tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38022244972326566132024-02-08T11:41:00.101+02:00Gardening in Africa 🍄 The bliss of gardening on my little piece of African soil. A year-by-year record of the progress in my old garden. My "new" garden of 2000sq.m. started in 2004, and ended when we sold our smallholding in 2017and moved to the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu Natal.
Now "my garden" consists of a postage-stamp-size mostly-indigenous succulent garden and it always amazes me how supposedly drought-resistant plants do so well in this tropical coastal region. Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-86817360121524309042023-06-22T05:44:00.017+02:002023-06-22T05:44:00.139+02:00Evening gardening<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkif1G6x2hqtLaxPFlmfIVv1tKwTJW8wK3_gfE6u4lCLQ3kOYls3MkBmb3q_o3yQt7rpDwLIejds5PgLqiIy3SlsZvDuwGwrfPtNZFeT3nTpwBKszyyqTJ9sFlt5zhefT9bZiaQY3x1K1z6TqpkO2hEIKAtPPDYhPjMbobi9unzIxqRmpCZ1R-jZL0/s1024/CB07EA8A-5022-4564-8CF9-4B80C36DADDA_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkif1G6x2hqtLaxPFlmfIVv1tKwTJW8wK3_gfE6u4lCLQ3kOYls3MkBmb3q_o3yQt7rpDwLIejds5PgLqiIy3SlsZvDuwGwrfPtNZFeT3nTpwBKszyyqTJ9sFlt5zhefT9bZiaQY3x1K1z6TqpkO2hEIKAtPPDYhPjMbobi9unzIxqRmpCZ1R-jZL0/w480-h640/CB07EA8A-5022-4564-8CF9-4B80C36DADDA_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I love being in the garden just after sunset when it's cooler (the Coastal heat can really get to me) and I think the plants agree. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9hROOCqza8KIPTP1siPj_i3KfT53CEWHNkoxnYSWsyV0K84CfyPWzpq2mqHO8dGG8OJvPFdY7SJkzT34ItJW70IGpXayCVav9XXjwaaa0hh-u6JvKkXTqwX7pXzC2L2OEezWhaxm1ed0ql7ElYlCvO3cjsoE__epQmYmzfXKQtQH2UMB53fFl0cf/s1024/D8652F22-41C2-47CE-A1EF-44097E731C46_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9hROOCqza8KIPTP1siPj_i3KfT53CEWHNkoxnYSWsyV0K84CfyPWzpq2mqHO8dGG8OJvPFdY7SJkzT34ItJW70IGpXayCVav9XXjwaaa0hh-u6JvKkXTqwX7pXzC2L2OEezWhaxm1ed0ql7ElYlCvO3cjsoE__epQmYmzfXKQtQH2UMB53fFl0cf/w480-h640/D8652F22-41C2-47CE-A1EF-44097E731C46_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Even the Chlorophytum (Hen & Chicks or Spider Plant) is perky and opened up after looking very withered and dried up this afternoon. The Spekboom in the back-ground has grown beautifully tall over the last 2 years, and maybe soon I'll have some shade in this hot, West-facing garden.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHsqQbH4gnrtJhiOFBIghxoEqJFuwoy2P5hz3UMV9KOHF9vQ4mEcBgr83Rqh4gRIR_iD5MFendG5m7AN2w-m5sp4tjpa6_MeAffq6NoTzo7R8Tdq345HSz-CHO5XHh4QnFo0nAH4_1AcLZcgVUiKLdgDTe7ZzcrcPduJlIJypS93UDh72mGtUYIwn/s1024/28A99FF6-70F9-4288-9EE0-7C4CBE6B88A7_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHsqQbH4gnrtJhiOFBIghxoEqJFuwoy2P5hz3UMV9KOHF9vQ4mEcBgr83Rqh4gRIR_iD5MFendG5m7AN2w-m5sp4tjpa6_MeAffq6NoTzo7R8Tdq345HSz-CHO5XHh4QnFo0nAH4_1AcLZcgVUiKLdgDTe7ZzcrcPduJlIJypS93UDh72mGtUYIwn/w480-h640/28A99FF6-70F9-4288-9EE0-7C4CBE6B88A7_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coral Aloe (Aloe striata) in a pot and Mother-in-Law's Tongue in the back-ground.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The thick wide leaves of the Coral Aloe are smoother than the more typically serrated or spined varieties typically found on aloe species. Flowering in the later winter and early spring months, the eye-catching coral red blooming inflorescences bring colour to a garden when it's needed most.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It forms in clumps and usually won't grow higher than tree feet in height. Unlike many aloes, it's a solitary species that doesn't grow offsets that can be replanted, therefore it makes an excellent pot subject. It seems to be very slow=growing and I'm really looking forward to the day it flowers.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSc16j0Pp_jC28Bp_l6efMFhO89p1nZwfiZCxf2I8T8Vb4OoQxaV4Jc1YUDw59plcX8LFKfvtKngqVcCC0w4jADYdEbtE0HM-BnclvtsgHA3hAPT8pZghYIDNk5nCwIr-hhJHfBuEKX0gf0g0hHTjXCCN-JNXAZSH25UFGsmBlCLS_6hlKuizlGoz/s4032/30A94F90-94F4-4D48-B7C2-C94F85269324.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSc16j0Pp_jC28Bp_l6efMFhO89p1nZwfiZCxf2I8T8Vb4OoQxaV4Jc1YUDw59plcX8LFKfvtKngqVcCC0w4jADYdEbtE0HM-BnclvtsgHA3hAPT8pZghYIDNk5nCwIr-hhJHfBuEKX0gf0g0hHTjXCCN-JNXAZSH25UFGsmBlCLS_6hlKuizlGoz/w480-h640/30A94F90-94F4-4D48-B7C2-C94F85269324.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Libre Baskerville", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: -0.00625rem;">(Pics taken with iPhone 11 Pro)</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-35561208442467538372023-06-15T06:52:00.001+02:002023-06-15T06:52:00.140+02:00Echeveria harmsii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L1IklFSLfLZ8rJTtAimCXj8CN1EVoFkE8LYeUU4nXVFOr8OK072jIqwt_gUvMzfZXoJqvaYXq4XNwIlSo5qyC0Bh4AT9PacjknX9ZsTiNZxrK9UZLiNocunFb3xb5ihjt_SrahxTWiw/s1600/1.EcheveriaHarmsii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L1IklFSLfLZ8rJTtAimCXj8CN1EVoFkE8LYeUU4nXVFOr8OK072jIqwt_gUvMzfZXoJqvaYXq4XNwIlSo5qyC0Bh4AT9PacjknX9ZsTiNZxrK9UZLiNocunFb3xb5ihjt_SrahxTWiw/s1600/1.EcheveriaHarmsii.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Family : Crassulaceae<br />Botanical Name : ECHEVERIA harmsii<br />Plant Common Name : Plush Plant<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS1YpKhDR6gF6M7YYT3ZSsvI-WsrDXeWniJfiZtvCappPLqBpvRUEKfZPek4CFKbqX1F-FViopco0P-j1L1JH9LAZagCHAcrxnn4YqYMwBub8EzPJJfUT_TGQV8oFyhrPIKXDLL1AVsU/s1600/2.Echeveria+harmsii6227a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS1YpKhDR6gF6M7YYT3ZSsvI-WsrDXeWniJfiZtvCappPLqBpvRUEKfZPek4CFKbqX1F-FViopco0P-j1L1JH9LAZagCHAcrxnn4YqYMwBub8EzPJJfUT_TGQV8oFyhrPIKXDLL1AVsU/s1600/2.Echeveria+harmsii6227a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />This soft little fuzzy succulent has beautiful leaf color that adds interest to small gardens and pots. It is a rosette-forming species that hails from northern Mexico. This evergreen forms small asymmetrical rosettes comprised of fleshy, football-shaped leaves with a burnished-red cast along the leaf edges. The rosette will occasionally send out pups, or lateral plantlets. As these accumulate, the plant develops a mound-like habit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSMnaxOsMddaO8lnWiDKfh45vVAF_0CmYc5mnK3f93ERj9HD_7ywqGSSdUIIgN5WM5KYvK99r0OTgPVGlCPfqEr3lXAk-0R6PmJIFQ2clB-jLAiRI5-tubnzMT45mEnb7vej9X6UAy0U/s1600/3.EcheveriaHarmsii6294Flowers-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSMnaxOsMddaO8lnWiDKfh45vVAF_0CmYc5mnK3f93ERj9HD_7ywqGSSdUIIgN5WM5KYvK99r0OTgPVGlCPfqEr3lXAk-0R6PmJIFQ2clB-jLAiRI5-tubnzMT45mEnb7vej9X6UAy0U/s1600/3.EcheveriaHarmsii6294Flowers-a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />This succulent has large, beautiful flowers, but it is not a heavy bloomer. In spring it sends up stems topped with orange, bell-shaped flowers with golden throats. Each stem may include many flowers that open at different times for a longer season of colour. The blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds.<br />Like most succulents, this plant prefers full sun and needs very porous soil, whether grown in a pot or a frost free rock garden. As plants age, they grow rangy but this can easily be remedied with careful pruning. The cuttings root easily in moist sand. Watering should be done sparingly as this is a very drought tolerant plant. Feed it occasionally from spring to summer occasionally with a liquid fertilizer solution at half strength.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHrtXql6_oyjCcP2f86A46TVNYSq24Rwwowweg3AbR-6NtHVyl5XhdpMd66C4HVQAyPQnbz8oxB0YDNdiWM81TGzR-tfIFWTSLB3c96rLf-pqF6OYIQkk2iJR7P-RpH0-6KHz5AsQR1A/s1600/4.EcheveriaHarmsii6296Flowers-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHrtXql6_oyjCcP2f86A46TVNYSq24Rwwowweg3AbR-6NtHVyl5XhdpMd66C4HVQAyPQnbz8oxB0YDNdiWM81TGzR-tfIFWTSLB3c96rLf-pqF6OYIQkk2iJR7P-RpH0-6KHz5AsQR1A/s1600/4.EcheveriaHarmsii6296Flowers-a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />This one started flowering shortly after I put out out in the sun in January, but I have just brought in for the winter as I'm not sure how it will handle the frost we get here.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMSse48-WgdIyc1DWp5em5u1YliNoThzfls42jvy5-p51slJLzaWMgslGnKSHs_lhRNGuP2iP7yMb2mTD0KmGfHwA-d_rN39q1wHq63dM7rz2duq7P5OWidqx7LmrwlkjkUwf1sIhK8k/s1600/Echeveria+harmsii13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMSse48-WgdIyc1DWp5em5u1YliNoThzfls42jvy5-p51slJLzaWMgslGnKSHs_lhRNGuP2iP7yMb2mTD0KmGfHwA-d_rN39q1wHq63dM7rz2duq7P5OWidqx7LmrwlkjkUwf1sIhK8k/s1600/Echeveria+harmsii13.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: white;">.</span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-18169871221625228892023-06-10T17:35:00.001+02:002023-06-10T17:35:43.425+02:00Carpobrotus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZlJ5yopLU2GH0JzI2csm97CKdnKIc8D6z9hb4i07Bq3bty6ddAW9xB26svr01GwB2s3Ls7paaMikVMnPuJ_kXtNtnzfjUQhvJgKYUvlyanyO1nVkqWzqYRD5n1DfFNU7vXjePX3P7Q8/s1600/Carpobrotus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZlJ5yopLU2GH0JzI2csm97CKdnKIc8D6z9hb4i07Bq3bty6ddAW9xB26svr01GwB2s3Ls7paaMikVMnPuJ_kXtNtnzfjUQhvJgKYUvlyanyO1nVkqWzqYRD5n1DfFNU7vXjePX3P7Q8/s1600/Carpobrotus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I used to have stretches of this wonderful ground-cover in my last garden. This easy-to-grow succulent, native to South Africa, is a wonderful ground-cover, ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. I have a few stems peeping through from the other side of my picket fence and it's flowering at the moment. If I had space, I would propagate some for the garden, but unless I clear up some of the Callisia repens, it's not going to happen.<br /><br />Carpobrotus leaves are eaten by tortoises. Puff-adders and other snakes such as the Cape Cobra are often found in Carpobrotus clumps where they ambush the small rodents that are attracted by the fruits. Flowers are pollinated by solitary bees, honey bees, carpenter bees and many beetle species. Flowers are eaten by antelopes and baboons. The clumps provide shelter for snails, lizards and skinks, so it’s a wonderful plant to have if you want to attract wildlife to your garden.<br /><br />CARPOBROTUS C. acinaciformis (sour fig, elandsvy, goenavy, Hotnotsvy, strandvy, suurvy ) has purple flowers, robust, short, greyish green, sabre-shaped leaves and tasty edible fruits, used to make a delicious jam, and grows in coastal sands usually close to the sea, in the Western Cape, from Saldanha to Mossel Bay (South Africa). <br /><br />Carpobrotus juice (from leaves) can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe Vera for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Info from Wikipedia</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSo67tp7yvte_Ww9OU98zVMjZYfBtrbsS24ZNIqlu2owiZqA3hpLddbAgVd-GI5E7W9YAla2GPLAso1tfAu8fXgeW49FR6ocNPH5lSmYkyfsNo-142dUcRbXuojA1CKhn3YknCUcbTqY/s1600/Vygie+Pink.01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSo67tp7yvte_Ww9OU98zVMjZYfBtrbsS24ZNIqlu2owiZqA3hpLddbAgVd-GI5E7W9YAla2GPLAso1tfAu8fXgeW49FR6ocNPH5lSmYkyfsNo-142dUcRbXuojA1CKhn3YknCUcbTqY/s1600/Vygie+Pink.01.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br /><a href="http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/carpobed.htm" target="_blank">CONSERVATION STATUS</a> <br />Carpobrotus edulis is not regarded as threatened in its native habitat, but it is invading natural areas in other parts of the world and threatening the survival of other species. In California, where it has been used since the early 1900s to stabilize the soil along railway tracks and roadsides and as a garden ornamental, it has naturalized and is invading coastal vegetation from north of Eureka to Rosarita Bay. It is known as the highway ice plant in the USA. It has naturalized along the west coast of Australia from Perth to Albany where it was also used for soil stabilization and is known as pigface. It has naturalized in parts of the Mediterranean and on the south coast of England.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp6nKBQjDXZjT7iBiRSoNl7xAkka8niIhvpVrrCdEzqoP0Rbs1Dssu_k9ThOxYbkAPsse5VYQnWzf37I1V5cPRdb3MmUsFcAnSe9Nsrq0jnVHEYu91US-ccwHdcqKBfBeDedMUP29ixc/s1600/Vygie+Pink.02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp6nKBQjDXZjT7iBiRSoNl7xAkka8niIhvpVrrCdEzqoP0Rbs1Dssu_k9ThOxYbkAPsse5VYQnWzf37I1V5cPRdb3MmUsFcAnSe9Nsrq0jnVHEYu91US-ccwHdcqKBfBeDedMUP29ixc/s1600/Vygie+Pink.02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: white;">. </span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-73322987819706387812023-06-04T18:42:00.000+02:002023-06-04T18:43:30.498+02:00Spider plant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlBlhnQaPIIvjIxRt7eNGoK82FTqln_8UEetkmOZVQ6jY08bsqFSM_ETjRxn-nRKnQUIQ3DwYW-AzsC3YJrXxOPkVQ3asAiWEZ1b1jDYuZUMKY3oYXQex2gkdHImHLuicvFmF6SGWBoL3K6Jy4BE-pST6sObqkHzrVusBVkKyk2mE22b-wgmUxbh2/s4032/IMG_6256.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlBlhnQaPIIvjIxRt7eNGoK82FTqln_8UEetkmOZVQ6jY08bsqFSM_ETjRxn-nRKnQUIQ3DwYW-AzsC3YJrXxOPkVQ3asAiWEZ1b1jDYuZUMKY3oYXQex2gkdHImHLuicvFmF6SGWBoL3K6Jy4BE-pST6sObqkHzrVusBVkKyk2mE22b-wgmUxbh2/w300-h400/IMG_6256.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Bottom left corner—Tradescantia and opposite it, some Hen & Chicks (also known as Spider plant). Behind that, one of my Spekboom (Portulacaria afra).</p><p>I read somewhere that the Spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, symbolizes fertility, good energy, and prosperity. Yay! </p><p>I also read that Spider plants may suffer from infestations like scales, aphids, mites and whiteflies. Luckily, in all the years I have had Hen & Chicks in my gardens, I’ve never experienced any of those infestations. </p><p>(Photograph taken at night with iPhone 11 Pro)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-83080943105475609322022-05-01T19:11:00.004+02:002022-10-09T08:33:55.938+02:00In the garden - I drop my thoughts here and there<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo4gQTGH3JTgH8GtNSmySKy040qt4aBkCvtUwB91djaP4kM6dd_nDn37nn5xHBUVvb4DR8kZnErVxd8ZZkmUDIuax4TadzhjcZ5prAPnTr7oEJyR7OqQ2Js0A6ZY3dButr4Revy2zMcjuaX7u64WUtGQVpILG7kbQV8MCE8m7Wbl8miJ-cPopoJQ7/s960/277109783_10159011293417983_8074380696538915409_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo4gQTGH3JTgH8GtNSmySKy040qt4aBkCvtUwB91djaP4kM6dd_nDn37nn5xHBUVvb4DR8kZnErVxd8ZZkmUDIuax4TadzhjcZ5prAPnTr7oEJyR7OqQ2Js0A6ZY3dButr4Revy2zMcjuaX7u64WUtGQVpILG7kbQV8MCE8m7Wbl8miJ-cPopoJQ7/w480-h640/277109783_10159011293417983_8074380696538915409_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the garden</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I tend to drop my thoughts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">here and there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To the flowers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I whisper</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the secrets I keep</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and the hopes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I breathe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know they are there</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to eavesdrop</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">for the angels.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV-5Mc0VcEpa5xq6G98z6XYnL72cbZu1SGnuVduV0Givh4bOtDG1vfT-b4jPl94Cob7ZNk0AlYNTC8fVtmnOp4_o8gC6CGGQUcKP7Xvl2C7eGrpp083ymSFM33B3m5ZlL1hX_MDXauCJoEIZywedFcitmyKpoY9wzwnU4njF9C35wavm-fIHQVpFs/s1024/1D3F3927-3A52-4984-A589-B6FCEB608CB7_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV-5Mc0VcEpa5xq6G98z6XYnL72cbZu1SGnuVduV0Givh4bOtDG1vfT-b4jPl94Cob7ZNk0AlYNTC8fVtmnOp4_o8gC6CGGQUcKP7Xvl2C7eGrpp083ymSFM33B3m5ZlL1hX_MDXauCJoEIZywedFcitmyKpoY9wzwnU4njF9C35wavm-fIHQVpFs/w480-h640/1D3F3927-3A52-4984-A589-B6FCEB608CB7_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;">I have this lovely little fern that just sprouted on its own, possibly Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis). I might have to remove some of the paving to give it space to spread. I just LOVE ferns! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;">Origin: Australasia, South America, South Africa. Also known as Knysna Fern, Seven Week Fern, Seweweeksvaring (in Afrikaans).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuIXG-Duh34ecOmsEZk371x1_DtbQZLJTxJp0IbI00Z3shV7BRhz93OkKXBRoOyZi26cdae_oTWbYBKZP-2rAsPjlFY6_UkAUUZTvUthchr0rO3A18NxuyPCdkpZq3AayExcsfdYF6Qmt1XUPX3G3ZFjyE2-fKBNC8bM-bBYc5_LKNloS6ebRAwNM/s798/413BD522-95FD-4049-82CE-BFBCBE225E08.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuIXG-Duh34ecOmsEZk371x1_DtbQZLJTxJp0IbI00Z3shV7BRhz93OkKXBRoOyZi26cdae_oTWbYBKZP-2rAsPjlFY6_UkAUUZTvUthchr0rO3A18NxuyPCdkpZq3AayExcsfdYF6Qmt1XUPX3G3ZFjyE2-fKBNC8bM-bBYc5_LKNloS6ebRAwNM/w480-h640/413BD522-95FD-4049-82CE-BFBCBE225E08.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;">Some grown-up Leatherleafs. Hopefully mine will look as good one day ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">::</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-5633141892566799402020-06-13T10:35:00.000+02:002020-06-13T10:54:38.844+02:00Shade-loving Aloe zebrina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Family : Asphodelaceae<br />
Common names : zebra leaf aloe, spotted aloe <br />
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As soon as I get some shade going in my ‘new’ garden, this will be one of the first Aloes I will be getting. Also on my list, but for full sun, is Aloe ferox, not often seen here on the coast, so I think the only solution would be to ‘import’ one from somebody in Gauteng. Hoor jy my, Rita Gouws Bester? ☺️<br />
Aloe zebrina is a small, variable, stemless compact succulent. The succulent leaves of Aloe zebrina are densely clustered into a rosette and have a slightly channelled upper surface. The colour of the leaves varies greatly but they are usually green and marked with large oblong whitish spots; the margins are armed with stout, brown-tipped teeth and the leaf tips are dark red to brown. It has pale but striking coral-coloured tubular flowers that occur in rather sparse inflorescences. The fruit is a dehiscing capsule with many seeds. Seeds are dark-coloured and broadly winged, which assists in dispersal.<br />
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Aloe zebrina is widespread in northern South Africa and is also widely distributed in Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and is not listed as threatened, mainly due to its wide distribution.<br />
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The habitat of Aloe zebrina is normally dry thickets and may include marshy meadows on river banks. It suckers freely and therefore forms dense groups. Blooms are mainly found from February to May, but also June to August. The pollination is performed by birds and this aloe does equally well in shade or full sun.<br />
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In north-western Botswana, the roots of Aloe zebrina are among the main dyes for the Hyphaene palm fibres, which are used in weaving baskets, to give them a golden-yellow colour. The method was adopted for wool dyeing by European settlers who modified it to create better colours with other metallic mordants. The roots can easily be collected on a sustainable basis because of the plant's ability to readily form new roots.<br />
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The people along the Kunene River in Angola prepare cakes from the pressed and boiled flowers. The powdered stem and leaf bases are taken medicinally by women after delivery to cleanse their system. The (bitter) juice of many Aloe species is used as a disinfectant for wounds, as worm expellant and also to treat skin problems.<br />
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Aloe zebrina has potential for cultivation in arid to semi-arid, frost-free locations.<br />
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Aloe zebrina flowers against a background of Marigolds.<br />
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-75283789675510997282020-03-25T07:06:00.001+02:002020-03-25T07:17:44.252+02:00This is my new garden 🌵<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi ya all! Long time no see! I am not deceased (although it felt like it for a while. Well, 2 years...) and I haven't left the country. We've settled into our new home here in KwaZulu Natal after emigrating from Gauteng) and above is the garden I inherited - a fairly healthy-looking Scadoxus and some Sedge grass. I just love Sedge! Hope it seeds and spreads all over! And lots and lots of river pebbles. And paving stones. Lots of them... Will see where this leads...<br />
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There are no trees in my little patch, I will fix that soon, but for now it is totally a hot, sun garden. So, obviously, succulents are the answer, and lots of them!<br />
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Graptoveria fantome was some of the first succulents I planted, had been mothering them in pots for the last 2 years. Mother-in-law's Tongue (<span class="st">sansevieria trifasciata) is always welcome in my garden, I will try to get an en masse planting going, but will then have to remove a few of the paving slabs I also inherited.</span><br />
<span class="st"> </span> <br />
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And, of course, lots of Spekboom <span class="st">(Portulacaria Afra). This was a small cutting that I had mothered for the last few months and one can grow them in virtually any scenario - outside, of course, in the house, in the ground, in pots, and even propagate them in water in a bottle, as below.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><span class="st">Of course you know that Spekboom (evergreen and indigenous to South Africa) </span><span class="st">is an environmental miracle worker, with the potential to tackle carbon emissions like no other plant can. </span><span class="st">Hectare for hectare, Spekboom thicket is as effective as the Amazon rain forest
at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – quite a feat for a
plant endemic to semi-arid areas. One hectare of Spekboom can sequester
between 4 and 10 tonnes of carbon per year. This makes it a powerful
tool in the fight against climate change and the move towards a
zero-carbon world. </span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"> </span> </span><br />
<span class="st">And Spekboom trees can grow as tall as 5 meters. </span>Spekboom is edible, with a slightly lemony taste, Spekboom leaves are juicy and full of
moisture, making them the perfect ‘pick-me-up’ during a long day’s hiking. It is also a favoured food of black rhinos, elephants and koedoes.<br />
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A little bit of rain does wonders!</div>
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My resident gecko keeping a watchful eye on the plants. No infestation of insects here!<br />
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I'm still not used to the humidity and heat of the coast, so my gardening is relegated to early-morning or late-afternoon or during the cooler winter days now looming. Watering the garden is always a joy and I hope to acquire a hosepipe one of these days, as soon as I can get the Municipality to install a water meter at the garden tap. Not an easy feat. But we're holding thumbs!<br />
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See ya! <br />
<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-71966929891255420302019-12-31T07:06:00.003+02:002020-06-13T10:34:12.086+02:00Happy New Year for 2020!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-56383104980574842902019-08-08T07:26:00.001+02:002019-08-08T07:26:47.456+02:00True or not true...?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-65880239551658186022019-08-07T08:29:00.002+02:002019-08-07T08:29:48.588+02:00There you will find me...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;">... … on my knees, in the garden, sprinkling handfuls of Marigold seeds in the moist soil.</span></span></div>
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It’s heading for summer and what could be more blissful than lovingly tending to your flock of flowers? Just like our children, they thrive on tender care and love.<br />
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Many of us have Marigold flowers (Tagetes) growing in our gardens, but did you know that marigold flowers have great healing abilities? These beautiful golden flowers will heal your body in many different ways. Marigold flower tea has great antioxidants that help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. And I say they heal the soul also.<br />
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To make tea or infuse the flowers, boil the water and then add 1 tablespoon of the flowers to the pot of tea and let it steep. Do not add the dried flowers to cold water and then let it boil. The tea purifies the blood, so drink this tea regularly.<br />
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Marigolds are also great insect repellents, mosquitoes hate them! By growing these flowers in your yard, you can be assured that mosquitoes will leave you alone and you’ll be helping out your local bees, too. Sprinkle them in the next boxes of your chickens - not only does it look pretty and smell good, it will get rid of all those pesky fleas and mites.<br />
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-29080022148376848692019-06-23T06:25:00.000+02:002019-06-23T06:25:00.426+02:00This is the reason I garden...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... so that I may share my love of flowers with the world.<br />
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-90663307739643501272019-06-17T11:31:00.000+02:002019-06-17T11:33:25.754+02:00Black Karee (Rhus lancea)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rhus lancea, or Black Karee as it is commonly known (and now called “Searsia lancea”), has the habit of growing in weird shapes if not pruned, the branches sometimes bending in upon itself, giving it an untidy look, but which the birds love! They criss-cross this highway of branches at an amazing speed in search of insects and feed on the clusters of small, yellow or red, berry-like fruits in Autumn.<br />
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The fruit in it's green form, highly prized by birds and primates </div>
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The flowering season is between June and September, and fruit begins to form from September to January. The leaves hang down, which are glossy and dark green. The flowers
are yellow and fruit is small, round and slightly flattened. Several birds eat the fruit but the Bulbuls (Pycnonotus barbatus) were the most prolific eaters in my garden, and
guinea fowl and pheasants eat the fruit waste on the ground.</div>
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Black Karee seeds ready to drop and populate the garden with hundreds of seedlings!</div>
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<b>Be careful where you plant this tree</b>. Although it doesn’t have an invasive root system and can be planted near buildings or walk-ways, it grows to a height of 20 to 30 ft, with a width of 20 to 30 ft, and is one of the messiest trees I have ever come across! It will clog up your pool filter in no time and we spend hours every week raking up the fallen leaves and berries. I don't think the leaves have much composting nutritional value as they seem to take ages to decompose.<br />
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A ten-year old Black Karee in my previous garden in Tarlton, Gauteng</div>
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A stray seedling sprung up next to the garden path...</div>
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The bark of this Karee is reddish-brown in young branches, but rough and dark brown in older branches and stems.<br />
Can be used as fence posts because the wood is resistant to termites. Indigenous evergreen, it is wide-spread in South Africa and is only missing from <b>Kwazulu Natal</b>. It grows to 5-10 meters and makes a lovely evergreen shade tree, hedge, wind break and roadside tree. It is in the top 5 frost and drought-hardy trees. <br />
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The leaves of the Black Karee (Searsia lancea) glistening brightly after a spring shower...</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the
stars… and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole
existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. Trees are happy for
no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents
and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank
balance. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">~ Osho</span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-55065998098640709832019-03-18T06:15:00.004+02:002019-03-18T06:15:59.740+02:00Yes! You should!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQkRZdnzN-o/XI8bInvMGII/AAAAAAAAvLw/tbAPCcpZehYlS0o3Ohlqd5v8ep8Q0ze3QCLcBGAs/s1600/ShouldIPlant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="697" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQkRZdnzN-o/XI8bInvMGII/AAAAAAAAvLw/tbAPCcpZehYlS0o3Ohlqd5v8ep8Q0ze3QCLcBGAs/s640/ShouldIPlant.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Happy gardening this Autumn!</span></span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-16604371010581252162019-02-02T09:38:00.003+02:002019-02-02T09:38:53.360+02:00Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w5iY5zmt3U/XFVEmPAkz5I/AAAAAAAAvI4/9gwHnxBn1PQAt_Kcje-rXI09WGQ1SN_HwCLcBGAs/s1600/strelitzia%2Breginae_4541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7w5iY5zmt3U/XFVEmPAkz5I/AAAAAAAAvI4/9gwHnxBn1PQAt_Kcje-rXI09WGQ1SN_HwCLcBGAs/s640/strelitzia%2Breginae_4541.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Pic taken with my iPhone 6s Plus in Sheffield, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal)</div>
<br />
<span>Strelitzia reginae, the crane flower or bird of paradise, is indigenous to South Africa. An evergreen
perennial, it is widely cultivated for its dramatic flowers. In
temperate areas it is a popular houseplant.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-av-fleeQTGA/XFVFfRXjvbI/AAAAAAAAvJA/ItUTmlPuOjcEkwVSbK2VxAtyT30U9xEeACLcBGAs/s1600/strelitzia%2Breginae_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-av-fleeQTGA/XFVFfRXjvbI/AAAAAAAAvJA/ItUTmlPuOjcEkwVSbK2VxAtyT30U9xEeACLcBGAs/s640/strelitzia%2Breginae_4540.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>(Pic taken with my iPhone 6s Plus in Sheffield, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span> </span></div>
<span>After many, many attempts of growing this beautiful plant in my previous garden in Tarlton, Gauteng (South Africa) and having it frosted down to the ground every year until it succumbed to the cold winters, I am now totally surrounded by masses of these plants here in Ballito. I just can not get enough of looking at the intricacies of the flower, it truly could be a bird of paradise and take to the skies any minute!</span><br />
<span></span><br /><span><em>Strelitzia reginae</em> is one the most popular horticultural
perennials around the world. It flowers for long periods with its vivid
orange and bright purple/blue inflorescence and is an ideal pot plant and
cut flower subject. </span><span>The inflorescence stalk is 700 mm tall with 4-6 flowers that emerge in
succession in a boat-shaped spathe ± 200 mm long, producing a
mucilaginous substance when in bloom. The flowers have orange sepals and
blue/purple petals (May to December). </span><br />
<br />
<span>It </span>occurs naturally only in South Africa along the eastern coast from
Humansdorp to northern KwaZulu-Natal in coastal bush and thicket. It
grows along river banks in full sun, however sometimes it occurs and
flowers on margins of forest in shade.<br />
<br />
Bees are common visitors when the spathe is in flower. Sunbirds may be
the pollinator, but this has still to be proven. The role of sunbirds in
<em>Strelitzia </em>pollination needs to be investigated, as they have
been observed "robbing" the flowers by taking nectar but by-passing the
pollination mechanism. Birds eat and disperse the seed. In nature, where
its distribution overlaps with that of <em>S. juncea</em>, in the Humansdorp District, they hybridise easily.<br />
(This info from <a href="http://pza.sanbi.org/strelitzia-reginae" target="_blank">SANBI</a>) <br />
<br />
It is regarded as a perennial herb by the abakwaMthethwa clan in KwaZulu-Natal, who use the strained concoctions
from the inflorescence to treat inflamed glands and venereal diseases. The seeds are also used in the Cape to sour milk.<br />
<br />
Read more about <a href="http://pza.sanbi.org/strelitzia-reginae" target="_blank">Growing Strelitzia reginae here</a>.<br />
<br />
<span><br /></span>
<h4>
Special Features of Strelitzia reginae :</h4>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/birds-icon.png" />
<span>Attracts birds</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/resistent-icon.png" />
<span>Drought resistant</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/architectural-icon.png" />
<span>Feature plant</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/potplant-icon.png" />
<span>Good pot plant</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/medicinal-icon.png" />
<span>Medical plant</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/uses-icon.png" />
<span>Useful plant</span>
</div>
<div class="feature-item">
<img alt="" src="http://pza.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/honeybees-icon.png" />
<span>Feeds honeybees</span></div>
<div class="feature-item">
<span> </span>
</div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-2899331964492876592019-01-26T05:05:00.000+02:002019-01-26T05:05:05.883+02:00Invasive species - Pom-pom weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csber93wP-4/XCdgEcLp6wI/AAAAAAAAu_8/EDoIbfIekvwMXUNxHEGz1sKrtRZAMuYGgCLcBGAs/s1600/PompomWeed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csber93wP-4/XCdgEcLp6wI/AAAAAAAAu_8/EDoIbfIekvwMXUNxHEGz1sKrtRZAMuYGgCLcBGAs/s640/PompomWeed1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Following the tractor around on our smallholding in Tarlton, Gauteng (south Africa),
I also get a chance to ‘rescue’ small wildlife and flowers, giving the driver
strict instructions to ‘go around’ it. </span>This Pompom weed was blowing around
briskly in the breeze and I had to hold it still to get a shot. These
wildflowers have been blooming on our smallholding the whole summer, making
bright pink splashes against the blue-green grass all along our fence.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kY7fXNVdy6s/XCdgehgfOwI/AAAAAAAAvAE/WG6tYEVel-ES20WRp_EtYNVfgQYJ49n1QCLcBGAs/s1600/PompomWeed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kY7fXNVdy6s/XCdgehgfOwI/AAAAAAAAvAE/WG6tYEVel-ES20WRp_EtYNVfgQYJ49n1QCLcBGAs/s640/PompomWeed2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Pompom weed
(Campuloclinium macrocephalum) is an ornamental South American herb belonging
to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is rapidly becoming the most serious threat
to the conservation of grasslands in South Africa. Infestations become
conspicuous when the plants are in flower between December and March,
transforming the veld from green to pink. The plant initially establishes
itself in disturbed sites such as roadsides, but then invades natural
grasslands, open savanna and wetlands. This weed displaces native species,
reducing both the biological diversity and carrying capacity of vleis and veld.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8icVNAnjZE/XCdg5N9PLxI/AAAAAAAAvAM/ufCGS04DTrQEjSVf3WDuCuAHDNREL1yMgCLcBGAs/s1600/PompomWeed1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="988" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8icVNAnjZE/XCdg5N9PLxI/AAAAAAAAvAM/ufCGS04DTrQEjSVf3WDuCuAHDNREL1yMgCLcBGAs/s640/PompomWeed1614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The plant initially establishes itself in disturbed sites such as
roadsides, but then invades natural grasslands, open savanna and
wetlands. This weed displaces native species, reducing both the
biological diversity and carrying capacity of wetlands and veld. During
winter the plant is not visible above-ground. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">However, now there is good news! </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bio-control scientists have released a tiny insect to wage war on the
dreaded invasive Argentinian pompom weed and save our Highveld
grasslands. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently, bio-control scientists celebrated the release of a tiny insect known as the pompom thrips (<i>Liothrips tractabilis</i>) by releasing them into fields of pink-flowering pompom weed at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, south east of Pretoria. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKEv_oIDoHw/XCdh1mqsF9I/AAAAAAAAvAY/csQ3P0Ex0nwqSTjRYhZZmUTtiPMYpPc6ACLcBGAs/s1600/PompomWeed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKEv_oIDoHw/XCdh1mqsF9I/AAAAAAAAvAY/csQ3P0Ex0nwqSTjRYhZZmUTtiPMYpPc6ACLcBGAs/s640/PompomWeed3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Very difficult to remove (I tried pulling out a few of them and actually got nowhere - this weed breaks off just above the ground, leaving the large, tough roots underground.) </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Recruited from Argentina, where pompom weed is indigenous, the newly-released pompom <i>Liothrips</i>
causes significant damage to the stems and leaf tissue at the growing
tips. This causes deformities in plant growth, reducing the height,
biomass and flower production of this unwanted weed. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Scientists also warn that it will take several seasons for entomologists
to build up large enough populations of Liothrips to halt the spread of
pompom weed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You can read more about this bio-control <a href="http://invasives.org.za/legislation/item/580-thrips-released-to-destroy-gautengs-pink-weed" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-34423393743209062462019-01-24T08:54:00.000+02:002019-01-24T08:54:00.794+02:00Planting love<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thought for the day ...</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKGgLJ6s2A/XElf8vO_BwI/AAAAAAAAvII/q-2PCxmunFMjrTXs-62PvM4wc-c_Cx4ggCLcBGAs/s1600/PlantingLove.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="467" height="460" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKGgLJ6s2A/XElf8vO_BwI/AAAAAAAAvII/q-2PCxmunFMjrTXs-62PvM4wc-c_Cx4ggCLcBGAs/s640/PlantingLove.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">David Hobson said, "I grow plants for many reasons : to please my soul; to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience; for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow," and I whole-heartedly agree!</span></span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-35893466731472877452019-01-20T05:14:00.000+02:002019-01-20T05:14:03.718+02:00Starburst!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxP4pTJKBq8/XCdWtCAg1RI/AAAAAAAAu-8/BteODFlkKZ4UspFQgmHI0mhvJY7AJtKxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B13.12.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="451" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxP4pTJKBq8/XCdWtCAg1RI/AAAAAAAAu-8/BteODFlkKZ4UspFQgmHI0mhvJY7AJtKxQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B13.12.00.png" width="484" /></a></div>
Flowers of <b>Syzygium australe</b><br />
<br />
Looking much like a fireworks display, Syzygium australe
has many common names that include brush cherry (because of the bright
red berries it produces), scrub cherry, creek lilly-pilly, creek
satin-ash, and water-gum, and is a rainforest tree native to eastern
Australia. It can attain a height of up to 35m with a trunk diameter of
60cm. In cultivation, this species is usually a small to medium-sized
tree with a maximum height of only 18m. The flowers attract many birds
and insects, especially bees and, believe it or not, there was a bee on
this flower which took off just as I pressed the shutter!<b> </b>Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-59318028702843877332019-01-15T05:10:00.000+02:002019-01-15T05:10:06.804+02:00The blossom is spent...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIqu_hI3j1A/XCdVIxCCKII/AAAAAAAAu-w/x75XvI3jz6s0Uh3YqzYtT8u3w_XXjkElgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B13.04.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="601" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fIqu_hI3j1A/XCdVIxCCKII/AAAAAAAAu-w/x75XvI3jz6s0Uh3YqzYtT8u3w_XXjkElgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B13.04.33.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) in an Acacia karoo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength
that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely
healing in the repeated refrains of nature ― the assurance that dawn
comes after night, and spring after winter. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And there’s something so
absolutely pleasing about a bunch of carrots with tops on! Maybe it’s
the thought of pulling them out of the ground. As I stood there looking
down at the carrots, thunder rumbled its way into the distance, and then
the rain came, dropping words to the ground all around me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The blossom
is spent and the trees are now all clothed in fresh green. Nature is
throbbing with the sound of summer, a loud bird chorus. I feel the
warmth of the sun on my shoulders and I feel at peace. If I had a song
that I could sing for you, I’d sing a song to make you feel this way.</div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-60021732760766084892019-01-09T05:48:00.000+02:002019-01-09T05:48:11.550+02:00Where the wild grass grows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yW1n-CltDg/XCdCuLrreGI/AAAAAAAAu98/VPDWqRbo1PUK2ub1H7PqY0Dcu0zwerMVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IndigenousWildGrasses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yW1n-CltDg/XCdCuLrreGI/AAAAAAAAu98/VPDWqRbo1PUK2ub1H7PqY0Dcu0zwerMVQCLcBGAs/s640/IndigenousWildGrasses.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a corner in my Gauteng garden at my wildlife pond where I allowed the
indigenous wild grasses and weeds to grow wild. It was a real haven for
small wildlife, birds and insects. All the trees there were indigenous as
well – White Stinkwood (Celtis africana) and some Sweet Thorn (Acacia
karroo), a favourite for nesting birds because of all the thorns.<br />
<br />
<b>Dedicated to all wild-grasses lovers!</b><br />
<br />
They’re building ’em up<br />
skeletons of brand new palaces,<br />
glass is shining everywhere<br />
so neat are the lines<br />
converging and rising from the sea<br />
that feeds my eyes with watery<br />
veins. <b>Though<br />the place I like most,<br />is where the wild grass grows,</b><br />
where angry bikers hit mud hills<br />
and thick-skinned fishermen cradle<br />
pet-boats between one pint<br />
and the other.<br />
—Eszty Arod<br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-39568316687746153662019-01-05T05:28:00.000+02:002019-01-05T05:28:16.549+02:00There you will find me...<br />
... on my knees, in the garden, sprinkling handfuls of Marigold seeds in the moist soil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Knj--7vPtU/XCc7kjwv-aI/AAAAAAAAu9U/4TfssGhEJiQRG1Q8EvL1HHmF7U69VjVGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B11.13.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="605" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Knj--7vPtU/XCc7kjwv-aI/AAAAAAAAu9U/4TfssGhEJiQRG1Q8EvL1HHmF7U69VjVGQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B11.13.33.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's summer and what could be more blissful than lovingly tending to your flock of flowers? Just like our children, they thrive on tender care and love.<br />
<br />
Many of us have Marigold flowers (Tagetes) growing in our gardens,
but did you know that marigold flowers have great healing abilities?
It’s true, these beautiful golden flowers will heal your body in many
different ways. Marigold flower tea has great antioxidants that help to
prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8u_kJl3Go/XCc-GsSOXMI/AAAAAAAAu9k/3ebbz8T-6KMvht33gj3SO0YEN_OotsXfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B11.26.59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="272" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8u_kJl3Go/XCc-GsSOXMI/AAAAAAAAu9k/3ebbz8T-6KMvht33gj3SO0YEN_OotsXfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-12-29%2Bat%2B11.26.59.png" /></a></div>
<br />
To make tea
or infuse the flowers, boil the water and then add 1
tablespoon of the flowers to the pot of tea and let it steep. Do not
add the dried flowers to cold water and then let it boil. The tea
purifies the blood, so drink this tea regularly.<br />
<br />
Marigolds are also great insect repellents, mosquitoes hate them! By
growing these flowers in your yard, you can be assured that mosquitoes
will leave you alone and you’ll be helping out your local bees, too.Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-29455515529490205812019-01-01T05:00:00.000+02:002019-01-01T05:00:03.658+02:00Plectranthus verticillatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S987dGId9FM/XCdaHsemSPI/AAAAAAAAu_Q/XH7s4ns19_wo8nIGPp4hElDt0Zm1yyzPACLcBGAs/s1600/MoneyPlant100_0689Plectranthus%2Bverticulatus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S987dGId9FM/XCdaHsemSPI/AAAAAAAAu_Q/XH7s4ns19_wo8nIGPp4hElDt0Zm1yyzPACLcBGAs/s640/MoneyPlant100_0689Plectranthus%2Bverticulatus.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plectranthus makes an ideal hanging basket subject</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Taken in my Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa garden) </div>
<br />
Common names: gossip spurflower, money plant, swedish ivy, skindersalie (Afr). Also called the money plant, legend has it that, if your Plectranthus should die, your money would dry up!<br />
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Plectranthus verticillatis - Image from <a href="http://pza.sanbi.org/plectranthus-verticillatus" target="_blank">Sanbi</a></div>
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<i>Plectranthus verticillatus</i> is a perennial semi-succulent ground
cover native to woodland and forest margins in southeast Africa. It has
long been a popular garden subject in many parts of the world, both for
its attractive foliage as well as for its delicate white to pale mauve
flowers.<br />
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The popular "Swedish Ivy" pot and basket hanging plectranthus is not <i>P. verticillatus,</i> as it is sometimes referred to overseas, but <i>P. oertendahlii </i>from the forested coastal river gorges of KwaZulu-Natal. The latter is characterized by variegated leaves with silvery markings.<br />
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Propagating a piece of Plectranthus given to me by a friend</div>
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This easy grower is not threatened in its natural habitat and is abundant in its native habitat in frost-free areas along forest margins,
in woodland, kloof forest and scrub forest from Knysna through
KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo. It however does not tolerate frost, which is how I lost my plant in the hanging basket above. As the frost killed it, technically I do not regard is that my money will dry up! (Smile!)</div>
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Plectranthus verticillatus<br />
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My Plectranthus sharing a hanging basket with some Ivy (Hadera helix)<br />
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Mai (my pet Mynah) on my Plectranthus (money plant)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are on the eve of a New Year - may your garden be filled with beauty and lovely surprises in 2019!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<br />Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-54854896075549885582018-12-31T07:15:00.000+02:002018-12-31T07:15:15.232+02:00Hope is at the center of the gardener’s soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1dGHYnXi8U/XCmltS_r83I/AAAAAAAAvBE/SKmzrpuLru498Md4zR9uVutCMqHabkg6QCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1dGHYnXi8U/XCmltS_r83I/AAAAAAAAvBE/SKmzrpuLru498Md4zR9uVutCMqHabkg6QCLcBGAs/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope is at the center of the gardener’s soul. We hope the seeds will
sprout. We hope the plant will bloom. We hope for tasty tomatoes. We
hope for better weather. This coming year, plant dreams, pull weeds and grow a happy life!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-12567913778203959712018-12-29T11:10:00.000+02:002018-12-29T14:08:40.693+02:00I miss my Marigolds...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YYPuaG3R_A/XCc5lRksfsI/AAAAAAAAu9I/I5A_aMFjuGIlSAkUki4PsDTA3bdKUNW1QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.Marigolds1827a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3YYPuaG3R_A/XCc5lRksfsI/AAAAAAAAu9I/I5A_aMFjuGIlSAkUki4PsDTA3bdKUNW1QCLcBGAs/s640/1.Marigolds1827a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I begged my garden for forgiveness…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>… and she gave me marigolds!</b></span></div>
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-65612515292239557352018-12-24T04:39:00.000+02:002018-12-24T04:39:48.657+02:00A Merry gardening Christmas 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay5if41a1FY/XBsrAo5okMI/AAAAAAAAu3A/wdWFp5IBXXUmhmD2Iirl_UxDaUc5J2S1QCLcBGAs/s1600/AMerryGardeningChristmas2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay5if41a1FY/XBsrAo5okMI/AAAAAAAAu3A/wdWFp5IBXXUmhmD2Iirl_UxDaUc5J2S1QCLcBGAs/s640/AMerryGardeningChristmas2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "bookman old style" , "palatino linotype" , "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "trebuchet ms" , "helvetica" , "garamond" , sans-serif , "arial" , "verdana" , "avante garde" , "century gothic" , "comic sans ms" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There
can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to
creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "bookman old style" , "palatino linotype" , "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "trebuchet ms" , "helvetica" , "garamond" , sans-serif , "arial" , "verdana" , "avante garde" , "century gothic" , "comic sans ms" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hope
you have a wonderful gardening Christmas this 2018! And remember, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "bookman old style" , "palatino linotype" , "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "trebuchet ms" , "helvetica" , "garamond" , sans-serif , "arial" , "verdana" , "avante garde" , "century gothic" , "comic sans ms" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">don't wear perfume in the garden — unless you want to be pollinated by bees!</span></span></span><br />
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Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802224497232656613.post-25723504391447269912018-09-18T10:19:00.001+02:002018-12-25T12:00:27.966+02:00Strelitzia nicolai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-3ygySw1Xc/W6CvUvg2tTI/AAAAAAAAuvg/nS7Rd2afSBs_juChSF4AWu07JPgNqyvGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-18%2Bat%2B09.54.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="477" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-3ygySw1Xc/W6CvUvg2tTI/AAAAAAAAuvg/nS7Rd2afSBs_juChSF4AWu07JPgNqyvGQCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-18%2Bat%2B09.54.12.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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(Camera Canon EOS 550D - Sheffield, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)</div>
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The Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai) grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. It is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps.<br />
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Taken in my garden, Sheffield, Ballito, South Africa</div>
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The stem is woody and smooth in texture. It is light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars. Attached to the stem by long, thick leaf stalks are the enormous, opposite leaves that are shiny and grey-green, with blades capable of reaching up to 2m in length. These tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers.<br />
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Camera Canon EOS 550D - Sheffield, Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa</div>
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The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals
and a bluish-purple "tongue". The entire flower can be as much as 18 cm
(7.1 in) high by 45 cm (18 in) long and is typically held just above
the point where the leaf fan emerges from the stem. Flowers are followed
by triangular seed capsules.<br />
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Pic from Wikipedia</div>
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The flower of the Natal Wild Banana is a typical Crane Flower
inflorescence, up to 500 mm long. The flowers of this tree have white
sepals with blue petals and consist of 5 purplish blue, boat-shape
sheaths.The whole flower resembles the head of the bird, with a white
crest and purple beak. The tree flowers throughout the year with a peak
in spring-summer. The inflorescence is compound (more than one flower).<br />
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The seeds are black in colour, with a tuft of a bright orange woolly
aril on the lobe. They are produced mostly in autumn and winter, March
to July. The easiest way to propagate this tree is from root suckers, but it will also grow from seed. <br />
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Restricted to evergreen coastal forest and thicket of eastern South Africa from the Great Fish River northwards to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richards_Bay" title="Richards Bay">Richards Bay</a>. It is also considered native to Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and is reportedly naturalized in eastern Mexico.<br />
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Strelitzia Nicolai is among the few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin" title="Bilirubin">bilirubin</a>, which is usually found in animals.<br />
Maree Clarksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16274329795088706720noreply@blogger.com