Florcom Gardens

(see summary for English)

Klik hier indien jy meer oor grond se pH wil weet.

Ons sien dikwels in tuine met kleierige of alkaliese grond dat jong groei lig van kleur en selfs geel word. Hierdie vergeling (chlorose) is heel waarskynlik die gevolg van ‘n tekort aan yster (Fe) wat deur ‘n te hoë pH veroorsaak word.

Kyk na ons skyfiereeks ‘The nutrients’ indien jy die simptome van ystertekort wil sien.

Ystertekorte ontstaan meestal indien die grond swak gedreineerd is en/of indien die pH te hoog is.

Ystertekorte kan dus reggestel word deur:

1. Die grond beter te dreineer. Maak seker dat beddings goed omgespit word en werk groot hoeveelhede kompos of organiese materiaal soos boombas in die grond in.
2. Die pH reg te stel. Indien die pH te hoog is, kan klein hoeveelhede blomswael in die grond ingewerk word.

Dit is raadsaam om die pH van jou grond by ‘n laboratorium te laat bepaal. Die laboratorium kan dan, op grond van die analise, bereken hoeveel swael nodig is om die pH tot by die regte waarde te verlaag. In sanderige grond sal ongeveer 50 gram blomswael per vierkante meter voldoende wees. In kleierige grond sal meer swael nodig wees. Strooi die swael oor die bogrond en spit in.

Summary:

• Chlorosis of young leaves is often the result of Fe-deficiency induced by a too high pH.
• Click here for more information regarding the pH of the soil.
• Click here to see our slide show with the visual symptoms of Fe deficiency.
• Use sulfur to reduce the pH if the pH is too high. A soil analysis is needed to calculate the amount of sulfur needed.

Information suppled by: Garden World, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng Tel: 011 957 2046 or 083 997 6142, www.gardenworld.co.za

Fast growing indigenous evergreen groundcover with variegated foliage and white flowers. Semi-Hardy, Spread 1m x Height 30cm. Semi-Shade to Full Shade.

Summary

Botanical Name: Durantha ‘Sheena’s Gold’

Common Name: Yellow Durantha

Height & Spread: 1.5m x 1m

Information supplied by: Garden World, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng Tel: 011 957 2046 or 083 997 6142, www.gardenworld.co.za

This fast growing semi-evergreen shrub is one of the most rewarding plants for just about any garden. Its bright yellow foliage provides a great contrast against all the different reds, greens or greys in your garden. This is one of the easiest plants to cut into a topiary or hedge because of its dense foliage.

In the late summer you will find strings of blue flowers on the ends of the branches followed by yellow berries.

The berries are not eaten by birds and are normally non viable.

The adventitious root system of this plant is small and non-invasive so it can be planted into a flowerbox, near a pool or in a pot.

Summary:

Special

Gardenworld – special for Yellow Durantha during April 2008.

Normal Price R25.95

Special for April R19.95

Garden World

Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng

Tel: 011 957 2046 or 083 997 6142

www.gardenworld.co.za

A garden by: Andrew Hecker Garden Design & Landscaping
(Telephone: +27 83 646 3455 or +27 11 648 2060)

Garden Designer: Andrew Hecker (andrewhecker@mweb.co.za)

Garden no 11: Garden World, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Tel: 011 957 2046 or 083 997 6142, www.gardenworld.co.za

(click for a larger view)

Inspiration for the garden

A modern patio garden uses a striking raised black pond as a central focal point. The stone patio laid in a parquet style adds a refined look and the use of stainless steel on the pond edges create dramatic reflections in the water. The water feature is a still pond with a single pot that appears to float in the centre, with water silently flowing down the sides. The pattern of the pond is repeated as the pattern of the garden and feature wall giving a sense of unity throughout and representing a triptych work of art. Fine textured block planting of indigenous ferns, ground covers and other perennials soften the geometry of the design, yet also strengthens the lines.

Plant highlights

All the plants are available at:
Garden World, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Tel: 011 957 2046 or 083 997 6142, www.gardenworld.co.za

Trees: Caesalpinia ferrea

Shrubs & Perennials: Freylinia tropica, Asparagus virgatus, Rumohra adiantiformis, Calopsis paniculata, Durantha Sheena’s Gold.

Groundcovers: Stachys flexuosa, Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’.

Annuals and bulbs: Scilla natalensis, Lachenalia ‘Rosebeth’.

(click for a larger view)

Production of healthy plants will be possible if you remember the following tips:

• Most gardens prefer a pH value of 7 or just below neutral. The young leaves will be yellow if the pH is too high. Give dolomitic lime if the pH is too low and lime sulphur if the pH is too high.
• Phosphate is needed for good flower development. Phosphate is not soluble and the best is to fork it deep into the soil before planting.
• Flowering plants need potassium for the production of thick stems and big flowers.
• Nitrogen is needed for vigorous growth and a healthy and glossy appearance of the leaves.
• Plants need during the vegetative growth stage more nitrogen and less potassium. During flowering or fruit bearing periods plants need more potassium and less nitrogen.
• Flowers need calcium for a good vase life and to make the plants more resistant to diseases.
• Magnesium is needed for a glossy appearance of the older leaves.
• Your garden needs compost to improve the physical characteristics of the soil and also to supply the plants with the trace elements. It is however important to use good quality compost.
• Never apply fertilizers on a dry soil and always irrigate immediately after the application of granular fertilizers.