Senwes Scenario April / May 2019 | Page 74

COLUMN GARDENING Kos vir die siel You are stronger than you think ! Milanie Vosloo Particularly when you feel weak! We all have the fear that, should the worst happen to us, we will not be able to deal with it... We ponder on the "what ifs" ... we are unnecessarily afraid of things that will never happen and which rob us from our joy and peace. But then there are also times when you are confronted with the unexpected: Someone close to you disappoints you, a precious relationship comes to an end, you lose your job, or even worse, you lose a limb or important bodily function ... or one of your loved ones becomes seriously ill, is involved in an accident ... or dies. The truth is: If the unthinkable happens in your life, be sure that your God knows about it, He is with you and ready to compas- sionately take you in His arms. And He will give you grace for every step of that way. Remember: You will never know how strong you really are be- fore things happen to you. Only then will you realise the extent of your reserves, strength, courage, faith and survival instinct. Yes, you will feel at times that you are going to rack and ruin and that you will never be able to lift your head again, but when you depend on God, you will receive exactly what you need every day. Do not allow fear to steal your joy. Should the worst happen to you, you will be strong enough. Because the Holy Spirit will make you strong enough. I know today that nothing will happen to me which You and I cannot handle together. Win with Senwes and Cum Publishers Hoop wat kaalvoet loop was issued in August 2016 and is on the shelves at R179.95. One lucky reader can win a copy of Hope that goes barefoot, 101 daily full of hope and inspiration that will refresh your soul. SMS Senwes, Cum, your name, phone number and email address to 31022 before May 31, 2019. Standard SMS rates apply and no employees of Senwes may participate. For the complete competition rules, visit the website www.senwes.co.za. 72 SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2019 71 | Maak gereed Winter can be very bleak, but it does not have to be the case in your garden. Plant your winter seedlings in autumn, such as snapdragons, pansies, violets, alyssum, primula, delphiniums, dianthus, foxgloves and petunias. If you have a vegetable garden, now is the time to plant onions, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. While working in your winter garden, do not forget about all your summer plants. Many of them can be planted in autumn to sprout in early spring. Although certain bulbs have to wait until the end of April, some bulbs can be planted as early as March. Tulips are inclined to sprout early and it is therefore better to wait until May before planting them. Thick, overgrown lillies, agapanthus, etcetera can nou be divided up and planted in fresh, compost rich soil and trees, shrubs and lawns can be planted. Apricot and peach trees must be planted after the winter. Roses planted in autumn have to opportunity to settle into their new environment, which gives them a head start in spring. Diseases such as mildew and black spot still occur and must be sprayed regularly. Autumn is the ideal time to start a compost heap or to add to your existing heap. During this time of the year you usual- ly have a lot of dead leaves, plants and grass cuttings. It is important not to put contaminated plant material and weeds on the compost heap. April is the last month during which you can fertilise before the winter. A typical product such as 2:3:2 is recommended. Make sure that you water generously after every fertiliser application. The watering of lawns should gradually be decreased. Don't put away your loyal lawnmower - have it serviced and make sure that it will be ready for the new season. Take trouble to entice birds to your garden by providing feed - available food is scarce at this time.