Gina Switala

April 23, 2022

Indigenous, Project Installations, Trees, Nursery Visits

Treeshop - Indigenous Tree Nursery

Gina Switala

April 23, 2022

Indigenous, Project Installations, Trees, Nursery Visits

I met Piet and Sandra at their nursery north of Pretoria one Friday morning. Piet was six metres up a tall ladder busy welding a steel structure (new shade structures) while Sandra was walking through the farm keeping track of orders and attending to client requests. Piet and Sandra are both nature enthusiasts who love birdwatching, hiking and travelling South Africa. It is through their passion for the bush that Piet’s hobby of growing trees started. Both look fit and energetic and once they start talking about their business their passion and enthusiasm is contagious.

Piet explained how he presented a course at the University to engineering graduates preparing them for working in the corporate environment. One of the modules taught that when you start working you should have a retirement plan in place for when you reach the end of your working career. The theory explains that you should “start a hobby that you enjoy that can become a stream of income when you retire” and so Piet decided to put the theory that he taught into practice.

Sandra took me through the well organised Nursery - a treasure trove of Indigenous Trees

Piet took a percentage of his retirement savings and invested it towards the tree growing business which originally only started as a hobby. Sandra explains that his first seedlings were grown on the covered patio of their home in Vanderbijlpark. It is from here that they developed the business for a period of 12 years while Piet was still employed. During this period they purchased the farm where the nursery is now established. When Piet retired they moved to Pretoria where he was able to focus all his energy to further develop the farm, automate some of the tree cultivation processes and expand Treeshop’s species offer. Piet uses his engineering background to design new technology that benefits the business – from growing seedlings in trays made with 3D printing technology to building new greenhouses.

The new shade structures under construction

Sandra has a vast knowledge about all the trees and plants that they grow

The nursery is continuously expanding and through Piet and Sandra’s passion and dedication it is also innovating as they aim to become the best supplier of indigenous trees in Southern Africa. It boasts a wide range of indigenous trees of varying sizes and they are specifically attempting to grow trees that are not easily available in cultivation because they are either difficult to grow or find.

The nursery also includes a bonsai range and it is amazing to see miniature versions of indigenous trees. They have also positioned themselves as forerunners in the market for growing potted trees. These are ideal if you have limited space or if you want to enjoy indigenous trees in situations that would otherwise be impossible to plant such as patios, balconies or small gardens.

Potted Trees are ideal for difficult to grow situations

Most of the trees that they grow are adapted to the climatic conditions of the Highveld, although some are from warmer parts of the country (eg. Albizia, Commiphora, Sterculia). However, the farm receives temperatures of -4 so they are exposed to colder conditions. Always check frost sensitivity of a tree before deciding to plant it.

If you need help choosing indigenous plants or trees for your garden have a look at the ebook I have written at ebook.sproutlandscapes.co.za. The e-book will guide you to decide what steps to take for your own garden in a simple and encouraging way. There are several plant palettes to help you make correct plant choices including shrubs for screening, trees for screening, and planting in sunny or shady conditions.

Combretum hereroense (Russet Bushwillow)

Most of the trees that Treeshop grow can be seen on their website but they also grow more unusual species so if you are looking for something specific it would be best to contact them directly to enquire.

Treeshop Nursery sells quality indigenous trees directly to the public and people can purchase through their website www.indigenoustrees.online or by emailing Sandra.

A variety of tree sizes are available - these Ilex mitis (Cape Holly) trees are in 200l. bags

Gina Switala

March 14, 2022

Indigenous, Nursery Visits, Trees

3Bushketeers Wholesale Nursery

Gina Switala

March 14, 2022

Indigenous, Nursery Visits, Trees

3Bushketeers wholesale nursery is located near Brits, north of Hartbeespoort Dam, and grows a wide range of indigenous trees, shrubs and groundcovers as well as fruit trees. 3Bushketeers was established in 2006 by three partners, hence the play on words in the name.

Andries Botha, one of partners, is a passionate horticulturalist and took me on a tour of the nursery and the farm. He is extremely knowledgeable, not only about plants but also about the history of the area and if prompted will share stories about past warriors and wars from the surrounding region.

He explained that originally the nursery was established to provide unique indigenous trees “weird and wonderful, not just the same everyday stuff”, trees that were not easily available at the time. They also wanted to provide indigenous alternatives to the exotic plants that people were commonly using.

We still find that people are often unaware of the exciting indigenous options available to use and the benefits of planting indigenous plants. As you are probably aware, designing indigenous gardens is close to my heart, so if you are looking to upgrade your garden why not consider buying Sprout’s E-book which is a Guidebook for Homeowner’s to design their own indigenous gardens.

Projects the Nursery is Involved In

3Bushketeers is involved in reforestation projects in KwaZulu Natal. The rehabilitation and reforestation relies on the education and involvement of local communities. Andries advocates that our environment is a natural resource that holds a lot of potential and value and if managed correctly can create economic opportunities, employment, food, tourism and other benefits. His involvement includes training and seed harvesting so that local indigenous plants can be conserved and used for the benefit of the community.

Several Growing Tunnels are used for growing nursery stock

Some Indigenous/Exotic alternatives:

Teclea gerrardii (Zulu Cherry-Orange) instead of Syzigium paniculatum (Brush Cherry)

Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree Wisteria) instead of Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)

Cordia caffra (Septeeboom) instead of Betula alba (Silver Birch)

Cordyla africana (Wild Mango) instead of Caesalpinnia faurea (Leopard Tree) (check frost sensitivity before planting)

Thespesia acutiloba (Wild Tulip Tree) Instead of Hibiscus

Display Garden

3Bushketeers grow a wide range of indigenous trees and shrubs. On an open section of lawn next to the greenhouses they have planted several of these so that people can see established examples of mature specimens.

Some of the trees they grow and sell:

Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany) – Deciduous tree, frost sensitive. A tree with good shape can be obtained in about 7 years, with an attractive thick stem and spreading crown. Butterfly host tree.

Ataleya alata (Lebombo Kranz Ash) - small to medium-sized deciduous tree, with a sparsely branched crown

Acacia burkei (Black Monkey Thorn) - hardy, deciduous medium-sized tree with fissured bark and rounded crown. Beautiful shade tree, but can be slow growing. Attracts birds and insects.

Sideroxylon inerme (Milkplum) - small to medium evergreen tree more commonly found in coastal gardens, makes an excellent firebreak (SANBI)

Erythrina humeana (Dwarf Coral Tree) – shrub or small tree up to 3m high with long spikes of scarlet flowers.

Acokanthera oppositifolia (Bushman’s Poison) – woody shrub with dark green leaves growing up to 5m high. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous.

I love the image above that captures the simplicity and beauty of farm life.

So if you have any indigenous tree queries or if you are a landscaper looking to buy from a wholesale nursery Andries will be more than happy to help.

For further Information Contact:

Andries Botes 082 498 3321

info@3bushketeers.co.za

Other Nurseries I’ve visited:

Bristlecone Nursery

Gariep Succulent Nursery

Willow Feather Farm Nursery

Gina Switala

February 4, 2022

Indigenous, Parks & Playgrounds, Nature Experience, Johannesburg

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Gina Switala

February 4, 2022

Indigenous, Parks & Playgrounds, Nature Experience, Johannesburg

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden — Sculpture of Walter Sisulu at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG), located in Roodepoort Johannesburg, is an incredibly beautiful garden filled with indigenous gardening inspiration. The nature reserve covers over 300 hectares and was established in 1982. While there are several hikes and trails through the reserve the 25 hectares that are cultivated as gardens gives one ample opportunity to explore this botanical beauty. A highlight of visiting this garden is the beautiful Witpoortjie Waterfall which cascades into a calm stream that meanders through the gardens.

History

In the later 1800s the nearest stop for people to visit the gardens was the railway station in Krugersdorp named Witpoortjie Railway Station, which is believed to be where the waterfall received its name. The gardens were first known as the Transvaal National Botanic Garden and could only be visited by special arrangement. In 1987 it was opened to the public daily as the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden. In March 2004 it was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in honour of the late ANC stalwart Mr Walter Sisulu (1912-2003). Walter Sisulu is best known for leading the struggle for a democratic South Africa together with former president Nelson Mandela. (SANBI)

Upon entering the WSNBG one is welcomed by circular stone clad walls surrounding a water feature and statue of Walter Sisulu. We visited in December when they had festive light displays and you could visit the garden in the evening to see the Christmas lights. They often have other events and festivals which are popular and well attended.

Gardens

Following the path past the concert lawn you will be enticed to explore several planted areas off the main path including the Geological Garden, People’s Plants Garden and the Succulent Rockery. The Geological Garden has some interesting and beautiful rocks on display. In the Succulent Rockery you will find many different types of succulents. with stone pathways meandering its way through. Throughout the garden there are information boards with explanations to learn from. The Waterwise Garden also has educational information on how to conserve water in your garden.

Restaurant

If you continue on the main path you will arrive at the restaurant on your left and children’s play area on your right and if you carry on further you will reach the waterfall area. The restaurant has a tea garden where you can sit and relax and this venue can also be hired for functions. This is a lovely place for a picnic below the large trees.

Waterfall

The Witpoortjie Waterfall is a natural waterfall fed by springs upstream and is 70m high. It is regarded as the source of the Crocodile River which flows into Hartebeespoort Dam. Picnicking on the lawn at the waterfall is not allowed because of the high foot traffic in this area. A remarkable Olinia emarginata (Mountain Hard Pear) is in the centre of the lawn and although struck by lightning several years ago it is still alive and being supported to prevent it from falling over.

Birdlife

Over 240 bird species have been recorded in the gardens and it is a renowned breeding spot for Verreaux's Eagles (formerly known as Black Eagles) and popular with birding enthusiasts. The bird list can be requested from sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za

Vegetation

The Garden consists of three main natural vegetation types: Northern Afrotemperate Forest, Egoli Granite Grassland and Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld. This variety of habitats includes over 600 naturally occurring plant species. There are incredible specimens of trees throughout the garden and some impressive examples of Celtis africana and Combretum erythrophyllum can be seen along the Forest Walk that follows the Crocodile River running through the reserve.

If you are interested in indigenous gardening (and I hope you are!) then you will not leave this garden without learning something new or seeing something inspiring. There is always something new to discover.

Visiting the Gardens

The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 17h00.

Remember that there are no bins and you need to take everything that you bring home with you again and No Cash Payments are accepted.

Read more about other Botanical Gardens:

SANBI Website - Walter Sisulu - SANBI

Beautiful *Buddleja saligna* (False Olive) in flower

Gina Switala

September 9, 2021

Botanical, Inspiration

An Enchanted Orchid Garden

Gina Switala

September 9, 2021

Botanical, Inspiration

I must confess that I have absolutely no knowledge of orchids or how to grow them (Shhhh..don’t tell anybody ) I can barely keep them alive at all, let alone get them to flower again each year. But someone who is incredibly knowledgeable about these plants and who is able to grow them successfully in his own garden is a close family friend named Mr D who lives in Nelspruit.

I asked Mr D, “What started your passion for Orchids?”

He answered that a family friend gave him one as a gift several years ago and from then on his interest in the plant family was sparked. He explained that there are several wonderful specialist nurseries stocking orchids in the Nelspruit area and he started visiting these as well as orchid shows and so his collection grew. He accredited the mentorship of Louise Stevenson, who was generous with both her knowledge and plants over the years, as an important part of the journey as well as the encouragement of the Lowveld Orchid Society.

Plant Composition

There are thousands (yes.. that figure is correct, not hundreds but thousands) of orchids carefully positioned onto logs and each individually and lovingly attached with rope or cable ties. The Lowveld climate is well suited to growing these plants and they can grow outdoors without the need for a greenhouse since temperatures rarely drop below zero. The orchids are elevated above a variety of other tropical plants including Arum Lilies, Paintbrush Lilies, Begonias, Impatients, Bromeliads, Air Plants and Ferns. Old Mans Beard is also scattered throughout the display adding foliage and contrast with its delicate silver strands. An irrigation system runs through the array of interconnecting logs ensuring enough moisture reaches the plants, especially when the weather is hot and dry.

This garden, although not very large, feels like an enchanted wonderland and you can get lost in discovering the myriad of plants, arranged in the garden like sculptures with bursts of colour that change with every season. These images were taken in Spring when many of the species are flowering and the logs look like trees covered in flowers.

The Patio

The Patio of this home overlooks the garden and epitomizes the term ‘Lowveld Living’. Lazy afternoon drinks spent with family and friends surrounded by an oasis of botanical beauty. The tables on the patio are also used to display magnificent orchids in bloom. The sides of the patio are adorned with creepers (Jade Vine and Lady Slipper Vine) to create additional shade and to cover the brick walls.

How This Garden Started

A few years back Mr D and his wife moved from their large family home to a smaller complex and the size of their garden was dramatically reduced. On the positive side the new garden could be started from scratch as there was only a blank canvas of lawn to begin with. They started by transporting several of the logs and orchids from their old garden as well as planting an impressive amount of new indigenous trees.

Trees

The list of new trees is worth mentioning as these are some amazing species: Erythrina latissima (Broad Leaved Coral), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping Boer Bean), Vachellia sieberiana var woodii (Paperbark), Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum), Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark), Bolusanthus speciousus (Tree Wisteria), Dais cotinifolia (PomPon Tree), Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild Pear), Antidesma venosum (TassleBerry), Halleria lucida (Tree Fuschia), Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender Tree), Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany), Cassia abbreviata subsp. beareana (Sjambok Pod), a Cussonia and a Ficus. What a collection, which will grow into an impressive forest garden and attract many birds and other creatures.