Groundcovers – Time and money savers in every garden

by Hannetjie Du Toit | Aug 16, 2021 | Alimandi Tips

I firmly believe that a garden is for pleasure, to present a pretty picture when looking out from the house, and to provide a space for its occupants to relax and be one with nature. This can be hard to achieve, as we all (probably) suffer from a lack of time to deal with weeding, staking or watering in hot, dry weather. The cost of gardening is also something that concerns most of us. However, there is something easy to do if we want interest and colour in the garden during the different seasons of the year, and this can be achieved by planting groundcovers.

What is a groundcover?

Groundcovers serve the same purpose in a garden as carpets do indoors. They are low growing plants with a spreading habit that provides a rapid and dense cover. These spreading plants add quick, attractive seasonal colour, provide a hiding place for tiny creatures, and are low on maintenance as they only need a trim after flowering.

A mulch of organic matter after flowering will keep plants healthy. Also, be on the lookout for slugs and snails as the very nature of the growth of groundcovers encourages slugs and snails to breed.

Value of groundcovers

∞ They are effective for covering the bare soil between newly planted trees and shrubs.

∞ They are essential in coastal gardens to bind sandy soil, especially during heavy rains and strong winds, preventing soil erosion. Groundcovers are also the best plants to plant on slopes. They help to slow water when it rains, enabling the soil to absorb more water.

∞ They cut down on maintenance by reducing weed re-growth.

∞ Increasing moisture retention in the root zone and help to keep the soil cool. Acting as a living mulch for plants in their vicinity.

∞ It can be planted between paving to soften the landscape and be more environmentally friendly.

∞ Shade-loving groundcovers are invaluable for ornamenting the ground under trees. Those with light variegated foliage lighten up dark shady areas.

∞ Groundcover can be planted in containers and hanging baskets.

How to choose a groundcover

When selecting plants for a groundcover, it is essential to consider the climate and the soil. Groundcover is planted to beautify the garden. Not for a season, but for as long as you wish to have them. Spending proper time on the soil preparation before planting will ensure healthy growth and reduce the time and money required for later maintenance. Remember to plant them in well-draining soil with compost added.

Choosing the correct ground cover for an area

The following lists have been compiled to assist gardeners in choosing the right groundcovers to suit their climatic conditions and introduce variety in form and colour from season to season.

Groundcovers for dry gardens in full sun:

Aptenia cordifolia

Arctotis species

Bulbine frutescens

Crassula species

Carpobrotus species

Delosperma species

Helichrysum cymosum

Osteospermum species

Gazania species

Portulacaria prostrata

Pelargonium species

Lampranthus species

Dymondia margaretae

Groundcovers for coastal gardens:

Aptenia cordifolia

Arctotis species

Bulbine frutescens

Carpobrotus species

Crassula species

Drosanthemum species

Felicia species

Geranium incanum

Osteospermum species

Pelargonium species

Tetragonia decumbens

Gazania species

Portulacaria prostrata

Groundcovers for shady places:

Asparagus densifloris ‘Mazeppa’ and Asparagus ‘Meyersii’

Crassula multicava

Plectranthus species

Rhiocicssus tomentosa

Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum comosum Variegated

Sutera cordata (Chaenostoma cordatum)

Crassula spathulata and Crassula pellucida

Groundcovers that are selected carefully for texture or colour will:

tie the garden together, giving it an established and well-maintained look
linking the bigger shrubs and trees together
accent focal points
fill gaps
provide unity

To keep up to date with all Alimandi news, follow us on our social media platforms or sign up to our regular and valuable newsletter.

Facebook

Instagram

Banana Peels bring on Healthy Plants

by Hannetjie Du Toit | Oct 25, 2020 | Alimandi Tips

The common thing to do with banana peels is to throw them in the trash, however, there are miraculous uses for these yellow fellows. Here are a few tips on how you can use banana peels naturally in an unusual way in and around your garden.

To grow strong and lush plants, you need three things:

The correct amount of sun(light) – that is sun for the sun-loving plants or shade for the shade-loving plants;
Water;
Soil that has sufficient nutrients.

Plants in containers need even more feeding because the nutrients wash out every time you water the plants.

A banana can help you with that!

Banana peels are a natural fertilizer and a natural pest repellent in the garden. If you compost, you already toss your peels into the compost pile, but have you ever made a banana tea? Using banana peel tea, you create an all-natural organic fertilizer filled with potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, all well-needed nutrients for strengthening your plants and helping them resist pests and diseases.

But how do I make banana peel tea?

Take a jar (2 litre size), chop your banana peels into pieces, put them in the jar, and then fill with water. Allow the jar to sit for at least 2 to 3 days and use the water for your container plants.

Do not throw away the soaked peels; simply throw them around your plants in your garden and work it in directly into the soil. If you don’t like it in your garden, just throw it back on the compost pile.

Plant a banana peel

When you plant your newly-bought plants in your garden or plant up a new container, pop a banana peel in along with your plants in your garden. This will ensure a direct boost to your plants by improving the soil’s quality and will also attract beneficial worms and microbes to your soil.

Pest control

Working the peels into your soil will help to deter green aphids naturally. You can also spray the banana peel tea directly onto your plants to help repel aphids, and your plants will also absorb the minerals in the tea through their leaves. Air plants primarily benefit from banana peel spray for nutrients.

Hopefully, with these practical tips for using banana peels, you will change how you feel about banana peels. Next time you eat a banana, remember it is a healthy snack for you and your plants.

To keep up to date with all Alimandi news, follow us on our social media platforms or sign up to our regular and valuable newsletter.