Succulent Gardens
Autumn and winter are when most of the Aloes come into their own and we can look forward to their magnificent flowers and all the wildlife that they attract to the garden. Let’s make sure that we get the best out of our Aloes this season.
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An arid garden uses drought tolerant plants or desert plants when landscaping in an environment that receives very little rainfall, intense sunlight, and experiences fluctuating temperatures.
Indigenous South African water wise plants lend themselves well to arid garden design.
I never cease to be amazed at how children respond to being at Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery. It is as if they rediscover open space and the beauty of nature around them all over again.
I am a firm believer in Nature being a wonderful teacher. In fact, some experts refer to nature as “Vitamin N”- essential for a healthy balanced life. For many children that live in urban areas, Random Harvest Nursery provides a vital dose of this “Vitamin N”. We like to engage the children with their senses, encouraging them to respond to what is around them through touch, smell, hearing and sight.
For over 20 years internationally known Africa Yarona has operated as a loose association of 15 artists. Their name means "this beautiful Africa of ours".
For the months of September and October some of their beautiful sculpture will be displayed and sold from Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery.
When I looked at this art, It is so quintessentially Africa, particularly Southern African, that I felt it would fit in beautifully with our indigenous plants. The varied textures and colours of the plants lend themselves well to hand crafted, organic garden sculpture.
Where the light changes, is the best place for your succulent and rock garden. It does not matter if it is a dry, and problematic area.
The creation of that special place is a labour of love, because creating mood and feeling in a garden is the same as weaving a tapestry of colours. It takes a lot of patience and planning, but don’t let that put you off.
If your space is against a wall, you could paint a desert scene that flows into your bed, especially if your rockery is too small to plant a large Aloe.
Succulents have been described as the “retro” plants of today - with shapes, colours and textures that fit in well with the modern, simple style of décor and home design.
As gardening takes on a more environmentally conscious approach, aspects such as water conservation and wildlife gardening are incorporated into the design.
Whether you have or would like to install a more conventional rock garden or something more modern, here are some tips for creating a beautiful succulent garden.
Water Conservation Gardening - Display by Heather Balcomb and Linda De Luca
Water Conservation Gardening is the wise use and management of any water in the garden, particularly rain water. Ideally our gardens should not let a drop of water leave our property - be it a home or business park, or shopping area.
Did you know that by planting succulents, you save time, money and water? They also promote greater carbon absorption and require very little maintenance.
The days of selecting a dry, barren corner of your garden as the perfect place for a few succulents are long gone; they are now being appreciated for what they are - the crown jewels of the plant kingdom.
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