Many people have replaced thirsty plants with aloes and other succu lents . But what to do if you don ’ t like the desert look ? This month MARK toe ! presents an alternative : the fynbos garden .
WHAT IS FYNBOS ?
Fynbos usually refers to a specific community of plants that includes representatives of the protea , erica and restio families , as well as bulbs . Although fynbos occurs on different soil types , individual plants tend to be picky about their requirements .
Fynbos has adapted to and thrives on long dry summers and wet winters . Your fynbos garden not only doesn ’ t need irrigation in summer — it doesn ’ t want it ! Too much moisture can be deadly to the plants . Warm , wet soil is a haven for diseases that attack proteas and
other fynbos species . In addition to resisting drought , the plants are able to cope with wind and to make the most of infertile soils .
Fynbos has adapted to and thrives on long dry summers and wet winters . Your fynbos garden not only doesn ’ t need irrigation in summer — it doesn ’ t want it !
Summer fires are common in the Cape . These play a vital role in the regeneration of many fynbos plants . Some are like the mythical phoenix : the mature plants are killed by the fire but the next generation literally rises from the ashes . Fire recharges the soil with essential minerals by converting old woody growth to