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ABOVE: Create a shady refuge. Plectranthus ambiguus plants in The Dell at Kirstenbosch. Photo: A. Notten.
G
ardening in a small garden does not rule Fair for useful lists of plants suited to various spines are useful for a barrier hedge but not
out trees, it merely narrows your choices conditions. suitable for children and could make the area
and requires more thought regarding Take note of their characteristics and around it a no-go area for bare feet. Flowering
which tree to choose and where to place eliminate those that don’t fit your requirements. trees are a bonus, especially if you have space
it. Trees have many desirable characteristics, A tree with a spreading crown makes a good for only one tree; they make excellent accents
such as casting shade, screening unsightly shade tree but may need a bit more space, and give added interest over many months of
things, buffering the wind, giving privacy, whereas a tree with a narrow, columnar or the year. Take a look at the bark as well, some
attracting birds as well as cleaning the air, pyramidal crown won’t need as much space trees have coloured or textured bark that adds
cooling the house, reducing run-off from rain but could get quite tall. A tree that produces interest to the garden.
and sequestering carbon. Nevertheless, the fleshy berries is not a good choice to plant near Have a look at live specimens or photographs
wrong tree in the wrong place could create the pool, paving or a deck, as the fruits make a of the trees on your shortlist, and choose the
decades of trouble, and be costly to remove. mess, clog up the filter, and can stain and make one that you most like the look of. It will be
So take your time and select the best tree for the ground slippery. Trees with thorns or sharp with you for many years, so choose carefully.
yourself.
When choosing a tree for a small garden,
first make sure your garden can accommodate
one. You will need an area that allows the tree KIRSTENBOSCH
to spread 3-5 m in all directions – depending
on the tree you choose. It is best not to plant GARDEN FAIR
near drains or too near the house because the
roots may cause damage. And when planting
& PLANT SALE
near the edge of your property, remember to 14/15 MARCH 2009
consider your neighbours.
Make a list of the trees that will grow up
09h00 – 16h00
to 6 m tall, and not taller than 10 m. Some VENUE:
indigenous forest trees can also be considered Stone Cottages opposite the main entrance
because they are very slow growing, and to Kirstenbosch.
although they may reach 20 m in their native
forests, they probably won’t exceed 6 m out in Enquiries:
the open in a relatively short time. Tel 021 671 5468
Pick out the trees that suit your conditions, Fax 021 671 7146
(e.g. sandy soil, coastal conditions). Consult the Blisterleaf Knowltonia vesicatoria. Photo: A. Notten. Email kbranch@botanicalsociety.org.za
catalogue that will be on sale at the Garden
READING
www.plantzafrica.com, the website for information about plants
native to southern Africa.
Van Jaarsveld, E. 2000. Wonderful waterwise gardening.Tafelberg,
Cape Town. MARCH 2009 | VELD&FLORA 29