Perennials play an important part in creating a beautiful and successful garden

Trees are an important part of our environment, providing shade and improving air quality, as well as providing attractive foliage and beautiful flowers.

The miracle of spring can be seen in the countryside and in our gardens.

Indigenous Cape honeysuckle is a versatile shrub that is ideal for water smart gardens.

Indigenous polygalas are easy-to-grow, low maintenance and water wise plants that provide a dazzling display for many months of the year. Words: Beverley Ballard-Tremeer

Did you know that crassulas have a special way of reducing water loss from their leaves that makes them exceptionally water efficient plants?

Add an extra sensory delight to your garden by including plants with fragrance.

Indigenous pelargoniums are mainstays of the garden, providing instant colour for window boxes, containers on patios or in flower borders

Indigenous wild irises are the perfect plants for the busy gardener as they are low maintenance, water wise and easy-to-grow plants.

Is it not often noticed that many of the toughest plants to grow in coastal conditions have blue flowers, and many of them are indigenous too. As gardeners come to grips with the effects of climate change on their gardens, utilising more of these resilient plants will cool the heat of summer with their maritime colours.

Ten years ago diascia varieties made a stunning debut into the world of gardening and are now international garden favourites

Vygies are a family of jewel-like plants that are in full flower during September.

The best of proteas and pincushions have been bred into a range of hybrid varieties especially designed for local gardens.

Chris Dalzell, Curator of the Durban Botanic Gardens provides tips and a list of suitable indigenous plants for local gardens.

Plant indigenous, water wise clivias this month and allow their vibrant spring blooms to brighten up the shady areas of your garden.

Whether used for attractive, aromatic foliage or for vibrantly coloured flowers, there’s a salvia that's just right for your garden.

Ericas are beautiful fynbos plants that thrive in Western Cape gardens but can also be grown in inland gardens if you choose the right varieties

An African summer is a time of celebration and enjoyment in the countryside and in the garden. Life is a Garden writer, Joan Wright, tells you more…