Even when winter doesn’t bite too badly here in Gauteng, I always find it difficult to remain enthusiastic about gardening when those cold unproductive months of our gardening year arrive – relatively few as they are.
Looking out on the garden the other day, I was reminded of a newsletter story from a good number of years ago when I shared the perspective that my friend Jennifer Snyman has on the winter garden. Maybe they can jog some of us into a more positive frame of mind!
“Appreciating the garden during the winter months involves a kind of coming of age as a gardener. Every plant enthusiast is happiest when their garden is in its prime and every new gardener pursues some vision of perfection for their patch of land. But gardening is nothing if not a lesson in patience and delayed gratification, and we have no choice but to accept the rhythms of nature and once a year (willingly or unwillingly) allow the garden to rest.
This need not be a trial, though. Winter gardening tasks are simpler and less demanding than those of spring and summer, and a resting garden that is neat and well-watered can be a very pleasant sight. Without the distraction of flowers and lush foliage, winter also gives us the opportunity to appreciate the “bones” of the garden and evaluate the form and structure that play such a subtle but important role in its overall beauty. And of course, there is the wonderful sense of anticipation that comes with preparations for the new growing season.”
IN THE GARDEN
We had our first real cold front at the beginning of June. I walked into the garden at around 6 am and could not believe the overnight transformation. From lots of green, robust plants and a few ‘bittereinder’ blooms, the garden had been transformed into a bleak winter wonderland! I have come to appreciate the value of foliage plants and evergreen climbers for offering some respite from the greys and browns of winter.
We have been lifting and splitting plants for the nursery, nursing cuttings, checking labelling and names, and finally embarking on the winter prune. This will no doubt keep us busy until spring arrives. Needless to say, we are counting the days.
Buds on the pink erythrina
The Chinese lanterns can be relied on for some colour all year round
Sign of the times - Japanese anemone seed heads
Start of the winter prune
IN THE NURSERY
Click here to view all the plants in this newsletter on one website page.
Indigenous plants
Hailing from the Western Cape, Aponogeton distachyos is the summer dormant perennial whose edible white flowers waterblommetjiebredie fans look forward to every winter. This bog plant does best in full sun and must be planted at least 30cm below the water surface.
Senecio tamoides variegata is such an attractive sight in autumn when large clusters of small scented yellow flowers team up with its creamy variegated frilly leaves. A fast-growing succulenty climber that reaches an average height of 3m, it is evergreen and hardy, and likes semi-shade.
The hybrid indigenous climber Thunbergia – Arizona glowhas black-centred dark orange flowers which attract birds, butterflies and bees to the garden from summer to autumn. Evergreen, hardy, and growing about 3m high, it does well in sun or semi-shade.
Zantedeschia - African Gold is a rare summer deciduous perennial with golden striped dark green leaves and white chalice-like flowers in summer. It grows on average 30cm high. It is happy in sun or semi-shade but must have moist soil.
Exotic plants
Arthropodium cirrathum is a rather gorgeous tufted perennial from New Zealand. An evergreen, very hardy, waterwise bulb which prefers dry shade, it has lance-shaped grey-green leaves and panicles of star-shaped white flowers in summer. It grows about 75cm high and makes a good cut flower.
The evergreen, very hardy Sambucus nigra variegata is a dense dark-berried shrub with arching shoots which reach a height of up to 3m. It has white-edged green leaves and panicles of white flowers in spring, and is happy in sun or semi-shade.
The approximately 5m high Chilean potato vine, Solanum jasminoides alba, is an evergreen scrambling climber with narrow lance-shaped dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers all season. Plant in full sun for best results.
A shorter form of the rhizomatous toad lily, the evergreen very hardy Tricyrtis – Gilt Edge has blue and white orchid-like flowers with purple spots from summer to autumn. It multiplies well and although happy in semi-shade, its white-edged leaves are a most attractive feature in deeply shaded areas. It wants acid soil.
Happy gardening!
Leoné
082 482 0257