Founder of Veld & Sea, Roushanna Gray, and her mother-in-law, Gael Gray, who used to run the renowned Good Hope Gardens Nursery in Cape Point, as a wealth of knowledge when it comes to indigenous plants.

Indigenous plants are usually perfectly designed for their climates and are major contributors to the biodiversity and the ecological health of South Africa’s ecosystems which support an array of wildlife. Many of them also have aromatic, medicinal, and edible qualities.

If you are a seasoned, or budding, gardener who is looking to cultivate a biodiverse indigenous garden, but you are not sure where to start, we have got you covered. We asked Roushanna and Gael to share a few words of advice.

Setting your garden up for success

Gael says that knowing a bit about the types of indigenous plants you would like to populate your space with, “so that you can give your new plants the space and the companionship they need”, as well as the aspect of the area (sunny, shady, or in between) you are planting in is crucial to the success of your garden.

The soil conditions of the area you are planting are another important factor to take note of. “Well-drained or damp and poorly-drained, acid or alkaline; these will all influence your choice of plants,” says Gael.

Gael explains that each plant benefits from its neighbour due to the wind- and sun protection whereas larger plants can create a shady microclimate for bulbs and other smaller growers.

Roushanna and Gael also shared their 6 fail-safe, dependable recommendations for indigenous planting:

Wild garlic

Tulbaghia violacea is commonly known as ‘Wild garlic’. The white roots of this vegetable can be used like normal garlic, while the strappy green leaves can be used like chives, and the edible purple flowers (flowering in summer) make a pretty (and tasty) addition to salads. Roushanna explains that the leaves can also be used as an insect repellent and the roots as a decoction for coughs and colds. “Better in soup than in tea!” Roushanna adds.

Lemon Pelargonium

Pelargonium citronellum or ‘Lemon Pelargonium’ is a herb with a very strong lemon scent that is released when the star-shaped leaf is crushed. Roushanna loves this herb because she says it makes for a delicious iced tea, hot herbal tea, or in place of lemon in water, and the edible pink flowers can be used to zhoosh salads and baking, or in floral ice and as a garnish.

Wild rosemary

Last on Roushanna’s list is Eriocephalus Africanus or ‘Wild rosemary’. A hardy herb which Roushanna advises to use sparingly as “its flavour packs a potent punch”. Use a stalk to flavour stews, vegetable-, fish-, and meat dishes. “Drying the leaves dilutes the intense flavour and makes a beautiful salt mix. Infuse in oil and vinegar. The fluffy seed heads can be used as a natural cigarette filter or to stuff herbal sleep sachets,” explains Roushanna. Medicinal preparations include a mild tea infusion for assisting coughs and colds, stomach ailments, a diuretic and diaphoretic. “Use a bundle of Eriocephalus and Pelargonium citronellum in your shower or bath as a mood uplifter and energiser,” Roushanna adds.

Confetti bush

Confetti bush or ‘false buchu’ (Coleonema spp) which Gael says is an aromatic addition to any garden and fairly adaptable growing in full sun or light shade, and well-drained soil. “The bush is covered in small pink or white flowers for a long time in late winter and early spring. It grows to about 60cm and can be pruned to keep its shape,” comments Gael.

Pelargoniums

Gael says Pelargoniums are an important element of the fynbos, are mostly easy to grow, sun-loving, and free-flowering. Gael explains that there are species of Pelargonium suited to every need. Meter-high shrubs for full sun, low growing ground cover for sun and shade, and drought-tolerant and water-loving species. “The most wonderful feature of Pelargoniums is the range of scents that exist in this family of plants,” she says.

Wild sages

“There are some lovely wild sages (Salvias) that will grow in various soil types. Mostly they are sun-loving and need pruning after flowering to keep in shape”. Gael says sages occur in beach sand, soils derived from Table Mountain sandstone, and renosterveld soils. Their scented leaves range from green to silver, and their spikes of flowers range from brown-orange to dusty pink, blue and white. Gael advises giving them a fair bit of water in summer to keep them looking spritely.

Happy gardening!

 

• Cover image: Photo of Geronimo de Klerk sourced from Garden Day SA.
  
• Images of plants source online
• For a list of seven indigenous nurseries in South Africa worth paying a visit, click here.
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