Breaking the myths: Indigenous gardens thrive on the KZN South Coast

As the vibrant blooms of spring emerge, the conversation surrounding indigenous gardens takes centre stage on the KZN South Coast. Amanda Maphumulo, the Garden Installation and Maintenance Supervisor at Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh, is on a mission to challenge common misconceptions about indigenous gardening. With the backing of Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, Maphumulo dismantles four persistent myths while offering insights for cultivating a thriving garden this spring.

“The incredible gardens at Renishaw Hills are living proof that indigenous gardens on the KZN coast are a vibrant option for homeowners,” says Van der Merwe. “Our gardens regularly host the prestigious Botanical Society Winter Gardens, showcasing a testament to our colourful and diverse landscaping.”

Designed by renowned botanist Dr Elsa Pooley, the estate’s gardens are a flourishing display of biodiversity, colour, and creativity. To inspire others, Maphumulo highlights the benefits and beauty of indigenous gardening techniques.

Myth 1: Indigenous gardens are boring and colourless

“People often imagine indigenous gardens as being all green and spiky, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” explains Maphumulo. “Well-planned gardens can burst with colour year-round, featuring the fiery reds and oranges of Aloes in winter, purples and blues from Plectranthus, and the sunny yellows of Bulbines, alongside elegant whites and pinks from Watsonias in spring.”

Moreover, Maphumulo emphasises, these vibrant plants invite diverse wildlife into the garden while stabilising soil and minimising erosion: “They’re hardy and tough, able to adapt to environmental changes, but like people, they still need tender care.”

Myth 2: Indigenous gardens don’t attract butterflies and birdlife

On the contrary, Amanda insists that the charm of indigenous gardening lies in its ability to foster wildlife. “Renishaw Hills’ natural gardens have become a sanctuary for an array of birdlife, butterflies, and small mammals. Residents regularly share stories of mongoose families, cheerful Natal spurfowl, and Klaas’s cuckoos — nature really is on your doorstep.”

Myth 3: Indigenous gardens must be completely unattended

Acknowledging that indigenous plants do require thoughtful maintenance, Maphumulo provides essential tips for those seeking a balance between gardening enjoyment and efficiency:

• Start with healthy soil: A composted bed rich in organic material helps plants thrive.
• Plan for all seasons: Select flowering plants that bloom throughout the year to maintain colour.
• Water and feed, but don’t overdo it: Moderation and balance are key for indigenous gardens.

Myth 4: Indigenous gardens are sparse and unstructured

“An indigenous garden doesn’t have to look wild or untamed,” Maphumulo states. With an understanding of how plants grow, gardeners can create a structured, elegant landscape that rivals exotic gardens while having a lower environmental impact. This is clearly evident at Renishaw Hills, where each home features a professionally designed indigenous garden composed of an artful blend of succulents, grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants that transform with the seasons.

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