MYTHS DEBUNKED: Tips to create a vibrant garden

Amanda Maphumulo, a garden installation and maintenance supervisor at Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh, has debunked four myths around indigenous gardens while sharing tips on creating a vibrant garden:

Myth 1: Indigenous gardens are boring and colourless: People often imagine indigenous gardens as being all green and spiky, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When planned properly, indigenous gardens can deliver year-round colour, from the fiery reds and oranges of aloes in winter, to the purples and blues of plectranthus, the sunny yellows of bulbines, and the elegant whites and pinks of watsonias in spring. These plants are spectacular, and they thrive right here on the KZN South Coast.

Myth 2: Indigenous gardens don’t attract butterflies and birdlife: On the contrary, one of the greatest joys of indigenous gardening is the wildlife it brings.

Myth 3: Indigenous gardens must be completely unattended: While indigenous plants are naturally adapted to their environment, they do still need some thoughtful maintenance. For those who enjoy a bit of gardening but don’t want to be overwhelmed, this is the ideal balance. Start with healthy soil – a good composted bed with organic material will help your plants thrive. Plan for all seasons – choose a mix of flowering plants that bloom at different times to ensure year-round colour. Water and feed, but don’t overdo it. Indigenous gardens prefer moderation and balance.

Myth 4: Indigenous gardens are sparse and unstructured: an indigenous garden doesn’t have to look wild or untamed. When you understand the plants and how they grow, you can create a structured, elegant garden that’s as spectacular as any exotic landscape, with far less environmental impact.

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