Gardening in Africa: chlorophytum

Showing posts with label chlorophytum. Show all posts

Sunday, 22 March 2026

Gratitude in the garden

Nothing quite stands at attention like Chlorophytum (Hen & Chicks) after a good soaking. Had some more rain this afternoon and the gratitude emanating from the Hen & Chicks was almost palpable.

Saturday, 9 August 2025

We're nearing the end of winter here in the Southern Hemisphere and having a mostly-succulent garden ensures some much-needed colour and nectar/food for wildlife as well as host plants for insects to lay their eggs when really needed.

Chlorophytum comosum (Hen & Chicks), also known as Spider plant.

Crassula Multicava and Asparagus fern

A young Aloe vera which took root in the garden from a dropped seed.

In the middle of June i cut these Leather-leaf ferns right down and a month later, with a bit of rain, it is prouting beautifully.

The Fairy crassula (Crassula multicava) makes a beautiful edging plant, especially whenit flowers towards the end of winter.

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Evening gardening

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.

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.

Coral Aloe (Aloe striata) in a pot and Mother-in-Law's Tongue in the back-ground.

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.

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.

(Pics taken with iPhone 11 Pro)

Tool tip

Properly maintained quality garden tools are a joy to use and can last for generations. And, like most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regularly cleaning and oiling your garden tools will prevent rust, keep them sharper, and allow the handles to stay strong. Start by giving your tools a good scrubbing to remove any mud and grit from the blades and handles. Dry with old towels, then set them aside overnight so they dry completely to avoid trapping moisture. Using a clean rag, apply lubricating oil to both the wooden handle and the metal blade. Rub the oil into the surface then wipe off any excess. The oil will help prevent rust and condition the wood to keep it from absorbing water and prevent cracking. After the handle has dried, apply a second coat of oil to the wood if needed. Tools with fiberglass or composite handles will only need a good cleaning.

Wildlife Tips

PUT UP AN OWL BOX : Owls aren't common garden visitors for most, but if you know they are around, it's worth providing extra nesting sites. General Owl boxes are bigger than ordinary bird boxes. They're shaped according to the needs of the species. Barn owl boxes are large and square, or sometimes triangular, with a ledge outside the entrance for young owls to stand on. Barn owls like to nest in a solitary tree on the edge of woodland, between 3 and 5m above the ground. Keep out cold drafts by facing all owl boxes away from prevailing winds. It also makes it easier for parents to fly to the entrance. If you fix the owl box to a tree, use a strap to keep it in place so you don’t damage the trunk. As with all nest boxes, do not disturb the box for cleaning until you are sure that the young have left. Tawny owls in particular can be aggressive when protecting their young. Don’t be disappointed if your box stays empty for the first year. Birds often choose a nesting site during the autumn, winter or early spring. Leave the box where it is for the winter and it could be a nice dry place for birds to roost when the weather’s bad. Please do not unnecessarily disturb the birds and never remove any eggs from the nest.

Leave those leaves! I know many gardeners don't like the 'messy' look of fallen leaves, but they have a lot of benefit to wildlife and your garden. Many wildlife species live in or rely on the leaf layer to find food and other habitat, including toads, shrews, earthworms and many insect species. From a gardening perspective, fallen leaves offer a double benefit. Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and at the same time fertilize the soil as they break down. Why spend money on mulch and fertilizer when you can make your own?

It is utterly forbidden to be half-hearted about gardening. You have got to love your garden whether you like it or not.

- W.C. Sellar

Pages

Sunday, 22 March 2026

Gratitude in the garden

Saturday, 9 August 2025

July garden up-date

Thursday, 22 June 2023

Evening gardening