RLEAF GEO

Our Vision - "Influencing change by inspiring communities to rebuild, renovate and improve their living conditions through using sustainable methods". Our Mission - "To promote Project GEO to a wide range of communities by making use of art, entertainment, digital media & events".

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A good day to start an organic garden, send us your questions, and we will be happy to answer them.

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Wild silver oak - Brachylaena discolor subsp. discolor

FAMILY - Asteraceae (Daisy family)

DESCRIPTION

This is one of the few plants in the daisy family that actually reaches tree size. It grows easily and requires very little care. The dark green leaves have a greyish-white under-surface which gives the tree its silvery appearance. In summer, huge sprays of thistle-like, creamy-white flowers give an impression of snow. The flowering season depends on the locality of the plant and can vary from autumn to spring. It grows to a height of 5 metres and a width 4 metres.

CULTIVATION & CARE

These trees are fast growing and thrive in ordinary garden soil.

It can be used as an effective windbreak.

It is easily shaped in order to keep it tidy.

It can withstand mild frost.

Plant in a position which gets full sun.

PROPAGATION

Seedlings grow very slowly.

Easiest method of propagation is through cuttings.

In early spring, take hardwood cuttings and plant in sandy soil.

Water regularly.

Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

Photographed by: S'piwe Nkosi

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Lemon tree - Citrus limon

FAMILY -  Rutaceae

DESCRIPTION

This citrus tree is a small evergreen tree which has its origins in the subtropical regions. It is widely grown all over the world . Its ellipsoidal, yellow fruit is used for culinary, medicinal, household and cosmetic purposes. The juice of the lemon, which is about 3 tablespoon (50ml) in volume, contains 5-6% of citric acid that gives the lemon its sour taste. This can vary depending on the cultivar. It cannot tolerate severe frosts, but can withstand light frost in winter. It flowers almost exclusively during spring, which ensures a crop for 7-12 months of the year.

SOWING/PLANTING

Best grown from seedlings.

Can be planted in any soil type which must be well-drained and fertile.

Ensure that there are no hindrances or obstructions to root development for 1metre below the surface and for 2metres beyond the dripline of the tree. They ensures proper root development to a greater depth and produces a higher yield and growth.

Transplant trees in early spring, ensuring that the hole is 0,5m x 0,5m x 0,5m(length, width, depth). Add 2 spadefuls of compost.

Firm down soil around the tree and create a basin around the base of the tree for irrigation purposes, water immediately.

MAINTENANCE

·         Needs to be watered regularly, so that it is kept moist but not water logged.

·         Prune once flowering is complete.

PESTS & DISEASES

Ants

Red scale, soft brown scale, citrus thrips, orange dog.

Citrus black spot, scab, greening.

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Carnation - Dianthus species

FAMILY - Caryophyllaceae

DESCRIPTION

This is an herbacious perennial which grows to a height of 80cm. It is an easy, rambling plant to grow. The leaves are a greyish-green to blue-green. The flowers are produced singularly or up to 5 together and are sweetly scented. The original natural colour of the flower is a bright pinkish-purple, but many other cultivars with different colours have been produced. The flowers are edible.

SOWING/PLANTING

·         Direct seed, seedlings and cuttings (Germination time : 5-10 days)

·         Plant in well-drained, composted soil, in a full sun to semi-shade position, all year round.

MAINTENANCE

·         Harvest flowers when needed.

BENEFITS & USES

·         Flowers attract beneficial insects.

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Hadeda ibis - Bostrychia hagedash

FAMILY - Threskiornithidae

DESCRIPTION

The hadeda ibis is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large species of ibis, about 76cm long, grey-to-partly brown in colour. A narrow, white, almost horizontal stripe crosses its cheek, and is sometimes called the moustache. The plumage over the wings gives off an iridescent purple sheen. It has blackish legs, a large grey-to-black bill with a red stripe on the upper mandible. It has powerful, broad wings to assist with easy take-offs and manoeuvrability. It has a loud, distinctive "haa-haa-haa-de-dah call. When it is roosting, it makes a single loud "haaaa". When foraging, they make a contact call which  is like a low growl, like that of a puppy.

DIET

·         Its main source of food is earthworms which it picks out of soft soil using its scimitar-like bill.

·         It also eats insects like Parktown prawns, spiders and small lizards, snails in garden beds and larvae of moths and beetles that feed on the roots of grass.

HABITAT

·         In wooded streams and river courses in open grasslands and savanna woodlands.

·         Man-made irrigated habitats, such as large gardens, cultivated land and playing fields.

BREEDING

·         The nests are a basket-shaped platform of sticks and twigs which is normally about 1-12metres above ground or water, on horizontal branches of trees, bushes or telephone poles, dam walls or pergolas.

·         Same nest is used year after year but not always by the same breeding pair.

·         Breed in solitary pairs, reach peak during or just after rainy season.

Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

Photographed by: S'piwe Nkosi

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Asian Greens

FAMILY - Brassicaceae

DESCRIPTION

Most Asian greens fall under the brassica or cabbage family, namely mizuna,  gai lan, shungiku, bok choy and tat soi. Shungiku belongs to the chrysanthemum family. They are fast, easy growers which flourish almost throughout the year. They thrive during cooler weather. The leaves become more pungent and tougher when the weather gets warmer.

SOWING/PLANTING

·         Direct seed or use seedlings. (Germination time: 5-7 days)

·         Mix different varieties together or plant in groups.

·         Plant them in a full sun to semi-shade position during summer.

·         They require well-drained, fertile loam soil.

·         They go to seed quickly during warmer weather.

·         They produce small, edible yellow flowers, which when they become seedpods can either be allowed to self-seed or they can be saved.

·         Suitable for successive sowing.

MAINTENANCE

·         They need constant overhead watering.

·         Use 'cut and come again' method of harvesting, to encourage additional leaf growth and ensure a constant supply.

GOOD COMPANIONS

·         Basil, borage, dill, spring onion, oregano, garlic, sage, thyme.

·         Squash and eggplant provide shade during hot summer months.

BAD COMPANIONS

·         Tomato

PESTS & DISEASES

·         Leaf-eating beetles. Powdery mildew.

Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

Photographed by: Spiwe Nkosi

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Seagulls: Hartlaub's or king gull - Chroicocephalus hartlaubii

FAMILY - Laridae

This species is a small, non-migratory gull, which is endemic to the Atlantic coastline of South Africa and Namibia. It is rarely seen at sea far from land. This is a relatively rare species, the tenth rarest of the world's 50 or so species. Although it is common in its habitat range it is widely considered as a nuisance in Cape Town, for fouling buildings and bathing in ponds.

DESCRIPTION

The seagull is about 36-38cm long. It is a white gull with grey back and upper wings, black wingtips and a dark red bill and legs.

Its plain white head has a very faint lavender colour when breeding.

The sexes are similiar.

These birds take 2 years to reach maturity.

Young birds have a brown band across their wings.

Seagulls are omnivores which scavenge at tips, feed on scraps and small prey found in shallow water.

They are opportunistic birds who will steal food from other birds, even to the point of chasing them, in flight, to get to the food.

Highly gregarious in winter, especially when feeding or in evening roosts.

This is a noisy species, with a raucous crow-like 'kaaarrh' call.

Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

Photographed by: S'piwe Nkosi

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Hibiscus - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

FAMILY - Malvaceae

DESCRIPTION

This subtropical  plant is very adaptable and can be grown in most areas except where there is severe frost.

CULTIVATION & CARE

It requires full sun conditions, but will grow in shady conditions with at least 2 hours of sun daily.

Plant in any soil type provided it is well drained and composted.

It is best to plant it in spring and summer.

Water regularly when small. Once established it can survive on very little water.

Mulch well.

Grow in an area with smaller shrubs so that it does not compete for sunlight.

Prune at least once a year, in spring, once the frosty period is over.

  PROPAGATION

Propagate by using seedlings.

  PESTS & DISEASES

 Aphids, worms, beetles, mites and nematodes

Under moist conditions- leaf spotting and root rot may occur.

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Lesser candelabra tree - Euphorbia cooperi (Ingens)

FAMILY - Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia family)

DESCRIPTION

This is a spiny, succulent tree which grows to a height of 4-5 metres, in its natural habitat. It has its striking branches, like candelabra, growing from the trunk. It bears showy, dark red to purple fruits, depending on the species. All species have a milky, poisonous sap, which irritates the skin and eyes.

CULTIVATION & CARE

It requires sandy, well-drained soil, with some compost.

Plant it in a sunny position.

Water occasionally.

It can withstand frost.

It is wind resistant.

PROPAGATION

Propagate from seeds or cuttings.

If using cuttings, allow wounded area to dry before planting, otherwise it may rot.

Written by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

Photographed by: S'piwe Nkosi

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Regal pelargonium - Pelargonium domesticum

FAMILY - Geraniaceae

DESCRIPTION

This shrub is a garden hybrid. Its leaves are coarse and velvety to the touch. The flowers vary greatly in colour. These flowers are large, with ruffled or frilled petals, sometimes with marks or blotches. They bloom in spring. They grow to a height of 400mm and width of 400mm.

CULTIVATION & CARE

can be planted in sandy soil, in a sunny position.

Water sparingly.

Can withstand some frost.

PROPAGATION

Cuttings is the easiest method of propagation.

Using the top 10cm of a sturdy stem, remove all leaves leaving about 2-3 near the tip.

Plant cuttings in well-drained soil, with some compost.

Written & photographed by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

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Sour Fig (Hottentot fig) - Carpobrotus muirii

FAMILY - Mesembryanthemaceae (Vygie Family)

DESCRIPTION

This perennial, trailing succulent has prostrate, trailing stems. The leaves grow upright from the stems and are about 120mm long, sharply pointed and triangular. The flowers, which appear in spring, are approximately 100mm in diameter, are silky and are pinkish-purple or yellowish-cream in colour. Edible fruits which look like dried figs, appear once the flowers have died back.

CULTIVATION & CARE

A hardy ground cover which grows quickly.

Suitable for any terrace, embankment or slope.

It requires very little care and grows rapidly so it needs to be controlled.

Water sparingly, from autumn to spring, to encourage flowering.

PROPAGATION

The stems trailing along the ground put down roots at regular intervals.

Cut pieces from these shoots and plant them.

 Written & Photographed by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

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Brown Garden Snail – Cornu aspersum

FAMILY - Helicidae

DESCRIPTION

It has a muscular foot and head and coiled mass held within its shell. It moves by means of expanding and extracting the sole. Glands secrete a mucus which helps with movement and protects against water loss. It has 2 pairs of tentacles on its head, with eyes on the upper pair.

HABITAT

Agapanthus and other broad-leafed plants.

Aloe, vegetables, eg. lettuce, spinach, pepper, tomatoes and herbs, eg. rocket and mint.

Fruit trees and shrubs.

Densely-planted, cool parts of the garden.

Under and inside plants for protection during the day.

They prefer damp conditions and are therefore, active mainly at night and on cool, overcast days.

CONTROL

remove unnecessary or unused materials, such as logs, planks, etc. that are lying around which they can hide under.

Create a beer-trap, snails love beer, they crawl into the trap and die.

Use brass scouring wool around young seedlings. Snails hate moving across metal or sharp-edged objects.

Crush eggs and sprinkle around susceptible plants.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powdery substance which causes soft bodies to dehydrate.

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Wild Iris - Dietes Grandiflora

FAMILY - Iridaceae (Iris Family)

DESCRIPTION

The wild iris is an evergreen plant which grows from rhizomes and forms clumps. The long leaves, about 1m, are dark green, rigid and sword-shaped. Attractive flowers on long penduncles bloom in early summer. The flowers only last for one day but the plant constantly produces them. The flowers are 70-100mm in diameter, with 6 white perianth segments, containing yellow or brown markings near the base and 3 mauve central mauve segments. The flowers has an unusual structure, the 3 mauve segments contain the stigmas while the stamens are contained underneath. Once the flowers have died back, long, tri-locular fruits produces masses of pitch-black seeds.

CULTIVATION & CARE:

Can withstand some frost.

Can be planted in any soil type.

Plant in full sun or in semi-shade position and water regularly but sparingly.

If clumps become too large divide into smaller ones.

Periodically remove old flower stems and leaves.

PROPAGATION:

Quickest and easiest method is through division of rhizomes.

Plant them in compost rich soil.

Can be produced from seeds, but will only flower after 2-3 years.

Written & photographed by: Rosemary "Semiramis"

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Winter Red - Leucadendron salignum

FAMILY - Proteaceae

DESCRIPTION:

Multi-stemmed shrub which has a persistent rootstock, from which it resprouts after a fire.

It has a long flowering season, from May to December, with colourful leaves and bracts surrounding the flowers.

In a natural habitat it grows to a height of 0,75 to 2m.

It can withstand various growing conditions, from mild winter temperatures to frost on mountainous areas.

The bracts and leaves vary from greenish-yellow to a vivid orange-red.

CULTIVATION & CARE

It can  be pruned  back vigorously and still adapts well.

Propagation is through cuttings taken from the current seasons growth. A length of about 6-10cm of semi-hardwood, is used. This is dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in soil, in sheltered conditions, in a greenhouse or growing house.

It grows fast and is planted out after 1 year.

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Sorrel - Rumex acetosa

FAMILY- Polygonaceae

This is a perennial herb which grows to a height of 60cm, has deep roots, juicy stems, edible, arrow-shaped leaves. Whorled spikes of reddish-green flowers, bloom in early summer and become purplish. This species is dioecious meaning that the stamens and pistils are on different plants. Sorrel spreads easily when allowed to go to seed, so keep cutting the flowers to stop it spreading. This encourages the leaves to grow. French sorrel  has green leaves while the milder bloody sorrel has red-veined leaves.

SOWING/PLANTING

Propagated from seed or seedlings.(Germination time: 7-12 days)

Plant in full sun, in well-drained, fertile loam soil.

MAINTENANCE

Harvest leaves when required.

BENEFITS & USES

Accumulates sodium, phosphorous and calcium.

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Egyptian Geese - Alopochen aegyptiaca

FAMILY - Anatidae

Egyptian geese are native to Africa, south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley. They were sacred to the Ancient Egyptians who domesticated and raised them for food. They were bred in other parts of Africa.

DESCRIPTION

They swim well, but look heavy when in flight.

Their plumage is identical for both sexes, males are slightly larger.

Their colour is grey and brown with some white on the wings of mature birds.

Voices and vocalisations

Male - hoarse, subdued duck-like quack.

Female - noisier, raucous quack which sounds aggressive.

HABITAT

Mostly found in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara.

They have been introduced to other countries such as Great Britain, Netherlands, France and Germany.

BEHAVIOUR

A terrestrial species which will perch on trees and buildings.

They eat seeds, leaves, grasses and plant stems.

Occasionally they eat locusts, worms and small animals.

They are aggressive during breeding and protective over their territory towards their own species.

They nest in  a variety of areas, especially holes in mature trees.

Females build nests from reeds, leaves and grass.

Both parents take turns in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

They pair for life.

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Grey Squirrel - Sciurus carolinensis

FAMILY - Sciuridae

IDENTIFICATION

The grey squirrel has a cylindrical body with bushy tails. Its summer coat is brownish-grey, its winter coat is silver grey. Its underparts are white or off-white. The bushy tail is used as follows:

For balance when running.

As a rudder when jumping.

A signal flag for communicating.

 A blanket for warmth during sleeping.

Its large eyes are surrounded by a light white or off-white coloured ring which are positioned on the side of the head and gives a wide field of vision. It has touch sensitive whiskers on the head, feet and outside legs. It is very agile when moving through trees,using its prehensile limbs and long sharp claws for gripping. Its incisors grow continously and or worn back with use.