* Most trees are best trained with a single stem, as a fork in a tree can split in strong wind. Branches should be cut while the tree is young so that scars heal and are less noticeable.
* While the weather is still warm, plant a grove of small trees to provide vertical interest and shade. Suitable indigenous trees include the rhus family (Searsia pendulina syn. Rhus pendulina; Searsia lancea syn. Rhus lancea), lavender tree (Heteropyxis natalensis), tree wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus), Rothmannia globosa and R. capensis. Exotic trees that are also suitable are silver birch, Japanese maple and dogwood (cornus).
* The filtered shade provided by a grove of trees suits aristea, clivia, crinum, haemanthus and veltheimia, scilla, narcissi and grape hyacinth (muscari).
* Owning a dog in a complex or retirement village invariably means that the owner must fence the area around his property. If a flower bed is made on either side of the fence this will tend to make the fence “disappear”.
* Irises ordered in spring arrive this month. Divide established clumps of bearded and Louisiana irises if overgrown, and replant in freshly composted soil. The top of the rhizome of bearded iris should be planted at soil level, while Louisiana iris rhizomes are covered with soil. - Weekend Argus