Simply Indigenous
The diversity of South African flora is very extensive, and many of our plants are found in gardens all over the world.
Mystery
There is something mysterious about an indigenous garden. Is it the incredible delicacy and beauty, or the variety of plants? The varied landscapes of our incredible country give rise to many kinds of plants. The thorn tress, the peeling bark, weathered boulders, from the fat fleshy leaves to the finest moss growing by a forest stream. There is a spirit of life in the scurrying beetles, the hum of the Cicada, the rustle of foraging birds. To create an indigenous garden, we use plants that are not necessarily endemic to the Highveld area, so we need areas in our garden that mimic the plants natural environment.
Planning
I like to create sections in a garden that resemble different areas of our country. A rocky outcrop could resemble a mountainous area. A meandering stream with a Celtis grove can replicate our indigenous forests or perhaps an endemic grassy Highveld area would suit a garden. An important thing to remember is that there is an underlying structural design not evident at a casual glance. In fact, the less formal the garden, the more critical the deign becomes and the more difficult to achieve.
Water Wise
Regular Mulching will hep retain moisture in the soil. Group plants with similar water needs so that the watering can be planned.
Forest
Use the same species group together to give a more natural look. Do not rake the leaves from the beds, allow them to form a natural mulch that would be part of natures healthy ecosystem. Plant the forest floor with shade loving plants suited to your area’s climatic conditions.
Grass veld
Choose various local grasses, together with assorted bulbs and perennials. Place them in natural groupings that mimic nature. These gardens are water wise, low maintenance and form an eco-system that attracts wild life.
Rockery
Utilise rocks to emulate koppies. Place them as natural retaining walls, and fill the pockets of soil with aloes, succulents and perrenials that enjoy free-draining soil.
The Pond
Use natural rocks in a free form shape around your pond. This will attract water loving creatures like dragon flies and frogs in your garden.
The Shopping List
Some of the indigenous plants that are well adapted to Highveld conditions are Highveld cabbage tree (Cussonia Paniculata). White Stinkwood (Celtis Africana), Paperbark Flat Thorn (Acacia Sieberiana Var. Woodii), Wild Olive (Loeo Europaea Subsp. Africana), Karee (Rhus), Agapanthus, Crocosmia, Watsonia, Felcia, Barlerias, Plectranthus and Germanium Incantum.
