Tag: grass feature

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

Tags flowers, foliage, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, plants

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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

Tags garden, grass feature, lawn, Leopard Tree, organic garden, pond plants, trees

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Last October Days

After the heat of yesterday and the windy morning, I finally ventured out into the garden to see what needed tending. Besides the blown-over trellis and the build-up of weed, I was amazed to see lots of new growth and happy flowers. I am amazed at how much a garden can really give you when you offer some love and care. I treasure the surprises and the jump-for-joy moments, like the new Louisiana Iris in the front garden, the first new Rose or the Broccoli sprout and the sweet carrots.

My first rose bud. It is so sweet and gloriously scented!

[one_half]Dianthus in full bloom next to the Tea Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New rose bushes with Powis Castle[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips in the rose patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some rose buds, Fuchsia growing tall[/one_half_last]

[one_half]What a beautiful colour-Louisiana Iris[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A single perfect flower-just lovely![/one_half_last]

[one_third]Artemesia[/one_third]

[one_third]My Auntie Henna Rose[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Fuchsia lush and green[/one_third_last]

The Grass Feature is coming alive. The grasses are in their 3rd Season, so this is the year for them to shine!

[one_half]The grass feature is amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in full growth[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The riverbed still looking good[/one_half]

[one_half_last]This will be so nice in summer[/one_half_last]

Well, the front garden is in full display. The Leopard trees are about to bud and within a few weeks will be rich and green with new leaves. Now let’s see what the back garden is doing …..

The Carnations are still blooming – together with the Yarrow. Both are new to my garden and seem to be happy in the new bed.

[one_half]Chamomile- great tea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage – Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calendula – my first ever from seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A favourite medicinal flower[/one_half_last]

My first Fennel plant with flowers – from this one I will collect the seeds.

[one_half]Babiana are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My first carnations that didn’t die on me[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Sweetpea up the ladder[/one_third]

[one_third]The new bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Buffy hiding from me[/one_third_last]

[one_half]My new apple trees in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quinces are now starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New strawberries – I love spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry bush also producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Watering hole next to the Tansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another watering hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My first Lily-behind the pineapple sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A dove in her new nest in the potato bush[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blue Cornflowers in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Don’t know what this is-but pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another unknown flower in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another non-name flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Wild growing Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow flowers coming to an end[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best Lemons ever![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Loquats are nearly ripe![/one_half_last]

I have so many more photos,but I think I will post them on another day. There is so much happening in my garden right now and I haven’t even touched on the veggie patch.

Til next post – Happy Gardening xxxxxx

Tags dove, flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, lemon tree, plants, roses, spring

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Wet October day

Well, the sun is hiding behind dark, ominous clouds and the rain is coming down. I know my garden loves it and after a few warm days, I am quite happy sitting indoors. Just survived a bout of nasty flu and a quiet weekend inside with a great book sounds like a good idea. I did, however, take a quick walk around to see what needed my attention, but my plants all waved me inside. They are all happy. The Gardener can rest! xxx

[one_half]My Potato Sacks are looking great[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The raised veggie bed looking full[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Beautiful apple blossoms-how lovely![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rose patch is filling out nicely[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The rain is being enjoyed by all[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The potato bush is heavy with blooms[/one_half_last]

The sage has re-grown from the old plant in the veggie bed. I am enjoying the flowers. The Chrysanthemums are also thriving.

[one_half]Beautiful sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Buds closed on this cold day[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Grass patch is looking amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in growth-mode[/one_half_last]

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Well, I thought I could pack away my fuzzy blankets – 🙂 The cold is still creeping in this October month. Well, I’m gonna wrap up warm now and will see you all in the week.

Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, organic garden, plants, vegetables

Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels Reviews

Biodiversity showcase garden

Post author By Barbara
Post date August 3, 2012
4 Comments on Biodiversity showcase garden

Cape Town is internationally known as a biodiversity hotspot with many species occurring nowhere else in the world. The Biodiversity Garden in Green Point, Cape Town was built around the World Cup Stadium in time for the Soccer World Cup (2010). I took my sister (the one visiting from Australia) to this Showcase Garden last week where we learnt about all the elements making up biodiversity through a series of themed gardens. Instead of learning by being bombarded with wordy information boards, the design of these gardens incorporates appropriate planting schemes and visual displays that highlight the different elements of biodiversity through a combination of interpretive signage and public art which has been provided by local artists.

Enjoy with us as we took the various “trails” through the garden.

[one_half]The most amazing wire works[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The art was all over the gardens[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The indigenous grasses were spectacular[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The city lies behind this tranquil place[/one_half_last]

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[one_half]The world cup stadium in the background[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Play park for the older children[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best mind the signs![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Bushman element also portrayed[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Trails lead you to endless vegetation[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My favourite Chasmanthe is a sunbird magnet[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Can you see the dragonflies?[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The threat to biodiversity through art[/one_half_last]

The Biodiversity Showcase Garden in the Park is at once educational and entertaining. The Garden will showcase a variety of indigenous plants that display the region’s unique biodiversity, as well as demonstrate environmentally responsible gardening and horticultural techniques.

To learn more about this splendid Biodiversity Garden – click here, and if you need a place to stay when in the Cape visit Cape-Venues Accommodation in Cape Town.

The entrance is free, and in summer the garden is open from 7am to 7pm.

Hope this inspiring garden gets your garden gloves out and your gum boots on! Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags Biodiversity Garden, Cape Town Garden, garden, grass feature

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New patch plantings

Hi Chris – I know I mentioned this to you last week already, but I had little time to get the photo’s done and up for you to see. I know I keep telling you how I love your Nandina, well I have now bought some as well as azaleas to go in my shade patch in the back garden. Everything else I have planted here has died; either ripped out by chickens, or rotted away or just simply faded into nothing. It is such a focal position next to my back deck. In summer it is the only real shady area in the back garden and all the birds flock here for warmth in winter and to cool off in the summer. It is a watering hole and it’s also where the chameleons and bees hang out. I have created a rock pile for my frogs and lizards and the bucket just for fun! There is a yearly arum lily that comes up in winter… look you can see it popping out of the new stone path. I’m going to keep it because it has been there ever since we moved into the house. I remember putting the big tree stump on that area one year and it still managed to push through, so I love plants that love to be here, no matter what the circumstance!

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Here are the white azaleas and the nandina pygmaea-Dwarf Bamboo – planted behind the Tea Tree and the Pineapple Sage. These shrubs will give shade in the intense afternoon sun in summer. I also have a few Irises I cannot wait to see flower in spring. I have a few Lilium bulbs too. The Arum Lily that comes up every year is Zantedeschia, a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi.

[one_half]Nandina Pygmaea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]White Azaleas[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A thatching plant but not Cape Thatch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I have pruned the Pineapple Sage[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The yearly arum lily plant[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The Shady Patch corner at sunset[/one_half_last]

I really hope that this will be the winning combo. I am looking at a more perennial garden patch here with lots of flowers and little work. A bushy, flowery area with nice colourful foliage. I love the Nandina now – the reds are so beautiful. I selected white azaleas because I wanted something neutral as perennial and I can add colour with bulbs and other annual flowers here and there. I am now going to sit back, water and wait!

The weatherman says storms ahead, so I guess the weekend will be spent in front of the fire with a good book!

Happy reading….I mean gardening xxxx

Tags azaleas, dwarf bamboo, flowers, gardening, grass feature, nandina pygmaea, pineapple sage, plants, spring bulbs, white azaleas

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Miscanthus probe

Well, Alan – this post has finally been uploaded. You have been patiently asking me to get a closer view of this big question mark – my bold grass and centre piece of my grass feature. I have done a close up inspection of my Miscanthus Sinensis Gracillimus (it was labelled and sold to me as this!). I know that the last post I did of my Grass Feature update you did question this, so here we are! A up close and personal – and I also found more than I bargained for … check it out!

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Oh, what have we here? Lots of hidden treasures …

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On closer inspection…. Buffy, what are you doing under there??

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Well, Buffy is as proud as punch and was happy to pose for me with her egg stash, but don’t tell her that they won’t hatch – she is a real mother hen. At a ripe age (for a chicken, I guess) of 5 years old she can still lay a beautiful egg! Oh, but she is standing in my dry river bed – not an egg clutch!! 🙂

Ok, but getting back to the mystery grass – is it a Miscanthus or not? Maybe we will get it right! Should I get closer photos of the blades? Let me know…

Thanks Alan, for your constant interest in all we do in our Two Gardens – we are both better gardeners for it!

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags Design, grass feature, grasses, Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus, organic garden

Barbie's garden Design Gardening Home page features Miscellaneous Perenniels

Grasses highlighted – 1st anniversary

Post author By Barbara
Post date April 8, 2012
12 Comments on Grasses highlighted – 1st anniversary

I have been asked a few times by many to put together a more detailed post on the Grass Feature in my front garden. It is one of my very special places in my garden and takes pride of place (ok – the veggie patch is still the number one!) This is the month of its 1st Anniversary, so we can really go back and see how it looked 1 year ago.

There are a variety of grasses and they were all chosen to work well together – height, shape and colour. I remember the planning and drawing and the digging and arranging and re-arranging. It was one of my more dramatic and labour intensive projects because of the dry river bed feature in the middle of it all.

As it looks now – with all the grasses labelled.

1. Pennisetum “Red Buttons”

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2. Carex Buchananii

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3. Carex Amazon Mist

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4. Festuca Glauca

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5. & 8. Calamagrostis “Karl Foerster”

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6. Miscanthus Sinensis Gracillimus

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7. Panicum Virgatum “Shenandoah”

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9. Deschampsia Caespitosa “Tuffed Hair Grass”

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10. & 13. Phorium Rubra nana & 11. Pennisetum Setaceum Rubrum-Red Fountain Grass

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12. Carex Frosted Curls

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14. Aristida & other

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I hope that this has been interesting. It was great to see how this Grass Feature keeps changing through the seasons – Autumn shows a new face.

Happy Gardening xxx

Tags foliage, garden, grass feature, Grass Feature for the Garden, grasses, indigenous grasses

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New additions for 2012

I guess my New Year’s resolution is to have more colour in my garden. I have so enjoyed the nursery outings that Christine and I take on regular intervals and the temptation to buy more and more flowering plants has taken hold of me. I will share these new additions with you and how I have added them to the garden.

Here is Gerbera Garvinea (the daisy-like orange flower) and white cosmos and red Dianthus with my favourite Gaura Belleza in the background.

[one_half]Gaura Belleza ready for planting[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Dianthus, Cosmos and Gaura looking pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Gaura now in my buckets[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I think this is a perfect spot![/one_half_last]

I had the lavender in the buckets, if you can remember, and I found that I needed to replant those in a more suitable environment (I haven’t done this yet!). The gaura are just perfect here – they play in the wind and seem to love this sunny spot! They are light and pretty, so I have improved this area. I’m chuffed!

[one_half]Here, I have combined the Cosmos and Dianthus[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Festuca Glauca and Calibrachoa ready for planting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calibrachoa and alyssum in the grass feature[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I have added the Festuca Glauca here[/one_half_last]

I had a few gaps in my grass feature and really wanted to add Festuca Glauca. I found some so – yeay! You can see it here next to the bird bath. The calibrachoa and the alyssum found a home next to my Miscanthus.

[one_half]Gerbera Garvinea Orangia – very cute![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Gerbera in my barrel combo[/one_half_last]

I am very pleased that the Gerbera Garvinea looks fabulous in my barrel bucket with my Artemesia and spring bulbs as a threesome. The alyssum just finishes the pretty picture.

[one_half]Grass feature looking just great[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another view from the deck[/one_half_last]

I had to add the last two photos of the grass feature. It is really coming on beautifully and I’ll keep you updated on this because I see that it is really starting to grow!

I wish all of our garden blogger friends a GREAT 2012 and Happy Gardening xxxxxxx

Tags alyssum, calibrachoa, cosmos, dianthus, festuca glauca, gaura belleza, gerbera garvinea, grass feature

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Shopping + gardening = happiness

Post author By Christine
Post date October 23, 2011
6 Comments on Shopping + gardening = happiness

Gardening is supposed to be therapeutic and I sure know that shopping usually makes me feel better, so a visit to the local nursery was what my “inner-doctor” ordered for today. And what a joy it was to find something I’ve been looking for forever! Miscanthus sinesis giant variegata was waiting for me – three of them sitting there (I always buy in threes). So of course they came home with me, no hesitation, lovely healthy looking specimens. I couldn’t resist a few extra finds …

Now all I have to do is finish the “big clean-up“, dig some holes and in they’ll go.