Mulch Love
A friend once commented that this shrub looked like a weed. Wait ’til it flowers, I said.
While, its just started flowering and it is spectacular. It has numberous clusters of small, pink flowers, which the bees are going wild for. The problem is, I’ve forgotten its name and can’t find it in my gardening books – even though I know I’ve seen it in one before and know that it is indigenous.
Anyone recognise it and can supply us with some information?
Around this time of year, a heavenly scent permeates the night air of the Berea. It comes from a tropical-looking plant, with thick, green leaves. The flowers are closed during the day and open at dusk.
I have always thought it was indigenous but I’m unsure of its name or origins. It is a very popular plant in gardens throughout Durban, partly because it is very easy to grow – just chop off a piece and plant.
Anyone have more information on it?
At the permaculture course we attended at the Durban Botanic Gardens, we learnt about the benefits a little plant called comfrey can bring to your garden. Planted as a green manure, it fixes potassium in the soil. The leaves can also be made into a liquid fertilizer or ‘green tea’ by soaking in a bucket of water for two days.
Needless to say, we went out and got a couple of plants. And they are growing really well. We have also made our first batch of ‘tea’ and will let you know if the garden likes it.
Great name for a great plant. Or, to give it its full name Plumbago auriculata, also called Plumbago capensis, Blue plumbago, Cape plumbago or Cape leadwort.
This is really good plant for hedging and will also trail up a tree or fence. If planted in a sunny spot it flowers throughout the year (well, in Durban in any case) and has a has a multitude of white or blue flowers. As a child, I remember playing with the flowers as they have a very sticky base that will grasp on to your clothes, or rather, your baby sister’s clothes.
My plants, grown as border along a wall, are currently in bloom.
I love winter in Durban, especially when the aloes start blooming. I’ve spotted the first one in my garden, isn’t is beautiful?