vines are large and sprawling, so give them plenty of space. Blondkopfchen is undoubtedly one of the best tasting cherry tomatoes. Deliciously sweet with a slight citrusy tart finish. A Non-cracking, disease resistant tomato variety that grows well in most climates including cooler growing regions.

Amish Salad Tomato

These small, red oval Heirloom open-polinated cherries seem to last forever on the vine without rotting or losing flavour. The flesh is very firm, mild and sweet, perfect for sauces, salads and for drying. There are up to 6 blemish-free tomatoes per cluster and are well-suited to both fresh market and home garden. A real advantage in the garden. They are still around during early winter!

Other seeds to gather….

Peppadew Chilli and Paprika-type Pepper

Peppadew

Paprika Pepper

New Heirloom seeds

[one_half]Organic Seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some freebies[/one_half_last]

[one_half]These going into the ground this week[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Direct sowing in raised beds[/one_half_last]

To keep the new seedlings well fed and watered – I have worm tea ready and rain water in a bucket. By using rainwater (or let the water stand so the chlorine can evaporate out) you don’t kill the beneficial micro-organisms, which is the point of municipal chlorine. I use the mixture of  1 Tablespoon to 1 litre of water.

[one_half]Worm Leachate – drains out of bin[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rain water[/one_half_last]

Some of the benefits of the worm tea include:

  • a natural repellent for scale, mites, white flies, and aphids
  • natural fungicide in soil and on plant surfaces
  • increase in plant stem size and foliage
  • acts as a soil conditioner
  • will not burn plants
  • creates healthy soil for healthy plants
  • aides in the creation of colloidal humus
  • grows healthier fruits and vegetables than those treated with chemical fertilizers
  • improves water retention in soil
  • reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill, because worms eat our garbage

I really enjoy the idea of everything I use or re-use comes from my home – the worms eat the kitchen scraps, they make healthy compost and tea (homemade fertilizer), which helps my garden to grow!!

And so goes the circle of life!

Happy gardening xxxxxx

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Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous

Growing up

No matter what the weather – come winter or summer – rain or shine – seeds will grow!!! I still get excited when I see my seeds sprouting!! It has taken two weeks for them to go from seed to sprouts! The amazingness of nature!! So every two weeks I should be sowing seeds! Wow, I would have a harvest garden for all to envy! I still have to get to that perfect balance of harvesting food from my garden to sustain us on a daily basis and some for the family and lots for the chickens and compost heaps. I know that with all the knowledge I have gathered since gardening and blogging, I can have this perfectly harmonious vegetable garden. But it still takes enormous effort, energy and time to get the balance right!  I am just pleased that I can have this piece of paradise that I call my garden (and home) and that I can share it and what I grow in it will those I care about! I have grown up, along with my seeds, and through my failures and my achievements I am still here! I still make time to go and listen to my plants and play with the chickens and to enjoy heaven on earth – come rain or shine!

[one_half]Sweet Rocket[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Kale[/one_half_last]

It is so interesting to see the seedlings of Kale – Chinese Cabbage – Sweet Rocket all look alike. I was not aware that Sweet Rocket was of the same family!!

I have been looking for Kale seeds for ages!! I am excited to grow it because of all the power-packed nutrients and it looks pretty! This is what I found in my research:

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse and is beneficial to your health in many ways. One cup of kale has zero fat and only 36 calories and is high in vitamins and antioxidants. You can eat this green raw or cooked.

Detoxification and Weight loss

The fiber (5 grams in one cup) and sulfur in kale aid with digestion and liver health. The Vitamin C it contains hydrates your body and increases your metabolism, leading to weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels. The fiber in kale also lowers cholesterol.

Strengthen your Immune System

Kale’s impressive concentration of nutrients strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria. Kale has more iron than beef, making it a great source of this valuable mineral for vegans and vegetarians. It helps more oxygen get to your blood and greatly helps those who are anemic.

Healthier Hair, Skin & Nails

The healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids keep your body strong, healthy and beautiful from the inside out. Kale’s concentration of major nutrients gives your skin’s health and appearance a boost.

See Clearly and Stand Strong

Kale’s Vitamin A content helps keep the eyes from optical disorders that come with age. It also helps store vitamins in the retina. The calcium and vitamin K and D keep your bones strong.

Anti-inflammatory

The omega-3 fatty acids in kale help fight and alleviate arthritis, autoimmune disorders and asthma. The vitamin C content helps relieve stiff joints.

Fighting Disease

Kale, like other dark green veggies, may be helpful in preventing various cancers such as colon, prostate and ovarian. Its abundant vitamin K content is important for bone health, forestalling the effects of osteoporosis. And the folic acid and B6 provide cardiovascular support and prevent heart disease.

 

[one_half]Peas[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Seedlings in trays[/one_half_last]

In my seedling trays are: Kale, Chinese Cabbage, Sweet Rocket, Swiss Chard, Peas and Cos Lettuce.

Arugula, also known as Sweet Rocket or Garden Rocket, is a nutritious green-leafy vegetable of Mediterranean origin. It belongs within the Brassicaceae family similar as mustard greens, cauliflower, kale…,etc., and has the scientific name: Eruca sativa.

Fresh rocket is a very good source of folates. Like kale, salad rocket is an excellent source of vitamin A.  Carotenes convert into vitamin A in the body. Studies found that vitamin A and flavonoid compounds in green leafy vegetables help protect from skin, lung and oral cavity cancers.

This vegetable also rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid those are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions.

Fresh rocket leaves contain good levels of vitamin C, a powerful, natural anti-oxidant. Foods rich in this vitamin help the body develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

Salad rocket is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K, which has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet help limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Arugula leaves contain adequate levels of minerals, especially copper and iron. In addition, it has small amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus.

WOW!! I am growing a powerhouse of goodness!!

Have a Happy Gardening Day! xxxxxx

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Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous

Rainy day blues

I am staring out of my windows today, watching the rain pouring down. A peaceful and unhurried calm always comes over me when I watch the rain fall. It can be so gentle and nourishing, yet have a nasty streak by flooding and destroying! The world is experiencing devastating floods and I am on the otherside of the coin. I am very thankful.

We have been having alot of rain this winter and the farmers are happy! I am happy to know I don’t have to rush anywhere – so my heart goes out to all that have to travel in this weather – be safe!

 

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[one_half]Front garden[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Back garden[/one_half_last]

My winter is the time to think about designing for the spring – grab a hot cup of tea and a good gardening magazine and a warm blanket…… need I say more!

Happy gardening xxxx

 

 

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Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Dull garden?

All seems bleak and colourless when you are forced to stay in bed with a bad flu. It has gripped all I know here in the Western Cape and with the weather as miserable as it has been, I did not have a hint of guilt. But the garden has taken a beating and after the hail storm, I though I would have nothing left. I though all would be dull and lifeless but to my surprise, not all was lost (to the weather and the chickens!) I have been able to pick something from the garden and there were some happy blooms longing for someone to take notice ……. !

my new feverfew

Using quince sticks to hold up the granadilla plant – or the other way around! Chasmanthe and Powis Castle surrounds.

[one_half]Tree bursting with lemons![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Guavas on the way – lots this year[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Tomatoes still growing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chillies always available[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Violas love the cool and the rain[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the broad beans from last year[/one_half_last]

Tansy always a useful plant to have in the garden – best pesticide!

[one_half]Gerbera never fails! Happy flowers![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fully at home here! That’s Tara.[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The winter lilly is coming back[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My blonde tomatoes producing still[/one_half_last]

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[one_half]Swiss chard always welcome[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Veggie patch abit damaged, but producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Have new beginnings on the way[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ripening on the sunny back deck[/one_half_last]

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So you see, through all the dull rainy and wintery weather, the garden still has a lot of magic!!

 

Happy gardening xxx

Categories
Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels

Autumn colours

I was inspired today!! I looked out of my window this morning and the recent fresh rains brought out such beautiful Autumn colours! So I took my camera and explored the wet garden. I found the most interesting perspectives and saw my garden in a different light! Lots of colour that I thought I had lost…

 

[one_half]Lupins in a plant pot[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Minty green and edible too[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My basket makes for a pretty picture[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ipomoea brings great colour to the garden[/one_half_last]

Sweet yarrow flowers are a favourite of mine.

[one_half]Garden gnomes are all around[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Artemesia also a big favourite[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The new chickens are quite at home[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The guavas – a winter fruit[/one_half_last]

The gorgeous Ice Cream bush – love the changing colours

Euphorbia – delicate and wintery looking

These are a new addition – not sure, but I think it is feverfew!

[one_half]The ground well-mulched[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Lemon tree is bursting![/one_half_last]

[one_half]A fig leaf in full autumn colours[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I love this foliage-forget the name[/one_half_last]

Fallen leaves are everywhere!

The black pod on the Leopard Tree!

[one_half]Peach tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quince tree[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blueberry bush[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Pruned and ready for winter-Gaura[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Roses are looking beautiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Full bloom and smells just great![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Leopard Tree bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Flowers in the wheelbarrow[/one_half_last]

The Artemesia – Powis Castle is a huge mass – I love it!

[one_half]My Grass Feature still interesting[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My dry river bed has amazing character[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The birdbath[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Bucket of weeds-very interesting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Grasses still beautiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Love the colour of this grass[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips are a talking point[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Easy growing and always flowering[/one_half_last]

I hope you enjoyed the wander around the garden as much as I have!

Not going to do much gardening…… but I am going to enjoy the new perspective!

Happy Gardening xxxxx

 

Categories
Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous

The Gardening Blog in the News!

I was so excited when Christine told me that “We are in the Fair Lady Magazine!!” It was such a surprise to the both of us that our “little” blog made it in one of the top woman’s magazines here in South Africa! We are both grinning from ear to ear and had to share this with all our gardening friends!

[one_half]The Fair Lady May Issue (cover)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Article on the Gardening Blog![/one_half_last]

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And the Article reads:

“Life long friends Barbie and Christine are working moms who both developed a passion for gardening in their 40s. Their busy lives meant the didn’t get to visit each other (or each other’s gardens) as much as they’d like, so they decided to start a blog to share their successes, discoveries, photos and advice with each other.

The result is a warm, chummy blog packed with personality! Of course, you can get information anywhere, but what makes this site shine is the way Barbie and Christine – amateur gardeners, just like us – engage readers in their daily gardening lives, with beautiful photos to match. They also encourage readers to share their gardening successes and advice.

Visit www.thegardeningblog.co.za to catch up with them.

Look out for Barbie’s fabulous “1 Minute Tips” videos.”

I think it is just great that we managed to put together a blog worthy of being mentioned in the FAIR LADY!

Happy gardening everyone! xxxxxx

 

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Earth Day clean up

I normally miss all these important dates – like “Earth Day” and “Water Week” and read about them in the news paper I lay in the chickens bedding weeks later. So I decided that Earth Day (wednesday, 20 March) was my day in the garden. I spent time cleaning up and looking at ways to help the Earth in my own backyard. We have been thinking of adding a greywater system for the fruit trees and the non-edible garden and to harvest rain water for the veggie patches. More and more we are seeing water as a precious commodity that one day will be too expensive to use in the garden. So that is the plan for this year and to go solar as well will make a big difference to our electricity bill. I already have solar garden lights lighting the paths and creating glowing fairies in my trees.

So much to research and plan, but all good and necessary if we want to contribute to healing mother Earth.

Ok, back to the garden clean up.

The Back Garden

[one_half]Before[/one_half]

[one_half_last]After[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Before[/one_half]

[one_half_last]After[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The area is looking all neat now[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cleared the walk area[/one_half_last]

Here I added indigenous shrubs – Confetti Bush (Coleonema Album) the lime green bush in the centre of the photo and Salt Bush (Rhagodia Hastata) the silver round leafed bush behind the Irises. Both can be trimmed to create round balls – kinda cute.

[one_half]Need a bench in this area now[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Such a nice part of the garden[/one_half_last]

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[one_half]Cleared and neat with new stones in the back[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Grenadilla vine is now happy here[/one_half_last]

[one_half]This bed needed lots of clearing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Tea Tree filling this area[/one_half_last]

The Front Garden

[one_half]New Dietes-mulched and fed to conserve water[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New Carex grasses to replace dried ones[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Waterwise and indigenous Dierama[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New feature for this cleared area-still deciding[/one_half_last]

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Well, everything looks great now – fed the garden with Neutrog BOUNCE BACK and mulched all the beds with bark to conserve water and to neaten up the area. I am ready to have the family over for the BIG Easter Egg Hunt this coming weekend!

Have a great week and happy gardening xxxx

 

 

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels Trees

Front garden activity

This has been such a busy weekend in the garden for me – no longer could I stand the disheveled look and the hanging, overgrown bushes. I had the energy and the will-power to get it right! With my boots and gloves on, I got out the lawn mower,  edge trimer, wheelbarrow, sheers and spade! The neighbour was thunderstruck! She could not believe that I did it all single-handedly! I even had time to fetch more apricot pips and a new (old) bench that was given to me by my best buddy! Thanks for the new addition to my front garden – it stands proudly and awaits friends to come and rest awhile!

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I absolutely love it – it fits perfect into my style of garden. Thank you again and we both wait for your next visit!

The front garden is looking good – the one Leopard Tree had a burst of growth this summer – the other always seems to be 6 months behind!

[one_half]My Leopard Tree in the Grass feature[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grass feature looking dried out![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Barrow of flowers managed through summer[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Grass mowed and edges cleaned[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Leopard Tree One[/one_third]

[one_third]Leopard Tree Two[/one_third]

[one_third_last]New Bench[/one_third_last]

I am exhausted but pleased with the clean up! Now I need to feed the garden. I have placed an order for Neutrog (organic fertilizer). I have found it the best and gives my garden a burst of new vooma! Can’t wait!

Happy gardening xxx

Categories
Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Garden Colour

I have been in a gloomy mood of late, with my favourite chicken not doing well. Buffy has been suffering from Bumblefoot and had a major operation in December on both her feet. But alas, it is back – regardless of all the medication and the scrupulous cleaning of her feet and her New Hen House and the daily wrapping of her feet. The Vet warned of this and that it could possibly go systemic. Well, I fear this could be the case. Difficult in walking and she has pretty much stopped eating – I can manage to get soft food in – she likes porridge and yoghurt and blueberries. Shame – so I have been dismal these past two weeks and my garden has not given me joy – but wait……… what is all this interesting colour.

This is the lovely Ice cream Bush – given to me by my sister-in-law. I have always admired her garden and this bush in particular.

[one_half]Such beautiful foliage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Pink, cream, green-what a combo[/one_half_last]

Love this little helper Lady Bug. They always make me smile when I see them.

[one_half]My Gerbera still delighting[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Tansy is bright yellow-colour of sunshine[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love my garden art[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hearts from my friend Christine![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Yarrow has such delightful foliage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Happiness in my veggie patch[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Sweet and juicy summer figs[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fur on the quince-so peachy![/one_half_last]

[one_half]The sign of new things to come[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fennel has charmed me this year[/one_half_last]

My poor, sweet Buffy. Never a moan and always trying to keep a brave face! Wish I could do more!! Let’s see how she improves!

 

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Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features

Mid-summer in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

The Festive Season has passed and the New Year resolutions are still top of mind. The summer has deepened and the blooms are inviting the butterflies and the bees for a friendly visit. The wind this time of year is unusual and the hot, searing air makes all the flowers and plants thirsty. The heat of the summer is upon us so stay cool this Bloom Day!

Here’s what’s blooming in Barbie’s garden in January 2013

I know that our Northern friends can only wish for this summer heat! Out our way, the air is so dry and the grasses are a soft caramel colour. The clay ground is as hard as cement so no big planting projects are planned. The plants are so thirsty and I have to water almost twice a day. I have more blooms than I expected. Here is what my lovely garden is putting up for show!

My front garden

[one_half]My roses are still beautiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lemon verbena is still a favourite[/one_half_last]

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The Leopard Tree in gorgeous this time of year – in bloom and lush green.

Hot Lips Salvia – a never-failing favourite!!

The Veggie Patch

[one_half]Black Beauty Eggplant[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Squash flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fennel attracts beneficial bugs[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chive flowers[/one_half_last]

Chilli pepper

Calendula – a health-giving flower, but still need to find a use for it

[one_half]Violas all over the veggie patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Oreganum flower – my first I’ve ever seen[/one_half_last]

My Back Garden

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I bought this sweet flowering plant one day – and I don’t have a clue what it is called!

A Gaura in your garden is a must – such a lovely plant with whirling butterfly flowers

[one_half]Potato bush is more like a tree![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Fleabain – still a lovely ground cover[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Tansy attracts all the bees![/one_half]

[one_half_last]I don’t know why I forget this flower![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Irises still blooming – amazing!!![/one_half]

[one_half_last]So pretty – my favourite of all!!![/one_half_last]

Dietes Grandiflora – finally a bloom!

Mexican Petuna – also a new bloom!

[one_half]The Thyme is flowering – so sweet![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Viola is everywhere! Helpful ground cover[/one_half_last]

That’s it from Philly, lets see whats happening in Christine’s garden in Cape Town …

Here’s what’s blooming in Christine’s garden in January 2013

In the last eighteen months I spent so much time planting wonderful foliage plants – and I really have lovely foliage – but sadly, not enough blooms! For this Bloom Day I don’t have much to show, but Barbie’s Garden sure makes up for it 🙂

Here are some of my favourite blooms …

[one_half]The Gloriosa LilyThe Gloriosa Lily[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Pentas loved by butterfliesPentas loved by butterflies[/one_half_last]

[one_half]These flower reliably for meThese flower reliably for me[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Bower vine mixing inBower vine mixing in[/one_half_last]

[one_half]I love the pink Gaura tooI love the pink Gaura too[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Russian Sage with DietesRussian Sage with Dietes[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calibrachoa as ground coverCalibrachoa as ground cover[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Mexican Petubias are back!Mexican Petubias are back![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blooming but past their primeBlooming but past their prime[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Four leaf clover has flowers 🙂Four leaf clover has flowers :)[/one_half_last]

About Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Join Carol and friends over at May Dreams Gardens to see what other gardeners around the world have blooming in January! And if you haven’t joined yet and have some blooms you’d like to show off, please join in the fun of showcasing your blooms! We’d love to see what YOU have blooming in your garden right now!

Thank you for joining us!

PS: Please join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – we’ll be so happy if you do!

Happy gardening xxx