The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 19 Summer 2016/17 | Page 38

security
Watch out for the
thorns!
Tighten up your security measures with the right plants on your
verge to deter any burglar.
No burglar wants to climb a Kei-apple. Grow Agaves (above) and Aloe arborescens close together for a compact hedge.
Plants can either be a hindrance or a
help to burglars. Make sure your security
around your home is tighter and tougher
by adding or removing the right plants. Trees are easy access
Don’t tempt
We are all nosey by nature and love to
see what is on the other side of the wall
when gates are open. If you can, screen
the view of your house from the road by
planting a bush or putting up a trellis.
Protect the entrance
Keep your entrance clear, well lit and
make sure your electric gate is always
working – get those faults looked at now!
Remove any bushes that burglars can
hide behind while they wait at the gate.
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Fir trees lining a property are almost a
welcome invitation to burglars, as the
intruders can use these trees to climb up
and jump over the wall. If you want to cut
down a tree on your verge, you have to ask
your council’s permission first.
Remove low over-hanging branches that
grow over the walls of your property
as these also provide easy access. It is
illegal to plant trees on the verges, so it
is advisable to plant shrubs or hedges
instead.
Get thorny water wise hedges
Thorny plants can be a cheap way of
deterring the interested burglar from
scaling over walls. If it is not thorny, it
can actually give the burglar a good leg
up to climb over. Most thorny plants can
be maintained and are more attractive
than barbed wire. Just don’t let the
hedges get out of control, as it won’t be
fun tidying up the wrangled thorny mess.
Nature has supplied us with plenty of
thorny and water wise plants to grow
against walls on verges.
Agave sp.
These Central American plants are grown
along many walls in Zimbabwe because
their sword-like leaves do not make
for easy access. Make sure you grow
them close together to create a compact
security hedge.
Bougainvillea
This might be the most attractive
flowering creeper, but it is no friend to