We celebrate Heritage month knowing that many of the plants grown in gardens around the world have their origins in South Africa. Among the most popular are agapanthus, arum, dierama, crocosmia, kniphofia and pelargonium. Industrial landscapes are increasingly using indigenous dietes, bulbine, tulbaghia and agapanthus for massed planting.
l Remove debris and leaves from water gardens. Divide water lilies if overcrowded and replant in aquatic soil. Before carefully sinking pots back into the water, spread a layer of pebbles over the surface of the pot to prevent soil from washing away. Never spray chemicals near fish ponds, as insecticides can kill fish.
l Prepare soil for summer bulbs by digging and breaking up the soil and digging in compost and a handful of superphosphate per square metre. Plant lilium, arum, dahlia, tuberose, eucomis and galtonia. Tuberous begonia and achimenes are excellent for hanging baskets.
l Take time to visit charity open gardens that can vary from cottage-style gardens overflowing with fragrant roses and old-fashioned flowers to formal gardens where the architecture is considered as important as the plantings; water-wise gardens where indigenous material predominates; and others where the blending of colours and textures reveals the skill of the gardener.
l If the garden has some dull spots, fill these with pots of trailing and bushy plants and colourful foliage. Pots of soil can be heavy, so place these in position before filling with potting soil. Cover the soil surface of pots with bark nuggets to stop soil splashing on flowers and to conserve moisture. - Saturday Star