Exhausted, hot... and happy!

An African Skink enjoying the summer sun on my garden wall

We're heading towards the end of summer. I know it sounds a bit early, but the Marigolds are all seeding and some have already died off. It’s one way that I know that the season is slowly shifting and that autumn is on our doorstep. My garden will be devoid of their lovely colour until September when all their seeds will once again pop up in the most unexpected places to honour me with their presence.

Mid- and end-of-summer chores always include getting the garden ready for her winter siesta - the last composting is done, the edges and pathways are all neatened up, flowering plants are dead-headed and seeds harvested and collected, ready for use in spring.

The pathway Joseph so painstakingly created is now filled with Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Bulbinella and anything else that saw fit to take root. But soon it will be restored to it's previous glory (below) although I do love the randomness of the flowers all over the pathways ...

 

Borders have been fixed up and fresh crusher stone brought in to try and deter the chickens from destroying all semblence of a border!

 

 Some termites decided that my display log is the best thing since Christmas and soon there won't be much left of it...

 

 My water bottle hanging in the shade of a tree sporting some of the last Nasturtiums

 

It's always a good idea to have a few places to take a rest, cool off and have a nice cup of coffee

 

 This Hen & Chicks (Chlorophytum comosum) has managed to escape the onslaught of the chickens and hopefully I can harvest some chicks to plant in spring.

 

 Given good soil, lots of water during summer and some tender loving care, this succulent (Echeveria elegans) will reward you with beautiful, healthy looking rosettes and an abundance of flowers. Unfortunately they are not frost-hardy and every winter I bring them inside or under some cover for over-wintering.

 

 

 Marigolds everywhere!

 

 The insects are still enjoying the last of the Kniphofias (Red Hot Pokers) and I hope to be blessed with many more of their flowers this coming spring

 Some of my more tender succulent and cactus collection on a plant stand on my patio 

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Erigeron and summer in the garden

Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion', originated in Mexico but is now naturalized in many other areas of the world, such as parts of Africa, Europe, New Zealand, and the west coast of the United States.

Erigeron is an amazingly versatile plant, being low-growing, happy in sun or partial shade and thriving in any well-drained soil. It's also tolerant of coastal conditions.

The variety is aptly named as the flowers are produced in great profusion from early spring to late autumn. The daisy-like flowers open white but change to deep pink as they mature, so that at any one time flowers in any shade between will be found on one plant.

This rather superb bushy plant forms a low mound of grey-green leaves and flowers in only three months from seed, with a long flowering period, from September to February/March here in South Africa.

Try it as an edging plant in a mixed border, alongside paths, in a gravel garden, spilling over walls, or planted in the cracks in paving. The natural trailing habit and their drought tolerance makes them ideal for hanging baskets and containers. They can be planted under trees if enough light is given. Bees and butterflies love all erigeron and they make a wonderful addition to a wildlife garden.

Erigeron is an excellent hanging basket specimen - pic from Pinterest

Pic source unknown, was sent to me by e-mail

Easy to grow from seed and very rewarding… some folks would find the charming daisy-like blooms to be grand payment for so little work.

Erigeron are best planted in well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun and can tolerate partial shade. Good drainage and plenty of sunshine are essential for plants to survive cold damp winters. These plants are extremely trouble free when they just get enough sun and a chat every now and then!

 

Two butterflies mating on the lawn

With summer at its peak, the garden is also bursting with colour and greenery. Soon we'll be heading for cooler weather, already the Marigolds are almost all seeding, leaving their treasures for next year as they slowly die down, leaving empty patches as their dead bodies are lifted and thrown out. It amazes me that those seeds lie dormant for months and then, with the first spring rains, burst forth everywhere.

The chores seem never-ending during summer. Chrissie, my trusted gardener, seems permanently to be busy with cleaning up and fixing edges and pathways that the chickens seem to find irresistible as favourite scratching places.

Chrissie (and I) sharing a joke about something or another

The patio also needs attention

Chrissie's gardening shoes discarded in favour of bare feet on the cool grass

Thank you, Summer, for sharing your bounty with me, next year we'll do the same!

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I put a seed into the ground and said, "I'll watch it grow."

I put a seed into the ground
And said, "I'll watch it grow."
I watered it and cared for it
As well as I could know.

One day I walked in my back yard,
And oh, what did I see!
My seed had popped itself right out,
Without consulting me!
- by Gwendolyn Brooks

I've always been fascinated by sunflowers, partly because they're so huge and have such a sunny disposition and partly because I feed a lot of sunflower seeds to my various birds and chickens. A couple of months ago, last year beginning October, to be exact, I decided to plant a few of my own and scattered some seeds in an empty spot. I watered the area and then waited.

24th October 2013

They popped through the ground within a week, two tiny little plants reaching for the sun. Within another 2 weeks, they were already 30cm (12") tall. But there were only two, of about two dozen seeds I planted and they chose the most inaccessible spot to launch their growth, right next to my Barrel Cactus, so I couldn't even transplant them to a better position. But who am I to decided where is the better position, obviously they think that, right where they are, is perfect!

 

 12th November 2013

Three weeks later the tallest sunflower was already standing over 5' tall and showing the first signs of budding. I could just manage to look at its crown by bending the plant over slightly to take a pic.

 

3rd December 2013

 

7th December 2013

Another three weeks later, 8th December, and the tallest one was just over 15' and the flower had opened. The second one's flower opened a week later.

 

16th December 2013, approx. 8 weeks after planting

 

A couple of weeks ago, the flowers would face East in the morning and by late afternoon would be facing almost due West. It really is true that Sunflowers seem to follow the sun! But as the plant matured, the flower eventually stayed facing East, due to the stalk becoming more rigid and to prevent scorching of the flower in the midday and late afternoon sun.

Just before Christmas, the flowers and most of the leaves started drying up and soon I would be able to harvest some seeds for my birds! And to plant more in the garden...

 

This was taken yesterday, 16th January 2014, and it seems it's going to take just as long before I can harvest the seeds as it took for the plant to grow!

So all in all it seems the farmer has to wait 18 weeks before he can harvest his crop and get some money in. No wonder sunflower seeds are so expensive!

(Note to Liz : As soon as the seeds are ready, keep an eye on your post box, I will be sending you some! Will let you know before-hand.)

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The bliss of Lavender

Said to bring protection to the household if planted at the front gate, Lavender has long been a favourite in the garden, in herb lore, and in the medicine chest. Its Latin origin “lavare” to wash, bears testimony not only to it’s refreshing smell but also to antiseptic qualities.

Much fuss is made in some books about ensuring that only the flower of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is used as a healing herb but in this (as in many things), I follow Yvette van Wyk, one of our best-know South African gurus on herbs. Yvette suggests that all major species, including the French (Lavandula dentata) are fine, and that all aerial parts are usable.

 Pic from Pinterest

Lavender is perhaps best known as a headache cure. (Always remember of course that the cause of a headache should be investigated especially if headaches persist. Many headaches are simply the result of mild dehydration, and can thus be best dealt with by drinking a tall glass of clean water. Other common causes of headaches are constipation, neck tension, allergens, and bad lighting.)

 A Lavender plant given to me by a dear friend in 2012

Lavender is particularly effective as a relief from tension headaches. Make a strong cup of lavender tea (officially called an infusion - see box on making infusions). Sip the tea, and inhale the wonderful smell for (almost) instant soothing.

Lavender is also fantastic for insomnia. Drink a cup of tea just before bedtime, or sleep with a sprig between your pillow and pillowcase. Also good for calming the nerves, lifting the spirits, and curing sore throats (gargle with a warm infusion) and bad breath (due not only to its sweet smell but also its antiseptic qualities).

As an antiseptic, I find the essential oil the most convenient and never travel without it. (It is imperative to use organic essential oils, as there are no pesticide or fungicide residues. The distillation process is also done slowly, with as little heat and pressure as possible. This ensures the therapeutic value of the oil.) It is mild enough to be used straight on the skin if necessary and is great for insect bites and small injuries. Ideally it should be combined with warm water to clean out grazes, small cuts, and the like, and can also be used like this as a gargle (add about 5 drops to a glass of warm water). Apply a drop to each temple for headache relief.

 My Lavender plant in August 2013

Lavender oil is one of the best treatments for minor burns. (Apply only after the burn has cooled.) Add a few drops of essential oil to the bath to relieve tension, and to take the sting out of sunburn. Lavender is one of the essential oils that is mild enough to be safe for children.

LAVENDER LINEN WATER
Mix 100 drops (5 ml) of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil with ¼ cup vodka. (Use the good stuff. You can buy 50 ml "nip" bottle of high test at the liquor store. It will be enough.) Stir into 3 cups of distilled, spring or well water. It will turn cloudy, but it won't stain cloth. Store in a glass container and shake before using. Add a quarter cup to rinse water with your bed linens for a comforting scent that will soothe you to sleep.
Recipe from 'Homestead.com' 

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