Create an indigenous garden

Nurseries offer greater varieties of indigenous plants every season and creating an indigenous garden has never been easier.

Indigenous plants thrive in the correct soil type and environmental conditions. Do some homework regarding the type of soil you have in your garden, so that your local nurseryman can recommend plants that will not only survive, but flourish, in their allocated spaces. Taking a Sunday drive to your local nature reserve, armed with a copy of the Botanical Society’s wildflower guide, will also give you a good indication of the plants that you should be looking to incorporate into your garden.

With reference to where plants should be planted in your garden, the general rule of thumb is that shady areas should be reserved for big-leaf plants, while plants with smaller leaves do better in sunny spots. Plants with thick, tough leaves and strong, deep root systems do better in dry, nutrient-deficient soil than plants with soft, thin leaves and shallow roots.

Fallen leaves are better left untouched in an indigenous garden, as they will prevent evaporation and keep the roots of your plants cool. These discarded leaves are also an excellent source of compost, nourishing your garden over time.

Indigenous gardens are more likely to survive the extreme weather conditions that we have been experiencing, and are more water-wise, an aspect that is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Indigenous gardens create natural eco-systems that act as a sanctuary for native insects and birds, meaning that your garden will soon be teeming with colour, sound and life.

Many of our indigenous plants are extremely adaptable and will do well in almost all parts of the country. The indigenous plants in the following lists will adapt to a diverse range of growing conditions.

Trees

Searsia viminalis (White karee): a hardy, evergreen shade tree of medium size that is popular throughout the country. The lovely fresh, green foliage make this an excellent specimen tree in the indigenous garden.

Acacia karroo (Sweet thorn): this fast-growing acacia occurs in almost all parts of the country. It has a lovely rounded crown and an abundance of sweetly scented globose flower heads in summer, giving the tree a highly decorative appearance.

Cussonia spicata (Cabbage tree): these very ornamental evergreen trees with the dense head of palmate leaves at the top of the stem are perfect for creating an interesting contrast with other plants in the garden.

Shrubs

Buddleja salvifolia (Sagewood): a fast-growing evergreen with attractive, dark green leaves that are silvery grey underneath. In spring, a profusion of dense sprays of sweetly scented lilac flowers appear, attracting colourful butterflies to the garden.

Plumbago auriculata (Cape leadwort): this lovely spreading shrub produces masses of sky-blue or white flowers throughout summer. Plant it where it can spread, so that its charming clusters of flowers can be fully appreciated.

Polygala myrtifolia (Bloukappie): a delightful medium-sized, rounded shrub with attractive and dense light green foliage. The striking purple, pea-shaped flowers are most abundant in spring, but appear regularly throughout the year.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and intended for information purposes only.