With a drier South Africa than past years, it is important to know which flowers and plants are able to withstand hotter temperatures and drier soil, so that your own garden is able to flourish.
Here is some advice from the Granny Mouse gardening team:
- Choose full sun plants – many of these varieties can survive in drought type conditions. Choose herbs such as Rosemary and Lavender as well as Aloe and other succulents. Full sun flowers include the Blue daisy, Frangipani and Strelitzia, Mother-in-law’s tongue, Watsonia as well as the Protea, amongst others.
- What is most important is the planting process. If one is plating a seedling directly from a pot, then remove the plant and pull some of the roots out of the “root ball” before planting in the ground soil and plant it level with the soil.
- Even though these kinds of plants do not like to be drenched in water. They should however, be watered once a week. Water these plants by collecting grey water from your washing machine or sink water after washing one’s dishes, or alternatively keep a bucket in the shower to collect some of the water used.
- If you are looking at planting blooms in a potted environment outdoors, then full sun plants can work well for this type of housing.
- For succulents- remember that if your succulents look soggy than reduce the amount of water given. They should start to wrinkle when they need water. If in a pot, water until a bit of water is dripping out of the bottom of the pot. Any extra water that is evident in the drip tray should be poured out.
- Furthermore, if you want a neat looking garden you can prune these plants. However it is best not to prune if you do not have the know-how. This can be more destructive than beneficial.
Happy planting!