Page 33 - Silver Lakes October Issue 2023

GARDENING

INSTANT GARDENS

By Elize Malan

urseries often host show gardens The majority of groundcovers are fast- impulse buy at the nursery. So, for a calming
during spring. They are designed growing and are ideal for quick results. They effect, why not design your garden around
Nand completed in a short time to will reach their potential size within one a white colour scheme by using white
showcase new hybrids and trends. The season. Buy small plants in trays; ensure containers, planting shrubs with grey leaves
plants are beautifully displayed and look good soil preparation before planting and and adding white flowers to complete
their finest: they are flowering and of they will spread quickly to cover the required the look? Your garden will radiate in the
optimal size. area. daytime and look attractive at night.

Home gardeners see this and return home There are shrubs as well as a wide variety of Colour
with a head full of ideas for a new garden or herbaceous plants that will mature within Remember to allow space for growth and
a quick renovation. The one thing everyone one season. You can also plant species do not plant shrubs too close together. Fill
wants, of course, is an instant result. that take more time to make an impact in- these gaps with colourful plants.
between the fast growers.
However, gardeners without sufficient During the first planting season, you’ll have
plant knowledge or design skill will need A container with one special shrub can be a to plant an abundance of flowering annuals.
professional help. Garden centres offer focal point. By the second or third season, Seedlings can be planted or seeds sown in
advice, but their priority is selling their the herbaceous plants can be removed and all beds.
products, so it’s best to seek help from a the fast-growing shrubs should be pruned
professional landscaper. where needed. By the second season, some of the gaps will
be filled by shrubs and perennials.
Seasoned gardeners can do their own Repetition
research and planning before starting a In a smaller garden, plant fewer species. The variety of annuals is endless. Decide
project. Repeating the same plants will produce a on the colour palette for your garden the
harmonious-looking garden that has rhythm, same way you would for the interior of your
Satisfactory and fairly quick results can be looks planned and is pleasing to the eye. house. Shrubs or groundcovers with white
achieved by gardeners on a limited budget, variegated leaves will go well with blue,
but keep the following in mind: You can use a row of pots or create purple and green.
architectural lines for eye-catching appeal.
Plant size You can also repeat a feature of the house in Yellow variegated leaves can be combined
Planting large trees is expensive. A pergola your garden for dramatic effect. with warm colours such as yellow, orange
covered with a fast-growing climber may and red. Painting a garden wall or containers
present a quick solution if it’s shade, Colour repetition will prevent the fruit-salad according to your choice will complete the
privacy or height you’re seeking. visual effect – the result of making another scene.

References:
https://www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za/
landscape-layout-for-newbies
https://www.thespruce.com/color-theory-in-
landscape-design-2132147
Indigenous Plant Palettes by Marijke Honig

Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za

INTRAMUROS OCTOBER 2023 | 31