Starting a new garden can be quite daunting, even more so if it is a small townhouse garden in a complex that insists on indigenous plants only. A lot of people see a tree that they like at the nursery, but it turns out unsuitable, because of it’s eventual height, or root system.

Most towns still have decent sized gardens, but the trend on the coast seems to be to move to homes in complexes that have small gardens. Finding plants that meet the requirements is not always easy.

The Forest Toad Tree (Tabernaemontana ventricosa) is a good option if you want to start with a tree. It is classified as small, with glossy dark green leaves and waxy white, scented flowers in spring and early summer. Although it prefers shade, it will grow in full sun.

Other trees to consider are Calpurnia aurea, Bolusanthus speciosus, or Pittosporum viridiflorum, all of which have the bonus of lovely flowers.

Choosing shrubs is easier as there is a wide variety to be found in most nurseries. Perennial favourites like Plumbago and Tecomeria capensis get too big and need constant pruning.

Rather look for slender shrubs like Indigofera frutescens, Bauhinia natalensis, or Ochna natalitia which has a gorgeous perfume.

Two favourites are Hibiscus pendunculatus, a dainty pink hibiscus and Orthosiphon labiatus. Also known as the shell bush, it can get quite big, but is beautiful when in flower. Another suitable shrub for small gardens is Anisodontea scabrosa. My sister in law has one that has flowered since October and I absolutely adore it.

If you like the idea of a scented garden, both the rose and lemon scented geraniums will do well in pots, as too, will the indigenous mint, Mentha longifolia. Grow the wild jasmine (Jasminum angulare) over a trellis, a fence, or up a column on the patio.

If your garden is so small that pots are the only option, don’t despair, there is plenty of choice. Even trees will adapt to growing in containers. Summer flowering plants that grow successfully in these conditions are Agapanthus praecox and A. campanulatus, also Albuca nelsonii, Crinum macowanii and Tulbaghia violacea. In winter try a selection freesias and Ifafa lilies (Cyrtanthus mackenii). They flower year after year and require very little attention, other than regular watering.

Bulbine natalensis does well in a container and being an important medicinal plant it can be useful to grow it close to the kitchen door.

Three other plants that are commonly grown as house plants, without people realizing that they’re indigenous are the asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus), Sanseveria hyacinthoides (Mother in law’s tongue) and hen and chickens (Chlorophytum comosum). 

This article was originally written by Jane Strode, who’s family owns the Claremont Farm Indigenous Nursery in Umhlali. It first appeared in the Sunday Tribune and I have edited it slightly.

If you long to have a beautiful garden, whether that means flowers, or vegetables, indoors, or out, this book should be of real value to you. The book called The Gardener’s Handbook will give you lots more advice. This is the secret to having a beautiful garden, especially in restricted areas, in pots, or in window boxes. It is available here http://dersalsites.com/ghand/

Sally Robson is married to Derek, an up and coming South African internet marketer, with a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. She also has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally’s website at http://www.dersalsites.com/gardening/  and her blog at http://dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips

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