Page 23 - may2021

Mimi’s secret garden patch

It’s the start of another day and excepting in the mornings now, one can sniff the approach
of the change of season round the corner – today I could almost feel the indescribable
atmosphere of morning peace and the lushness of the garden….with the birds and the bees
commencing their daily routine!

Recently I have turned to indigenous specimens with the view that what is native to South
Africa should flourish in our gardens – with little care and attention, apart from the odd
trimming here and there. I chose Barleria obtusa (an indigenous Bush Violet) in two different
colours for a very large pot – (I am unable to plant just one solitary plant by itself), - and
I believe the blue violet shrub together with the white Barleria will grow well together and
compliment each other.

The veritable Readers Digest – A Garden for All Seasons – describes it as, “The versatile
bush violet is a good example of an indigenous plant which makes a perfect garden subject
– it’s not only easy to grow, but drought resistant and seldom seems to suffer from plant
diseases. It bears a mass of violet blue flowers which show up well against its green leaves.
Plant the bush violet in a missed border or let it spread among the rocks in a rockery or over
a bank - or to cover unsightly tree stumps. Full sun or even partial shade. Prune hard in late
Winter.”
Another suggestion is Helichrysum petiolar – beautiful sprays of grey blending in so well with
other colours – see my pic. It is a very fast grower and is looking beautiful against some red
busy lizzies in pots.

Last but not least, I must mention the ferns in my conservatory are at their best – It can
only be attributed to the warm weather and they have responded well to a weekly spray of
water from a little hand container. All that is needed, is to clear the dead ferns from
underneath to promote new growth. (see pic).

The fairies have gone on holiday as their home got scruffy….But they will be back soon!

Basel Botanical Gardens, by S.C
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