| DBG Wins GOLD at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show
The City of Durban's exhibit at this year's Chelsea Flower Show has
won the highest award, a Gold Certificate, for its outstanding display
which captured the imagination of every judge who judged this year's
exhibit. It is Durban's third showing at this world prestigious garden
show which has been described as the Olympics of Gardening.
Click here to learn more...
Silver Gilt Again !! City of Durban Exhibit at the
2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show
eThekwini Municipality has for the second year in a row won a Silver
Gilt Medal for it's exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show in London of
which it can be very proud.
The theme of the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show was Gardening for Climate
Change.
Members of the eThekwini Municipality Parks, Leisure & Cemeteries
Department went over to London last week to build the stand. Francois
Lenferna, horticulturist with the Department, who was responsible for
the design of the exhibit came up with a very innovative design.
A modern gazebo, consisting of three tiers on a veranda area.
Structures captured water that ran down living pillars, watering flower
pots on the way down. This water then seeped into other flower beds,
thus making full use of the trapped rain water, which finally drained
down the pillars.
The deck of the gazebo was made out of recycled plastic and two chairs
were created out of old car tyres. Both dry and tropical plants were
used in the display, demonstrating the movement of plants from desert
and dry areas to areas with lots of rain.
All plants in the display were indigenous, which included five species
of cycads, many aloe varieties from around KwaZulu Natal with the
main feature plant being Euphorbia Ingens. Raised beds created height
within the design and allowed for isolated watering of specialised
plants. The use of ferns, intertwined with Gloriosa Rothchildiana
dripping down the pillars, softened the feature.
Said Christo Swart, Deputy Head, Parks, Leisure & Cemeteries, "Once
again our stand created tremendous interest amongst the exhibitors,
with particular attention given to our selection of plants and the
innovative design of the gazebo. We were honoured to have Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit our stand for the second year running.
Durban can be very proud of it's achievements at this year's show."
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GROUND COVER
Becium obovatum or Cat=s whiskers. It is a herb that is found in
grasslands. This groundcovers to small shrub has become very popular
as a landscape plant in Durban gardens. It flowers throughout summer
with white to mauve flowers and the upper lip frilly. Easily grown from
cuttings.
TREE
Greyia sutherlandii or Natal Bottlebrush. You can find this tree growing
well and flowering in gardens in Pinetown and Kloof. To me one of
the most spectacular trees I have ever seen flower. It is deciduous in
winter and in late spring to early summer produces scarlet red flowers.
Sunbirds love this plant.
BULBS
Crinum macowanii or River Lily. Found from the coast to the mountains,
leaves spreading or arching, with the leaves forming short stems.
Flowers found on erect stems, opening upwards, with the stems later
reclining. Flowers bell shaped, pale to dark pink in color. It s a bulb that
creates a wonderful form plant in your garden. Try and plant them in
large numbers in your garden as they give a lovely show at this time of
the year.
Scilla natalensis or the Large blue Scilla. This bulb is widespread in the
Eastern summer rainfall regions and can grow in the coastal regions
up to 2000m. It has large erect leaves that mature after flowering.
Flowers are on long flower spikes and are purplish blue. The bulb is
used as a soap. Easily grown from seed.
Watsonia confusa. Another great bulb that grows in grasslands and
which make very beautiful garden plants. Flower spikes stand up above
the foliage and the individual flowers are pink to purple.
Remember feed your garden, prune correctly and check to see what is
in flower at this time of the year.
Spring has Sprung 2007
HINTS & TIPS
Spring has Sprung and the rainy season has graced us with its gentle
beautiful rain drops. This winter was one of the driest we have ever
had, which is both good and bad. Positive in the sense that we had a
spectacular flowering season of trees and all Aloes. Negative in that
we had the worst felt fires in living history which has destroyed many
farms and crops. We now welcome spring with arms wide open. What
does spring mean for a gardener? Longer days, rain, warmer weather
and soil, new growth of trees and shrubs, flowering of spring flowering trees, shrubs and bulbs. We have so much to look forward to. This is
what is in flower in August/September. You should try and plant these
in your garden for next year.
TREES
Rothmannia globosa or September Bells. Not a large tree that is ideal
for small gardens which produces spectacular white bell-shaped flowers
with a wonderful scent.
Halleria lucida or Tree fuschia. Shrub to small tree, multi stemmed,
crown spreading with drooping foliage. Flowers are tubular, orange
to dark red found on old branches which attract many nectar feeding
birds.
Erythrina lysistemon and caffra or Coral Tree. Both these trees are in
full bloom throughout the Durban region. Easy to grow from trungeons
and which flower for at least 6 weeks in July - September.
Bridelia micrantha or Coastal golden leaf. If you drive up Fields Hill
too Kloof look on the left of the winding road and you will see the tree
coming into new leaf with its spectacular golden leaves. Ideal for a
medium sized garden.
SHRUBS
Poygala myrtifolia or September bush. Shrub with spectacular mauve
to bright purple flowers that will flower from late winter into spring. It
can grow to 3 metres.
Mackaya bella or River bells . Creamy white flowers and grows from 2-6
metres. Great for shade or sun.
BulbsScadoxus puniceus or Snake lily. You will see this bulb in flower
all over the Durban Botanic Gardens. It will flower now in August -
September then come into leaf for summer before going dormant in
winter. Plant in the deep shade for spring flowering.
Tips for August
Prepare flower beds for spring planting. Add lots of compost and
fertilizer to your new flower bed, turn over well so that compost and
topsoil is well mixed. Rake level and water which settles the newly
prepared flower bed.
Cut your lawn short and rake hard with an iron rake. This removes all
the dead grass from the previous season which is called thatch. If left
this thatch can create fungal problems and prevent fertilizer reaching
the roots of the lawn. Once cut short spike the soil with a long fork
which aerates the soil. Fertilize with superphosphate at a handful per
square metre. Topdress with lawn dressing which you can buy from
Grovida. Water well once you have followed my instructions.
Mulch flower beds with mushroom compost. This keeps the roots warm,
prevents weeds growing and helps improve the organic matter in the
soil.
Prune shrubs that have finished flowering such as Tecoma capensis and
Plumbago auriculata. Cut the shrubs to half there size. New growth will
be initiated as soon as the days lengthen, get warmer and the rains
begin.
If you have orchids this will be a good time to repot those that
have finished flowering. Many of the orchids such as Oncidiums,
Dendrobiums and Phalaenopsis will be initiating flower spike for
flowering in September to November.
Plant shrubs and groundcovers for summer. This is the ideal time to do
planting as the plants are slightly dormant and will initiate new growth
once the roots are established and the rains start falling.
Win For Durban at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show
Members of a team from the Durban Botanic Gardens went to London
from the 14th - 20th of May to build the exhibit, which represented the
City of Durban at the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
The team included Christopher Dalzell, Curator, Lynton Lauderdale,
Manager Special Services, Mike Oxland, Manager, and Francois
Lenferna chief horticulturist and designer of the exhibit, both from
Production and Display, and horticulturist from District Two in Phoenix,
Ricky Chetty.
After a week of working incredibly hard under stressful conditions, the
team enjoyed the fruits of their well-earned labour.
On Tuesday 22 May when the Show's awards were announced, the City
of Durban exhibit received a SILVER GILT Medal, which is one level
below GOLD in the Greater Pavilion Section.
"This is an incredible achievement," said Dalzell. "My congratulations go to our designer Francois Lenferna, who is responsible for the creative
and artistic inspiration which was what the judging panel was looking
for. I am so proud of the team and we are excited to put Durban
on the Chelsea map. We believe this will be a tremendous boost for
tourism in KZN."
The exhibit, a mere 56 square metres, depicted the natural flora and
fauna of KwaZulu-Natal, capturing the province's richly diverse culture.
Set amongst a variety of colourful indigenous plants and a stretch of
beach sand, is a rickshaw decked with beading and flowers and life
sized beaded animals: a leopard, a zebra and a buffalo made by wire
artist Cosmo Mafoti.
The judges were so impressed by the unique display, that Her Majesty,
Queen Elizabeth II, paid a special visit to the stand on Monday 21st
May where she met the team.
Wonderful Winter 2007
HINTS & TIPS
When designing your garden there are many factors you need to take
into consideration. For example, small gardens will not accommodate
large trees that have invasive roots or that produce too much shade.
Large gardens on the other hand will require large form plants thus
keeping the garden in proportion. Examples would be shrubs that form
small trees when mature, or groundcovers that grow fairly tall to hide
walls and fences. There has been a trend in South Africa for the past
10 years towards growing more indigenous plants. There are many
reasons for this. Indigenous plants attract more birds and butterflies,
require less water, and do not become invasive. It is important to plan
your garden so that it flowers throughout the year. Winters in Durban
are spectacular, with warm sunny days and many very attractive plants
that flower throughout the dry winter months.
Listed below are a few trees, shrubs and groundcovers that will flower
in winter that you should add to your garden.
TREES
Erythrina lysistemon or Coral Tree: Grows to about 10 metres under
ideal condition. Red flowers in winter that attract many bird species.
Cussonia spicata or Cabbage tree: Grows to about 3-10 metres and is
deciduous in winter. A great form tree for a large garden.
Halleria lucida or Tree Fuchsia: Small shrubby tree grows 2- 8 metres
and flowers on the stem
Aloe barberiae or Tree Aloe: large form plant that can grow to 10
metres. Flowers in winter.
SHRUBS
Tecoma capensis or Cape honeysuckle flowers in June and July and
has many different colours from yellow to red. Great for birds.
Mackaya bella or River bells creamy white flowers and grows from 2-6
metres. Great for shady spots.
Plumbago auriculata or Plumbago white and blue flowers that require
full sun to flower best.
Dombeya burgessiae or Pink white pear large shrub to small tree that
flowers best in full sun.
GROUNDCOVERS
Crassula multicarva or Fairy Crassula- pink to red flowers in July.
Flowers well in shade and sun. Likes it fairly dry.
Bulbine natalensis or broad- leafed Bulbine- grows best in full sun but
like water and will flower for many months in winter.
Aloe arborescens,chabaudii, maculatea all great plants that will flower
in June and July and do not require much attention.
Kniphofia praecox or Red Hot Poker- likes moisture around the roots
and full sun to flower well. Very spectacular when in full bloom.
July is the time of year that you plan your garden for spring and
summer. The days are cool and dry which makes working easy and less
disruptive than in the wet, hot summer months. This is also the time
of the year to prune trees which may be too large for your garden, or
which have lost their shape and size. Many trees lose there leaves in
winter, which then makes it easier to see what you want to remove.
Once shrubs have finished flowering in winter, prune the shrubs to the
size you want. This is also the time of the year to plant shrubs, trees
and groundcovers. Do not overwater once you have planted as the
plants are generally dormant in winter, except for the flowers that are
produced. Do not over water your lawns which are generally dormant
till the first rains in September when the days get longer and the soil
warmer. Prune the roses you have in your garden. Remove thin, dead and dying branches and keep 6-9 healthy canes for the spring growth.
Make sure you prune new growth that is facing outwards as you want
to get a vase type effect. You can also mulch your flower beds now and
give a good watering as a once off.
Remember, the Botanical Society plant sale on the 1st and 2nd
September where you can buy all these plants I have spoken about.
Grow Orchids in your garden
You will be shown how and where to grow a large number of different
types of orchids in your garden. Like all plants, orchids have specific
needs - as long as they are catered for, they will grow and flower!
Repot Orchids if different types
It is important that orchids be grown in the correct potting medium.
Most orchids commonly grown are epiphytes (they grow on trees in
nature), meaning that they cannot be planted in soil. You will be shown
how to pot your plants, and what to plant them in.
Successfully flower your orchids
The number one complaint is that people never manage to flower their
orchids again, especially if they were obtained in flower. There are a
few reasons why orchids may not be flowering- you will be taught how
to evaluate your growing conditions to determine what the reason is
behind the lack of flowers - and how to rectify it.
Orchid Questions answered
Persons attending the workshop will be given the opportunity to ask
all their orchid-related questions which had not been answered during
the course of the workshop. This is your opportunity to learn! Books on
orchid culture will also be on sale at the workshop.
Sultry Summer 2006
Hints and Tips
November, the start of a sultry summer, has to be one of the most
beautiful months of the year with so much in flower all over Durban.
Trees such as the Cape Chestnut Calodendrum capense, are flowering
in Kloof in varying shades from light to dark pink. These trees will
flower for a month in October/November. The Cape Chestnut is easy
growing and will provide you with flowers as well as superb shade in
the summer months to come. Another plant that you see in flower in
November is the fabulous Agapanthus, not long lived in Durban due to
high rainfall and humidity. Agapanthus prefer a drier climate such as
the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town.
With over five inches of rain already recorded in November, rainfall
has been welcomed in this past month. Rain speeds up the growth of
plants making pruning a frequent necessity. Feed plants well as the
rain leaches out nutrients. Mulch flower beds to keep weeds down
and prevent moisture loss. Weeds and insects are more prevalent in
summer because of the humidity, so ensure you remove and treat
before they take over your garden. Fungal problems on some of the
more delicate foliage must be treated such as black spot on roses and
powdery mildew on Zinnias if you have annuals in your garden.
Container plants need to be prepared well before planting. Buy
sterilized weed free potting medium to prevent weeds, such as onion
weed from growing. Repot once a year as the medium tends to break
down and become sour. Once this has happened it will rot the roots of
your plants. Feed your container plants throughout the year with either
a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote or a water soluble fertilizer
such as Chemicult 18.18.18.
We have many magnificent indigenous plants and in particular
bulbs and tuberous plants that do well in containers which flower
spectacularly in summer. The most common would be the Pineapple
plant, Eucomis autumnalis which has leafed out and then will flower
near the end of November into early December.
The other spectacular plant is Agapanthus praecox which has either
blue or white flowers. They tend to flower better, when planted in large
clumps.
Other plants that do well are:
Ifafa Lily (Cyrtanthus sanguineus)
Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
Chinkerinchee (Ornithogalum saundersiae)
Berg Lily (Galtonia candicans)
Large spur flowered bush (Plectranthus ecklonii)
Stoep Jacaranda (Plectranthus saccatus) |
Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concerts 
7:30-17:15 (Winter)
