A proudly South African garden is within your grasp

Stop Harbouring Fugitives and Grow a Proudly South African Garden

Not only could invasive plants affect your property, these indigenous alternatives are way better!

The Proudly Indigenous Garden

Spring will be here soon! If you have been lucky enough to have some garden space or a couple of potted plants to keep you grounded at this time, you might be one of many wanting to upgrade and invest in your garden once the planting season is here. If this is true for you, sharpening your gardening knowledge might be the key to a flourishing garden once the season arrives and will help you care for the plants you already own as well as those that you want.

How do you decide which plants to bring into your garden though? The Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014 (based on the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004) lists three categories of plants to look out for, as explained in the table below:

While these categories technically have implications for all home owners, it might only become a point of concern once you try to sell your home, since a seller is required to sell their property free of any of the offending plants.

The question to ask, then, is which plants fall into the offending category? The Alien and Invasive Species Lists of 2016 lists every plant with its scientific and common names, to which we have provided link for your reference. Here we will only mention three garden pests that are so common, there is a fair chance that you might have them in your backyard.

Invaders

The morning glory (Ipomoea indica), a creeper with characteristic purple-blue blossoms, is originally from Hawaii and blooms beautifully. Unfortunately, it is considered dangerous since it smothers indigenous plants and has no natural "predator" or species that would graze on it and curb its growth. Similarly, the oleander (Nerium oleander, also called Selonsroos) has delicate pink blossoms that grow from bushy branches in summer and is found commonly in gardens around South Africa. This innocent-looking plant competes with indigenous plants, while both the leaves and blossoms are highly toxic. The last invasive species mentioned here is the bugweed (Solanum mauritiana). This tree produces red berry-like fruit, making it attractive to birds, which ensures that it spreads quickly, and far. It has taken over whole areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal and is considered a fire hazard. These factors make the species a true pest and danger.

What to plant instead

Kilner Park Kwekery in Pretoria recommends a few indigenous plants to substitute for your invaders, all of which are available at their nursery of course. African daisies (Osteospermum) are simple, but create a beautiful multi-coloured carpet of summer joy. This plant is hardy enough to grow outside in full sunshine, or indoors in pots. Its beauty and versatility make it an excellent South African representative in your garden. If you feel like you will particularly miss the deep purple of the morning glory, consider planting the Purple Broom (Polygala virgata, also called Bloukappie) instead. The Purple Broom is reasonably drought resistant once it has taken root and attracts bumble bees and other garden-friendly insects. The Tree Fuchsia or Notsung tree (Halleria lucida), is similar in that it attracts bees and birds in spring and summer and produces bunches of tube-like blossoms in its own flowering season.

Armed with new information and the pent-up excitement that closeting yourself in the warmth of your home brings, you could soon be planning garden picnics in your proudly South African garden.

Resources

• Kilner Park Kwekery - information and recommendations
• Regulation of 2014
  https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nemba10of2004_alienandinvasive_speciesregulations_0.pdf
• Lists of 2016
  https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/nemba10of2004_alienandinvasive_specieslists2016_0.pdf

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This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)