tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60545414066161030062024-02-20T23:26:29.986+02:00Growing GardenersThe world needs more gardeners!stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-48170223735326639522016-12-22T14:05:00.000+02:002016-12-22T14:05:46.735+02:00Home Made Pest Control Solution(s)I'm really not a big fan of pesticides or chemicals. Actually, that's putting it mildly...I hate pesticides. They are almost always used too liberally, and often used as a preventative measure rather than to get rid of a problem. But at the same time, I'm not a big fan of caterpillars shredding my fresh new cycad leaves, or aphids sucking the life out of my new buds or snails devouring my lettuce leaves before I get a chance.<br />
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So what do we do? Where is the middle ground? Am I supposed to console myself with the fact that I have well fed snails? What do I do while I wait for the birds to get off their feathered behinds and do their job eating the insects that I'm restraining myself from spraying? When do these natural ecosystems kick in?<br />
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Before we begin, its important that you ask yourself these very important <a href="http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.co.za/2011/04/killing-your-dinner-guests-and-other.html" target="_blank">questions</a>!<br />
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The <b>first step</b> is to figure out whats behind the carnage or the ailing plant.<br />
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Plants are usually pretty good at fending the insects or diseases off themselves. A healthy, well looked after plant is not likely to be affected by insects or diseases. So firstly, make sure that your plant is getting the optimum combination of the <b>3 essentials - light-water-food</b>.<br />
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Once you're sure you're not under or overwatering, or you know the plant is in the right place, and you've fed it with a good nutrient-rich compost then maybe its time to get off defence and plan your attack.<br />
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Health problems in plants can be divided into 2 categories - <b>Pathogens</b> that cause disease, and <b>Parasites</b> that eat the plants.<br />
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So, before reaching for the pesticide spray, take a look at these natural remedies for getting rid of pests and diseases. These are the most common problems that I have seen throughout the years, and the home made remedies that go a long way to getting rid of them:<br />
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Pest Problems:</h3>
<h4>
Aphids</h4>
These are tiny green or light brown insects often clustered around new buds. They suck the sap out of the plants, and can spread plant viruses. Often the most obvious sign of aphids is an abundance of ants, and a black sooty mould on the leaves and ground. This ants are actually milking the aphids whic<span style="font-family: inherit;">h secrete a sugary substance which is what forms the black mould. (Soap Spray, Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Caterpillars</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Caterpillars vary in size and description, and love all kinds of soft leaves and juicy plants. They are often found hiding on the under sides of leaves. Evidence of their presence is usually their little black poos on leaves and around the base of plants </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mealy bugs</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mealy bugs are small cotton woolly insects that hide along stems and midribs, and similar to aphids, encourage ants with their sugary sap that they produce. Black sooty mould is often present. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Soap Spray, Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Red Spider Mite</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These tiny almost microscopic little spiders are more easily spotted by their tiny cobwebs on the underside of yellowing leaves. They thrive in dry windless environments like indoors or sheltered spots near buildings. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Water, Wind, Soap Spray, Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scale</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often look like tiny waxy bumps along the midrib of leaves or around soft stems of plants, they can be black, brown or white, and also encourage ants to feed off the sticky sugary substance that they produce. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Soap Spray, Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">White fly</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are extremely tiny little "flies' that are actually more similar to aphids. They congregate in their thousands often on the underside of new leaves and fly away quickly when disturbed. It is best to do follow up sprays every 2-3 days. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Soap Spray, Garlic Chilli Spray and Horticultural Oil)</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Snails and Slugs</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often found hiding in the cool undersides of leaves or rocks. You can often spot their silvery trails around the plant or soil beneath. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Beer, Grapefruit halves, Egg shells)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pest Control Solutions:</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Soap Spray</b> – Dissolve 3 teaspoons of liquid soap or washing detergent in 2 cups of water
into a spray bottle and use it to control aphids on roses, c<span style="font-family: inherit;">itrus and other plants. The
soap removes the aphids waxy coating and dries them out. Also good for mealy bugs, ants and whiteflies. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Garlic-chilli spray</b> – Chop and boil 4 onions, 4 hot chillis and 2 garlic cloves in 2 litres of water for about 15 minutes. Let the liquid cool overnight, then strain into
a jar and add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap. To spray, mix 10ml of your concentrate in 1 litre
of water in a bottle and use to control aphids, caterpillars, whitefly, and other
pests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Horticultural oil</b> – Use 2 cups of vegetable oil and 1/2 cup of
liquid soap. Shake together in a jar, where the mixture will turn a milky
colour. Add 2 tablespoons of this concentrate to a litre of water and spray. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This controls most insect pests, including scale, aphids, white fly, leaf miner, mealy bug and mites.</span><br />
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<b>Hollowed out orange or grapefruit halves</b> placed upside down overnight - These attract snails and slugs inside them. These can then be collected from the garden and thrown away.<br />
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<b>Glass of beer</b> - Snails and slugs are a sucker for a good glass of beer, into which they crawl in and drown. At least they die happy?<br />
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<b>Crushed-up egg shells</b> spread around the base of plants deters snails and slugs. They are too sharp for the soft undersides of these creatures.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other Home Remedies:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Baking Soda</b> is great as a preventative measure against powdery mildew on plants. Mix 1 tablespoon of
baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap and 3 litres of water. It can burn the
leaves of some plants so water plants well before use and don’t apply in full sun. Try and
get the under side of the leaves too. In very humid conditions, <b>Powdery Mildew</b> can also be prevented by watering the soil rather than leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Vinegar, or Boiling Hot water</b> can be poured into paving to kill plants between bricks or pavers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Milk Spray Fungicide</b> – Also works best as a preventative measure or in the early stages. Mix 50ml milk into
450ml water and spray onto the leaves. Re-apply every time it rains. Not effective on badly affected plants.</span><br />
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stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-73594459708670136362015-03-31T14:12:00.001+02:002015-03-31T14:12:44.937+02:00Making Mountains Out Of MolesSo...your lawn is looking amazing. The grass has just been manicured...it looks like an immaculate green carpet out there. You couldn't be more proud of the kingdom you survey. Suddenly, you start to notice little piles of earth being pushed up around your pristine lawn. The ground becomes soft and uneven in places. Where there was once perfection, little brown piles now punctuate your sea of green, taunting your obsessive compulsive side. This means war! How can I get rid of these damn moles!<br />
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But before you begin, its important that - in the words of Sun Tzu - you know your enemy.<br />
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The first thing you should know is that (if you live in South Africa) there are no moles in your garden.<br />
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"But wait!" I hear you say, "I'm definitely not imagining this mess in my garden." Thats true, but moles are not native to Africa. They are a resident of North America, Asia and Europe. What you are actually seeing in your garden is one of either two groups of mole-like creatures that are found in Southern Africa - Golden Moles, or Mole Rats.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsFe9KxRO3K9ccbfgM7REa6u99Soz53O6nrFuyx7K3mrf7NZDf44zmlqUTVjKCWExuOAX8_ZZ-S11LDnYtVR5ZzDjfTFFXvG86vE_aaGukm2he8GeyyjrSxEJSoPHOiOaG6-KwIUenNNf/s1600/Cryptochloris_zyli-420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsFe9KxRO3K9ccbfgM7REa6u99Soz53O6nrFuyx7K3mrf7NZDf44zmlqUTVjKCWExuOAX8_ZZ-S11LDnYtVR5ZzDjfTFFXvG86vE_aaGukm2he8GeyyjrSxEJSoPHOiOaG6-KwIUenNNf/s1600/Cryptochloris_zyli-420.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a look at this cute little Golden Mole (<a href="http://www.afrotheria.net/golden-moles/" target="_blank">picture credit</a>)</td></tr>
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Golden Moles are a distant relative of the hedgehog, and are mainly insectivores, with a predilection for termites. They range in size from 8-20cm, and are covered in a moisture and dirt repellant, black/grey/yellow fur. Their eyes are non-functional, and their ears are just tiny holes, so their sense of touch is highly developed to the point where they can feel termites and other insects nearby. Golden Moles are generally solitary creatures, and can travel great distances (up to as much as 6km in the case of the Grant's Golden Mole) in search of food. Sadly, 11 of the 21 species of Golden Moles are now threatened with extinction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1ae2Pak6PIS4bsTNnhMhnxsJqRz3qExCIW9Dxa54xK6IESMpxgU5pZU4BO2J2xJn8914oxiSU9k7XnF-WzFlDMJ0BOzZY7cOlS_8wfVPkEPnkZolhgjz2oPFm9XWjg7cC0M0SzRNrB95/s1600/MOLE-RAT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1ae2Pak6PIS4bsTNnhMhnxsJqRz3qExCIW9Dxa54xK6IESMpxgU5pZU4BO2J2xJn8914oxiSU9k7XnF-WzFlDMJ0BOzZY7cOlS_8wfVPkEPnkZolhgjz2oPFm9XWjg7cC0M0SzRNrB95/s1600/MOLE-RAT.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mole Rat caught pink handed (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/blind-mole-rat-evolution-speciation_n_2569168.html" target="_blank">picture credit)</a></td></tr>
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The name Mole Rat is a misleading title, as it is neither a mole, nor a rat. It is possibly a closer relative to a porcupine. They're herbivores, and enjoy munching on bulbs and grass stolons. Very often eating but not destroying the bulbs that they feed on. They tend to live in family units of up to 14 individuals. Their tunnels are quite extensive, and can go down as much as a 80cm below the surface. Tunnels have been found to be as much as a kilometre in length. They can be quite grumpy little creatures if they are cornered, so take care when handling them.<br />
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The second thing you should know about these 2 groups of creatures that we have up till now been mis-calling moles, is that they also perform an important function of aerating the soil, improving drainage, and essentially tilling the soil from underneath.<br />
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Thirdly, and most importantly, based on my experience, it is very difficult to get rid of mole rats in particular. I have employed most of them - sonic devices, spinning plastic coke bottles, garlic solutions, urination (not me personally), Jack Russells, and I'm sad to say that when I was younger I even used pesticides. None of these solutions have worked for more than a couple of months, and most didn't work at all. Pesticides seemed to work the best, but you have to weigh up the long term damage that you are doing to the environment. The chemicals are highly toxic, heavier than air and will poison the groundwater, all the surrounding soil, and in the process killing off all the life in the soil. In the long term your grass and plants will end up suffering, as the symbiotic relationship they have with the myriad organisms in the soil will be destroyed.<br />
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There are 2 solutions that I have as yet not tried. The first is the use of wire mesh. This involves, essentially spreading galvanised wire mesh over the entire area about 15cm below the surface. The problems with this option are that the wire mesh would have to have a tiny aperture to prevent the moles from squeezing through, it would be quite an expensive option especially for larger areas, and there would be nothing stopping the mole from walking along the surface, and burrowing into the newly fenced off area. But it still may be a good option worth exploring. I would imagine the key would be finding the right depth for the layer of wire to be spread out at.<br />
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The second solution is in my opinion the best. At one point I heard about someone who traps moles/mole rats/golden moles alive, and then releases the animals back into the wild far away. I was never able to get hold of his details. I would have been happy to send him lots of work.<br />
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At the moment, the advice that I most often give my clients is more of a remedial one. Prior to regular mowing, any mole hills, and and any surface tunnelling, should be stamped down.<br />
Then during your annual top-dressing, the loose soil can be stamped back down, rolled and then top-dressed to deal with any minor unevenness.<br />
This essentially gives the lawn a fresh start, but the moles will still be there and will eventually work your lawn back to its previous bumpy self.<br />
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As with most garden problems that come about from our attempts to control our environment, I believe the best mindset is to work with nature and not against it. The Japanese have a way of thinking called Wabi-sabi, which essentially means embracing imperfection. Something we obsessive compulsive westerners would do well to learn.<br />
<br />
Embracing the unevenness, the weeds, the creatures, the yellowing leaves, the non-linear and the imperfect is so hard for us to do, but says so much about our need for control of the world around us. I wonder if it is an outward sign of an impossibility that we expect of ourselves and others around us.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-73347308679463595942014-07-14T14:53:00.000+02:002014-07-14T15:00:17.237+02:00The Problem is the SolutionGardening is for old people.<br />
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That sounds like an absurd over-simplification, and besides, why should you care? What difference does it
make if young people aren't interested in gardens and nature? We live in
a hi-tech world, where all the worlds problems will be solved by
computers, and where science will be our saviour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of young people preparing a food garden at Summerhill Children's Home in Salt Rock</td></tr>
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That's an attractive thought for today's youth, that live in an instant world with its resulting short-term thinking. <br />
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So how does digging in the dirt, or mixing manure compete in this internet age, and why should it?<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In South Africa, the latest statistics show that 1 in every 4 people are unemployed.</div>
Education stats are even scarier. Out of 100 children that start school, only 28 will pass matric, 4 will enter university and only 1 out of those 4 will graduate.<br />
Of the staff that I have employed over the last 2 decades, I have noticed an alarming trend over the last 5 years, that school leavers seem to have completely unrealistic expectations. The common perception seems to be that it will be fairly easy to find a job, that job will be well paying, with very little effort or commitment involved. The difference between dreams and reality in South Africa are quite stark.<br />
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In the words of the wise Gogo "Qho" Mthethwa - young people don't want work they want jobs. As a country, we seem to be content to foster an attitude of dependence rather than an entrepreneurial mindset.<br />
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Realistically speaking, looking to technology to solve our problems, may well be fine in the long term, but we need solutions now. We need to feed people now. Science and technology alone can't give us that. So what can?<br />
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If you plant a food garden from seed, you can begin eating the food from your garden within a matter of weeks.<br />
Growing food or plants doesn't need a huge injection of cash. Seeds can very often be harvested from existing crops, providing the next seasons crops for free.<br />
Gardeners are almost to a fault, overly generous in offering their time, information or even seed/plants when they see enthusiasm and willingness to learn.<br />
There are several amazing initiatives around the country with the sole aim of passing on the skills to grow food gardens in our particular climate.<br />
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I agree with guerilla gardener Ron Finley that as with many problems in life, the solution is inside the challenge.<br />
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With our ridiculously high unemployment rates, we have 1 out of every 4 people who have the capacity to tend a garden, which could if properly managed, feed themselves and even provide an income as they feed their community. As solutions go, its not sexy, and it may not have the mirage-like appeal that science and technology offers, but it is immediately attainable and realistic.<br />
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So how can YOU go about doing this? Here's some inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://ifu-lobuntu.org/" target="_blank">Ifu Lobuntu</a> is an inspiring South African idea that is looking at ways to harness technology to connect small scale food growers directly with customers. By using simple cloud-based apps and economies of scale, they hope to make it possible for subsistence farmers to sell directly to the public. The idea is still in its formation stage, but hopefully it will grow into its full potential.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la" target="_blank">Ron Finley</a> plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned
lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for
beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where
"the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys." Check out his Ted-Talk.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-47882165402983608612014-05-20T15:12:00.002+02:002014-05-20T15:12:36.673+02:00Plant Pretty PracticalWhen I was studying landscaping a couple of decades ago, I spent hours in the library, poring over gardening books, and paging through landscape architecture and gardening magazines, admiring the beautiful, mainly US or UK gardens. I couldn't wait for my chance to create similarly breathtaking gardens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloe cooperi in the morning light. An easy to grow, low maintenance, beautiful plant.</td></tr>
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My first attempts at landscaping, (that were fortunately in my mothers garden) failed dismally. The plants that I had used, either died or grew so big that we lost pets inside them. This left me wondering whether I had made the wrong choice in vocation, and I'm sure must have caused my mother to wonder whether she had just wasted a couple of years of tuition on me.<br />
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But slowly it dawned on me that the old garden maxim "right plant, right place" were words to live by. Just because something looks amazing elsewhere doesn't necessarily mean that it will suit the situation that I'm working with.<br />
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I also began to realise the deception that is inherent in almost all gardening books and magazines. It is the job of publications to sell magazines and books. The best way to do this, is to showcase beautiful gardens in all their splendour. Nobody wants to buy a magazine that shows dry, colourless gardens or gardens that have been pruned back to make way for new growth. These gardens are photographed during the 3-4 week period in an entire year, that they are at their best. In many cases, the planting that you see is entirely temporary, as annuals are planted in their abundance. Page through any gardening magazine, and you will see the majority of the plants on display are pretty, yet short-lived annuals. This creates an unrealistic expectation on the part of the casual observer, which when it comes time to garden leaves them frustrated or disappointed.<br />
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The garden industry through television and magazines, whilst creating a sense of excitement about the potential for beauty in your back yard, has also created a rod for its own back. I can't tell you how many people I've known through the years, that are keen to get stuck into the garden, but give up after the reality sinks in.<br />
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So before you get started with your garden, figure out whether your expectations have been over inflated, by looking around you at the best gardens in your neighbourhood. Ask yourself the following questions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Do they consistently look that way?</li>
<li>What plants have they used?</li>
<li>What kind of soil have they got? Is it the same as mine?</li>
<li>Do they regularly compost and water?</li>
<li>Have they got an irrigation system in place?</li>
<li>What are my realistic time commitments and abilities?</li>
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Finally, do some research before you buy your plants from the nursery. Have a plan in mind, and plant for the long term. Go with a list of plants that grow well in your area, don't get suckered in by the pretty things that are flowering at the entrance to the nursery because almost by the time you get home, the flowers will be gone.<br />
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Remember, beauty is fleeting so don't just plant pretty. Be pretty practical too.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-23738679399014862222013-09-09T07:00:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:48:16.615+02:00A Better Rainwater Harvesting SolutionI first heard about this solution about 10 years ago while trying to find a better solution to deal with the fact that we funnel all our rainwater off site one day, and then irrigate our gardens using municipal water the next day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlfP71ntuRCp0TNHCIAFZmJmggTtAq2zZWT1WowhkWNXc7Eg_3KD5TyvQI5a9DfKpkBYMQvt_rUji8r2qxffHleul0Ab-HDJb-x3T5o1ifgnzTlSt9WEI5gU8bA5UX_DYr5K-D2B07dAv/s1600/Zantedeschia+aethiopica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlfP71ntuRCp0TNHCIAFZmJmggTtAq2zZWT1WowhkWNXc7Eg_3KD5TyvQI5a9DfKpkBYMQvt_rUji8r2qxffHleul0Ab-HDJb-x3T5o1ifgnzTlSt9WEI5gU8bA5UX_DYr5K-D2B07dAv/s320/Zantedeschia+aethiopica.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arum lilies make great plants for rainwater gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If we are really forward thinking, we use green solutions such as water tanks, in which we try to catch as much water from our roofs as possible, store it, and then pump it out into our gardens. This really is a great solution. But I'd like to suggest an even better option.<br />
<br />
Our soils were created to be natural water tanks. Depending on their composition, they (like sponges) have the ability to catch and hold water. They catch hundreds of thousands of litres of water, releasing it slowly over a period of time, either upward to the roots of plants, sideways into rivers, or downward into the groundwater below. Good soil is essentially a reservoir for plants to survive through periods of dryness. So why do we funnel it off into tanks, or even worse let it drain away into the stormwater system?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5s1lCJb1vE/UinB7rhYEgI/AAAAAAAACLs/s2jLyj7p6M4/s1600/Inline+perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5s1lCJb1vE/UinB7rhYEgI/AAAAAAAACLs/s2jLyj7p6M4/s400/Inline+perspective.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG0s7iiMZn4/UinCp03IB7I/AAAAAAAACL4/EooFEPxEUYI/s1600/Inline+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG0s7iiMZn4/UinCp03IB7I/AAAAAAAACL4/EooFEPxEUYI/s400/Inline+plan.jpg" height="153" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normal rainwater could be funnelled into the soil where it belongs, and excess water overflows into the stormwater system.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The answer to this problem is actually an age old one, and it lies in using plants, and in shaping the soil to slow down and catch the water. <br />
<br />
Instead of using the downpipes to carry water straight into our stormwater system or at least into tanks, the water would flow from the roof down the drainpipes and into a catchment area with plants that would naturally be found in wetlands. These plants can tolerate both waterlogged and dry conditions depending on the season. The water can then drain away naturally into the soil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHqbxQ0jWV1WRQ9_BDJL2dD0du1uvQrCN7VL3Xp6NRsk_2VGU7LsBo7aqJ1J8lk0cAmy1nqUKZSLHWaGyQrCmD5RDNCVh8cYXxFsgLjYOCCXyfaeDA0ULrye2Fsa8svCIUaGw6tj1RxDz/s1600/meander_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHqbxQ0jWV1WRQ9_BDJL2dD0du1uvQrCN7VL3Xp6NRsk_2VGU7LsBo7aqJ1J8lk0cAmy1nqUKZSLHWaGyQrCmD5RDNCVh8cYXxFsgLjYOCCXyfaeDA0ULrye2Fsa8svCIUaGw6tj1RxDz/s320/meander_LG.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://waterbucket.ca/gi/2006/12/09/showcasing-innovation-in-the-city-of-vancouver-and-at-the-university-of-british-columbia/" target="_blank">Vancouver's innovative stormwater solution</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another application is alongside large paved areas, like parking lots, driveways and roads. The water that comes off these areas usually has a mixture of oils, litter,
and other pollutants that end up in our rivers and eventually the sea,
creating huge long term problems. We should be creating filtration areas before the water runs into any kind of stormwater system.<br />
<br />
This can be a beautiful way of bordering or softening hard areas like parking lots and roads, and in a water thirsty country like ours is an ideal way of conserving water in the place where it should be conserved.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-88386632929729988322013-08-06T07:00:00.000+02:002013-08-06T07:00:04.465+02:00When Should I Hire a Landscaper?I'm so glad you asked that question...actually, its really a rhetorical question, because its never too soon to involve a landscaper in a project. Of course, the reverse is also true - Its never
too late to involve a landscaper, but the overall effect achieved, is
diminished the later we're involved.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMfjNyGv9g/UfjhmeTb1gI/AAAAAAAACKk/a99j4FxAYj0/s1600/Romead2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFMfjNyGv9g/UfjhmeTb1gI/AAAAAAAACKk/a99j4FxAYj0/s400/Romead2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a landscaper involved from the inception can only yield beautiful results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The general mistake that is made by most people - home-owners and professionals in the associated industries included, is to bring a landscaper in as the project has really gained momentum.<br />
<br />
But its at this point, that most of the key decisions have already been made. Money has been invested in a direction which usually means that this direction is now set in stone.<br />
<br />
As I've mentioned before, I'm a big believer in collaboration. Architects and landscapers should be talking to each other from the start and all the way through a project. <br />
<br />
The problem is that as long as we view the garden as an afterthought, this attitude will reflect in the final appearance of the garden. Rather than the garden being an integrated part of the whole home, it will look like something that has been tacked on.<br />
<br />
I can't tell you how many times we could have saved our clients a huge amount of time and money. Here are some examples:<br />
<ol>
<li>Like the project where we needed to hire a crane to move pots, rocks and palms in because a wall had been built already, which could have been moved by hand at the beginning of the project.</li>
<li>Or the time where a retaining wall had been built to hold a bank, where we could have planted Vetiver grass which would have held the bank better (and more attractively) than any concrete retaining wall.</li>
<li>There have been several instances in projects that I have been involved in too late where an environmental solution was available for a problem, which engineers and architects could only see an (expensive) engineering solution. You'd be amazed at how many problems rocks and plants can solve.</li>
<li>Areas of natural water seepage can be controlled more effectively with plants and appropriate landscaping.</li>
<li>Roof gardens and green walls can save thousands in insulation, airconditioning and heating costs.</li>
<li>A regular problem I run into, is where a retaining wall has been built but has
been filled with sand and rubble instead of topsoil resulting in us
having to replace the sand with topsoil by hand.</li>
<li>Topsoil can and should be stockpiled on site, rather than having to pay thousands to transport it in at the end of a project.</li>
<li>Retaining walls are an expensive option, natural stone found on site can be used to create dry stack walls instead (provided its done properly). There is nothing worse than a badly built dry stack wall...</li>
</ol>
There are thousands of ways that an experienced landscaper could not only save money, but help integrate the house to its surroundings in a far more meaningful way. But if we are only brought in at the end of a project, its too late.<br />
<br />
In my next post I'll give an example of a relatively new environmental solution that is currently being solved through engineering only, and which is costing home-owners and the environment countless thousands.<br />
<br />
<br />stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-13809968438597244362013-07-30T13:15:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:49:07.976+02:00Why Gardening Is Not SustainableSustainability. What does it mean really?<br />
<br />
Its a very broad term which at its essence
describes the ability of a complex web of inter-relationships to endure.
More specifically for us humans, it refers to the healthy
inter-relationship between the environment, healthy society and the economy. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpaMtyHmHHoTzfR03FU-RHh8-yGZZ_0n-lzW3VCwlFe6UbSBOzDJolqhBV5OMtCVaTblcyWFtUPZ65k6MtT4zwjf6oabsdG3QBmJ50Wl6o6OKK2XnSLkiOVCRnT5jw8ZFozjRX-g3HX5A/s1600/Ctenium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpaMtyHmHHoTzfR03FU-RHh8-yGZZ_0n-lzW3VCwlFe6UbSBOzDJolqhBV5OMtCVaTblcyWFtUPZ65k6MtT4zwjf6oabsdG3QBmJ50Wl6o6OKK2XnSLkiOVCRnT5jw8ZFozjRX-g3HX5A/s400/Ctenium.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful spiral of Ctenium grass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Seldom has a word meant so much and yet so little at the same time. Its used as a clarion call by environmentalists and other greenies as they try to enthuse an apathetic populace. But its also peppered throughout the speech of politicians, economists and developers, as they attempt to greenwash their (often anything but sustainable) activities.<br />
<br />
Let me put it another way - I'm not great at budgets, but even I know that its not sustainable (there's that word again) to spend more than I earn. If I do, I'll be soon be homeless, my health will suffer from the stress, and/or I'll have to take shortcuts (which will soon catch up with me) as I make my finances suit my lifestyle, and not the other way around.<br />
<br />
Gardening (and I'm just picking on gardening here, but this applies to most if not all professions) for the last several decades has been built around the mistaken decision to decide on a lifestyle that we want, and make it happen - be damned the consequences.<br />
<br />
So we look at the glossy magazines showing gardens that are photographed at their cornucopial prime, that in reality only look like that for maybe 2 months of the year. And we expect our garden to look like that all year round. So we plant unrealistically, we fertilize to death, we water until there is nothing left in the taps - and finally we get our perfect garden.<br />
<br />
When is this going to change?<br />
<br />
The problem, I think speaks to an underlying human condition called greed that sadly, is not easily remedied. But if anybody should understand the importance of living sustainably, it should be us gardeners. If anybody should be leading the way in the sustainable lifestyle, it should be we who live close to the ground. It should be those of us who see the cyclical and seasonal nature of things, and know first hand that what you sow, you will reap.<br />
<br />
When are we going to wake up, and take stock of our lifestyle, and make the kind of fundamental changes that we absolutely have to?stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-10090973034192806612013-05-29T12:36:00.000+02:002013-05-30T12:00:17.314+02:00Weeds - In Their DefenseI've been reading a great book by Richard Mabey called Weeds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062065467/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062065467&linkCode=as2&tag=landsdesig-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0062065467&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062065467" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062065467/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062065467&linkCode=as2&tag=landsdesig-20">Weeds: In Defense of Nature's Most Unloved Plants</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0062065467" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Its a subject that I spend a lot of time thinking about, and if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I have strong thoughts about the proliferation of alien invasive plants.<br />
We have a serious problem here in South Africa, with exotic, alien plants that have adapted to our conditions and are thriving and often out-competing our indigenous plants.<br />
<br />
The feelings of peace and joy that most people derive from looking out over a seemingly natural forest valley, for me, can be a truly depressing feeling. At first glance, it may look like a serene, beautiful forest, but under the
surface, there is a serious battle going on for space, food, and water...with lives being lost on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmJpXvf_2QU/UaXXDkrOmHI/AAAAAAAACJk/AqZ3P8EbYVA/s1600/Montanoa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmJpXvf_2QU/UaXXDkrOmHI/AAAAAAAACJk/AqZ3P8EbYVA/s320/Montanoa.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montanoa - A pretty alien that frequents forest edges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That all sounds overly dramatic, and maybe it is...just a touch, but the reality is that even with our internationally renowned programmes like <a href="http://www.dwaf.gov.za/wfw/" target="_blank">Working For Water</a>, the reality is that these aliens are taking over.<br />
<br />
If you consider that nearly 10% of the surface of our country is covered by alien plants, and every season, each one of these plants are producing hundreds of thousands of seeds, you begin to realise the magnitude of the problem facing our country and our natural vegetation. And all this is aside from their obvious threat to our own existence with the potential looming water shortages brought on in large part by these decidedly thirsty denizens.<br />
<br />
Having said all of that, its been a refreshing read going through his book and looking at these 'evil' plants through different eyes. Even his attempts to provide a definition of what a weed is, sheds a different light on these tormentors and the symbiotic roles we have in each others stories.<br />
<br />
I found the irony to some of his stories both tragicomic and terrifying. The story of the way in which Cogon grass has infiltrated the Southern States of the USA after its indiscriminate use of Agent Orange in the jungles of Vietnam is particularly stinging.<br />
<br />
If you have a moment, you should definitely get hold of a copy - its well worth the read.<br />
<br />
I've also begun a series on instagram - #invasiveplantsa - in which I've begun highlighting some of the more dangerous yet beautiful aliens. My hope is that by making them more visible, we would all be able to recognise them and do something serious about them.<br />
<br />
You can also check out a previous post about <a href="http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-6-aliens-to-watch-out-for.html" target="_blank">the top 6 aliens and what to do about them</a>. <br />
<br />
Follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/stoneware#" target="_blank">instagram</a>...<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="508" scrolling="no" src="http://statigr.am/widget.php?choice=hashtag&hashtag=invasiveplantsa&show_infos=false&linking=instagram&width=400&height=508&mode=slideshow&photo_border=true&pace=5&background=FFFFFF&text=777777&widget_border=true&radius=5&border-color=DDDDDD&user_id=23236323&time=1369823220624" style="border: none; height: 508px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;" width="400"></iframe>
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stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-19015388578065382902013-04-29T08:00:00.000+02:002013-04-29T08:00:00.089+02:00Beauty and the Brithys<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is always a price to pay for beauty...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your name is Lily, or Aggie, or you go by the name of Amaryllis, or even Clivia, you'll know what I'm taking about. You may not have many enemies, but one of your worst foes is the beautiful-sounding Lily Borer...AKA Crinum borer, Brithys pancratii, or Amaryllis Caterpillar.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've just finished a garden a few months ago, and having planted several types of rare bulbs, I was keen to see how they were doing. After visiting recently I was upset to find that this voracious little caterpillar was wreaking havoc on several different species of plants in the garden.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp38a3VTzVBbhs0tU9XCFlg73LLHzHOE6TgHYg30x4P_cxvogDMAJcQO1c1RO2_yDqxaC8jMqYNQqf4ROcrEuyS1BVSqu3RA_LTC0XD2nY0RLTQNH1_VjQSeMIt942qkc69cP8G-PE1Nr9/s1600/Brithys+pancratii1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp38a3VTzVBbhs0tU9XCFlg73LLHzHOE6TgHYg30x4P_cxvogDMAJcQO1c1RO2_yDqxaC8jMqYNQqf4ROcrEuyS1BVSqu3RA_LTC0XD2nY0RLTQNH1_VjQSeMIt942qkc69cP8G-PE1Nr9/s320/Brithys+pancratii1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs of Brithys pancratii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The moth lays its eggs, usually in clusters on the underside of the leaves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEucoIAcZKjq7jJ7nbg27JgD_1WPG9jLzc8FAjxt_K2D-AU6h6wDz-yG8sOyk5Tvxf-JFLU_uDbpnmIq2eOULMIrjh0XM2ZriWai3vuXyZvlbYtfisW1Dztt5SkLuBQFz6ZL0oYW1CjJ9J/s1600/Brithys+pancratii3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEucoIAcZKjq7jJ7nbg27JgD_1WPG9jLzc8FAjxt_K2D-AU6h6wDz-yG8sOyk5Tvxf-JFLU_uDbpnmIq2eOULMIrjh0XM2ZriWai3vuXyZvlbYtfisW1Dztt5SkLuBQFz6ZL0oYW1CjJ9J/s320/Brithys+pancratii3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why its sometimes called the Lily Borer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The larvae hatch, and bore into the soft fleshy leaves, often munching their way all the way down into the bulb.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfIhjA_oTbIkfrMhz9tgw9lazRZBlgj6HTTATUJB4hV8sTCsaOhraUFRwW34_g44IuELFY_3xnYk_X1ZQXnC_HY7gerN3OV-qGgPwE9k9FV_uoKU82tFv2QMZmHsH3ufQTQBq_POcp6WM/s1600/Brithys+pancratii2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfIhjA_oTbIkfrMhz9tgw9lazRZBlgj6HTTATUJB4hV8sTCsaOhraUFRwW34_g44IuELFY_3xnYk_X1ZQXnC_HY7gerN3OV-qGgPwE9k9FV_uoKU82tFv2QMZmHsH3ufQTQBq_POcp6WM/s320/Brithys+pancratii2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The markings warn any potential predators that it is poisonous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm usually a firm believer in letting nature take its course, but sometimes something has to be done. Especially when the life of the plant is at stake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The caterpillars usually recur regularly throughout the warmer months and less often in winter. A pyrethroid-based insecticide sprayed onto the caterpillars usually does the trick in killing them - but it necessitates early spotting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I don't catch them early enough on plants like agapanthus, I will often take the drastic step of cutting back and destroying the leaves to prevent them from boring into the heart of the plant.</div>
stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-47091467332966726912013-04-08T18:00:00.000+02:002013-04-26T13:31:47.731+02:00How To Transplant An Established Tree<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently had a client email me asking for advice about how to move a relatively established tree. In moving any plant, there is always a risk that the plant won't survive. So of course, the best advice is to plan ahead, before you plant.</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyLXvhKq8JeWjOjmmAFTPRyZv-nfJVdL9FQ86CvpZJ5B7cOinxM-Dy90JqLbboNaVw3Nt5LGWwdG-_T54cn4o3zy_yrFf-stsRMkjVVEAus03KZU1eqCctR-78RSxqpanmvcKi_WgVQcI/s1600/halleria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyLXvhKq8JeWjOjmmAFTPRyZv-nfJVdL9FQ86CvpZJ5B7cOinxM-Dy90JqLbboNaVw3Nt5LGWwdG-_T54cn4o3zy_yrFf-stsRMkjVVEAus03KZU1eqCctR-78RSxqpanmvcKi_WgVQcI/s320/halleria.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of the beautiful Halleria lucida tree</td></tr>
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Do some research. Find out how big, how wide, how messy, and how deep the roots will grow when fully grown. The ideal is that you would never have to move a tree once it's planted...BUT that's not always possible - circumstances change, and it's not always possible to predict the future with any kind certainty.</div>
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Moving plants is always a matter of minimising risk - there are no foolproof ways of doing it. And every situation, species, and tree are different...sometimes, I think there is even an element of intuition involved. </div>
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But there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of losing a plant that has been transplanted. Here is my reply to her, giving advice about how to move a particularly delicate tree:</div>
<ol>
<li>Dig the root ball out as deep as possible, and then slightly deeper still (basically a trench all around the tree - leaving as much soil around the roots as is possible that you can still physically move),</li>
<li>Trim off about a third of the leaves.</li>
<li>Leave the plant in place for about 2 weeks to let it get used to having less roots, but all the time giving the roots a little bit of extra water on the root ball as compensation.</li>
<li>In about 2 weeks time, get your hole ready, measured and dug,</li>
<li>Water the plant and the new location thoroughly.</li>
<li>Trim off at least half the remaining leaves,</li>
<li>Move the plant as quickly and carefully as possible keeping as much soil around the roots as possible.</li>
<li>Try to position it in the same orientation that it was in its previous position.</li>
<li>Firm the soil down around the roots and try to wash soil down into any gaps that may have inadvertently formed, (I'm not a big fan of using fertilizers when planting unless your soil is terrible, but even then I would rather use copious compost instead)</li>
<li>And then leave it for a week or two...it doesn't have much in the way of roots so don't over water.</li>
<li>Then wait - it may lose a few more leaves, or even a branch - losing leaves is not a big deal, but keep an eye on the stem. If you notice any rot, then you can trim off the dying branch/trunk and paint the cut section with a tree sealant.</li>
<li>Then wait some more...sometimes I have given up hope on plants that look dead for a year or two, and then suddenly they come back...</li>
</ol>
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Generally speaking, the smaller the tree the easier it will be to move. Also, if it was originally planted from a bag as opposed to self seeded, it will transplant easier. I've also found that trees transplant a lot easier in Autumn. </div>
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Weigh up the costs of losing a tree as opposed to keeping it in a place where it's not ideal - Is it really worth it?</div>
stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-69294176072836696462013-04-02T10:10:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:52:40.538+02:00Gardening On A Vertical<div style="text-align: justify;">
Plants love a good challenge... I admire the way they seem to <strike>survive</strike> thrive in the most death defying situations. You find plants growing in such diverse conditions - from Polar Bear hangouts right through to Desert furnaces. I've seen plants surviving on nothing but air, just clinging to rock faces. In the plethora of conditions that our amazing planet seems to dish out, plants seem to love to rise to any challenge.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4CHLJMZL6J36dkMWBUMIcxp4dh_5Ji9M01yFCwesyD16xwLsGzghv6SvhirAmg3Q0GDpeSIaD5LoSfJqfDNFnlm3p50vlnuJFN651NX6bLjpf8O5x3DAyWjhO0e026FPkOQfPpdflW36/s1600/Terramesh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4CHLJMZL6J36dkMWBUMIcxp4dh_5Ji9M01yFCwesyD16xwLsGzghv6SvhirAmg3Q0GDpeSIaD5LoSfJqfDNFnlm3p50vlnuJFN651NX6bLjpf8O5x3DAyWjhO0e026FPkOQfPpdflW36/s320/Terramesh3.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terramesh Wall Halfway Up</td></tr>
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Cities pose their fair share of challenges to plants. Green Walls and Vertical Gardens have become 'the new thing' as people try to invite nature back into our inhospitable cities. They are an elegant solution to the stark walls and inert atmosphere of the places that we humans seem to flock to.</div>
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Several years ago, I built a green wall on a south-east facing, windswept balcony. Its been interesting to watch the evolutionary growth of the green wall, and I've used it as a proving ground for different plants to see which of them were best suited to this type of environment.</div>
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Some plants - particularly ferns seem to reproduce to the point of trying to suffocate everything else. Others, like a small aloe, and several different types of orchids have grown quietly and unassumingly before bursting into surprising flower. You can watch a video of how I built it <a href="http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-build-green-wall.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDc3lQbEmhVFcNpA6CMBltgnm5nHsRUMWYi6-ZRco_mszUSktLMnUHZ4Cw5ss46GaDSaR7LMCFJQowMrpCLWlJ4YwNgfcxPxwiRE536G44Whcs87oa9GDZP5G1w7WpgwcpD0COSIs4pgW/s1600/Terramesh2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDc3lQbEmhVFcNpA6CMBltgnm5nHsRUMWYi6-ZRco_mszUSktLMnUHZ4Cw5ss46GaDSaR7LMCFJQowMrpCLWlJ4YwNgfcxPxwiRE536G44Whcs87oa9GDZP5G1w7WpgwcpD0COSIs4pgW/s200/Terramesh2a.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Terramesh being installed</td></tr>
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An ongoing project (Romead Business Park) that we have been working on for quite some time, has posed several challenging situations which I hope to elaborate on in the future. One of the challenges, was the lack of space at the main entrance to the Park. We had some large banks that were held in place by a beautifully designed concrete curved wall. But the wall could only be so big before it would start compromising the design of the main entrance.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDdMje5i0vU/UVQsxpCAv6I/AAAAAAAACHE/WBL-VAB4CW4/s1600/Terramesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDdMje5i0vU/UVQsxpCAv6I/AAAAAAAACHE/WBL-VAB4CW4/s200/Terramesh.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
The final solution was to use a product called Terramesh from Maccaferri. This is woven wire mesh which is back filled and compacted with soil. Plants are then planted into the face, which in time forms a dense groundcover, and should prevent any long term erosion.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO06Cdlv2Vxf5ijZpbt40xM4PetH2A-dfRW7tiv2ncfiko83dk7OBlpbOd_podAFXyOgQ4lylzl6NqTayrO4Min55BOXmbl9aY_KE1wBFUM65KNH691G4Wfi0pJsaC3rN32D1zOnRrAy7K/s1600/Terramesh+planted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO06Cdlv2Vxf5ijZpbt40xM4PetH2A-dfRW7tiv2ncfiko83dk7OBlpbOd_podAFXyOgQ4lylzl6NqTayrO4Min55BOXmbl9aY_KE1wBFUM65KNH691G4Wfi0pJsaC3rN32D1zOnRrAy7K/s320/Terramesh+planted.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after planting</td></tr>
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We planted up the wall, using a succulent called Crassula multicava. Its a plant with a happy disposition - content to grow on a South facing wall (no sun), and it seeds itself quite readily, and will even survive dry periods and still look very good. It has a pretty pink flower all through the year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55646W_SKKUN99whrTjP_MEEr1tSUXU-2DEazujD9Q89HSgbAvGl_0w_4eY3zb3jwxmz-3mifVnpwzz40Z5afVKa9-vAxmv1KGj-VLRP8Irfu_ynWxNfe70HlKl6Nc3hMbkwHQXW8ofxD/s1600/Terramesh+behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55646W_SKKUN99whrTjP_MEEr1tSUXU-2DEazujD9Q89HSgbAvGl_0w_4eY3zb3jwxmz-3mifVnpwzz40Z5afVKa9-vAxmv1KGj-VLRP8Irfu_ynWxNfe70HlKl6Nc3hMbkwHQXW8ofxD/s320/Terramesh+behind.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arKjeiP0Pf8/UVQw6n_wNrI/AAAAAAAACHs/tUaQfaI1N1A/s1600/Terramesh+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arKjeiP0Pf8/UVQw6n_wNrI/AAAAAAAACHs/tUaQfaI1N1A/s320/Terramesh+Final.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-35756187770949357322013-03-20T09:34:00.000+02:002013-03-20T09:34:01.821+02:00Roof Garden That Wasn't - 6 Months Later<div style="text-align: justify;">
What is it about human beings that we always expect the worst? There is always a feeling of apprehension when finishing a garden. The apprehension accompanies a few nagging questions... Will the clients like it? Will the design work? Will the plants do what I'm expecting? What if this...what if that...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh9EVeLvtqo/UUhM4XwqpRI/AAAAAAAACGU/hl5Md1AdFfQ/s1600/Bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh9EVeLvtqo/UUhM4XwqpRI/AAAAAAAACGU/hl5Md1AdFfQ/s400/Bench.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So it was a huge relief going back months later to a garden to find a happy client, and a garden that has far exceeded my expectations. It was a garden with a few challenges. The biggest challenge being a huge concrete slab that covered at least half of the planting area. The soil depth was at the most about 10cm. It was not at all an ideal place to plant.</div>
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I quickly popped in before going on leave and took a few pictures, but will go back in the next few weeks to get some more.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdhfBob3jCk/UUhM5BJX3OI/AAAAAAAACGY/EUvdPUtwxks/s1600/Roof_Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdhfBob3jCk/UUhM5BJX3OI/AAAAAAAACGY/EUvdPUtwxks/s400/Roof_Garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawn Area with flowering Plectranthus on the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QR2LZjvbAmpwKHUN835a5FjKDY1-WKGDKLido_qOBLBOVcbfxZxpwu9lEocvtJi7kIT3Uw5gtJamzc6nGHzYgmh4-VxJQtXvuna_rywbxJZU8WD4KZDScaPqeuhEOlLizRsDzdi_Z3N_/s1600/Roof_Garden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QR2LZjvbAmpwKHUN835a5FjKDY1-WKGDKLido_qOBLBOVcbfxZxpwu9lEocvtJi7kIT3Uw5gtJamzc6nGHzYgmh4-VxJQtXvuna_rywbxJZU8WD4KZDScaPqeuhEOlLizRsDzdi_Z3N_/s400/Roof_Garden2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concrete area is on the left (where the gravel path begins)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVKCqMxKxJ9IiqzxWtCJ2KrsLnNfsCK-CehjIBb0KVWl9lrCdSlxFiLFX-fdgl9vb3ePEFYddm_9kOWfD5dSLw5KoJ16AZJq9jOxhSOEF4kjZbMh3pkzDE4vtDy9kaqT7_sCkTbvij5qI/s1600/Roof_Garden3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVKCqMxKxJ9IiqzxWtCJ2KrsLnNfsCK-CehjIBb0KVWl9lrCdSlxFiLFX-fdgl9vb3ePEFYddm_9kOWfD5dSLw5KoJ16AZJq9jOxhSOEF4kjZbMh3pkzDE4vtDy9kaqT7_sCkTbvij5qI/s400/Roof_Garden3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view back towards the house</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a fair bit of pruning and weeding that needs to be done to get everything back into shape after a very warm and wet summer, and the real test of the garden will be how it looks at the end of winter. But judging by the way things are looking now, those nagging doubts are gone.</div>
stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-51510710029225180602012-10-17T12:13:00.000+02:002012-10-17T12:13:15.770+02:00The Roof Garden That Wasn'tI am convinced that the best design ideas come out of challenges. Obstacles are fertile ground for inspiration. Adversity encourages creativity. I believe that the reason why South Africa is so full of incredible, inspiring, inventive people is because of our troubled past, and our current challenges. So when problems arise, I'm learning to embrace their constraints rather than to try and circumnavigate them.<br />
<br />
I had the fortune recently of meeting a new client with a wonderful enthusiasm for everything around her. It was a privilege to have a client with an eye for design and beauty, a love for nature and a confidence in my abilities. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EycM4P_Uwd9S504GnTdp9Ztaj4dzZF2eVHCNV77dYVe6W2EgnYDvZqQR3IbVp5jG0FO3dViUzb9BTW9QakNP7u3RjFjwTCv1BC5VST-sxnRMLwOqQ-TvNithy5pBnY-0kyzAaspo25Wu/s1600/Tolksdorf-Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EycM4P_Uwd9S504GnTdp9Ztaj4dzZF2eVHCNV77dYVe6W2EgnYDvZqQR3IbVp5jG0FO3dViUzb9BTW9QakNP7u3RjFjwTCv1BC5VST-sxnRMLwOqQ-TvNithy5pBnY-0kyzAaspo25Wu/s400/Tolksdorf-Panorama.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Garden with views over Palmiet Nature Reserve</td></tr>
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The garden was a mix of various styles, with some interesting layers to it. The front garden although a little overgrown, had a lovely tropical feel to it, with some interesting plants that had been collected over the years. While the back garden was a fairly blank slate surrounded by some beautiful old indigenous trees, and a splendid view out over the Palmiet Nature Reserve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7Bt07SCunw/UH51DGs7ibI/AAAAAAAACE8/hJlqH--2DE4/s1600/Front+Tropical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7Bt07SCunw/UH51DGs7ibI/AAAAAAAACE8/hJlqH--2DE4/s320/Front+Tropical.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front tropical styled garden</td></tr>
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The challenge in the garden came from the least expected source - the biggest part of the large open lawn was really a thin veneer of grass over a 1 foot thick reinforced-concrete slab! Not much chance of doing anything interesting there...<br />
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After giving it a bit of thought, and looking through the photos, I decided that the front garden didn't need too much in the way of redesigning. I would move some of the plants around, and take some out altogether to open it up and give a more open feel, and do some minor planting.<br />
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My approach to the back garden was to look at it as if it was a roof garden - which to all intents and purposes it was (without the building underneath), and cut my cloth accordingly. We would use mainly grasses and succulents that would be able to cope well with a shallow root system, and potential drought conditions, while at the same time encouraging even more birds into the garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmHTQlXdk84/UH5zuTW_AlI/AAAAAAAACE0/omQzpM_W_8o/s1600/Roof+Garden+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmHTQlXdk84/UH5zuTW_AlI/AAAAAAAACE0/omQzpM_W_8o/s400/Roof+Garden+Plan.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough sketch of the back garden</td></tr>
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My client was characteristically enthusiastic about the ideas and the way forward, so we began the project with the task of opening up some holes in the concrete in which we could plant some taller plants. At this point I had assumed that the concrete would be at the most 4-5 inches, and I was certain that it wouldn't have been reinforced.<br />
It took twice as long as I had expected, and one jack hammer chisel head later before we managed to cut holes that I was happy with.<br />
<br />
The rest of the project went more or less according to plan, and I think the final result worked really well.<br />
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We kept a section of grass on the right (where there is no concrete), for children to play on and to keep the open feel of the area, and we created pathways through the natural planting, one which led to a bench under the trees, and the other to a covered 'entertainment area' which we paved and incorporated into the garden using the same gravel as the pathways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtox8QMc-GBoTtM1TkbgScCNzYgGC8IVaf7th_1DP1eumyZy4aqYfWucmiqo0c_ZdQPKf-v0dqeVD3oeJqwpOLQb_Bc-UuJlNB_yQzQOehuphVWyC_RAhZSlKCqKrBRtTSCazd0u1gM5x/s1600/Back+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtox8QMc-GBoTtM1TkbgScCNzYgGC8IVaf7th_1DP1eumyZy4aqYfWucmiqo0c_ZdQPKf-v0dqeVD3oeJqwpOLQb_Bc-UuJlNB_yQzQOehuphVWyC_RAhZSlKCqKrBRtTSCazd0u1gM5x/s400/Back+Final.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RObantB5rr0/UH548Hi_k5I/AAAAAAAACFU/DSWrw2iyB6s/s1600/Aloes+and+Euphorbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RObantB5rr0/UH548Hi_k5I/AAAAAAAACFU/DSWrw2iyB6s/s400/Aloes+and+Euphorbia.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Euphorbia, Aloe, Cycad and Fever tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5uUS9Px9GU/UH52wReySeI/AAAAAAAACFM/zS-hvg-vA_I/s1600/Gravel+Path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5uUS9Px9GU/UH52wReySeI/AAAAAAAACFM/zS-hvg-vA_I/s400/Gravel+Path.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravel pathway leading to paved entertainment area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-81857219992729631312012-06-06T12:56:00.001+02:002014-04-24T10:54:02.462+02:00The Art in PatienceIf I were to choose a word that would sum up the last few years, it would be that uncomfortable word 'Patience'. So many of the projects that I have been involved in during this period have involved some element of long term planning.<br />
Again, a gardening analogy is most apt - the process of preparation and sowing seed in one season only to reap the fruit years later applies so perfectly to so many areas of this business. Looked at in a cautious light - forgetting to sow seed in one season can so easily result in a lean period years later.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwngyEs9nJpFQbvb8IBZzJNIkWQP-IfBdSiNs11Xao83Kv3i9f-Nrd5vvsPURtQwFWDau2X9LzaeECHOasVA8tbqJx_E3uqLH5cuUGChRfjEudAx1uTSUQ9K52rSOr4-pxKkOU-lypaeqU/s1600/Romead+Grassland+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwngyEs9nJpFQbvb8IBZzJNIkWQP-IfBdSiNs11Xao83Kv3i9f-Nrd5vvsPURtQwFWDau2X9LzaeECHOasVA8tbqJx_E3uqLH5cuUGChRfjEudAx1uTSUQ9K52rSOr4-pxKkOU-lypaeqU/s320/Romead+Grassland+Flowers.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of flowers found in the grassland above the Romead site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of those projects which I began nearly two and a half years ago, has finally come to fruition. You can read about the start <a href="http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.com/2011/08/romead-business-park-inspiring-green.html">here</a>. Over the last few months we have finally been able to begin the planting of some of the common areas - it feels so good to get our hands dirty at last. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtO2RXh-KRA/T880UGWftGI/AAAAAAAACDg/FV8vyxLTP_4/s1600/Romead+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtO2RXh-KRA/T880UGWftGI/AAAAAAAACDg/FV8vyxLTP_4/s400/Romead+Before.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Romead site just after clearing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Originally on the actual site, there was a combination of grassland, aliens, and some garden escapes. But the site is nestled in between beautiful veld on the slopes below the Kloof escarpment, and the large riverine trees alongside the Umbilo tributary. The concept behind the design of the landscaped areas is an attempt to integrate the two vegetation types from within the park, but with an emphasis on grasses.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuUbpn-maRg/T8827X_pnXI/AAAAAAAACDw/Q_LqPTyL52c/s1600/Romead+Gatehouse+Pre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuUbpn-maRg/T8827X_pnXI/AAAAAAAACDw/Q_LqPTyL52c/s320/Romead+Gatehouse+Pre.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dramatic entrance to Romead Business Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the next few days, once we have finished - I will go into a bit more detail of what we have planted, with the whys and hows.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-50167255539302162682012-04-24T15:20:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:54:20.085+02:00Exotic LoveI love talking with people who are passionate about what they do. There is so much you can learn from someone who is impassioned by their vocation/hobby/interest. I ran into just such a person the other day at a nursery. She introduced herself, and noticed that I was looking at the indigenous section, and before long we were having an interesting debate about the effect that the indigenous plant movement has had on gardening in South Africa.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ekKV0OnVuQ/T5anlXRthTI/AAAAAAAACDU/Wo9IWlQB_-Y/s1600/Helichrysum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ekKV0OnVuQ/T5anlXRthTI/AAAAAAAACDU/Wo9IWlQB_-Y/s320/Helichrysum.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much beats an indigenous Helichrysum for its spectacular beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She felt very strongly that the last decade of emphasis on indigenous plants has had a very negative impact on gardening in South Africa. She talked very caustically about gardening in 'Eco' Estates and pointed out the double standards that exist in the rules and regulations at these estates. She compared the move toward indigenous planting (rather extremely) to Nazism, and also to our unfortunate political landscape, and pointed out that fanaticism in any shape or form is usually unhealthy.<br />
<br />
I agreed with much of what she said about the exotic vs indigenous argument:<br />
<ul>
<li>Many exotic plants use much less water than some indigenous plants.</li>
<li>Just because a plant is exotic, doesn't mean that it is invasive or a pest, and in fact some indigenous plants can be hard to get rid of once they are established in your garden.</li>
<li>Exotic plants are (generally speaking) prettier, with bigger, more abundant flowers.</li>
</ul>
I also agreed that we need to be careful about extremes of any form, even in the garden industry. And although I am a firm believer in planting predominantly indigenous plants, I have always felt that there is space for exotic plants in the landscape.<br />
<br />
But I think there was something that this plant enthusiast was missing about the ardour for indigenous plants...its more than just a superficial appreciation for the beauty of a plants flowers, its unique shape, or its interesting leaves. There is something 'true' about seeing a plant that is thriving in its rightful place. There is an undefinable feeling I get when I see a plant that fits in with its surrounding vegetation or environment. And while I agree that we need to be open-minded about our plant selection, in most cases an indigenous plant is the 'right fit'.<br />
<br />
I walked away from our discussion with a better understanding of the exotic plant enthusiast, but I also left with a more firm love for indigenous plants.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-56233110500310922182012-01-12T10:22:00.001+02:002012-01-12T10:24:19.508+02:00Wild Grass Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUjovHbsbg/Tw6XtOZ2G9I/AAAAAAAACAk/4NK6ZY6DR5A/s1600/Grass+Symbol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUjovHbsbg/Tw6XtOZ2G9I/AAAAAAAACAk/4NK6ZY6DR5A/s320/Grass+Symbol.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
For anyone interested in Wild Grasses, I can highly recommend these courses:<br />
<br />
<table style="font-size: xx-small;">
<tbody>
<tr><td><b>Date</b></td><td><b>Course</b></td><td><b>Venue</b></td><td><b>Cost</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>28 Jan</b></td><td><b>Grass ID</b></td><td><b>Pretoria Botanical Garden</b><br />
<b>(Lunch included)</b></td><td><b>R 550</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>8-10 Feb</b></td><td><b>Advanced Grass ID</b></td><td><b>Mabula Game Reserve, Shekinah Camp</b><br />
<b>(accommodation & meals included)</b></td><td><b>R3 500</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>1-2 Mar</b></td><td><b>Grass ID and Veld Management</b></td><td><b>Pretoria Botanical Garden</b><br />
<b>(Lunch included)</b></td><td><b>R1 500</b></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
Email info@alut.co.za to book a place on these courses.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-15649513144938766912011-12-14T12:21:00.000+02:002011-12-19T17:44:06.845+02:005 more Great Gifts for GardenersThis is Part 2 of my list to Santa - this selection is tending towards my love for gadgets. I hope you're checking my list Santa!<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LTSW8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007LTSW8">Tree Trainer For Bent Trees</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007LTSW8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>I've often been irritated to have plants delivered to site, and finding that some of the trees that have been supplied are slightly bent. I didn't even know that a tool like this even existed, but I have to have one...</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LTSW8/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007LTSW8"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0007LTSW8&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007LTSW8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<ul> </ul>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ashleymarshcroft.com/">Droplet Mower</a></li>
<ul>How cool is this lawn mower! Not only does it look like something you'd use in outer space, but its also electric. So no more dependence on fossil fuels... I think if we kit our garden service out with these, my staff will have to wear space suits to fit in with what they're using to cut the grass.</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohnu-F1I1ks/Tu9QW8qn1SI/AAAAAAAACAA/0aj2Zy0NL-0/s1600/droplet-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohnu-F1I1ks/Tu9QW8qn1SI/AAAAAAAACAA/0aj2Zy0NL-0/s320/droplet-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EGG3RQ/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003EGG3RQ">Nature Zap Electric Weed Killer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EGG3RQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>I'm always looking for environmentally friendly ways of doing what I do, and I hate using chemicals to deal with the problems in my gardens, so if this works, it will be a great tool to add to the garden shed. </ul>
<ul><br /></ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EGG3RQ/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003EGG3RQ"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003EGG3RQ&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003EGG3RQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<ul> </ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHLJQA/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HHLJQA">Electronic Soil Analyzer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HHLJQA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>This is a tool which every gardener should have - It not only measures the fertility and pH of the soil, but it also shows the moisture content and gives a light reading too! Gone are the days of using those irritating, cumbersome pH kits.</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHLJQA/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HHLJQA"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000HHLJQA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HHLJQA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cleanairgardening.com/gardenglasses.html">High-Tech Plant Glasses</a></li>
<ul>These glasses seem too good to be true. They've apparently been developed by NASA, and will help you spot stressed plants just by looking at them. This really does seem like a scam, but if they work, I'll be first in line to buy a pair.</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq30AzvmjOSy-ZBBL0qJckMJV45ASX1BbZjicHbC52yaT3a-BLGmSJyqVlg1YXqUJm3YqS4-Zase4QZsbYq_TuZG1_JUuaUQrNsR_R3m0q8x7aI4ygr_A9THf-wamoGk7nc7F30PaHBee/s1600/Plant+Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq30AzvmjOSy-ZBBL0qJckMJV45ASX1BbZjicHbC52yaT3a-BLGmSJyqVlg1YXqUJm3YqS4-Zase4QZsbYq_TuZG1_JUuaUQrNsR_R3m0q8x7aI4ygr_A9THf-wamoGk7nc7F30PaHBee/s320/Plant+Glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul> </ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</ol>stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-13218333997946648232011-12-12T04:30:00.000+02:002011-12-12T04:30:00.166+02:00Sex, Politics, Religion and...BudgetSex, Politics and Religion. Three topics guaranteed to cause awkward subject changes, but I'd have to add the topic of budget to those classics...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Awz3M3nF8XU/TuThbTc4bGI/AAAAAAAAB-o/yXTaoFW-syc/s1600/Rooftop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Awz3M3nF8XU/TuThbTc4bGI/AAAAAAAAB-o/yXTaoFW-syc/s400/Rooftop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved designing this penthouse garden - but a clear budget is essential when preparing any design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've written about this subject before in <a href="http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-much-does-landscaping-cost.html" target="_blank">'How much does landscaping cost'</a>, but it still amazes me how uncomfortable people are about providing a budget for their landscaping. I know very often the problem comes more from clients not knowing how much is a realistic figure to set aside, but without at least a rough budget to work within, there is so much place for time-wasting.<br />
<br />
I recently had two clients with two completely different approaches to the subject. The first fidgeted when the subject came up, and wouldn't give any guidelines. I worked on some ideas and presented the concept along with an estimate only to find that it was not within their budget. I went back to the drawing board to try to find a way of adapting the design to the budget, before eventually having to come up with a completely different design that would fit within the parameters. It seemed to me that the issue wasn't that they didn't know how much they could spend, because it turned out that they had a very clear budget - it seemed that they felt that disclosing how much they could spend would somehow disadvantage them.<br />
<br />
My second client gave relatively clear guidelines. Knowing what the budget was, gave me a clear overall picture of what we could work with. When I presented the concept, which they loved, I was able to keep the costs within their budget so that they had enough left over for some garden furniture and some additional accessories.<br />
<br />
The first project was fraught with frustrations from the start, while the second was a pleasure from start to finish.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-23772028038172099742011-12-11T19:33:00.001+02:002011-12-14T12:21:01.239+02:0010 Great Gifts for Gardeners Part 1With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd make a list for Santa - I hope she's reading...but if you're looking for gifts for the gardener in your life, or need some inspiration as to what to add to <i>your</i> list for Santa, I've got just the thing(s) for you...<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://demode.co.za/products.html" target="_blank">Bird Feeder</a></li>
<ul>I first saw these Bird Feeders at the I Heart Market in Durban. They come as a do-it-yourself kit, with everything you need to make your feeder right in the box.
The feeder stands 18cm high by 16cm across, and can be hung from a tree or pegged on a broom handle. The kit includes a stack of little signs to bling your feeder once it's assembled.</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxI1CVpyvQPDQjqDqqpK8q_2t7elUlOmHfTvj49eaZocIGoepUzFAKs9HyRI3f1yHtZms-GkYHRAw0C2ytfZG6ird8IlKBJ9KkBTe9eHhChWTwOxfBealuEIJ2sYi0nX5aIBynQBkR0Sr/s1600/birdfeeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxI1CVpyvQPDQjqDqqpK8q_2t7elUlOmHfTvj49eaZocIGoepUzFAKs9HyRI3f1yHtZms-GkYHRAw0C2ytfZG6ird8IlKBJ9KkBTe9eHhChWTwOxfBealuEIJ2sYi0nX5aIBynQBkR0Sr/s1600/birdfeeder.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://leafsnap.com/" target="_blank">Leafsnap App</a></li>
<ul>Well this is not quite as helpful for us South Africans (being developed for American users), but I'm putting it on the list anyway. More in the hope that something gets developed for South African budding botanists. The name says it all - take a picture of the leaf of an unidentified tree, and using images and algorithms, the app will identify the tree for you. How amazing is that! Or maybe I'm doing myself out of a job?</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqZVb92V8DzPoCkN89LfrhybbB1YGdWghoYOUtPcaZHt1FFbBQ0EX3DuyNvBrJXkxPTe5-OUqXf9nVt7S0x-LwR5TpRqLj1mW2kzDQe7lwGdXaS_NmF7qqjf-hoTWddg6wMC3Ip_dY5F/s1600/leafsnap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqZVb92V8DzPoCkN89LfrhybbB1YGdWghoYOUtPcaZHt1FFbBQ0EX3DuyNvBrJXkxPTe5-OUqXf9nVt7S0x-LwR5TpRqLj1mW2kzDQe7lwGdXaS_NmF7qqjf-hoTWddg6wMC3Ip_dY5F/s320/leafsnap.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul> </ul>
<li><a href="http://www.callane.com/works.html#" target="_blank">Ornate Spades by Master Artist Cal Lane</a></li>
<ul>These spades are not very practical, but I think Form used these to bury Function in a shallow grave. As is the case with so many beautiful things - I love the contrast she creates with her work.</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOeGxhcGdP4/TuhmV-3ckbI/AAAAAAAAB_k/6YNyTMpQL5I/s1600/Cal_Lane_Shovels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOeGxhcGdP4/TuhmV-3ckbI/AAAAAAAAB_k/6YNyTMpQL5I/s320/Cal_Lane_Shovels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/za/app/sasol-ebirds-southern-africa/id332205031?mt=8" target="_blank">Sasol eBirds of Southern Africa iPhone App</a> </li>
<ul>Yes, another app, but you'll love this if you're a big twitcher...no, nothing to do with coffee...If you enjoy the classic bird book, then you'll love this app. Its a perfect gift for avid birders or even just for casual spotting in your garden. With images, distribution maps and text descriptions for over 950 bird species found in the Southern African region, its a perfect tool to use with your iPhone, Blackberry or Android.</ul>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eCt03ZGjxo/TudF3zmwq4I/AAAAAAAAB-0/8H9G6FmciUw/s1600/sasol-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eCt03ZGjxo/TudF3zmwq4I/AAAAAAAAB-0/8H9G6FmciUw/s320/sasol-2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</ul>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li>A Pile of Compost</li>
<ul>A slightly eccentric gift to be sure, but no gardener would look a gift horse in the...er...manure maker. A load of manure or well-rotted, weed-free compost is like gold to a gardener. If you're in Durban, you can order truckloads from <a href="mailto:gregcaine@3i.co.za" target="">Allgrow</a> or <a href="http://www.gromor.co.za/" target="_blank">Gromor</a>.</ul>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LPUV3M/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003LPUV3M">Deluxe Weather Station</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003LPUV3M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>Ok, this is a bit of a pricey gift, but look what it can do. If you're a climatophile and a gadgetophile (yes, I made both those words up) then this is perfect for you.</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUQvvv0SjAE/TudLvVv908I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/fKzZS0rqVYs/s1600/weatherstation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUQvvv0SjAE/TudLvVv908I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/fKzZS0rqVYs/s1600/weatherstation.gif" /></a></div>
<ul> </ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000071NUS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000071NUS">Scarecrow Sprinkler</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000071NUS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>This would have come in very handy in so many of the gardens that I've done. Its a motion sensor attached to a sprinkler head, which shoots a jet of water out every time something moves near it. Its perfect for gardens with pesky animals that love to dig in your newly planted flower beds. Just make sure that its off before doing your chores... </ul>
<ul><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000071NUS/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000071NUS"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000071NUS&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000071NUS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
</ul>
<ul><br /></ul>
<li><a href="http://www.stairropes.com/hammock.html" target="_blank">Hammock</a></li>
<ul>With this gift, you're not going to get a lot of those gardening chores done, but it will be time well spent. No garden is complete without one of these.</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JytrL9htJlE/TuhudrB6rOI/AAAAAAAAB_w/KSvvy9w93vw/s1600/hammockashgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JytrL9htJlE/TuhudrB6rOI/AAAAAAAAB_w/KSvvy9w93vw/s320/hammockashgarden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via <a href="http://www.stairropes.com/hammock.html" target="_blank">Stairropes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul> </ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QRLAQ2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QRLAQ2">Garden Hose Water Usage Meter</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QRLAQ2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</li>
<ul>If you're worried about the amount of water disappearing through your hose nozzle, or want to measure how much water is being used on your very thirsty lawn, then clip this meter between your tap and hose. Definitely on my list for Santa...</ul>
<ul><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QRLAQ2/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=landsdesig-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003QRLAQ2"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003QRLAQ2&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=landsdesig-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=landsdesig-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QRLAQ2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<li>Potting Bench</li>
<ul>A potting bench is an indispensable piece of equipment for gardeners - if you've got the space, it's definitely something even the occasional gardener would make use of. Even if its just used to display your nursery-bought potted plants, to fool people into thinking you've been hard at work. </ul>
</ol>stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-82373815055225398522011-12-04T17:11:00.001+02:002011-12-07T14:43:25.866+02:00COP17 - Things Fall Apart<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Its funny how we tend to leave the tidying of the house to the last minute before our visitors arrive - I tend to do a quick superficial clean-up about half an hour before hand. Durban municipality it seems is no different - I always look forward to the big events (COP17 being the most recent) that get hosted here in Durban from time to time because things get cleaned and planted up properly. Its really just window dressing, but I'm torn between embracing the effort that gets put in because at least things are being done, and feeling frustrated that things are being done in such a slap-dash, hurried way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJTdvzVDw8mhz5NThbsfVa7j8byr9AdQUJBTd3XLH-WKEsX0Hff-BpGm-uqHh9XzVqYbO3A8kg_X1NUrGlvDmL83zsZ2rNKzhbr8FwhtZkf9w188mF-qGRjS7iTFaaRiTaHnRWa-ctpHQ/s1600/Coconuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJTdvzVDw8mhz5NThbsfVa7j8byr9AdQUJBTd3XLH-WKEsX0Hff-BpGm-uqHh9XzVqYbO3A8kg_X1NUrGlvDmL83zsZ2rNKzhbr8FwhtZkf9w188mF-qGRjS7iTFaaRiTaHnRWa-ctpHQ/s320/Coconuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's left after the last major Durban landscaping effort. Photo via <a href="http://www.mahala.co.za/reality/dying-in-paradise/" target="_blank">Dying in Paradise</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the 2010 Soccer World Cup, thousands of palm trees were planted throughout Durban in an effort to spruce up the tourist areas, and lend a tropical aesthetic to Durban's sup-tropical climate. They looked beautiful for a couple of months before a large portion of them began dying off, leaving their cut-off stumps exposed above ground. The reason for the wholesale 'biting of the dust', was that the trees were obviously not correctly prepared before being dug out, they were often transported huge distances and then re-planted days later. All in a superficial effort to get things done at the last minute.<br />
<br />
COP17 has now entered its second week here in Durban, and it seems a similar mindset pervades. At this stage, the talks appear to be nothing more than empty rhetoric - talks about talks, backtracking, greed and lack of commitment. The US, China and India together make up more than half of the world's carbon emissions - essentially the 3 biggest polluters of our world.<br />
You have to wonder, what is the point of flying half way across the globe and making such a half hearted attempt at addressing the concerns of us ordinary citizens. Why did delegates from these and some of the other stiff-necked self-serving countries even bother showing up?<br />
<br />
At the same time, I have noticed an increase in the general awareness on the issues of climate change and the environment. Its effect may well be further reaching than the fat cat politicians with their bloated expense accounts, with school children and the general public becoming for the most part, better educated. Hopefully some of the momentum that has been created by the hype around COP17 will be sustained in the long term.<br />
<br />
Or maybe it'll be too late by then, and our children will be digging up the dead root balls of the fragile ecosystems that hold our beautiful planet together?</div>stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-37423920938073223082011-11-09T07:00:00.000+02:002011-11-09T07:00:06.463+02:00Deadly DodderIt seems as if my subject matter is heading towards the dark side lately - Poisonous Cycads, and now Creepy Dodder. I promise, its purely circumstantial and no substantive change in direction…<br /><br />After not having seen any Dodder (<i>Cuscuta sp.</i>) for about 10 years, I've spotted 2 infestations in the last week in gardens that I've visited. If you don't know of Dodder's reputation, then its about time someone passed on its diabolical legend - its really the plant equivalent of a super-villain.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGaHKop1L9Z7GPMoW3Kj7xQ2k79BYHNdPxacWr1zABa4__X7BJ5d9QahiCD_sBMUbLY5xIBktTJCiNpgYmGGepruxghNcRK4YAvN3g3ZLgVEGIJbxexRslhFXC52rFkP7TJTwnk9kDdtL/s1600/IMG_4169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGaHKop1L9Z7GPMoW3Kj7xQ2k79BYHNdPxacWr1zABa4__X7BJ5d9QahiCD_sBMUbLY5xIBktTJCiNpgYmGGepruxghNcRK4YAvN3g3ZLgVEGIJbxexRslhFXC52rFkP7TJTwnk9kDdtL/s320/IMG_4169.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuscuta (Dodder)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dodder is one of the only plants that don't have chlorophyll, and therefore cannot make food from sunlight. You would think this would put it at a disadvantage, but actually, this is where the story takes a bizarre twist into the horror-genre of the plant kingdom.<br /><br />Dodder is a parasitic plant which feeds on its host plant by entwining its leaves and stem, and then producing haustoria - suckers which grow into the host and then literally suck the life from its limbs. If this isn't scary enough, it also has the ability to grow from even the tiniest fragment towards its next unwitting victim. It doesn't even need to have the apparent crutch of a root system to hold it back.<br /><br />It appears to have the ability to 'smell' its next victim and grow towards it - with plants surviving about 5-10 days without a host. It also spreads by seed - tiny little pea-sized seeds which germinate very easily.<br /><br />All these aspects of its incredible design is also what makes it so tough to get rid of. Here are a few simple steps to rid yourself of Dodder:<br />
<ol>
<li>Try to catch it early, the more there is of it, the harder it is to remove.</li>
<li>Catch it before it seeds itself - as the seeds can lie dormant for quite a while before sprouting.</li>
<li>It is best to place a piece of plastic as close as possible to where you are working to catch all the pieces of the plant that might fall onto the ground.</li>
<li>Cut back the host plant well below where the dodder attaches itself, because the plant can regrow from its Haustoria.</li>
<li>Ensure that you try to get rid of as much as possible without dropping any pieces.</li>
<li>Burn all the traces of the plant, and don't try to make compost from it!</li>
<li>Follow up - keep looking for traces of it (Go back to Step #1)</li>
</ol>stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-9035714681699113982011-11-06T18:50:00.001+02:002011-11-06T19:23:36.653+02:00One Man's Cycad Is Another Man's Poison<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Are Cycads poisonous?<br/><br/>I was recently asked this question, and realized that it's something not too many people know about. The plain answer is yes, Cycads are poisonous, but as with most things plant related, when you dig below the surface you'll find some interesting things.<br/><br/>Most parts of Cycads contain toxins that can, when eaten in large enough doses, cause sickness and even death. But the ironic thing is that the Afrikaans name for a Cycad is a broodboom (lit. Bread Tree). This comes from the fact that in South Africa and in many cultures around the world, the seeds of Cycads have been used to make flour.<br/><br/>In South Africa, legend has it that a group of Boer soldiers were hiding out in the hills - after a while they got hungry and decided to try cooking and eating the seeds - for the next few days they were laid out in pain, before recovering sufficiently to keep going.<br/><br/>In Australia, an aboriginal tribe would prepare the seeds by putting them in water to leach out the toxin, this would take about four days. The seeds were considered safe to eat once fish had started to nibble on it. At which point, the seeds were then ground down into flour and made into bread. (don't try this at home - and if you do, don't invite me)<br/><br/>But don't go out and uproot your Cycads in a hurry. If you consider how many gardens have Cycads growing in them, and yet cases of poisoning are extremely rare.<br/><br/>Just as a side note - Cycads are a rather large group of plants. In South Africa, the Encephalartos (usually spiny) and Stangeria (stemless) are indigenous, while the Cycas - commonly known as Sago Palm (softer leaves with relatively small spines at the base) is not. Indigenous Cycads are a protected plant in South Africa.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3beWVqgcvMo7gx5VphTPDdEqFT64GO2_alzc6lyvP4QNJVGg1JPzXYvEd6VpBEe5v7K9JfSzWXUmQNyhWYu9T77MeK-r76bP13Htfay8em714qbD8m3ionKin7OhtYXLwoDHnF5dJtTXA/s1600/MedPlantsof+SA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3beWVqgcvMo7gx5VphTPDdEqFT64GO2_alzc6lyvP4QNJVGg1JPzXYvEd6VpBEe5v7K9JfSzWXUmQNyhWYu9T77MeK-r76bP13Htfay8em714qbD8m3ionKin7OhtYXLwoDHnF5dJtTXA/s320/MedPlantsof+SA.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Prof. Ben-Erik van Wyk, author of the book “Medicinal Plants of South
Africa”, is hosting a 1 day course at the Pretoria Botanic Garden on the 12 November 2011. The cost is R550 per person, and I'm sure it will be very interesting for anyone with a fascination for medicinal plants.<br />
<br />
Contact Jolene at info@alut.co.za or 014 717 3819 to book for the course.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-12060550622328087792011-10-14T10:11:00.001+02:002011-10-14T10:11:42.121+02:00Bringing a Concept to RealityOk...well...it's been a while since I've had time to blog. I've had several projects on the go which have been taking up a lot of my time.<br />
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But I'm happy to say that the one that has been giving me the most sleepless nights lately, and the endeavour I'm most proud of, is the arrival of my daughter Emily Ann...<br />
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<br />stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6054541406616103006.post-65816821370848457552011-08-12T13:00:00.000+02:002013-07-16T11:17:36.305+02:00Romead Business Park - an inspiring green approachRomead Business Park is quite an exciting project that I've been working on over the last year. A prominent developer was looking for a new home for their offices, and rather than finding a cookie-cutter building for their offices, they decided to create their own space, and hopefully attract others with their same ideals.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Areas Landscape Plan for Romead Business Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Their approach to the entire project has been quite refreshing. They found a property that was nestled in the escarpment below Kloof which was ideal from so many perspectives - a beautiful piece of land right between the Umbilo river and a part of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D'MOSS). Part of the trade-off of developing on a slightly degraded section of this site, was to give a large portion of the property to be used as Open Space.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassland above Romead - the landscaping should eventually return to this</td></tr>
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Their ethos behind the development has been quite inspiring - they have been looking for any viable opportunities to approach the project from an environmental perspective, which in these tough economic times is quite a brave stance. But altogether necessary from a long-term point of view. It's been an ethos that has come at a cost - both emotional and financial!<br />
<br />
The design code for the development has been quite comprehensive and pioneering, and - I believe - one of the best guides for development from an architectural and landscaping perspective in Durban.<br />
<br />
Some of the ideas that have been looked at, and in some cases, written into the design codes are solutions like rainwater harvesting, wind-turbines, creating mulch and compost from the existing vegetation on site, the use of indigenous planting and an approach that places an emphasis on the balance between aesthetics and function.<br />
<br />
As the Business Park begins to gain momentum, I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.stoneware70http://www.blogger.com/profile/16291604258371562064noreply@blogger.com3