Ariston “the best of the best” as Nature intended. I have been gardening since I was a very small child. I love all kinds of plants. I have been in the industry since 1992. My special interests are growing my own food, herbs and their properties, succulents, Lavender and Worm farming. I start with the seeds I have saved, I then sprout them, I plant them in lashings of worm compost I have made from raw kitchen vegetable waste, mixed into the soil, and feed weekly with Worm Tea. My personal Honeybees pollinate the flowers. I also dedicate a small portion of the crop to Nature so I am never upset when I lose a plant to a garden creature. I then reap the harvest and find different ways of using, cooking and preserving the food. I also allow a small portion to go to seed so that I can harvest it to plant the next season. My outlook on life : Once I spoke the language of the flowers Once I understood each word the caterpillar said Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the Starlings …and shared a conversation with a housefly in my bed Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets and joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow, I once spoke the language of flowers. How did it go? How did it go? Shel Siverstein
Essential oils play several roles in the garden. They are a natural pest deterrent and as pests carry disease in the form of bacteria and viruses, the oil’s antibacterial and antiviral properties act as a form of preventative medicine for your garden. Fungi and mould are other problems essential oils can deal with quickly and effectively.
Strong healthy plants resist disease, and essential oils…
Bringing RAW quality Honey to the Far South Peninsula Every tub, jar, squeeze bottle is traceable. Every batch is laboratory tested. Bulk sales : Some customers want to buy in bulk and fill their own containers, this is acceptable, however, we cannot give QA on the filling operation when we do not do the filling. We do offer QA on the product though and you have the benefit of our batch control…
Prepare for the #FIRE SEASON - Become an #ECO-WARRIOR
Prepare for the #FIRE SEASON – Become an #ECO-WARRIOR
After the devastating fires we had in Simon’s Town last year, it is now time to become an Eco-Warrior! The Port Jackson is pushing up everywhere and will create a potential fire hazard, not to mention it smothering all the the Fynbos with is starting to rehabilitate.
Here is an interesting article written by Kay Montgomery, published in the Argus on 1 October.
Last week I was looking for Hyssop Officinalis to companion plant my Grape Vine.
I came across this delightful supplier online. I placed an order last Thursday for 4 plants to be couriered from Gauteng to the Western Cape. The plants arrived early on Monday morning in really good moist condition.
Thank you so must Zirkia for the fast, efficient and friendly service.
Getting to know your Invasive Alien Plants - Furcraea foetida
Getting to know your Invasive Alien Plants – Furcraea foetida
Furcraea foetida – Mauritian Hemp
Category 1a invasive specie – Must be combated and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
Furcraea foetida is an evergreen perennial sub-shrub, stemless or with a short stem up to 1 m tall. The leaves are sword-shaped, 1-1.8 m long and 10–15 cm broad at their widest point, narrowing to 6–7 cm broad at the leaf base, and to a sharp…
Serruria florida is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae, endemic to South Africa. It is known by the common names of blushing bride or pride of Franschhoek
One of the most sought after wedding flowers, these are truly one of a kind!
Fountain Grass – Pennisetum setaceum Category 1b invasive plant. It must be controlled and wherever possible removed and destroyed. Seeds (i.e flower heads) should be burnt
Furcraea foetida Mauritian Hemp Category 1a Invasive Alien plant. – must be combated and eradicated .
Willow leaf Hakea (Hakea salicifolia) Invasive plant category 1b. It must be controlled where possible removed and destroyed
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) , are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons.
Lemongrass is usually planted in home gardens to ward off insects such as whitefly adults. Its cultivation enables growing some vegetables (e.g. tomatoes and broccoli) without applying pesticides. Intercroppingshould include…