Random Harvest Newsletter Archive

Dear Indigenous Enthusiast,

I hope the very cold weather is over after the previous snowy weekend that was experienced, and we now go into full summer with plentiful rain.  I can’t wait to see the water gushing down the furrows we built, to the dam in the hopes of the Bullfrogs arriving to breed.

It is often amazing how things work. We have been experiencing a lot of expensive problems with the golf cars and I have been searching for a solution.  The other night I was watching TV and saw a  Tuk-tuk being used in Scotland.  This got me to wondering if they are available in South Africa as I had always only associated them with India. 

We are now the proud owners of the cutest Tuk-tuk which the guys say are more comfortable than the golf cars and a lot cheaper.  I hope you enjoy going down to the growing section in this great little vehicle.

IN THE NURSERY

This is a really busy time in the nursery.  My favourite task in early summer is the planting of seeds. When the seeds start germinating I am always in awe at the wonders of nature.   I am so excited when each little seedling pops up – I never seem to tire of watching these tiny miracles unfold.

Jason is busy harvesting his rooted cuttings in the green balls he placed on the trees in the previous season.  He is becoming quite an expert at this propagation method.

Sometime the lengths to which you have to go to collect seed are extreme.  The seeds of Euphorbia obesa explode off the plant and are thus, almost impossible to collect.  By covering the top with cotton wool you can trap these seeds and then pick them off the cotton wool.

We are incredibly busy making potting soil, filling bags, transporting them to the nursery and into the lines for planting.  This is an urgent job as we must catch the beginning of the growing season in order to have enough plants for the year. 

The electricity supply and the cost can only stress me out.  This is why we have installed 2 new batteries and are in the throes of installing more solar panels to be able to charge them.  Hopefully by the next newsletter the addition to our system is up and running and my stress levels are down.

FOOD PARCELS DONATION

I was so excited and deeply grateful to one of my customers who donated this huge quantity of provisions for our food parcel drive.  I am humbled by the generosity of our customers who have supported this initiative.

Believe it or not it is now more than 4 years running our Food Parcel Project, as we started with it during the COVID Lockdown.

Together we have made a significant difference to the lives of the people who are in genuine need.  Jeffrey and David work closely with social workers in the informal settlements to ensure that this is so.

We have ordered an oven to start a micro bakery and popcorn machine to start a second little business in the informal settlement.  They should be delivered soon and I will keep you posted on how they are going.

If you could continue with your generous donations these are the banking details:

Random Harvest Nursery, FNB 51441129818 Cheque account: code 25 07 41, Reference: Food Parcels

BIRD WALKS

The highlight of the previous bird walk was undoubtedly the sighting of the elusive Fairy Flycatcher. Everyone was thrilled to spot this delicate and rare bird, and the excitement was palpable as cameras w ere swiftly drawn to capture the moment.  It was a memorable experience for all who attended. I am now waiting with bated breath for the arrival of one of my favourite, cheerful birds the Paradise Flycatcher.

Date: 5th October with Lance Robinson 
          16th November with Chris Hines
Cost: R195.00 per person, this includes a delicious breakfast buffet 

Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No. 066-587-3077

COFFEE MORNING 

Date:  Wednesday 2nd October at 10h30 Topic: Scorpion Sting First Response

Scorpions represent a contradiction within the human mind. It is true that a few species of scorpion are venomous enough to cause harm to us and in rare cases death. However, at the same time they are a vital component of those natural systems that give us life! 

Date:  Wednesday 6th November at 10h30 
Topic: Indigenous Indoor Plants
There are many indigenous plants that are suitable to grow indoors.  We will show you a variety of these plants and give some tips on how to look after them.    

Coffee Morning Cost: R25.00 per person towards our food parcel drive and includes a cup of coffee.  No booking

HOLISTIC WELLNESS RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

For many years Jana spent her weekends visiting Random Harvest to connect with nature and restore her mind, body, and soul balance. Now, she and her wellness team are offering retreats and workshops on our farm for individuals seeking total well-being. If you need to reset, restore, and revive, head over to The Journey Tree website and book one of the retreats or workshops on offer at Random Harvest from October 2024. Alternatively, contact Jana at [email protected] or WhatsApp at 076 329 8692. 

PRACTICAL GARDENER TRAINING

We love hosting these courses at Random Harvest as it is clear that when the students leave they have a sense of confidence.

If you think of how many unemployed people there are this is a perfect choice for them to be able to earn a living from the knowledge and confidence they have gained from this course and help them understand the importance of the work they do.

For your employee they will have a deeper understanding of what is required from them in your own garden.   This makes for beautiful, and we hope biodiverse gardens.

The cost includes course material, beautiful certificate of attendance, tea/coffee on arrival, breakfast and a cooked lunch! An enjoyable, inspirational day for these invaluable men and women.

WhatsApp Lindsay on 0824499237 or email [email protected] to book your gardeners’ place.

Course date: Friday 11th October and Friday 15th November, from 08h30 to 15h30 

TEA GARDEN

It's exciting to see our small veggie patch thriving after just a few weeks! We're already harvesting fresh produce to use in the tea garden, adding a homegrown touch to our offerings. The crisp green lettuce and vibrant edible flowers not only enhance the flavours and visual appeal of our dishes, but also bring a sense of accomplishment, knowing they came straight from our garden to the table. It's a rewarding reminder of the joy of growing your own food.

When considering your yearend functions or a special event please remember our tea garden venue.  It has a special atmosphere and is unique in its own way.  Our staff always go above and beyond to ensure your enjoyment of your event.

For more information call Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No. 066-587-3077

COTTAGES

A stay in one of our cottages will give you and your family an opportunity to connect with nature and experience farm life.

The families who have stayed with us have thoroughly enjoyed watching the cows and calves graze in the fields and are especially fascinated by the milking process, seeing it up close for the first time.

Younger children are particularly captivated by seeing the impressive turkeys for the first time.

These unique, hands-on experiences leave the children with lasting memories and an appreciation of farm life.

For more information go to our website www.rhn.co.za

RETAIL

Many of our customers, we have realised, live in small apartment and townhouse spaces.  If you have a balcony why not let us help you create an extra outdoor space to enjoy and relax in.  I think balconies are hugely neglected as additional living spaces for us to enjoy.  Besides a place to relax or work you could also grow your salad greens in containers on your balcony.  There is nothing tastier or satisfying than picking your own vegetables and herbs.

Our new stock of pots that are so popular has finally arrived.  This will give you a selection of beautiful pots for your patio or balcony.

We have planted up some containers with trees to give you some shade on your balcony.

The team has been diligently preparing the retail nursery, working hard to create a vibrant selection of plants for you.  I think it is looking great and definitely worth a visit soon. There is a very diverse range of plants to make it easier for you to create beautiful areas in your garden. 

I had to share this picture of the refurbished pond – I am thrilled with how it is working

WHOLESALE

We would like to invite our wholesale customers to attend a rare opportunity to engage with the world renowned landscape architect Patrick Watson.

Garreth van Niekerk has written a beautiful book on the work of Patrick and both gentlemen will be answering questions and discussing the book, Patrick’s design philosophy and any other questions you may want to ask regarding the amazing landscape work that Patrick has created over many years. 

Please RSVP to Naomi, [email protected], to secure your seat for this special chance to learn from passionate plant people with a wealth of insight. 

Mini high tea will be served on the lawn afterwards. 

Date: Saturday 26th October 2024
Time: 9:00 for 9:30 am.

IN THE SHOP

The new stock of handmade pots has arrived.  In amongst the selection, our potter brought a cute hut bird feeder which if nothing else is a pretty addition to the garden.  It is meant for seed eaters and at this time of year they are very active and will flock to a free meal of seed to boost their energy during breeding season.

Although the wonderful indigenous landscape design book by Bruce Stead is out of print, we still have the last few copies in our shop.  It is easy to read and use.

Keep in touch with nature with these handmade wooden pot covers to put on your desk with your favourite succulent plant in it.  A great teacher’s, colleague’s or spouse’s appreciation gift.

Pots from R158.00
Creative Indigenous Garden Design by Bruce Stead R200.00
Hut Bird Feeder R260.00
Wooden pot covers from R207.00

3 DAY BASIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND HORTICULTURE PROGRAMME.

Judy Panton-Jones has booked to hold this landscaping course at Random Harvest
This intensive 3-day course will equip you with essential skills to create breath-taking landscapes.
Dates: 6, 7,8th November 2024
Venue: Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery, Johannesburg, Muldersdrift.
Cost: R4000, 00 & includes:
A comprehensive manual, light lunch with refreshments, attendance certificate, valuation Certificate
Trainer: Judy Panton-Jones who is a qualified Horticulturalist of 35 years and is fully invested in the green industry.
To register please contact Judy on: 084 518 7589/[email protected]

PLANTS LOOKING GOOD

Berchemia species nova – Sand Ivory 
Fairly hardy, neatly shaped, straight stemmed, deciduous tree with bark that forms rectangular blocks and is readily covered with lichens.  The shiny green leaves have distinct veining.  Small clusters of yellow-green flowers are borne from Aug. to Jan. and attract insects.  These are followed by quite large oblong, yellow-orange fruits which are edible.   It makes a good container and bonsai plant.  Plant in well-drained soil, in sun or semi-shade.   This tree is similar to B. zeyheri but with bright green leaves.   Size: up to 10m

Sterculia murex - Lowveld Star-chestnut 
Fairly hardy, mostly deciduous, drought resistant, tree with a spreading growth form and thick, ribbed, grey-brown bark.  The unusual, large palmate leaves are velvety on both sides.  Waxy yellow flowers, shaped like shallow cups, are borne in great bunches in spring, before the leaves appear. 

These are followed by spectacular large, woody fruit covered in blunt spines, which, if fully formed, can reach a diameter of 30cm.  The oily nuts within them are edible and much sought after by game. Empty halves of the fruit make interesting ornaments but scrub out the stinging hairs on the inside first.  They have aggressive roots so plant away from paving, walls and pools.  Makes a fantastic specimen tree for a prime spot in the garden.  Plant in sun or shade in well-drained soil. Size: 6 to 8m

Acacia nigrescens - Knob Thorn
This hardy, small to large stately deciduous tree is characterised by its knob-studded grey or yellow trunk and branches. The hooked spine-tipped knobs are prevalent on young trees but are less evident on older specimens. Sweetly scented spikes of creamy-white flowers are produced from Aug. to Nov.  When in flower this tree is alive and humming with the multitude of insects and birds that feast on the pollen and nectar offered up. It is an important browse tree for game and generally indicates good ranching land. The graceful, tall canopy attracts Paradise Flycatchers and hole-nesting birds.  It is the host plant of the Demon Emperor Butterfly.    The wood is very hard and used extensively.  The Knob Thorn makes a good bonsai and container subject. It grows in a wide variety of soil types in full sun.    Size: 2 to 15m

Lobelia alata - Swamp Lobelia 
Hardy, evergreen, fast-growing groundcover with small, narrow, bright-green leaves.  It bears many small but beautiful sky-blue flowers almost all year round, but en masse from Aug. to Mar.  The flowers attract tiny insects that provide food for frogs and lizards.  It grows naturally in marshy areas but also does very well in a normally irrigated garden. Makes a lovely edging plant and beautiful hanging basket subject.   Plant in full sun or semi-shade and water very well.  Size: 10 to 15cm

Mentha longifolia - 
Wild Spearmint A hardy, evergreen to semi-deciduous, perennial herb which grows in damp areas and has long, thin, bright-green leaves with slightly serrated margins.  When crushed they are strongly mint-scented.  It has slender spikes of white to pale-mauve flowers from Dec. to Feb.  It is an essential element of a butterfly garden and also attracts other pollinating insects and thus insectivorous birds to the garden.  Makes a delicious herbal tea and can be added to cordials and other cold drinks.  Excellent for moist areas of the garden or wetland features.  It spreads rapidly, so cut off excess shoots and prune regularly to keep in shape.  Although it does best in full sun it tolerates a little light shade.  Size: up to 1m

Ammocharis coranica - Ground Lily 
Hardy, deciduous, bulbous plant with strap-like, grey-green leaves that lie flat on the ground.  It has large, sweetly scented, glossy, pink umbels of flowers from Oct. to Jan.  The flowers are so perfect and beautiful that they almost look artificial.  Plant in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil and keep relatively dry in winter.  It is a striking ornamental garden plant especially when planted in a grassland garden.  Size: up to 35cm

PLANTS ON SPECIAL

Rapanea melanophloes - Cape Beech
Hardy, small- to medium-sized, evergreen tree with beautiful, light grey bark that ages with dark rough strips.  The thinner branchlets and petioles of the leaves are dark pink to purple.  The leaves are dark and leathery with a paler, purplish midrib which makes this a particularly beautiful foliage plant.  The small, greenish-white flowers bloom erratically along the stems any time from Apr. to Oct. and sometimes even on to Dec.  They attract a whole host of insects and bees.  Small, purple fruits, borne in profusion close to the stems, follow the flowers and attract fruit-eating birds.  A good garden subject and, with its unusual foliage colour, it is a useful addition to screen planting. Plant in sun or semi-shade in well-drained soil.   Size: 4 to 10m

Anchusa capensis - Cape-Forget-me-not
This very hardy, evergreen or deciduous, drought resistant, herbaceous perennial has a basal clump of long, narrow, grey-green leaves which are quite bristly.  Depending on weather conditions, it can stay evergreen or become deciduous, only to sprout again in spring.  It bears long spikes (up to 1m long) of bright blue flowers with pure white eyes.   Although it has some flowers almost all year round, flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer.  The amount of life buzzing around the flowers is amazing. The edible flowers add a pretty dimension to salads and other dishes. Plant in a mixed colourful bed with Diascia and Osteospermum species for a colourful effect.  If the plants are not cut back by frost, they should be pruned right back in mid-winter in preparation for spring flowering. Plant in full sun or semi-shade in well-drained, compost-rich soil. Size: 30 to 60cm

Osteospermum ecklonis - Van Staden’s River Daisy 
Hardy, evergreen, drought resistant, bushy perennial with a rounded, spreading shape and bright green, slightly succulent leaves.  It bears large, glistening, white, daisy-like flowers that are streaked with bluish mauve below and have attractive deep-blue centres.  A stunning show of these flowers in spring and summer attracts many butterflies and insects to the garden.   Mass-plant as a border, use as an element of a cottage garden, or plant in a rock garden.  Prune back after flowering to keep in shape.   Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position as the flowers close in low light. Size: up to 75cm

Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Pigs Ear’ - Pig’s Ear
This very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant, succulent shrublet has smooth, round, green leaves that are edged with red.  The umbels of pendulous, orange-red flowers grow on long stalks and are borne from June to Aug.   The nectar in the flowers attracts birds, bees and other insects.  It is also an important medicinal plant.  This plant looks great planted in pockets in a rock garden.  It is a very variable plant and there are many different sub-species and forms.  Plant in sun or semi-shade in well-drained soil. Size: 40 to 80cm

Crassula arborescens - Tree Crassula
Hardy, evergreen, succulent, tree-like Crassula, which is unusual for this genus as they are usually relatively small plants.  It has a thick, fleshy trunk with smooth, grey-green bark.  The fleshy, bright green leaves have a waxy, powdery bloom which helps to keep them cool and are edged with a pretty red rim.  The attractive clusters of pink or white flowers are carried in densely packed, rounded, branched, flowering heads from Aug. to Dec.  The flowers are nectar-rich and attract birds and insects to the garden.   It has many medicinal uses.  This unusual shrub makes a great form and container plant.  Plant as an element of a rock garden, on slopes or in a succulent garden.  Flowers best in full sun but also grows well in semi-shade.  Plant in well-drained soil.  Size: up to 3m

GARDENING TIP

When gardening in containers on your balcony or patio, indigenous plants provide a wonderful way to bring life and vibrancy to your space and support nature in a small garden space at the same time. There are a lot of species to choose from that are well-suited to container gardening.  Many will thrive in local conditions with minimal care.

Indigenous plants offer a huge range of beautiful flowers, attract pollinators, and many are naturally drought-tolerant, perfect for low-maintenance setups. Use a mix of pot sizes and heights to create visual interest and position your containers where they’ll get the right amount of sunlight for the plants you’ve chosen. 

Balcony and patio gardens vary in the growing conditions that they offer, depending on what direction they face, the prevailing winds, and how much of a cover or roof that they have. It is very useful to think about these conditions when choosing plants for containers in your outdoor living area.  The following is true for most balconies and patios in South Africa:

·        North facing - will receive sunlight through the day, even in winter. Midday would be the hottest time of day, and morning and afternoon, probably not receiving any direct sunlight.

·        East facing - will be quite variable seasonally. In winter the sun may be very limited, and consequently dark and not very warm. On the other hand, Summer may find you having a swelteringly hot spot with a bit too much sun to manage. 

·        South facing - don’t receive much sun, if any at all. They will most likely be dark, with possible damp conditions in the rainy season. They may provide a lovely cool, shady haven in hot summers, even receiving a bit of sunshine, but is not particularly pleasant at all in winter. 

·        West facing - provide the most challenging gardening conditions and outdoor spaces to enjoy. As soon as the sun hits the balcony on a warm day, it becomes an unbearably hot space to sit in unless you plant a tree or two in containers to give you some shade.  Winter sun will be enjoyable.
 
There is such a wide variety of hardy indigenous container plants to choose from that you will be able to overcome most of the challenges that your outdoor living space presents, irrespective of which direction it faces.  Choose the right plants for your space and you will be able to greatly enhance your enjoyment of your balcony or patio.

This approach of choosing to plant indigenous plants not only enhances your patio but also supports local ecosystems! Select plant for at least some of your containers that will feed local butterflies, other insects and birds. 

Believe it or not local wildlife will visit you plants even in the smallest of spaces.

ON THE FARM

The migratory birds are returning and there is a definite sense of renewal on the farm.

The birds are more visible, and busy preparing for breeding season and are taking advantage of the burgeoning life on the farm.

It didn’t take the Lesser Honeyguide long to find the beehives.  He is regularly hunting around the boxes.

On one of the bird walks they saw a White Browed Sparrow Weaver which is a new addition to our bird list.

The Brown-hooded Kingfishers are getting very vocal in the garden.  They have a wonderful call; I always have to take a moment to enjoy it.

The other bird that is currently very vocal is the Orange Breasted Bush Shrike, unfortunately we haven’t managed to get a picture to share with you. 

The Guinea Fowls are enjoying the burnt grass where they are able to forage for all the fallen seeds.

The Halleria lucida (Tree Fuschia) are laden with fruit which are attracting fruit eating birds and insects which in turn are beckoning to the insect eaters like this little Cape White Eye.

The other tree dripping with fruit is the Ficus sur (Broom Cluster Fig), offering a feast for the fruit and nectar eating birds just in time for breeding season.

Talking of breeding birds, the Sunbirds have built their gorgeous nests by carefully collecting nesting materials, including delicate spider webs, which they use to weave intricate and secure homes for their eggs and babies

This year the Erythrina species have been particularly beautiful and absolutely covered in their gorgeous blooms.

The rare and unusual Erythina acanthocarpa (Tambookie Thorn) is in full bloom with its beautiful yellow- striped, red flowers.  They are always a sight to behold at this time of the year.

The pink Erythrina lysistemon (Common Coral Tree) is in full flower.  The pale pink flowers are a more subtle and gentle colour than the vibrant red form.

One of my all-time favourite trees is the Erythrina latissima (Broad-leaved Coral Tree) with its big leaves, robust corky bark and its huge red flowers at this time of the year.  Together with the beautiful flowers is the life and birds that are buzzing around this tree make it a sight to behold right now.  It is worth a trip to Random Harvest just to see this magnificent tree in bloom.

How nature regenerates itself is always a source of wonder for me.

We burnt the grass where the Merwillea plumbea (Blue squill) bulbs are above the ground and were burnt black.  Lo and behold come spring these beautiful sky-blue flowers and grey leaves emerge.

Some common plants are easily overlooked as we are so used to seeing them.  Dietes grandiflora (Butterfly Iris) is common in most landscapes.  If we take a moment and really look at the flower its beauty is astounding.

The grassland seems to be starting to bloom late this year.  I am sure it is because it is so dry.  We normally have a little rain in June which we missed this year.  Even so, there are interesting plants popping up.  It’s amazing that this delicate Lobelia erinus manages to flower.

The Acacia hebeclada (Candle Thorn) are in full flower and buzzing with insects.

When creating your biodiverse garden don’t forget about water for the insects.  After all, water is essential to all life on earth.  Place gravel at the edge of your pond or in a bird bath to make a platform where insects can perch and safely sip water.  Just another little thing to do to support local wildlife and keep your garden ecosystem healthy.

The sun has begun to rise a bit earlier each day, casting a soft, golden light over the farm as the mornings grow warmer. It's a beautiful sight to watch, with the sky gradually shifting from soft pinks to bright oranges, signaling the start of another day. The earlier sunrise brings a sense of renewal, and the warmth in the air adds to the peacefulness of these quiet moments.

Being close to nature is a gift and adds a dimension of peace to our lives.  By planting an indigenous garden with a view to creating the maximum habitat for biodiversity will ensure you have this same sense of peace in your own garden, no matter how big or small it may be.

Enjoy your blooming indigenous garden.

Sincerely

Linda