Why not give the gift of greenery this festive season.
As Christmas approaches, the garden centres seem to empty as people flock to malls to get their Christmas shopping done. But what to buy? Invariably, we end up getting friends and family yet another set of toiletries or the umpteenth box of choccies to add to the inevitable seasonal weight gain. Why don’t we give a gift that grows something other than waistlines – something that keeps giving back? Could it be that we don’t know how to present plants as gifts? It’s time to get inspired!
Why do people really love getting plants as a gift?
Plants are among the most memorable gifts you can give. Let’s count the reason why:
They live, they grow, they bloom, and every new leaf or flower reminds your recipient of the giver (you)!
Plants are versatile. Keep them in the pot or add them to the garden. Either way, the satisfaction grows with every passing month or year.
Plants relieve stress. Countless studies have shown that indoor and outdoor plants make us feel happy and relaxed.
Plants add colour to our lives. Flowering plants bring beautiful blooms, and the lovely colours of new foliage bring a little thrill of pleasure.
Plants make us feel proud of ourselves. After all, it’s our love that keeps them growing so beautifully.
Choosing plants to suit the person
This story is from the December 2016 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2016 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
