THE ADVANTAGES OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS
As we throw off the economic , social and political shackles of colonialism , we are also seriously evaluating our inherited colonial attitude towards gardening , and we are questioning the idea that anything exotic is automatically good , and anything indigenous is a cheap local substitute . In fact , we are taking immense pride in our indigenous flora , and so we should . Our national team of horticulturists who compete in the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show every year are far more successful than the Springboks , Bafana Bafana , and the ambitiously named Proteas put together . We ’ re always in the medals – largely because of the skill of our design team , but also because they really just have such fabulous raw material to work with . Interestingly , Monaco won a gold medal at a previous show with a display in which a large percentage of the plants were South African in origin .
Public space
One of the advantages of living on a residential estate is the extensive communal space , much of which is given over to semi-formal gardens . Some of these can be huge , and even extend over watersheds , so the choice of gardening plant is a decision not only of aesthetics , but also of sustainability and biodiversity . The role of indigenous plants in supporting , feeding and attracting indigenous birds , mammals , insects and other creepy crawlies cannot be over-emphasised , and they also contribute immensely to slowing down run-off and allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil and replenish groundwater .
Private space
But then there are also the private gardens within estates , and it is here that residents can show their individuality and creativity . Many estates are now – to a greater or lesser extent – encouraging the use of indigenous plants . And , strangely , there seems to be some resistance in some estates . This is , according to indigenous landscape gardener Elsa Pooley , because some people think ‘ indigenous plants are not pretty ’. This is exacerbated by the fact that many nurseries do not carry a good selection of indigenous plants , so they encourage their customers to buy the same old roses , carnations and petunias .
‘ When we started designing the gardens at Renishaw ,’ Pooley says , we decided to go one hundred per cent indigenous , mainly because it ’ s a waterwise option , but it ’ s also in keeping with the natural area around the development . The sugar cane has been removed , and the land rehabilitated with grassland , forest and wetlands .
There is resistance to indigenous gardens in some estates from residents who see it as lacking colour and variety . This is due mostly to lack of knowledge of the indigenous palette , and difficulty in sourcing plants . Unlike many estates , the gardens at Renishaw were included in the price of the house , and were planted out for residents before they moved in . Within three months , the gardens were filling out and flowering . If carefully planned , an indigenous garden can have something flowering all year round , particularly on the warm KZN South Coast . And , she says , ‘ residents can indulge in some of their favourite non-indigenous plants as long as they are in containers on the extensive patios .’ Many residents have troughs of herbs , or lavender , lemon trees , or bougainvillea in pots .
‘ Indigenous gardens are particularly appropriate for retired people ,’ she adds . ‘ They have plenty of time to soak up the heady aromas , and to watch the parade of birds and insects that come to visit , but they don ’ t have to spend hours on their knees weeding .’ How ’ s that for a win-win situation ? Much better to spend your time in the garden with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and a book or a pair of binoculars than a trowel and a weeder .
THE ADVANTAGES OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS
• They require much less water .
• They require no ( or very little ) pesticides and artificial fertiliser .
• Indigenous plants attract birds and butterflies and other insects – sunbirds do not flit around roses .
• Many indigenous plants can handle extended periods of drought .
• And , most importantly , they are incredibly beautiful . www . servest . co . za
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