Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ….
An old Victorian rhyme once chanted to brides on planning their bridal outfit that is still observed today before the wedding.
The custom was practised to ward off the evil eye and curses cast upon the marriage and to be assured of good luck.
In the garden, planting something blue serves a purpose too.
Here though, we are not dependent on spells or superstition.
As much as there is green in our environment, we are surrounded by blues in the sea and sky too.
Planting blue flowering or foliaged shrubs, perennials and annuals has a dependable and visible outcome.
For example, in a small garden when blue flowering plants are grown on the boundary edge of the garden, it gives the illusion of space and a receding horizon, making the property look bigger.
This is learnt from the natural landscape where colours take on a misty blue towards the horizon.
Or, think of photos of Table Mountain, as an example, which appears purple or blue. But it is not really so.
This is an example of an optical phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering (similar to why the sky appears blue).
As Table Mountain is viewed from a distance, the large amount of air between you, the viewer, and the mountain causes a greater amount of this purple-blue light to be scattered into your line of sight.
And Table Mountain appears blue.
You could mimic this effect just by planting blue flowering or foliaged plants in strategic positions.
Should you wish to give the illusion of a longer extended border planting, for example, plant blue flowering or foliaged plants at the end of the border.
In hot sun-drenched gardens, use blue-coloured plants to “cool down” the vista.
Did you notice the effect big blue umbels of agapanthus flowers growing effortlessly in the heat, have on us in summer ?
As an example in nature, when our autumn landscape becomes warmly coloured with reds, oranges, yellows and ambers, you will notice the bush violet’s (Barleria obtusa) complementing the scene with a spectacle of sky-blue flowers.
And enjoy too, that there are many butterflies suddenly flitting about it.
Generally, when planting, use different shades of blue to create a natural effect, but group your choice of blues grown together to allow that one blue will not outshine the other but rather enhance it.
For example, purply blues, lilac and mauve blues in one group. Cobalt and royal blue in another.
Play with the colours creating your own example of a receding perspective within a bed.
Mix groups of annuals of different blues together. Graduate them from paler to darker colours.
Petunias, pansies, lobelia (available in pale blue and royal blue), violas of varying hues together.
Easter eggs or Holiday eggs?
A rumour spread on social media that Cadbury’s would market Easter eggs as Holiday eggs has shocked those who heard it.
This bad news has since been denied by Cadbury’s but has left a bad taste in the mouth.
In Christian tradition, Easter eggs were created to symbolise new life. This refers to Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday three days after he was crucified.
If Easter eggs are to symbolise new life, we could instead plant or gift the bulbs of the season, as each is packaged by mother nature to contain a completely new life in them, waiting to grow.
“Bulbs are a reflection of all that is majestic in nature; they nurture us in body and soul.” — Charles Barnhoorn.
Woolworths has some worthwhile bulb specials on offer at the moment. This is what most gardeners would prefer to a chocolate memento.
These include freesias, Dutch irises, anemone and ranunculi.
They are the perfect gift even for someone who does not have a garden as they may be successfully grown in containers too.
What about chincherinchees?
Award-winning botanist and South African garden designer Leon Kluge chose to showcase our indigenous chincherinchees (ornithogalum) in his exhibit at the Shenzhen Flower Show recently where he walked away with the Grand Gold award and the Best Garden on Show award.
For those who like to grow their own flowers for the vase, chincherinchees are a winner as they are an exceedingly long-lasting cut flower.
The plant has delicate white/green star-shaped flowers clustered together at the top of a long stem.
Grow them in full sun in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Keep the soil moist with regular deep watering
The bulbs of the winter-growing chincherinchees (ornithogalum thyrsoides) may be planted in April. They flower from spring until late summer.
Summer flowering chincherinchees bulbs (ornithogalum saundersiae) are to be planted in August. They are also called the giant chincherinchee.
They have white to cream flowers with black ovaries and bloom between December and March. (Note that the bulbs are extremely poisonous).
Or you might like to take a different tack. An alternative is to source plants which smell like chocolate.
Indigenous pelargonium tomentosum indierous, also commonly known as the peppermint-scented pelargonium, emits a chocolate peppermint scent when you scrunch leaves between your fingers.
These leaves may be used for tea, culinary purposes to flavour cakes as well as puddings, and to repel insects.
It is an attractive plant which has large, soft, velvety, heart-shaped aromatic leaves and small white flowers.
Plant it in the semi-shade where its low-growing branches spread in all directions.
The green foliage has a dark chocolate-coloured marking in its centre.
Grow it in a spot where you may enjoy its fragrance and the beauty of its dew-spangled leaves in the morning.
It is drought tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.
The plant does not respond well to rich soil as this reduces its fragrance. It prefers well-draining soil.
They are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Grows to about 70 centimetres in height.
Leaves are velvety due to being covered with soft hairs.
Plants are used for the production of natural peppermint-scented essential oil in South Africa.
Prune in autumn to maintain a bushy shape. Remove old or damaged leaves to keep it looking its best. It may be fed in springtime with a potassium-rich fertiliser.
Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphates, which stimulate the stem and keep the leaves a healthy green.
Cut banana peels into small pieces 1 to 2.5cm in size. Place these bits in water for about two to three days during which time the peels soften and let go of these nutrients.
Or dig a small hole near the base of the plants and bury the peels in the soil.
(Tomatoes appreciate a fertiliser high in potassium and phosphorous and low in nitrogen too).
Other chocolate-scented plants are the chocolate cosmos (atrosanguineus) which has deep reddish-brown, velvety flowers that have a cocoa scent.
It is said to thrive in our gardens and blooms during summer. It needs to be grown in well-drained soil and full sun, and can be divided in spring.
Chocolate vine (akebia quinata) is a fast, vigorous-growing climber which has a trailing habit. It produces dark chocolate maroon flowers in spring which have a subtle chocolate vanilla fragrance.
Akebia quinata is best planted to grow on a trellis, arbour or in a large container.
Indigenous bush chocolate (oncoba spinosa), also called the fried egg flower, is a shrub or small tree that produces large white flowers with a mass of sweetly scented golden stamens at the centre.
The chocolate daisy (brlandiera lyrata) is an herbaceous perennial which has daisy-like flowers that emit a strong chocolate scent, especially in the morning, becoming more prominent as the day becomes warmer.
These are a North American species which are heat-and drought-tolerant. They attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and other pollinators.
The plant is popular for growing in sensory gardens.
Chocolate bells (trichodesma physaloides) have drooping flowers with brownish-purple calyces and white corollas in early spring. The leaves of the plant have sessile (no stem of its own), bluish green leaves.
If you are travelling to KwaZulu-Natal, you might like to explore the chocolate-inspired gardens established in 2017 on the De Charmoy Estate, where a variety of chocolate-themed plants are growing.
These are a selection of chocolate-coloured plants, chocolate-scented flowers, chocolate mint and chocolate sunflowers and vines.
They have even renamed a tree with chocolate-coloured under leaves (chrysophyllum oliviforme) the chocolate tree.
The leaves are glossy dark green on top with a coppery bronze underneath. In the wind, the leaves take on a shimmery effect.
The child-friendly gardens inspired by Ava Miles’s book, The Chocolate Garden, were designed by Lindsay Gray.
Plant choices
Indigenous bush violet, Barleria obtusa, spreads quickly making it a plant to easily share.
The perennial flowers in the cooler months from March until June.
It is a scrambler that makes suckers in the ground forming new plants.
New plants easily grow from seeds the elements scatter around the garden.
As it is an untidy plant, grow it in informal areas of the garden.
Grow it as a groundcover or to scramble down embankments.
Dwarf morning glory (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a low-growing plant that loves the sun.
You will also find that it will “cruise” through hot summer days. Use it as a groundcover.
Blue Potato Bush (Solanum rantonnetii) is an evergreen shrub bearing dark purple flowers throughout the year. It grows to 2m x 2m.
Plant it at the back of the bed. It is related to the potato and tomato but all parts of the Blue Potato bush are poisonous.
Trim off dried twigs and branches to keep it looking good. Mouse birds love it.
Mexican sage bush (Salvia leucantha) is a low-maintenance perennial shrub. It belongs to the mint family.
It has lance-shaped, blue-grey-green furry leaves and bears upright spikes of flowers in blue or purple. Grow it in the full sun.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is a herb from the Mediterranean with tiny blue flowers.
It is a hardy plant which grows well at the seaside that is often used as a low-growing hedge and is particularly useful near the braai area.
The stalks of Rosmarinus “Tuscan Blue” has long straight stems which make ideal skewers for meat.
Toss fresh or dried branches onto the fire to allow it to emit its own flavour/aroma to the meat on the braai.
Grown near the entertainment area it repels bugs and insects. Its needle-like leaves are used to flavour dishes.
It has rained.
We look forward to the day when we can water the garden without the neighbours complaining to the other neighbours when they see you attaching the hosepipe to the water source.
But you might be in for a terrible disappointment then, as when you spray the garden with water, you’ll watch as the soil’s surface rejects the moisture rather than allowing it to soak in.
The soil is seemingly repelling it. Why?
The problem is that the soil has become hydrophobic (water-fearing).
Instead of the soil soaking it up, it rejects it by creating little pools and small bead-like drops on the surface.
It appears that it cannot sink down into the soil to water the roots.
Why did this happen?
This occurs when a waxy, water-resistant coating around the soil particles is formed by soil fungi or decomposing matter. The effect is that it repels the water rather than absorbing it.
How can you fix hydrophobic soil?
Firstly, break up the soil’s crusty surface and loosen it to at least a spade’s depth.
Add organic matter such as old manure or compost and dig it in.
This changes its composition, allowing it to accept water so it can reach its roots to facilitate healthy growth.
Even if your soil is not hydrophobic it is a good idea to prepare the garden beds for new plants and existing ones by amending the soil.
Once done, water the soil deeply. Then reduce the risk of the soil drying out by laying down a covering of organic mulch.
Your first autumn chore now is to divide existing perennials — those which have flowered in spring or summer.
These perennials can now be divided and replanted, giving them time to settle before winter.
The cooler temperatures and more moist conditions of the season allow new roots to become established before winter.
The plants will “tell” you if they need dividing.
Those that have been in the same spot for two to four years have become overcrowded, show signs of stress and smaller flowers, and have overall less vigorous growth.
Only divide perennials such as Shasta daisies, the obedient plant, and Michaelmas daisies if they have become overcrowded and they do not flower well.
The long wispy stems of Gaura may be cut back now right down to the growth of its base.
It takes five years of growth in the garden for fleshy-rooted perennials such as agapanthus, day lilies and red-hot pokers before they need to be divided.
Clivias don’t like their roots to be disturbed and should only be divided every three to five years in late spring or early summer after flowering.
How to divide the plants
Lift the whole clump, split it into sections whose form usually indicates, and replant them immediately, making sure they are planted at the same depth as they were before they were divided.
Use a sharp knife or spade to cut through the sections.
Once the maintenance is done, the best part is going to the nursery and seeing which perennials they have for sale on the nursery floor.
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They die back then return every year on the same root system.
Cut down old growth when it occurs and then watch it revive when it is in season.
Here are some:
Daylilies: Mooiplaas Daylily Nursery has daylily bulbs on bulk special at the moment. I appreciate the way that the daylilies produce the most exquisite flowers popping up when you least expect it. Contact them on: admin@mooiplaasnursery.co.za
Rudbeckia has a raised central disc surrounded by colourful yellow/orangey centres with sunflower-like blooms. It has rough hairy stems and foliage. They bloom from summer until the end of autumn. They make good cut flowers. Take care not to overwater them. They can be planted in autumn or spring in full sun, in moist but well-drained soil.
Pentas lanceolata are fast-growing and are available in a variety of colours, including pink, red, mauve and white. The flowers are made up of clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers. Plant them in full sun to light shady spot. They have medium to light water usage. Ideal for subtropical gardens. Deadhead them for continuous flowering. Pollinators such as butterflies love them.
Salvias provide easy colour in the garden. They are the largest genus of plants in the sage family with just fewer than 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals.
South Africa has 25 indigenous salvia species.
Salvia are waterwise, tough, easy to grow and need only to have their dead growth cut off to last into the next season.
Birds and other pollinators are attracted to them as they are a source of nectar and pollen.
Their colourful bracts can be red, salmon, deep purple, cerise and pale pink, powder blue or sapphire blue. All have different applications.
They are easy to grow and have a long flowering season. The soil should have good drainage. They thrive in full sun.
To help them into the next season be sure to cut off dead growth.
Statice (limonium perezii) are hardy perennials which are members of the plumbago family. They are salt tolerant and suited to coastal gardens. They need a well-drained soil in an open sun position.
They are best planted in late autumn or early winter. I have had them growing in a large round planter where they were happy for many years. They make good long lasting cut flowers.
When the stems become woody, prune them lightly to encourage bushy growth. Give the plant a heavy drenching of water every now and then. Young plants need regular watering in the first six months of their growth.
Evolvulus glomeratus is a favourite of mine as it has proven to be a worthy addition to the church garden in which I work.
When all the plants around them have almost succumbed to the drought they have gone on shining through the heat with their brilliant blue flowers.
It is a groundcover with low-growing evergreen slightly furry (makes it good for coastal gardens) foliage and trumpet-shaped flowers. Loves the full sun and is aptly called the Dwarf morning glory. Just cut it back when it gets untidy. I’d like to try growing the plant in a hanging basket as its trailing habit would be perfectly suited to this.
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Westeringia fruticosa, or the Australian rosemary, has small leaves that are white-felted underneath. It bears white to pale blue flowers in spring and summer.
It is a hardy plant that is suited to coastal planting. It can be grown as a hedge.
Plectranthus “Mona Lavender” is a fast-growing perennial shrub which has dark green leaves and purply undersides.
Its spiked lavender-blue flowers appear from late summer to early winter.
Grow it in light to partial shade, and it prefers well-draining nutrient-rich soil.
Water it regularly. It makes a good container subject and is easily propagated from cuttings.
Someone asked me yesterday what was my favourite colour.
In truth I told them that I like what colours do to each other rather than having a single special colour.
Take for example the relationship between blue and yellow/orange/salmon pink.
The one makes the quality of the other more striking or gently beautiful.
Like a companion which brings out the best in the other.
Different hues of blue have varying effects on pale and bright colours.
The cool colours of blue bring a sense of peace and grace.
Begin noticing combinations of colours in decor, paintings, gardens, clothing to repeat at home. Or, in your planting.
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