Latest news with #Osteospermum
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Get ready for spring
August is the month to lay the foundation for the spring and summer garden. Getting busy this month will reap rewards throughout the summer to come. Feed the soil Plants need fertile soil that contains plenty of carbon that feeds microbes in the soil and they in turn make nutrients available to the plants. Well-rotted compost, dried leaves or dried grass cuttings mixed with compost are natural sources of carbon. Dig compost into the top 30cm of topsoil around perennials and shrubs as well as into beds that are intended for summer flowering annuals, new plants or vegetables. Loosen compacted soil and pull out the roots of invasive creepers or shrubs that are affecting the performance other plants. Trim and tidy up groundcovers, cutting them back a bit to get rid of any stalky growth. Finish by fertilising with a granular fertiliser like Vigorosa 5:1:5 and water in well. Feed the flowers Keep winter annuals flowering by feeding them every with a liquid fertiliser like Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger and increase watering as temperatures rise and the days lengthen. Pansies and violas that were planted in late autumn may be looking tired but there is still time to replace them with a new batch. Plant them in a shadier position for summer and they will keep going until end October or later. If you didn't do it last month, fertilise perennials, roses, shrubs and bulbs with Vigorosa for better flowering. Fill the gaps Brighten up the wintery garden with cool season spring flowers like Osteospermum 'Flower Power' or 'Serenity'(Cape daisies) honey scented Lobularia 'Easy Breezy (alyssum) double or single flowered Argyranthemum 'Madeira'. For more info visit Ball Straathof. Try this Euphorbia hypericifolia 'Flurry' has tiny snowflake white flowers but is a garden toughie that doesn't melt in the heat. It is ideal for waterwise gardens and it can be planted almost anywhere because it grows in full sun and is also shade tolerant. Plant in free draining soil or in pots if the garden soil is on the clay side.. It flowers non-stop, even in winter in warm, frost free gardens as well as in sheltered containers. Water lightly and fertilise once a month. For more info visit Ball Straathof. Spruce up the lawn Scarify lawns that have a dense thatch of undergrowth. To do this rake the lawn to remove the thatch, then cut it down low with a lawn mower. Water well. Don't fertilise until it starts to grow. If the ground feels compacted take an ordinary garden fork and push it into the ground and wiggle it to loosen the ground. Do this over the whole lawn. Watering first will help. If the lawn does not need scarifying just apply 5:1:5 fertiliser and water well. Top dress the lawn if it needs to be levelled or hollows have formed. This only applies to Kikuyu. Top dressing LM grass or the cool season grasses like Shade over or All Seasons evergreen will kill them. Start veggie seed indoors The soil is still too cold for sowing or planting out seedlings but you can start seed in seed trays indoors or in a warm area outside. Start with fruiting crops like tomatoes, eggfruit, peppers and squash as well as cool season salad greens and garden peas. Try this: Honeynut squash looks like a mini butternut but is twice as flavourful and has a soft edible skin. Each squash is about 12cm long (the size of a small hand) and is a single serve or just enough for two. Plants are most productive grown in full sun in a large container or in fertile soil that drains well. For adequate pollination by wind or insects, grow at least three squash plants, the more the better. Fertilise once the flowers start of form. The fruit changes colour from dark green to green and gold and finally a honey orange. For information visit Raw Living. Sharpen up Take the lawnmower for its annual service which includes sharpening the blades. Blunt blades can damage the grass. Clean and sharpen your garden tools like secateurs, hedge clippers, loppers and hand saws. Sand down and revarnish or treat wooden garden furniture, clean out ponds and birdbaths. Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee. For more on gardening visit Get It Magazine.
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Tirlán and Aware launch ‘Grow Yellow' campaign to promote mental health awareness
Tirlán CountryLife has announced plans to collaborate with Irish mental health charity Aware on a campaign designed to promote mental health awareness through gardening and to raise vital funds. The 'Grow Yellow – Brighter days ahead' campaign will run with support from Tirlán's network of 15 CountryLife lifestyle and garden retail stores, with €2 from every plant sold donated to support Aware's vital work. Aware is a leading mental health charity supporting people impacted by depression disorder, anxiety, and related mood conditions. Founded in 1985, it was developed in response to the clear need for information, understanding, and support for individuals suffering from depression and other mood conditions, as well as their family members supporting a loved one. In 2024, Aware directly supported up to 40,000 people via its support and education services. The organisation offers services to include support and self care groups, a support line and support mail, along with a range of positive mental health programmes designed to empower people with the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their mental health and live well. The vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches for €7.50. The flower is characterised by its cheerful yellow blooms with purple centres and is available in distinctive yellow pots. The aim is to raise over €10,000 for Aware. A vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches with €2 for every plant sold donated to support Aware's support services. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke As a dairy and grain co-operative, chairperson John Murphy said Tirlán was proud to support a cause that impacts so many people and so many communities throughout the country. 'Mental health is one of the most important issues facing Ireland today, whether you are living in a rural area, a town, or a city, and maintaining it must be a national priority. We're proud that our branches and our team of experienced horticulturalists can play their part in supporting the work of our charity partner Aware,' he said. Ann Meaney, chief marketing and customer experience officer at Tirlán, highlighted the important role of Tirlán's CountryLife branches and the expertise available to support gardeners of all levels. Commenting on the campaign launch, she said: 'Our CountryLife branches are serviced by experienced horticulturalists who are passionate about what they do. We invest in our branches to ensure our customers enjoy an excellent experience every time they visit. Gardening is not only a joy — it's a powerful way to support mental wellbeing.' Dr Susan Brannick, Aware's Clinical Director, spoke about the therapeutic benefits of gardening on overall mental wellbeing. 'Gardening can be a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. It allows individuals to connect with nature, reduce stress, and nurture their overall mental health. We are excited to partner with Tirlán CountryLife in this meaningful campaign to highlight the importance of protecting your mental health, enjoying the outdoors, and raising funds for our vital services,' she said. The campaign is a seasonal one and will run for a short period of time in participating centres. Tirlán and Aware hope to sow the seeds for brighter days ahead, one plant at a time.
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh says 'it's a good idea' in 3-step formula for perfect planters
Alan Titchmarsh has shared his tips for creating the perfect garden planters, and the good news is that you don't need to be an expert to follow his advice No matter if they're setting the scene in a stately rural plot or giving greenery a leg-up on a compact city terrace, containers are a garden's best friend. Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh swears by one golden rule for pot perfection and that is to craft a mini garden in each vessel. On his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, he revealed that he sorts plants into three groups; thrillers, fillers, and spillers, aiming for a mix of all three in every large pot. Thrillers steal the show – these are the lofty, eye-catching flowers that stand tall, drawing attention as the centrepiece. For fillers, Alan opts for plants with staying power, chosen for their lush leaves: "It's always a good idea to have some foliage in your container as well as flowers," he advises. "Foliage lasts much longer than flowers." And for the finishing touch, Alan's "spillers" – such as ground ivy – tumble over the pot's rim, softening its silhouette with a natural flourish. Alan's Cottage Garden Planter Alan crafted his cottage garden pot around a tasteful, neutral versailles style wooden planter. He underscores the importance of lining wooden planters with polythene to shield them from moist soil and prevent decay. The gardening expert has also dazzled enthusiasts with his latest creation, a 'Dottie Mix' foxglove centrepiece, meticulously positioned to show off its finest angle. He's complemented the foxglove with Hosta Albomarginata, Acabius Butterfly Blue, and two shades of Osteospermum; Rose Bicolour and Senorita Double Lovely Pink. The final flourish is a dainty ivy named Hedera Little Diamond, which serves as Alan's chosen spiller. Alan's Contemporary Pot For those seeking a modern flair for their garden, Alan has designed a contemporary look nestled in a chic grey composite pot, Agapanthus 'Armourette' takes centre stage, flanked by Geranium Pratense Storm Cloud, French Lavender, and the striking Heuchera Black Pearl. Alan enthuses over the Black Pearl's ability to mimic stained glass when caught in the right light, its deep crimson leaves echoing the geranium's red accents for a truly captivating display. The Annuals trough Switching gears, Alan's annual trough offers a vibrant alternative: "If you want a container that's really punchy, and hits you between the eyes – in a nice sort of way – annuals are the plants to use," he recommends, showcasing an array of annuals in a charming wooden trough. His showstopper was a vibrant pink Geranium – Pelargonium – taking centre stage in his "very unsubtle but very bright and very cheerful wooden trough." Complementing the geranium were a lively Calibrachoa Million Bell and a fragrant Nemesia Wisley Vanilla, adding a delightful aroma and pop of colour to the arrangement. Alan stressed the importance of proper watering when it comes to planters, cautioning: "Remember when it comes to watering they're going to need quite a lot." He explained that the high density of plants in a small area of compost necessitates regular watering, as rainfall is often ineffective. "There's a lot of plants in a relatively small area of compost here. Rainfall won't do much good because the whole collection of foliage acts like an umbrella and the rain will run off," he shared. As a result, Alan emphasised that it's up to the individual to ensure the plants receive adequate water, especially during the summer months. "So it's you in charge of watering. And during the summer they'll need watering at least once a day," he added.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Indigenous navitars!
We are immeasurably rich in indigenous plants, especially cool season flowers like the Cape daisy (Osteospermum), Kingfisher daisy (Felicia), the delicate trio of diascia, nemesia, and bacopa as well as the ever dependable pelargoniums, amongst others. Are these plants that we see in such colourful profusion in garden centres truly indigenous? Yes and no, or maybe ja/nee! Indigenous plants are defined as the original species that occur in nature and survive without human intervention. However, breeders and growers have hybridised these indigenous plants to make them more compact, with a greater range of flower colours and more adaptable to home gardens. But, like the original species they carry the same hardiness, are as drought tolerant and attract pollinators. Dainty diascia As the hybrid of the original indigenous pink spur-flower, Diascia 'Diamond' is a neat, more compact plant, with larger flowers and a full range of flower colours: apricot, orange, red, fuchsia, dark pink, light pink and white. It flowers best during the cooler months, from autumn through to spring. Diascia 'Diamond' grows in winter sun as well as partial shade and is an excellent edging plant, a filler for rockeries and in hanging baskets and mixed containers. Plant in fertile, well composted soil that drains well. Sweet nemesia Nemesia 'Nesia' grows 30 to 40cm high and spreads up to 30 cm. The Nesia range has striking colours, often with two tones, and a yellow, orange or gold centre. The upright growing plants form a mound and are covered in flowers. They are ideal for containers and garden beds and they grow in semi shade. The flowers are lightly fragrant. Abundant Bacopa 'Bacopa MegaCopa' has large white, pink, or blue flowers that are double the size of other Bacopa varieties. The nicely compact plant fills out quickly, and doesn't fall open in the middle, producing a cushion of flowers. It likes full sun in winter and if moved into semi-shade from spring onwards will flower well into summer. Keep the soil moist, feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month, then sit back and enjoy the show. Easy on the eye Osteospermum are better known to most gardeners as the Cape daisy. It is tough, adaptable and showy in any position. Osteospermum 'Serenity' is a neat and compact plant that is frost tolerant and comes in an array of colours which includes the unusual 'Blue-eyed Beauty' and 'Sunshine Beauty.' These low maintenance daisies grow easily in ordinary garden soil and need full sun with regular watering. True Blue Lobelia 'Curacao' is a showy lobelia that produces an abundance of flowers in various shades of blue. It is heat tolerant and is available with different growth habits; trailing for baskets and mounded for garden beds and containers. The colours are brilliant blue, blue with white eye and light blue. Plant in full sun or semi shade and in loose, gritty soil. Pelargoniums have probably been hybridised more than any other South African flower. The most common varieties are the ivy leaf trailing pelargonium and the upright, bushy zonal pelargonium. 'Tacari' is an ivy leaf pelargonium that has crisp leaves and large double flowers. It It holds its shape in hanging baskets and containers, without getting scraggly. Plants able to thrive despite poor soil, drought, light frost and even light shade. 'Turkana' (with dark green leaves) and 'Kariba' (light green leaves) are zonal pelargoniums that are upright, bushy plants with large, brightly coloured single or double blooms, mainly in shades of pink, red, and white. They produce a neat, colourful hanging basket or container and a neat garden plants. For more info, visit Ball Straathof. For more on gardening, visit Get It Magazine.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Indigenous avatars!
We are immeasurably rich in indigenous plants, especially cool season flowers like the Cape daisy (Osteospermum), Kingfisher daisy (Felicia), the delicate trio of diascia, nemesia, and bacopa as well as the ever dependable pelargoniums, amongst others. Are these plants that we see in such colourful profusion in garden centres truly indigenous? Yes and no, or maybe ja/nee! Indigenous plants are defined as the original species that occur in nature and survive without human intervention. However, breeders and growers have hybridised these indigenous plants to make them more compact, with a greater range of flower colours and more adaptable to home gardens. But, like the original species they carry the same hardiness, are as drought tolerant and attract pollinators. Dainty diascia As the hybrid of the original indigenous pink spur-flower, Diascia 'Diamond' is a neat, more compact plant, with larger flowers and a full range of flower colours: apricot, orange, red, fuchsia, dark pink, light pink and white. It flowers best during the cooler months, from autumn through to spring. Diascia 'Diamond' grows in winter sun as well as partial shade and is an excellent edging plant, a filler for rockeries and in hanging baskets and mixed containers. Plant in fertile, well composted soil that drains well. Sweet nemesia Nemesia 'Nesia' grows 30 to 40cm high and spreads up to 30 cm. The Nesia range has striking colours, often with two tones, and a yellow, orange or gold centre. The upright growing plants form a mound and are covered in flowers. They are ideal for containers and garden beds and they grow in semi shade. The flowers are lightly fragrant. Abundant Bacopa 'Bacopa MegaCopa' has large white, pink, or blue flowers that are double the size of other Bacopa varieties. The nicely compact plant fills out quickly, and doesn't fall open in the middle, producing a cushion of flowers. It likes full sun in winter and if moved into semi-shade from spring onwards will flower well into summer. Keep the soil moist, feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month, then sit back and enjoy the show. Easy on the eye Osteospermum are better known to most gardeners as the Cape daisy. It is tough, adaptable and showy in any position. Osteospermum 'Serenity' is a neat and compact plant that is frost tolerant and comes in an array of colours which includes the unusual 'Blue-eyed Beauty' and 'Sunshine Beauty.' These low maintenance daisies grow easily in ordinary garden soil and need full sun with regular watering. True Blue Lobelia 'Curacao' is a showy lobelia that produces an abundance of flowers in various shades of blue. It is heat tolerant and is available with different growth habits; trailing for baskets and mounded for garden beds and containers. The colours are brilliant blue, blue with white eye and light blue. Plant in full sun or semi shade and in loose, gritty soil. Pelargoniums have probably been hybridised more than any other South African flower. The most common varieties are the ivy leaf trailing pelargonium and the upright, bushy zonal pelargonium. 'Tacari' is an ivy leaf pelargonium that has crisp leaves and large double flowers. It It holds its shape in hanging baskets and containers, without getting scraggly. Plants able to thrive despite poor soil, drought, light frost and even light shade. 'Turkana' (with dark green leaves) and 'Kariba' (light green leaves) are zonal pelargoniums that are upright, bushy plants with large, brightly coloured single or double blooms, mainly in shades of pink, red, and white. They produce a neat, colourful hanging basket or container and a neat garden plants. For more info, visit Ball Straathof. For more on gardening, visit Get It Magazine.
