Plant lover rooting for spring

With spring around the corner, gardeners and plant lovers are starting to get itchy, eager to see their garden go into full bloom again.

Local landscaper, Magda de Villiers warns these avid gardeners not to blink as they might miss the ideal opportunity to kick off the new growth season on a high note.

This enthusiastic landscaper, plant expert and florist boasts with 40 years’ experience in the field and just like greenery, she enjoys growth.

“There is so much to learn around plants and gardening, and I believe that one is never finished learning. I have been working at Sterlig Nursery since I was 17 years old, and I still learn new things about gardening to this day,” Magda said.

With spring about to make its delightful appearance, she shared a few tips with the gardening community on preparing for the warmer days ahead.

“If you haven’t pruned yet, it’s important to do it now – especially the roses. Late winter is the ideal time to cut back those damaged and dead parts before the onset of new growth,” she said.

She went on to say that it will only cause damage if one tries to cut back those parts when they want to grow later in September. If there are seedlings, plants or flowers that need to be transplanted, it should also be done now.

“Now is the time to clean your garden and move your plants. Plants should be trimmed first and then transplanted with as many roots as possible on a very cold day – that’s the secret to success,” Magda explained.

Next, if you want a vibrantly green lawn, it’s important to cut the grass as short as possible, aerate it and cover it with top dressing. This will provide the necessary nutrients for growth as soon as the season allows it.

If gardeners are looking to give their garden somewhat of a make-over, Magda says height, width, shape, colour and texture are all elements to keep in mind. She recommends plants like Azaleas, Fuchsias and Clivias if you are looking to add some colour in the shade.

For outside in the sun her favourite picks for the season ahead is the China Gold plant, the Duranta Goldmine, the Solanum Syzygium and of course some Geraniums, to name just a few.

“Your plants will speak to you, so all you have to do is listen. Make sure you give them enough supplements, water and sunlight. And always remember to provide for your garden’s visitors – the birds. Nesting logs, bird feeders and water bowls are perfect for these hungry and thirsty little guys who love spending time in our gardens,” Magda concluded.

She would like to encourage all plant lovers to get all hands on deck as soon as possible in preparation for the most beautiful season ahead.