Bring Mother Africa into your garden with these tips as well as gift ideas for mom to spoil her with throughout May
There’s so much to celebrate in the garden this month. May is Africa month with Africa Day falling on 25 May, then World Bee Day is on 20 May, and finally it’s the International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May. All the more reason to… get your hands in the dirt, head in the sun and heart with nature.
Garden
Make the most of the May sunshine, and put down roots. Forget daffodils—there are a large variety of indigenous, beautiful bulbs to plant, celebrate Mother Africa and all her crowing glory with…
Sparaxis
Also known as harlequin flowers, these graphic blooms look just like the striking red and black mask of its namesake. Tip: They thrive in well-drained, composted soil in the sun or partial shade.
Ornithogalum
Colloquially known as chincherinchees, in season they cover Table Mountain like an upended bowl of popcorn with their clusters of white star-shaped flowers. Tip: Plant in a spot, with well-draining soil, where they will get a full day of sun.
Lachenalias
Birds love them! Winter-flowering, the sweet scent attracts a variety of garden visitors. Tip: Plant in full or partial sun. Good drainage is essential for these plants; if in poor soil add sand.
Babiana odorata
Or the ‘baboon flower’ as baboons are known to eat the bulbs. The flowers, lovely butter-yellow blooms appear in late winter to early spring. Tip: A sunny to mostly sunny spot that receives regular rainfall is perfect for the baboon flower.
Tritonia
Star gaze from the earth up with the spectacular ‘blazing stars’, which come in a multitude of colours such as bright orange, pink, cream and white. Tip: plant them in well-drained soil, in the sun or in semi-shade.
