1. Know Your Garden:
Begin by familiarizing yourself with your garden’s existing plants. Take note of what is growing and observe their health and condition. Utilize plant selectors or seek guidance from local nurseries to identify and learn more about the plants in your garden. Understanding your garden’s unique environment and conditions is key to selecting appropriate plants for future additions.
2. Listen to Your Garden:
Just like caring for a young child, understanding your garden requires attentiveness to its needs and cues. Trust your senses to gauge the health and vitality of your plants. If something looks sickly or lacking, it may require attention, whether in the form of watering, feeding, or pest control. Deductive thinking and observation are essential tools for nurturing a thriving garden.
3. Take It Slow:
Gardening is not a race but a journey of discovery and transformation. Take your time to envision the garden you want to create and allow yourself the patience to achieve it gradually. Experiment with different plants and design ideas, but be willing to adapt and learn from your experiences. Nature works at its own pace, and by embracing this slow but steady progress, you’ll soon see the fruits of your labor blossom.
4. Practice Placement:
Before planting new additions, take the time to experiment with their placement. Leave them in their pots or bags and move them around the garden to find the perfect spot. Observation over a few days will reveal whether the chosen location receives the right amount of light, soil conditions, and overall suitability for the plant’s growth. This thoughtful approach minimizes the risk of planting mistakes and ensures the best chance of success.
5. Invest in Knowledge:
A good plant selector is like a gardening “how-to” guide, providing valuable information on plant size, positioning, feeding, and growth requirements. Arm yourself with this knowledge to make informed decisions when selecting and caring for plants. Avoid the disappointment of withered dreams by investing in the proper care and attention your garden deserves.
By starting with your own garden and embracing the learning process, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the world of gardening, eager to explore nurseries, share advice with friends, and appreciate the beauty of nature surrounding you. With patience, persistence, and a positive mindset, you’ll cultivate not only green fingers but a deep and enduring love for the art of gardening.
Jeremy G. Killian
072 743 9008
www.jeremygkillian.co.za
www.naturesblueprint.co.za
www.roomoutside.co.za
Natures Blueprint Horticultural Group
A9, A10, A11
The PowderMill
Sunrise Circle
Ndabeni
Cape Town