Malcolm talks about indigenous plants
Malcolm shared tips on why you should plant indigenous plants in your garden.
Looking for a wide variety of plants which will attract new birds, butterflies and bees to your garden? Then think indigenous.
Johannesburg South Garden Club welcomed back all their fellow gardeners on January 18.
During the meeting chairperson Dennis Boddington congratulated members who recently celebrated their birthday, welcomed new members and also had a lucky draw.
Malcolm Hepplewhite, the owner of Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery, was the guest speaker and he spoke about indigenous plants and your garden.
“Last year the nursery celebrated 60 years,” Malcolm said.
According to him gardeners can create a more dramatic look if they work with plants in colour contrast.
“Indigenous plants are plants whose natural district is restricted to a particular region and I’ve made a study about why you should plant indigenous plants in your garden,” he said.
Reasons why one should plant indigenous plants in your garden:
• There are huge and interesting varieties of plants to choose from.
• Exciting new species and varieties are constantly being made available.
• Biodiversity, which means the plants attract new birds, butterflies and other wild life.
• Environmentally friendlier and non-invasive.
• Healthier for environment and less pesticides needed.
• Create a reserve for threatened plants.
• Very well suited to our climate.
• Adapt very well to cultivation.
• Lower maintenance and more resistant to our local pest and diseases.
• Enhance your experience in the wilderness and bring your bush experience back to your garden.
• Plants are fast growing and colourful.
• Indigenous plants can work in almost every garden style and they are usually more economical.
• Many indigenous plants have medicinal properties and interesting indigenous culinary herbs.
• Indigenous plants have interesting and tasty wild fruits.
Members had a lot of questions and enjoyed what Malcolm had to say about indigenous plants.
Their next meeting will take place on January 28 at 10am at the Geelhout Room, Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre, Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park.
Guest speaker for the morning will be Lauren Botha, speaking about Atlantic Fertilisers and soil preparation.
For more information, contact Dennis on 083 642 1967 or 011 432 6208.
