The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 19 Summer 2016/17 | Page 39

security
potential burglars as this thorny creeper
is difficult to climb. Make sure you buy
varieties that grow into tall creeping
bushes - not the miniature varieties.
Carissa macrocarpa
Large num-num
If you plant these one metre apart, they
can be grown into an impenetrable
hedge, which can be clipped to form a
tidy hedge. Their nasty Y-shaped thorns
are good deterrents. These are also great
to have in the garden as they are water
wise, their white flowers attract butterflies
and their edible fruits are filled with
Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
Carissa edulis
Num-num
Like the C. macrocarpa, if grown close
together, this thorny bush can also be
clipped into shape. This white flowering
bush might chase the burglars away, but
it will appeal to the birds that use it for
nesting and love eating the fruit.
This plant is often hedged to keep people
from straying off the paths.
Dovyalis caffra
Kei-apple
This tall tree has ferocious 7cm thorns
and can be grown close together to
form a very thick hedge with its dense
branches. The yellow to orange-coloured
fruit attract the birds, especially louries.
Aloe arborescens
This red winter-flowering aloe is great
to use as a thick, informal, low-growing
hedge. It has long been used as a living
security fence in the rural areas of
Southern Africa to keep cattle in.
Acacia ataxacantha
Flame thorn
This scrambling shrub, which can often
become a small tree, is fast-growing with
an untidy appearance. In summer, it is
covered in creamy white flowers that
attract insect-eating birds. Beautiful red
pods appear when the weather starts to
cool down.
Caesalpinia decapetala
Mauritius thorn
Although this thick and thorny bush is still
used in Zimbabwe for security purposes,
it is not advisable to plant this species
because of its highly invasive nature. It is
also difficult to keep in check.
please Keep safe
You might have the right plants in place,
but there are other ways to keep you
secure, too.
Euphorbia milii
Christ Thorns
This thorny Madagascan native is a
smaller hedge with small red flowers. The
Christ Thorns come in a variety of heights,
so make sure you check with the nursery
when buying what height it will reach. 1. Burglars avoid houses with lit up areas,
so light up your garden and the darker
areas around the house. You don’t have
to light up the neighbourhood; use low-
voltage accent lighting to add a creative
effect while eliminating darkness.
2. Burglars do get scared away by
noise, especially yapping dogs or fierce
Christ Thorns Num-num
growlers. My Dad always suggests gravel
driveways as anyone can be heard
walking up them. Get into the habit of
using your alarms daily.
3. If your electric fence, gate or alarms
are not working, get them fixed today.
4. Burglars will avoid homes if people
are inside. If you are going away, get
someone to housesit for you.
5. Lock all outside doors and windows
before you leave the house or go to bed.
Bougainvillea
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