What to plant in your garden now

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - There has been good rainfall this month and the grass and gardens are looking lush.

The water table is high and people might be tempted to plant something new in their gardens.

Now that it is autumn and the evenings are cool, they might be wondering which plants to choose.

Nursery owner

Mossel Bay Advertiser asked a nursery owner in town, Wendy de Lange, what one should plant right now.

"Because Mossel Bay's climate is so mild, you can plant many things now, such as vegetables, herbs and flowering plants.

"You can grow cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, as well as tomatoes, as long as the tomatoes are in a sunny place, such as on a veranda."

All year round

She says it is useful to know which plants flower all year round, for that permanent display in your garden.

Also, it is helpful to know which plants flower in the shade as opposed to full sunlight. Plants that live for only one growing season are called annuals.

Those which regrow on their own every season are called perennials. Plants that live for two growing seasons are called biennials. You don't only need flowers to provide colour and texture in the garden.

Foliage

De Lange points out that foliage can also provide interest, such as that of the coleus plant, with its rich, rusty colours.

Proteas and other fynbos can be planted now in autumn and they are hardy and do not require much water or attention.

De Lange owns Coastal Plants Nursery and Coffee Shop in town, situated in Station Street, below the Bayside Shopping Centre and the Bayside Mini Market.

From left: Pansies, impatients and fuchsias can all be planted now.